That evening at dinner, I sat down to eat with my friends in the Great Hall.
I glanced up to see a pair of black eyes staring down from the High Table at me. Severus sighed as he watched me. Maybe he regretted his words to me. The way he had treated me.
The Potions Master finished his meal and looked at me quickly. He dismounted from the High Table and made his way over to my table.
My friends cowered in fear as Severus began to speak to me. "Miss Adams, we have much to discuss after dinner."
I ignored him and Severus let out an impatient sigh. "You cannot pretend forever, Miss Adams. Eventually you must face me."
His gaze lingered on me a moment then he turned away, black robes traipsing behind him exquisitely as he disappeared into the corridors.
I finally finished eating and left the Great Hall. I was walking and someone grabbed my wrist, pulling me into a dark corridor.
Severus loomed over me. "Come with me."
I didn't argue with the professor. He was being rather friendly for someone so angry.
He took my hand and led me down to the spiraling staircase.
When we reached his classroom, Severus whispered a charm to lock the door so no one could enter.
Turning to me again, Severus sighed. "It is not that I do not care, Miss Adams."
I kept quiet.
He blew out a breath. "Thank you for your generosity, Elodie. I have not felt cared for in many years."
"Why would you call a student by their first name, sir?"