Summary: In 1976, Severus was smitten by an older witch, whom every time he would see, he wanted to declare his undying love by saying: "I love you, Professor!"
Two decades later, the roles were reversed. Severus was the professor and a young witch admired him so much, to the extent that every time she looked at the Potions Master, she very much wanted to shout: "I love you, Professor!"
DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter series belong to J.K. Rowling.
The continuation of this story was inspired by the following fanfictions:
1) "Star Crossed Through Time" by SlytherinLovesAGryffindor
2) "Kindred Magic" by Ralina
3) "Since 1970" by yours truly
PROLOGUE
"Wish I had a time machine; I could make myself go back until the day I was born. And I would live my life again, and rearrange it so that I'll be yours from now on."
–It's Sad to Belong (England Dan and John Ford Coley)
Summer 1998
A petite figure of a young witch wearing a hooded cloak was spotted in the Hogsmeade village by some patrons inside the Three Broomsticks, running for her life. The village wasn't as lively as before. It was like Voldemort's regime all over again: quiet and danger was just around the corner. Though the pubs were almost full, the patrons were unusually silent and discussing in hushed tones while having drinks.
The only noises that could be heard were the sound of utensils, coins, and glasses; and now, the footsteps of someone running. The witches and wizards in the village went to peek at their respective windows to see who was running outside for dear life. The witch's hood fell off her head and the villagers gasped in shock upon realizing who it was.
"No wonder, she's the next target," one of the old wizards at the Three Broomsticks muttered to the person beside him.
"Poor dear girl," said Madam Rosmerta mournfully and she sobbed.
"Merlin, help her," said another witch sadly.
The running witch finally reached the Hogwarts gates and continued running towards the castle. She wasn't surprised that the gates were open and the wards were down—just for her. She secretly sent a message earlier to the headmistress to let her in. Right now, Hogwarts was the safest place in the entire British wizarding world. She spotted Professor Flitwick waving his wand to the gates, probably adding more wards. She spotted Hagrid who waved at her, but his smile was forced. She continued running towards the castle, but instead of going to the headmistress's office, she went straight to the seventh-floor corridor.
She could only think of one room to hide. Now that she had escaped them, they probably suspected that she went to Hogwarts, and later, they would raid the school just to get her. She paced back and forth in the empty corridor, her thoughts in disarray.
I need a safe place, I need a safe place.
I need to save them. I need to save Harry... I need to save him...
I have to get away from here. Things are not right!
Suddenly, a pair of oak double doors appeared on the blank wall. She went inside without thinking twice and closed the doors firmly once she was inside. It was similar to the Gryffindor common room, only that it had a few chairs, and it was more spacious. She went to the centre of the room and turned around. The double doors disappeared. Aside from the couches and tea table near the fireplace, there were shelves of books around and surprisingly, a wardrobe.
She threw herself to the couch and closed her eyes for a moment.
Now that I'm safe, what am I going to do? she thought. It would be best if I get some sleep first.
She hadn't slept in a day. She had been busy the last twenty-four hours planning how to escape them without being noticed. Now, they couldn't take her while she was hiding in the Room of Requirement. She was safe here.
She woke up after only-Merlin-knows-how-many-hours and was a bit disoriented. It took her a few seconds to realize where she was and what happened. The only light in the room was from the fireplace.
Again, she looked around, deciding what to do next. She saw the tea table first. There was a thick file folder she didn't notice earlier. She picked it up, scanned the documents and her eyes widened in shock. She turned to the bookshelf and scanned the titles of the books. Next, she went to the wardrobe and was amazed by the working robes she found there as if they were designed for her.
She fell to her knees sobbing. She looked up at the ceiling. "Oh, dear Hogwarts," she said in awe. "I couldn't thank you enough! This is more than what I wanted!" she cried with joy.
After a few moments of thanking the Four Founders, she went back to the couch and planned her return. Gone was the worry and trouble she was feeling. A smile was now plastered on her face.