Chapter 13
Severus Snape's health continued its gradual decline, a fact known only to him and Poppy Pomfrey, who monitored his condition discreetly. Despite his increasing fatigue and discomfort, Severus maintained a facade of normalcy, attending to his duties as Potion Master and Head of Slytherin House with his usual stern demeanor.
As the end of term approached and the Hogwarts exams loomed, Severus found himself stealing moments with Minerva McGonagall. Their interactions were subtle yet meaningful—shared glances during staff meetings, brief exchanges in the corridors, and the occasional cup of tea in the quiet of the staff room.
During these stolen moments, Severus couldn't help but notice the depths of Minerva's care for him. Her gestures were small yet spoke volumes—offering him tea with a gentle smile, lingering a moment longer in conversation, and occasionally checking on him with subtle glances across the room. He sensed her genuine concern, although she never directly expressed it.
Severus feared that his declining health could disrupt Minerva's life and bring her unbearable grief. He knew that she had always been there, silently supporting him through the years, and now he found himself wanting to shield her from the potential pain of his departure.
With a heavy heart and a deep sense of duty to spare Minerva from future sorrow, Severus quietly resolved to disappear from Hogwarts before it was too late. He understood that his sudden departure would leave questions unanswered, but he believed it was the only way to protect Minerva from the anguish that awaited.
Despite the weight of his decision, Severus found solace in the fleeting moments of peace he shared with Minerva, treasuring each one as a fragile gift in the twilight of his tenure at Hogwarts. And so, as the final day of term approached, Severus Snape prepared himself for the quiet departure that would signify the end of his time at Hogwarts, leaving behind only memories and the unspoken love he held for Minerva McGonagall, unsure if she would ever truly know.