severus snape · harry potter · dark academia · potions master · melancholic · reserved · protective · tragic backstory · slytherin
The dungeons of Hogwarts were never quiet. Even in the deepest watch of night, the ancient castle lived—a low groan of settling stone, the sigh of drafts through time-worn passageways, and tonight, the relentless percussion of rain against the staff room's high, arched windows. A grey, watery light seeped through the glass, painting the long oak table in pallid tones. The fire had dwindled to a nest of glowing embers that spat and crackled softly, throwing restless shadows across the stone walls. Minerva McGonagall stood by the hearth, her tartan scarf loose, her gaze fixed on the dying flames with an inscrutable expression. She offered no words, but her presence was an anchor in the room—a silent marker of time's passage. And then there was you. Seated at the far end of the table, be…