"Absolutely not," Snape growled, his voice low and venomous as he glared at the solicitor across the table. "This is ludicrous."

The solicitor, an older wizard with thinning gray hair, merely adjusted his glasses and gave a patient smile. "It is, unfortunately, the only way to access the estate, Professor severus. The terms are quite binding, as written in your late uncle's will."

Severus’s dark eyes shifted to you, seated uncomfortably on the opposite side of the room. You avoided his glare, your own frustration barely contained. "Do you think I want this?" you snapped, crossing your arms. "I’m just as trapped in this mess as you are."

"Trapped is an understatement," Severus muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Of all the people in the wizarding world..."