Chapter 48
The start of a new school year at Hogwarts always brought a mixture of emotions for Severus Snape. As the Head of Slytherin House, he bore the responsibility of guiding his students while maintaining the delicate balance of power within the castle walls. This year, however, he hoped for fewer complications, especially with the recent news Narcissa had shared about Draco Malfoy’s engagement to Astoria Greengrass.
Snape stood at the entrance of the Great Hall, his sharp eyes scanning the throngs of students arriving through the grand doors. Draco Malfoy, with his trademark smirk, entered with Astoria by his side. Narcissa had confided in Snape over the summer, expressing hopes that the engagement would anchor Draco and steer him away from unnecessary distractions. The whispers of his entanglements with Hermione Granger had troubled her deeply.
Snape’s gaze drifted to Hermione, who walked in a few paces behind Draco. To his surprise, she looked genuinely happy, chatting animatedly with her classmates. Perhaps the engagement had relieved some of her tension as well.
As the students took their seats, the noise level in the hall grew. Snape moved to his own seat at the head table, his mind preoccupied with the challenges that lay ahead. Dumbledore’s customary announcements barely registered as Snape kept a watchful eye on the Slytherin table.
Later that evening, Snape made his way to the dungeons, settling into his office when a soft knock interrupted his thoughts. “Enter,” he called. Draco walked in, his usual arrogance amplified by a cocky grin.
“Professor Snape,” Draco began, “I wanted to talk to you about this year. Things are... different now.”
“Your engagement to Miss Greengrass,” Snape stated.
Draco’s eyes flickered. “Yes, it’s what my mother wants. What’s best for the family. But Hermione...”
Snape held up a hand. “Draco, you must understand the importance of maintaining appearances. Any impropriety could have severe repercussions.”
Draco leaned back, smirking. “Oh, I understand perfectly, Professor. But let me make one thing clear—I won’t stop with Hermione. In fact, she and Astoria are waiting for me in bed right now.”
Snape’s eyes narrowed. “Explain yourself.”
Draco’s smirk widened. “Hermione os mine. She’s not going anywhere. Astoria knows about it and participates. It’s an arrangement that works for all of us. I control the situation.”
Snape’s expression remained stony. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Draco.”
Draco stood, his cockiness unabated. “Don’t worry, Professor. I know how to win. It’s good to be me.”