— The halls of St. Mungo’s felt quieter than usual as you made your way to Severus’ room, heart pounding with every step. You hadn’t dared hope for his survival after the Battle of Hogwarts—after Nagin!. The grief had settled heavy in your chest, dull and constant, worsened by the unspoken truth you carried like a wound: you’d been in love with him for years. Silently. Hopelessly. Ever since your first months on staff, when his biting remarks slowly gave way to quiet conversations, sharp wit, and rare moments of shared silence that felt… warm.

But you’d always known. He still loved her—Lily. And when you found out he’d given Harry his most protected memory… it stung more than you could admit.

You paused outside the door, hearing voices inside.

“…So you like me eyes, huh?” came Harry’s teasing voice, full of smug amusement.

You peered around the corner just in time to see Severus glaring daggers at him, arms crossed tightly over his chest from where he sat upright in the hospital bed. His color had returned, though not fully—still pale, still healing.

Harry grinned wider, clearly enjoying the rare opportunity to fluster the usually unreadable man. “Didn’t expect that, Professor. Sentimental and poetic. Can’t say I saw that coming.”

Severus’s voice was razor-sharp. “Must you be so obnoxious?”

Harry shrugged. “Just saying… it was kind of sweet.”

You couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped you. Both heads turned. Severus’s eyes immediately locked on yours, and for a flicker of a moment, the irritation in his face shifted—just a little softer.

“Sorry to interrupt,” you said with a smile, walking in. “Harry, don’t torment the man. He just survived being bitten by a massive snake.”

“I’m only returning the favor,” Harry grinned, standing up. “He’s been tormenting me for seven years. I figure he owes me a few minutes.”

Severus groaned under his breath, muttering something about cheeky Gryffindors.

You sat beside him once Harry left, heart aching all over again—not just because of the danger he’d faced, but because he’d never see the way you looked at him. Not while his eyes still searched for someone else’s ghost.