Severus Snape x Reader

Chapter 1: Feeding the Cat

"Class dismissed." Professor Snape's loud monotonous voice echoed throughout the room. Everyone stood up and began filing out. Potions was my last class of the day. I walked by the courtyard and watched as the sun slowly descended from the sky, hiding behind a mountain in the distance. Whilst taking in the fresh air and the calming atmosphere, I spotted a kitten. It must have wandered in, lost. It wasn't Professor McGonagall, nor was it Filch's cat. It was hardly a year old. The thing was so precious, yet scared looking. I slowly walked up to it. I crouched down, holding out my hand, which the cat sniffed, before prancing off into the bushes. It looked terribly thin. I decided I would have to feed it.

I walked into the Great Hall. I walked up to the Gryffindoor table. I didn't sit, I felt too intrigued by the kitten. I grabbed some ham off the table, as well as a chalice of water. A few people gave me strange looks, which I ignored, and walked back towards the courtyard. On my way, I was stopped.
"You're supposed to be at dinner." The low voice spoke slowly. I turned to see Snape, staring down at me with an eyebrow raised.
"I know, sir, I'm just a bit busy right now." I said, turning and continuing to the courtyard. I heard him follow me.
"Detention." He said. I rolled my eyes, but continued walking. "For a month." He continued, testing me. I didn't respond. "How about two mo-"
"Sir, I understand. I will gladly attend detention, for as long as you feel necessary. I just need to do this first." He looked surprised. I then walked into the courtyard, making small kissing sounds to attract the kitten.
"What are you doing?" Snape asked.
"Shh..." I insisted. He sat down on a bench, watching me closely.

After a few awkwardly silent moments, the kitten came slowly out of the bush. I smiled. I set down the chalice, along with the bit of meat. It seemed intrigued, and walked towards the food cautiously. It then began to feast. I smiled at the kitten, petting it lightly as it indulged in its first meal in a while. I looked over to Snape, who had a small grin pulling at his lips. Maybe he likes cats. He doesn't really seem the type to like any living creature, but maybe the little fuzzballs made him happy.
"Is it yours?" He questioned. I shook my head no.
"I believe it's a boy. He was out here alone. Poor thing looked so neglected, I had to feed him." I said, standing and hesitantly taking a seat beside my professor. We watched as the kitten enjoyed its food happily.
"Isn't he cute? I'd keep him if I could." I stated. Snape turned to me.
"Why can't you?" He asked.
"I feel my roommate won't be too pleased if this guy ends up eating her toad..." I chuckled. Snape looked back towards the kitten slowly, as if he was considering something.
"How was your day, professor?" I asked.
"Average." He replied. I nodded. It didn't seem like he was going to ask me the same question back, like most people would. So I continued the conversation on my own.
"Mine was good." I said smiling.
"I didn't ask."
"I know, I was just... Is something on your mind, professor?" I asked. He turned to me.
"You should really get to dinner before it ends." He said. I sighed, standing up
"Have a good day, sir." I smiled. He didn't even look at me. I walked back to the Great Hall. Despite my strange run-in with Snape, I felt very pleased having fed the poor cat.

The next day, I awoke to a calm morning. It was dreary outside, yet the sun still lit up the Hogwarts grounds. I got dressed into my uniform and headed to my first class. On my way, I passed the courtyard. I made kissing sounds again, but this time the cat didn't come. I assumed it was asleep, and continued on.

After a few classes, it was finally time for potions. I was quite good at potions, despite Snape wanting everyone to fail. Well, maybe not fail, just struggle. A lot.

I walked in and many people were already there. Today we would learn about amortentia. A love potion. Well, when you smell it, you smell whoever you're attracted to. We wouldn't be brewing it for another week, just studying it.

Class would soon come to an end. Snape had said very little, we were just reading the entire time. However I noticed his stare hardly left me. Every time I looked up, he had already been looking my way. The bell rang, and I began to stand.
"Miss l/n, please stay after class." He said. I nodded, sitting back down. Once everyone left, I spoke up.
"Is this my detention?" I asked. He shook his head no.
"I believe you've met my new potions partner." He said, opening the door to his personal quarters. I heard the faint ringing of a bell, as a kitten ran out straight towards me. It was a white kitten with a few black spots. It was the cat from the courtyard. He wore a knew black collar and looked so much happier. A big smile arose on my face. I bent down to pet him.
"Oh, Professor. You're keeping him?" I asked. He nodded.
"And, as you are the one who found this little one, I would like you to name him." I smiled even wider.
"Hmm... how about Spot?" I asked. Snape showed a small grin.
"Perfect." He said.
"Wow, professor." I said, walking towards him. "I didn't think you had much of a heart, but this is a very kind thing to do." I smiled. He did no such thing.
"You think I am heartless?" He asked.
"Well, I kinda did. But not anymore." I said. He nodded.
"Anyway, sir, I should get going. I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled. He didn't care. Before I walked out, I said:
"Have a good day, professor." He looked towards me. He nodded in acknowledgment, as I left the room.