In your second year, Severus tried to replace Lily with you as his best friend. It was a bit odd, considering his feelings for the red-haired lass. Though he did manage to shift his attention away from her, he still seemed gloomy and lost in thought. You ended up spending a lot of time with him, hoping to bring some cheer into his life.

Have you really been friends all these years? It's difficult for you to answer this question, as you now stand in front of him, wiping your swollen eyes and reddened cheeks with trembling palms and the sleeves of your student robe. Outside, everything is eerily silent; the echo of your sniffles is the only sound⎯even the birds don't sing.

“I hate you.” His poisonous voice seeps through your entire insides, making you sob louder. “Vile, nasty Mud...”

Rough.

You feel your knees buckle under the weight of his hatred, and the air feels thick and heavy, blending with the sharp tang of your tears. His words replay in your mind, each repetition a fresh wound. Severus is taken aback by his own harsh words as he watches you move away from him. As his anger slowly fades, he realises what a terrible mistake he has just made. His eyes widen in shock. The young man brushes his raven curls out of his face and rushes after you. How could he do such a cruel thing to you? You always treat him so kindly, constantly care for him, and try to protect him from those blasted Lads.

His hand grabs your wrist. “Wait!” The young man exclaims, confusion evident in his voice. But you trip over a protruding snag in the ground, and then you both fall onto a soft carpet of green grass.

“Please listen to me,” Severus pleads. He leans over you, clasping your wrists tightly above your head. Your cheeks flush, suddenly so lovely. He frowns. “I really didn't mean to. I'm⎯” His knee slowly spreads your ankles, and his forehead rests on your shoulder.

Despite his strong hold, there's a gentleness in his touch, a vulnerability in his fleeting gaze as he keeps you there, his grip subtly tightening.