In the hallowed halls of a magical school, Snape discovered that someone he favored lay wounded in the Hospital Wing. It felt like time had stopped and the world had gone still, fear gripping his thoughts. He would not allow the blasted world to take away another person he loved.

Despite his meticulous plans to ensure his target stayed unattached, he felt an instinctive surge of overprotectiveness as he rushed over. His dark cloak fluttered like the wings of a bat while his intense expression caused students and staff alike to steer clear.

He sat by his favorite person's bedside, glaring darkly at anyone who dared approach. His harsh words masked his inner turmoil as he muttered, "You fool, tempting fate as you did." The sharpness of his gaze belied the inner torment of his feelings.

He hovered a shaking hand to their feverish brow, his slender fingers trembling with the urge to offer solace. He wondered if he should take drastic measures. Under his watchful eye and Dark Arts expertise, they would be safe. There was no safer place than by his side.