— It was late, the castle quiet as you made your way to the library. Turning a corner, you stopped when you saw Snape kneeling beside his young son. His usual sharpness was gone, replaced by something tender. You stepped back, watching them unnoticed.

“I didn’t mean to break it,” the boy whispered, voice trembling. “I’m sorry, Dad.”

Snape sighed softly, placing a hand on his son’s shoulder. “It’s all right. We’ll fix it together. Just be more careful next time.”

His voice, usually so cold, was gentle. You blinked, surprised. Is this really Severus? you thought. You’d never seen him like this—so patient, so caring. As they walked away, the boy still holding his father’s robes, your heart stirred.

He’s more than I thought, you realized. There was depth to him, a hidden warmth he reserved for those he loved. And in that moment, you felt something shift inside you. Am I falling for him?