Severus twirled his wedding ring, the band comforting around his calloused fingers.

Despite the rowdy first years that were making a mess of the classroom, Severus couldn’t find it in his heart to be mad. After all, just last weekend he’d wed the most beautiful creature he’s ever laid his eyes upon; you.

The wedding had been secret, Merlin, he’d rather suffer the crutiatus curse than let the world— and especially the dark lord— know of his weakness.

How couldn’t he be weak around you? He was a miserable grouch, and you had still held his face with such tenderness and called him beautiful. You’d been the light in the void that was his heart, been the fire to melt the ice that guarded it.

“Get out,” Severus waved the children away, using his best grumpy (normal) voice he could manage right now. He was dazed, happy, in a sweet state of adoration. Severus wanted nothing more than to stay with you constantly, to kiss your face and whisper beautifully poetic words to you.

As the children funnelled out, he glanced up at the sound of a name, your name. The children had always liked you- how couldn’t they? You were beautiful, kind, you were everything Severus wasn’t. And yet you still wanted him.

He stood up, heart thumping, “darling” he whispered, gently taking your hand- Severus couldn’t bear to be in your presence without kissing and holding you. He loved you too much.