Where Your Loyalties Lie - {Severus Snape x Reader}

Feels like I'm being frozen where I'm standing. Little bit taken aback to see Severus in middle of the Diagon Alley like this. Wh... What is he doing in here? His focus seems to be on the fine lady beside him. Listening every word she's saying. They are too far away for me to recognize the woman from here. Damn it. If she would move just a little bit..- The dog next to me finally sees where my focus is. He then does this small, gentle pull on my coat's sleeve to gain back my attention. I glance down to him with questioning look:"Hm?". That's when I realize it's not safe for me just stand here in middle of the alley - specially when there is a change there might be more Death Eaters around. Who knows what they'll do if they saw me sneaking around outside of the castle like this. And Severus doesn't even know yet about how Remus and I've been using the Vanishing Cabinet.

With that in mind, I quickly pull the hood part of my coat over my head and keep on walking with Sirius. Just before walking behind a corner, I had to take a quick glance over my shoulder to take the last look at Severus - only to see this very small smile appearing on his face with soft eyes while he's still listening this woman he's with. It was very brief moment, but I saw it. For some reason that gave me this unpleasant sting into my heart. That's usually the smile he has whenever I'm bubbling about my own things to him. With this heavy feeling in my chest, I continue my walk behind the corner to get back to the Borgin and Burks. Right when I got out of the sight, Severus lift up his gaze from the woman in front of him towards the corner I just walked behind. All he saw was a piece of the coat and a black dog tail. The woman notices his focus being elsewhere and glances over her shoulder to take a look at the direction he's staring:"What is it?". Severus's focus goes back to her:"My apologies, Narcissa. You were saying?".

She then lets out a soft scoff with small smirk and turns to him:"That you seem to be very smitten with this girl.". No answer. Severus keeps his usual cool manner as he's staring back at her as in 'I don't know what you are talking about'. There is a knowing, sneaky look on her face:"Just a second ago, I mentioned her name and it made a smile appear on your face. Forgive me being straightforward with you, Severus... But for a harlot, she seem to mean a lot to you.". There is a small pause before Headmaster walks past her and asks with the usual monotonic tone:"Are you saying you're not going to assist me?". Narcissa lets out a teasing chuckle before following him:"Isn't that the reason why you asked me to come here?". No answer. And with that, they continue their way.

In the meanwhile, Sirius and I stop in front of Borgin and Burks. Despite this mixed feeling that keeps lingering in me, I turn to him and smile:"Well, I'll be dropping off here. Merry Christmas to you, Sirius. Take good care of yourself and do be careful when heading back home.". The dog keeps staring up to me and gave three tail waves as 'a thank you'. Little bit more apologetic smile falls down to my face:"I left your gift in Remus's luggage. But I'm sure Tonks will hand it to you after she comes back. Hope that's alright.". Sirius then sits down and tilts his head a bit, like he's trying to say something. "Hm? What?" I ask with questioning look. We stare each other yet another quick moment when I realize what he's trying to suggest as his 'other Christmas present'. It's like I can read his mind at this point. Giving him half annoyed, half disgusted look in joking way:"Sirius... No. I'm not going to give you a kiss. Even in your dog form.". He lets out a sharp sniff and looks away as in 'fine, worth the shot'.

Soon after, Sirius and I went our separate ways and I quickly return to Hogwarts thru the cabinet. As I'm walking along the corridors, heading towards the chamber, my mind keeps going what I saw. To be honest, I feel little bit torn right now. There shouldn't be any doubt how Severus feels about me, but... Why..? Why there is this unpleasant feeling in my heart? Who was that woman? Why was he with her in the middle of the Diagon Alley like that? What were they talking about? The fade smile Severus gave her keeps replaying in my head. He seemed so pleased about something. Knowing Severus and his character... The fact that someone is able to make him smile like that surely means something. Or am I wrong? I can just feel this dark cloud creeping above my head. Urgh! Get it together, (Y/N)! For someone with damaged brain, I surely overthink things!