Hey there! Just a heads up - this is a short-ish chapter. Don't get used to it though, because things start to pick up in the next few chapters! Thanks for sticking with it!
"The poor man." Severus spat, his mind reeling, still processing what he had just walked into.
He knew from the moment he met Gilderoy that the man was an absolute blowhard, and was not even a little surprised by the fact that he'd so unashamedly just stolen from him.
Even so, that wasn't what angered him most. Nor was it the fact that his storeroom had been disrespected, for this was unfortunately not the first time he'd walked in on a compromising position taking place there, although it was usually between students.
It wasn't even the fact that Theda had seemingly broken the one rule he had impressed upon her, as it appeared that she had invited Gilderoy into the storeroom and encouraged him to help himself without restraint.
Although these were all contributing factors to the anger racing through his body, the thing that sickened him the most was the look of pity in Gilderoy's eyes.
If there was one thing Severus did not want, it was pity. For what was pity but one man feigning sympathy while secretly relishing in the misfortune of another?
Severus knew he was pitied by the students and staff alike, even those who did not outwardly show it, and it disgusted him. What did they have to look down on him for? He was as good as any of them. Better, even.
For 15 years he had worked harder than any of the other teachers ever had, sacrificing everything he possessed, never resting. He was, unquestionably, the most powerful wizard in the school, apart from Dumbledore. So why was it that everyone looked at him that way, with such condolence in their eyes?
His thoughts drifted back to the other night when his eyes met Theda's in the Great Hall. He had been surprised by how dark they were, as dark as his, even. Although he had detected no pity in her gaze, he knew it would be there now.
She had been kind enough that first night when she knew nothing of him, but he was certain the other teachers had exchanged words with her, undoubtedly sharing information about him that was none of her business, nor theirs. Even if they hadn't, she'd clearly seen the way Gilderoy had mocked him and he knew her opinion of him would be changed. That was fine, though. His opinion of her had changed as well.
"We've bothered the poor man enough." He repeated. "We've embarrassed him."
It was no secret that Snape preferred to keep to himself. Gilderoy was a notorious womanizer, but he wasn't the only "romantic" amongst the staff. Most of the teachers had partners. Even Minerva had been married once. Dumbledore liked to keep his personal life a secret, but, knowing Dumbledore as well as he did, Severus suspected that he had a long list of lovers he enjoyed stringing along.
Most of the staff knew about Lily. Not long ago they'd been her teachers as well as his own. They'd seen them sitting together in class. Sharing meals. Talking in the halls. They also knew, of course, that she had been murdered nearly 11 years ago. And, although few knew the depths of his feelings for her, Severus knew his loss was the primary reason for their pitiful looks and condescending remarks.
The disdain he felt for the other teachers only encouraged his isolating behaviors. He didn't need their consolation, nor their friendship. He had Lily, and that was enough. She was with him wherever he went, her memory kept alive in his heart. Lily was the one person he could talk to openly and honestly, hiding nothing. She was the perfect listener, never judging him, criticizing him, or feeling sorry for him. Never saying anything at all.
"How the hell am I going to get rid of this guy?"Theda thought to herself as Gilderoy continued leading her up towards the Great Hall, still holding her silk bag hostage. She didn't want to go to dinner, and she definitely didn't want him following her back to her chambers.
Thinking quickly, she said to Lockhart, "You know, I think I'm ready for that kiss now."
"Well, well..." He smirked, turning his body towards her. "I knew you'd come to your senses sooner or later." Gilderoy said, grinning ear-to-ear. "I'm just glad it was sooner."
He gently pressed Theda against the wall, placing his hands on the small of her waist. As he closed his eyes and began to lean in, his lips parting ever so slightly, Theda quickly uncorked the bottle in her pocket before shoving a small pinch of herbaria into his mouth, pushing it towards the back of his throat with her fingers. Before he had time to process what had just happened, he fell backwards onto the floor, suddenly sleeping.
"Night night, Gilderoy." Theda said softly, kicking him hard in between the legs before stepping over his unconscious body which was sprawled across the floor like a starfish.
"Good thing I thought of that when I did." She thought, quite pleased with herself. "I'm not sure I would have gotten out unscathed if I hadn't had that herbaria on me. Maybe I should start carrying a bottle of it around with me at all times."
Then it occurred to her; Severus probably wouldn't let her take from his storeroom again after tonight. She hoped she'd have a chance to explain what had actually transpired to Severus later on. There was no point trying to clear things up tonight. It would only make things worse. Plus, she had her first class in the morning and really did need to get a good night's rest.