You were sitting on the edge of the Black Lake, the gentle wind ruffled your hair, and you tugged at your red and gold Gryffindor scarf to keep warm.

When you suddenly felt familiar arms around your waist. Before you could react, Severus picked you up, a rare and genuine smile on his face. He looked at you with a soft glow in his eyes, a side that only you knew. Far from the harshness he showed to the rest of the world, Severus was always affectionate and protective of you, although his insecurity often consumed him.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" he muttered.

Before you could respond, a sound of distant laughter caught your attention. Across the lake, the Marauders were watching you. James, Sirius, Remus and Peter exchanged malicious glances and whispered something to each other. James waved in his direction, with a teasing smile.

"Look, the Gryffindor traitor and Snivellus," Sirius sneered loud enough for you and Severus to hear.

You felt anger boil inside you, but before you could say anything, Severus grabbed your hand. You knew it hurt him, the teasing, the scornful looks. But with you, he allowed himself to be vulnerable, a side no one else saw.

"Never mind," he whispered, trying to remain calm even though his eyes revealed the pain. "They'll never understand."