Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

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Severus gave a curt nod. "I assure you, it is. I'll make sure Professor (Y/L) does not face any further issues from your son."

Lucius's gaze lingered on me for a moment, filled with veiled threats, before he turned and walked away, his footsteps fading into the distance.

I stood there, feeling a mixture of shock and confusion. The confrontation with Lucius Malfoy had left me rattled. Severus, noticing my distress, stepped closer with a slightly awkward demeanor.

"Are you alright?" Severus asked, though his tone was less than warm.

I nodded, though my hands were still trembling. "I... I didn't expect Lucius Malfoy to be so intimidating."

Severus's expression softened slightly, though he struggled to maintain his usual aloofness. "Lucius is not someone to be taken lightly. He can be quite formidable when he feels slighted."

"I can see that," I said, my voice shaky. "It's just... I didn't anticipate such a confrontation."

Severus stepped even closer, attempting to offer comfort in his own awkward way. "You handled yourself well. Don't let him unsettle you."

I managed a weak smile, though it didn't fully reach my eyes. "Thank you."

Severus cleared his throat, his discomfort evident. "It's not unusual to feel that way. Just be cautious around Lucius. He's not one to forgive easily."

I nodded, still processing the encounter. Severus's attempt at reassurance felt somewhat hollow, but I appreciated his effort. "I will. Thank you for... your help."

Severus gave a curt nod and turned to leave, his demeanor returning to its usual reserved state. I watched him go, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing heavily upon me as I made my way back to my office. Great start in a new year..

Finally back in my office, I sank into my chair with a heavy sigh. The corridors of Hogwarts seemed to buzz with the usual post-holiday energy, but I was far from settled. I reached for the latest edition of the Daily Prophet, hoping to distract myself with some routine reading before my next class.

As I unfolded the newspaper, my eyes quickly fell on a headline that sent a chill down my spine: "Sirius Black Escapes Azkaban". The words blurred momentarily as my heart raced. Sirius Black, the notorious criminal, had escaped from the prison that was supposed to be inescapable. My mind reeled with the implications of his escape. How could such a dangerous individual be on the loose again?

Before panic could take hold, I realized I needed to speak with Dumbledore immediately. Leaving my office, I made my way to his office, the urgency of the situation quickening my steps. As I approached the familiar stone gargoyle, I gave the password and was soon ascending the spiral staircase to Dumbledore's office.

The office door creaked open, and I found Dumbledore seated behind his desk, his expression one of deep contemplation. He looked up as I entered, his eyes reflecting a mixture of wisdom and concern.

"(Y/N)," Dumbledore greeted me warmly, though his voice carried an edge of seriousness. "What brings you here at this hour?"

"I've just read the news," I said, holding up the newspaper. "Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban. I'm deeply concerned about what this means for Hogwarts and the safety of everyone here."

Dumbledore's expression grew graver as he scanned the headline. "Yes, I am aware. Sirius Black's escape is troubling news indeed. It complicates matters significantly."

A knot tightened in my stomach. "What are we doing about it? How can we ensure that the students and staff remain safe?"

Dumbledore took a deep breath, his gaze turning distant. "There are measures in place, but the situation is indeed precarious. Black's escape has far-reaching consequences, not just for us but for the entire wizarding world."

I nodded, feeling a sense of helplessness. "But there's something else, isn't there? You seem troubled by more than just Black's escape."

Dumbledore's eyes met mine with solemn intensity. "Yes, there is more. There are truths about Harry Potter and the past that I must share with you, truths that are crucial for understanding the present situation."

I leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "What truths?"

Dumbledore sighed deeply, as if weighing how to begin. "Harry Potter's story is more complex than you might realize. His parents were targeted by Voldemort because of a prophecy that foretold the fall of the Dark Lord. The prophecy spoke of a child born at the end of July, and Voldemort believed Harry to be that child."

I felt a surge of realization. "So Harry was marked by Voldemort as a potential threat?"

"Indeed," Dumbledore confirmed. "The curse Voldemort cast on Harry left him with a connection to the Dark Lord's soul. It's part of what makes Harry so significant in the fight against him."

I was about to respond when Dumbledore continued, his expression growing even more solemn. "There is another aspect to this story that must be understood. Severus has a history that intertwines with these events."

The mention of Severus made me stiffen. "Severus? What does he have to do with this?"

Dumbledore's gaze softened. "Severus was once a Death Eater, a follower of Voldemort. However, his path since then has been fraught with remorse and redemption. He has been working to atone for his past actions, driven by his love for Lily Potter."

The revelation struck me like a lightning bolt. "A Death Eater? But how—why—?"

Dumbledore raised a hand, signaling me to calm down. "Yes, Severus was a Death Eater, but his story is not so straightforward. After Voldemort's first defeat, Severus sought redemption. He has been working undercover for years, attempting to atone for his past."

I was reeling from the shock. "You mean Severus has been on our side all along?"

"Yes," Dumbledore confirmed. "Though his methods are often harsh and his demeanor difficult, Severus's actions are driven by a deep sense of remorse and a desire to protect those he cares about. The death of Lily Potter, Harry's mother, is a significant part of this motivation."

Dumbledore's eyes held a serious glint. "It's important to recognize the full picture, even if it's unsettling. We must all remain vigilant and support each other as we navigate these turbulent times."

"Thank you for telling me," I said quietly, feeling a mix of shock and gratitude. "This changes everything."

After a brief pause, I spoke up. "I'm concerned that Sirius Black might seek revenge against Harry now that he's escaped. Could he be targeting Harry because of his anger and wrongful imprisonment?"

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You're not alone in your concern. Black's motivations could indeed involve revenge or unresolved anger."

"I worry that Harry might be at risk if Black is driven by a need for retribution," I added.

Dumbledore nodded. "It's crucial to stay vigilant. Black's actions are unpredictable, and we must be prepared to protect Harry."

"Of course," I said. "I'll keep a close watch and report anything unusual."

"Thank you," Dumbledore replied. "We'll handle this together and ensure Harry's safety."