PERFIDIOUS (READER X SEVERUS SNAPE)

You woke groaning in pain as you sat up, you had fallen asleep last night on the sofa in the Slytherin common room after rushing back from Snape's classroom but didn't remember doing so.

It was Christmas Day, the common room was empty, the atmosphere cold and dreary.

"Merry Christmas to me" You sighed to yourself, glancing over at the house Christmas tree which was lit subtly with warm glowing lights.

Your eye caught onto a small ribbon tied gift box sitting on its own underneath the tree. You walked over bending down, gently picking it up and looked to see if there was a tag to find the recipient.

You noticed a piece of parchment tucked under the ribbon with your name on it.

Confused by the present, you sat back down on the sofa staring down at it.

This is for me?

You untied the ribbon and lifted the lid of the box carefully revealing a dainty silver ring embellished with a diamond cut black tourmaline crystal.

You gasped taking it out of the box, stunned from its beauty.

Maybe Draco got me this?

You looked inside the box but no note was left and you didn't recognise the handwriting on the tag. You slid the ring on, it gleamed in the light of the burning fire.

You then walked to your dormitory to freshen up, change into new clothes and head for breakfast. You saw Harry sitting alone as you walked into the great hall eating his breakfast while reading the daily prophet. He glanced up looking at you in shock of seeing you back at Hogwarts.

You walked over to Harry to join him.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here Y/n, Merry Christmas" Harry said, passing you a plate as you sat down.

"It wasn't exactly planned but thank you, Merry Christmas to you too Harry" You said with a half smile.

"Is everything okay?" Harry asked with a frown.

"Just family things, it's quite complicated" You replied with a sigh placing a couple pancakes onto your plate.

"Well if you ever want to chat about it I'm here" Harry said then tapping his wand casting your cup to fill with orange juice.

You smiled at Harry in appreciation as you began eating, Harry continued to read the daily prophet.

You glanced over to see if Snape was sat at the teachers table but he wasn't, you then looked back at Harry.

"Harry, I needed to speak to you actually" You began.

Harry looked up at you nodding to listen.

"The Dark Lord... he's coming very soon, he's stronger than we thought we need to step up our game fast" You said quietly looking around ensuring no one could hear you.

Harry raised his eyebrows while in deep in thought thinking of what Dumbledore's secret army could do next to prepare.

"He definitely wants to battle Harry but we just don't know when" You added with a concerned look.

"How did you find-" Harry began asking but he suddenly winced in pain touching his scar.

Harry groaned loudly in pain. You grabbed Harry's hand and leant across the table to him, you repeatedly said his name to try to get his attention and calm him down not understanding what was happening with him.

Harry jerked his neck sharply then looking straight into your eyes. Harry's eyes were misty, his pupils mere tiny dots.

"They will be found, they will have mercy" Harry said in a sinister voice as he stared at you.