Work Text:
It’s the second of December.
The sun sets gently as thin frost covers and clings to the edges of the grass.
For the first time, Muggle parents are permitted to cross the threshold of Hogwarts’ magical barrier under strict Ministry authorisation, wearing enchanted bracelets known as Sightbinds.
The enchantments are temporary and heavily regulated.
The purpose is simple. Allow perception long enough for the Family Accord, then take the Sightbinds back once the event is over.
♦♦♦
Severus Snape sits among the staff gathered near the edge of the courtyard.
The old does little to soften his expression as he observes the controlled influx of families passing through under supervision.
Professor Flitwick, animated as ever, is speaking with quick gestures about a first-year Charms class that managed a stable levitation charm.
“It was excellent wand control for such early stage work.” His voice carries slightly over the murmur of arriving families, followed by an approving laugh.
Nearby, Professor Sprout is commenting on the colder weather and its potential effect on the greenhouse.
In the distance, some students begin to gather in groups based on their house assignment. A few collide into waiting parents, and Muggle visitors react in stunned silence as they watch their kids show off the new spells they learned.
Professor McGonagall steps forward once the last of the families have settled, her presence immediately drawing attention without needing to raise her voice.
“Welcome,” she begins, eyes sweeping across the gathered visitors. “We understand that for many of you, particularly those unfamiliar with magic, this experience may feel unusual.”
She pauses briefly. More measured rather than hesitant.
“I assure you, every precaution has been taken to ensure your safety during your time here,” she continues. “You will remain within designated areas of the castle and grounds. Guided tours will be conducted by staff and upper-year students. You will have the opportunity to observe select classrooms, visit the Great Hall, and spend time with your children in a controlled environment.”
He pauses again, then raises her arms in a welcoming gesture.
“We hope this provides not only clarity, but reassurance.”
Snape’s attention drifts, eyes narrowing as they drift over nearby gathered students.
He counts every one of his students.
Something is off.
Someone is missing.
Y/n L/n.
His expression does not change, but his focus does.
While McGonagall concludes her speech. He has already made a decision.
He needs to find a troublesome student.
And if history is any indication, exactly somewhere they should not be.
♦♦♦
The Slytherin common room seems dimmer than usual. Maybe because no other house members are trying to duel in the middle of the room.
You are tucked in a corner between a shadow and the edge of a worn armchair that isn’t really meant for hiding.
Then you hear the door open, followed by steady, unhurried, but purposeful footsteps.
You don’t need to look up to know who it is.
Professor Snape.
He walks right to where you are as if he knew the whole time.
“Why are you not where you are supposed to be?” he asks coldly.
You don’t answer. Or rather, you can’t. Your body won’t let you.
There is something that locks up at the sound of his voice, more than simple fear of the professor.
Something that he seems to notice.
You don’t expect pity from him.
If anything, you expect more punishment.
But he remains silent for a moment. Not looking for rule-breaking anymore.
Something seems to shift.
He doesn’t seem as impatient as he was just seconds ago.
Instead. His expression goes still. Not quite soft. Never that. Just colder in a different way.
He looks like he’s recalling something.
Something he meant to forget long ago.
But it passes quickly, causing his expression to harden again.
“Come with me,” he says quietly, but strictly.
The walk isn’t far from the common room to the potions classroom.
The door closes behind you.
Glass jars line the shelves in uneven rows, their contents floating, shifting, and settling.
The scent of dried herbs and something else fills the air faintly.
“Explain why you were hiding,” he demands coldly.
His voice isn’t raised, but it doesn’t need to be to cause you to swallow and shift.
“I… I don’t want to see my parents.”
He watches you for a moment, like he’s waiting for the real answer to surface.
“That is not sufficient justification for abandoning your assigned location during a controlled Ministry event,” he states.
You hesitate for a moment.
Of course it's not.
“I’d rather take detention,” you whisper. “For the rest of the year, if I have to.”
His gaze sharpens again, not in anger, but like that offer doesn’t make sense.
“Then, I will have no choice but to send you down.”
Your head snaps up instantly.
“No! Please don’t! It’ll make things worse.”
He’s seen fear a million times in a million variations, but this is different, like the consequence matters more than the punishment.
“Define ‘worse’.”
You freeze for a moment.
“Please don’t make me find out.”
“That was not an answer,” he replies flatly.
You finally look down, like it hurts to hold his gaze. It kind of does. You almost see something similar to him.
“They… hurt me.”
Something shifts in his expression again, like it's actually softening, like genuine sympathy.
“I see,” he says at last. “This will be addressed.”
He regains his posture and hardens his features again.
“However, for the moment, you are not to leave my sight.”
He turns, already shifting into structure rather than panic.
“I will inform Professor McGonagall that you are serving detention for skipping the event,” he adds. “You will not be attending further proceedings.”
You’re silent for a moment, trying to figure out what just happened.
Then, you smile. Not relief exactly, but recognition.
“Thank you, Professor,” you say softly.
He looks at you for a moment longer than necessary.
Then, with a flick of his wand, the matter is set into motion. Messages sent and exceptions adjusted.
The outside of the classroom will be told a simple story about misconduct, correction, and consequence.
Inside the potions room is a quiet room full of glass and shadow where no one can lay another harmful hand on you.