Chapter 2
As Severus continued his duties at Hogwarts in the weeks following Madam Pomfrey's diagnosis, he found himself increasingly aware of subtle changes in his health. The initial shock of the terminal prognosis had settled into a quiet acceptance tinged with apprehension.
In the privacy of his chambers, away from the prying eyes of students and colleagues, Severus allowed himself moments of vulnerability. He noticed the occasional shortness of breath that interrupted his lectures, the fleeting moments of fatigue that lingered longer than usual after a day spent brewing potions.
Outside, life at Hogwarts flowed with its usual rhythm. Students hurried through the corridors, laughter echoing against the stone walls. Colleagues exchanged pleasantries and discussed curriculum updates over meals in the Great Hall, oblivious to the internal battle Severus fought daily.
He kept his symptoms carefully concealed, a master of masking his discomfort with a demeanor that remained as stoic and formidable as ever. Only in the solitude of his chambers did he permit himself to acknowledge the weight of his diagnosis, grappling with the reality that time was no longer his ally.
As the weeks passed, Severus navigated the corridors of Hogwarts with a heightened awareness. He moved with a deliberate grace, mindful of the fragile balance between fulfilling his responsibilities and managing his declining health. Each step he took was a testament to his resolve, a silent testament to the struggle unfolding beneath his composed facade.
No one else noticed the subtle changes—the brief pauses he took during his lectures to gather his breath, the moments of introspection that colored his once-impenetrable gaze. To the outside world, Severus Snape remained the epitome of strength and resilience, his reputation intact even as his body betrayed him.
Yet within, he carried the burden of knowing that his time was limited. Each passing day brought him closer to a future shaped by the relentless progression of his illness—a future that lay hidden beneath the guise of routine and duty.
And so, Severus walked the corridors of Hogwarts with a burden hidden beneath his cloak—a burden that grew heavier with each passing day, a reminder of the fragility of life and the transient nature of time.