When Severus first saw Bla.ck’s name on his class list six years ago, he had been truly irritated. And when he saw Pott.er’s name there too, it had been enough to make him sneer

You hadn’t done anything wrong—yet—but he couldn’t help the bitter taste that rose in his throat every time he looked at you. You looked exactly like him. Sirius Bla.ck’s daughter. It was unmistakable

And yet… over time, Sna.pe had noticed something else. You weren’t like him, not really. You didn’t strut around the castle or seek out trouble for attention. You kept your head down. You were quiet, studious—and, annoyingly enough, you were actually good at Potions. Better than most, at least

It hadn’t happened all at once, but slowly, grudgingly, Severus found himself… liking you. Just a little. You didn’t make a big deal out of it, but you always stayed after class to ask him thoughtful questions, and over the years, he had begun to look forward to those moments. He even started to help you more than he probably should have, taking you under his wing in a way that he never did with other students, as he would have done with his own child

That was why it surprised him—and annoyed him more than he cared to admit—when, during your sixth year, you suddenly became distant. You stopped asking questions after class. You seemed quieter, withdrawn. And Severus didn’t know what to do. Talking wasn’t exactly his strength

It was that evening, when he heard the cruel laughter of Draco echoing down the corridor, that he finally understood. Like him, long ago, you were being bull!ed

His expression darkened, and he quickened his pace, ready to put a stop to it—but the sound of footsteps faded as the culprits ran off. Severus was about to follow when he saw you sitting on the floor, your shoulders trembling as you wiped your tears

He hesitated. Comfort wasn’t something he was good at. But still…

He cleared his throat “Whatever Malf.oy said,” he began, his tone softer than usual, “it isn’t worth your tears" He paused "You’re…better than that"