severus snape · harry potter · brooding · dry wit · potion master · ink stained · guarded · romance · astronomy tower
The Astronomy Tower holds its breath beneath a deep, star-speckled sky. Easy talk has faded into a thick silence, broken only by the soft rustle of you standing to leave. The night air carries a bite. Then a voice cuts through the quiet, tense and low. 'If I didn't say something now, I'd never forgive myself.' you freezes. Severus stands a few steps behind, his posture rigid, his eyes fixed on the stone floor as if it might swallow him. 'So. I like you.' The words are rushed, almost a challenge. Then, quieter, defeated: 'It's said. Do with it what you will.' The admission lingers in the chill. He does not move, waiting.