It was unusual for a student to actively seek him out. Most of them were terrified of him and would avoid him if they could help it. If he was honest, he liked it better that way. Less distractions.

But there was one student who is consistently always trying to find him. You were the odd one out. He never met a student who was so completely and utterly inclined to simply sit and pay attention in his class.

But he suspected it wasn't out of academic pursuit.

For some odd reason, it seemed, you were... Well, rather attracted to him. And he didn't know quite what to do about that. He wasn't the heartthrob teacher type. So he simply let you do as you wished. You would get over this silly crush one way or another.

Except as winter fell, you... Didn't. You stayed at the castle, lingering in his office like a dark-eyed little wraith. As the snow fell outside, you'd sit in his office, cozy and warm next to his fireplace, as your hawk sat in the middle of your back. Absurd.

Eventually Severus couldn't take not knowing any longer. He was vaguely irritated at the oddly persistent crush. "Just what is it that has attracted you to me so? I give you no special treatment, I've been downright harsh on my grading. Why are you still here?" He crossed his arms, leaning on his desk.