Chapter 9
Weeks passed at Hogwarts in a quiet routine following the exchange of the bookmark. Severus threw himself into his duties with a renewed determination, finding solace in the familiar rituals of potion-making and teaching. Yet, beneath his composed exterior, thoughts of Minerva and her unwavering care lingered, stirring emotions he had long suppressed.
Meanwhile, Minerva navigated her responsibilities as headmistress with a watchful eye on Severus. She often found herself stealing glances at the silver bookmark on her desk, a cherished reminder of his unexpected gesture. However, her concern for him grew steadily, especially after the incident in the infirmary.
It was a busy afternoon when Minerva stopped by to check on Poppy, only to find Severus lying on a hospital bed undergoing a follow-up examination. The sight of him startled her—his usually lean frame seemed noticeably thinner, his features more pronounced beneath the pale complexion. His robes hung loosely around his shoulders, emphasizing the loss of weight.
"Severus, you've lost weight," Minerva remarked softly, her concern evident in her voice.
Severus met her gaze briefly, a fleeting look of surprise crossing his face before he composed himself. "It's nothing serious, Minerva," he assured her, though the weariness in his voice belied his words.
Poppy, sensing the unspoken concern between them, spoke up gently. "He's been under a lot of stress," she explained, her eyes flickering between Minerva and Severus. "It's not uncommon for his condition to affect his appetite."
Minerva nodded, her worry deepening despite Severus's attempt to downplay the situation. She knew there was more to his health than he was willing to admit, and her heart ached to see him in such a weakened state.
"You must take better care of yourself, Severus," she urged softly, her hand reaching out to rest lightly on his arm.
He met her gaze with a mixture of gratitude and reluctance. "I will," he replied quietly, the weight of her concern settling on his shoulders.
As Minerva stood by his bedside, she couldn't shake the image of Severus lying there, his once formidable presence diminished by illness. She felt a surge of protectiveness towards him, a determination to be there for him in whatever capacity he needed, even if he wasn't ready to fully open up.
Leaving the infirmary that day, Minerva found herself dwelling on Severus Snape—the complex man who had slowly begun to unravel before her eyes. She realized that her feelings for him had deepened beyond gratitude, evolving into a steadfast concern and, perhaps, against all odds, a burgeoning love that refused to be ignored.
In the weeks that followed, Minerva kept a closer watch on Severus, her heart quietly hoping that he would let her in completely, allowing her to share the burden he carried. And for Severus Snape, amidst the shadows of his past and the weight of his present, he found himself inexplicably drawn to the warmth of Minerva's concern, a flicker of hope igniting within him that, with her by his side, he might find the strength to confront his fears and embrace the uncertain future that lay ahead.