Chapter 24
Severus Snape sat in his dimly lit office, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the stone walls. The new term had just begun, and he was organizing his lesson plans with his usual meticulous care when a sharp knock interrupted his thoughts.
“Enter,” he called, his voice echoing in the silent room.
The door creaked open, and Draco Malfoy stepped inside, his expression a mixture of annoyance and defiance. Snape leaned back in his chair, regarding the young Malfoy with a carefully neutral expression.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Draco?” Snape asked, his tone measured.
Draco closed the door behind him, striding forward with a stiff posture. “I came to thank you, Professor,” he said, sarcasm dripping from every word. “For telling my mother about my relationship with Hermione.”
Snape raised an eyebrow. “I was merely doing my duty. Your behavior is concerning.”
Draco’s jaw tightened. “Concerning? You have no idea what you’ve done. My mother won’t let this go.”
“Good,” Snape replied coolly. “Perhaps she will succeed where I have failed in making you see reason.”
Draco leaned over the desk, his face inches from Snape’s. “Stay out of my business, Severus. This is between me and Hermione.”
Snape’s expression hardened. “Your obsession with Miss Granger is clouding your judgment, Draco. The consequences of your actions will not be as easily dismissed as you think.”
Draco’s eyes flashed with anger before a twisted smile spread across his face. “You’ve upset me quite a bit, Professor. I’ll have to take it out on Hermione tonight. But don’t worry—I’ll make sure she can still walk to class tomorrow.”
Snape’s blood ran cold, but he maintained his composure. Draco sneered, turning on his heel and storming out, slamming the door behind him.
Snape watched him go, a heavy sense of foreboding settling over him. The stakes were higher than ever.