Wintertime served no help to Severus’ already aching bones. Everyone was packing on more and more clothes as winter crept into Hogwarts. Even Slytherins were seen more in the halls and common places in any attempt to escape the freezing temperatures of the dungeons. ‘For a school claiming to be so heavily protected, the cold seems to be an obvious point of weakness’ Severus thought bitterly. He pulled his robes tighter around himself and cast multiple heating charms, which were useless as they only lasted for a few seconds. The Potions Master stomped(Gracefully, of course. Severus would rather lick the Dark Lords shoes than be seen stomping around like some insolent child) his way to his seat in the Great Hall.
The other professors took the hint and left him to wallow in his hatred for the world, like every glorious winter morning. They had learnt their lessons over the years and finally kept to themselves when it came to Severus. Morning announcements passed and an enormous amount of food graced the tables to which the children, who Severus likened to pigs, shoved their mouths and spat out crumbs of food as they conversed. Why he stayed a teacher instead of running off to be a healer once more in Italy or Hell, America, Severus would never get. The only thing that distracted said children were the owls that flooded in every morning. The Professor stood, figuring there was no use staying since there were ‘better things to do’ until a large barn owl crashed into him and knocked him to the ground. “Why you-“ He paused and felt his stomach drop when he recognized exactly who's owl he had come in contact with. The Hall of course found this incredibly amusing, figuring they should take the time to laugh their arses off instead of shoveling food into their mouths before class. Snape growled and snatched the letter in the unmistakable handwriting of his past lover, his technically non-ex-husband.
‘To a Mr Severus Snape’ the letter was addressed. Minerva, sweet, sweet, Minerva looked to Severus, who sat quite oddly on the ground looking as if he just shook dead Salazar Slytherins hand, and furrowed her brows. “Severus- just what are you doing on the ground?” “Don’t be daft Minerva.” He spat in reply, not removing his eyes from the letter. She only shook her head and grumbled some unintelligible words under her breath. The owl finally came to its senses and flew off. He tore open the envelope.
‘Dear Severus,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I’m sure you will be so pleased to hear’ (Sarcasm, unsurprising.) ‘that my safety has been compromised. Death eaters have shown up on my doorstep and I’m afraid I’m on the run. While I remember how badly our last conversation went, I am here to beg for your help(and forgiveness if there’s any room for that in your heart). If there is anything you can do to help, I’d appreciate it. I will return the favor as soon as possible. Please try to contact me immediately after you receive this.
Much love and thanks,
Rian Evans’
“Merlin what have you gotten yourself into Rian.” Snape grumbled. “Severus, my dear boy, what has you..riled up?” Dumbledore asked with a glint in his eyes that made Severus almost keep the content of his letter to himself. Deciding it was for the best, he handed the letter to the headmaster. Dumbledore nodded as he read the letter “Well then.. It seems that Mr Evans will be arriving at Hogwarts.”