Rushing through the great doors he looks around and spots Suzanne down the corridor leaning against a windowsill, her face in her hands. He watches her for a moment before slowly approaching.
Upon hearing his footsteps, Suzanne quickly wipes her eyes and looks away. He can tell she's trying to look indifferent; chin held high and arms crossed.
''Are you alright?'' the question seems to take her off guard as she stares at him slightly wide eyed. Severus can see the conflict in her eyes, how she seems to be fighting an inner battle with herself.
''Oh, I'm fine. Really…I'm fine.'' Suzanne tried her best to reassure him but her eyes start to glisten with new tears causing her to clear her throat and look away, uncomfortable under his gaze.
Slowly nodding his head, Severus looked back towards the great hall doors. Faint sounds of music could be heard as the dance carried on, all traces of their display forgotten for the time being. He knows that they'll be the talk of the school the next day and the thought has him groaning internally.
He can't help but look back himself; the feel of her warm body pressed against him, her small elegant hand tucked in his, him leading her and her letting him take control, the scent of her perfume invading his nostrils and the way her eyes glistened with mischief as she threw an insult his way. It was almost too much for him yet not enough. It was the first time in a long time he had truly felt an emotion other than displeasure. Gazing at her now clearly embarrassed and flustered, he stepped closer.
''I'm sorry.'' She looks up at him teary eyed. It breaks his cold heart.
''You have nothing to apologise for.'' He says.
She bows her head, afraid to look so vulnerable in front of him.
Taking a risk, he places his thumb and forefinger to her chin, gently lifting her head to look at him.
''I never knew you were such a good dancer…Suzanne.'' The gentle whisper of her name has her smiling, making his heart swell with pride at being the one responsible for it.
''You weren't so bad yourself, Severus.'' She replies, holding his gaze. His lip twitches up into a smirk, and she mirrors it.
Those black eyes of his don't seem so intimidating anymore and the scowl that normally adorns his face is gone. She marvels at how much younger he looks now.
Severus's hand had unconsciously moved from her chin to gently cup her cheek. Suzanne brought her hand up and placed it on his wrist, holding him there. Staring into each other's eyes they could both feel a force bringing them forward as they slowly leaned in once more, this time no one to disturb them but the sound of their own erratic hearts beating with anticipation.
She could feel the warmth of his palm on her cheek and it sent a wave of comfort and need through her veins.
He glanced down at her lips; so red and inviting.
Their lips caressed with the slightest touch. Lingering, neither of them wanting to lean closer afraid of scaring the other away.
Just as they were about to close the gap, a bunch of students walked through the great hall doors, laughing and talking enthusiastically, a sign that the dance is already coming to a close.
Startled, Suzanne and Severus quickly broke apart and cleared their throats awkwardly, looking around their surroundings to make sure they haven't been spotted.
Severus inwardly cursed at being disrupted, missing the warmth of her closeness and lips almost instantly.
A couple of girls walked past and upon seeing the two professors they suddenly whispered to each other and burst into hushed giggles.
''I suggest you get back to your quarters at once before I take points from both your houses.'' Severus's stern voice instantly worked as the girls eyes widened with fear and they quickly ran off, too scared to disobey the scariest professor in Hogwarts.
Looking back at Suzanne he saw her glare down the corridor the girls ran down before turning to look at him, a small smile adorned her face.
''I think it's time to bid goodnight.'' At her words, Severus bowed his head and switched his gaze to their hands that were intertwined somehow which he doesn't remember happening.
He feels her move forward and suddenly her lips are on his cheek, soft and gentle.
''Thank you for a lovely evening'' She whispered into his ear before leaning back, catching his eyes.
At his slight nod, Suzanne began to walk away.
''Miss Rosewood?'' he called out.
Suzanne turned around and raised an eyebrow in question.
''I still hate you.'' The casualness of his statement made her smirk.
''I hate you more.'' Was her reply before she turned back around and walked away, the sound of her heels slowly fading.
Smiling to himself, he turned in the opposite direction and returned to the great hall in hopes of finding more students misbehaving or being out after hours since the dance ended some time ago.
Severus couldn't help but think that this is the best Valentine's Day he's ever had.
He knew that after this night everything will be back to normal between himself and Suzanne.
Or so he thought.