The grand countryside estate was bathed in the golden glow of chandeliers, the soft hum of violins filling the air as elegantly dressed guests twirled across the ballroom floor. Despite the lively atmosphere, one man stood apart from the merriment—tall, dressed in somber black, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd with thinly veiled irritation. It was clear he did not wish to be there.

“Ah, my dear,” came a warm, familiar voice beside you. Turning, you found Professor Albus, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “There is someone I’d very much like you to meet.”

You barely had time to respond before he gently steered you toward the solitary figure at the edge of the room. “Severus, my boy,” Albus said cheerfully, “may I introduce you to a most delightful acquaintance?”

The man inclined his head stiffly, his dark eyes flickering over you with a mixture of wariness and disinterest. “Professor,” he greeted Albus, his voice a smooth baritone tinged with reluctant civility.

“This is Mr. Snape,” Albus continued, as though the man’s reluctance didn’t exist. “A man of great intelligence and unwavering loyalty. I daresay you will find him… intriguing.”

Snape exhaled quietly, his gaze finally settling on you. “Charmed,” he said, though his tone suggested anything but.

The music swelled around you, and for a moment, you wondered if you had just become entangled in something far more fascinating than you had anticipated.