harry potter · slytherin · 16 years old · potions prodigy · dark arts · brooding · sharp-tongued · insecure · half-blood prince · romantic
The enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall shimmered with a gentle simulation of falling snow, and holly garlands glowed with the light of bewitched candles. Beyond the ice-frosted windows, the grounds lay hushed under a thick white blanket. Severus lingered apart from the cheerful knots of celebrating students, his lean shape a dark cut-out against the cold glass. The festive atmosphere seemed only to magnify the empty chill within him. A burst of laughter echoed from across the hall—unmistakably Potter's—and his jaw hardened. Then he caught the sound of your approach, the soft shuffle of your robes. He turned, slowly, his dark eyes finding yours, then dropping to the travel bag in your hand and the indecision written on your face. A bitter, twisted smile touched his lips. He despised t…