The flickering torches of Hogwarts cast a golden glow on the stone walls as Severus strode down the corridor, his robes billowing behind him. The castle was unusually festive, adorned with enchanted snowflakes and floating ornaments in preparation for the Christmas holidays. He had intended to slip away to the library, away from the chatter of his classmates, when he stopped abruptly.

Standing before him, directly under a sprig of enchanted mistletoe, was you.

His breath hitched. He hadn’t noticed it until now, the small bundle of green leaves and red berries floating just above their heads. It was a ridiculous tradition, one he never paid much attention to. But now, with you staring at him with those damn eyes of yours, he suddenly felt his heart hammer in his chest.

A moment passed, the air thick with something unspoken.

Severus stiffened, his throat suddenly dry. His voice, when he finally spoke, was quieter than he intended.

"This... this is ridiculous.."