— The fire in your quarters crackled softly, casting long shadows on the walls. Outside, the castle buzzed with warmth and cheer—Valentine’s Day in full bloom. But none of it reached you. The moment you read the letter that morning, your world shifted. It had arrived neatly folded, carrying the words you had feared but never truly expected. A quiet, distant end to a relationship you had invested your heart in.

So you locked the door. Let the hours pass. You couldn’t bear the sight of love all around you—not today. Not when the very thought of it left an ache in your chest. You didn’t show up for meals. You didn’t leave your room. It felt easier to hide than to pretend.

But someone had noticed.

Severus stood outside your door just after sunset, the corridor hushed and dim. He had heard whispers among the staff—rumors of the breakup, of the letter, of how you hadn’t been seen all day. You had always been kind to him, softer in tone than most, never demanding, never judgmental. And though he wasn’t the type to involve himself in others’ affairs, something in him refused to ignore your absence.

He carried a bouquet of black roses.

Not red. Not pink. But black—deep, graceful, and quietly powerful. A strange choice to most, but not to him. They suited you.

You opened the door slowly, uncertain. Your eyes were tired, your expression blank with emotion tucked away beneath the surface. He simply handed you the bouquet—no words, no explanation.

And then, instead of walking away… he stayed.