Fractured Loyalties

The door to the common room swung open, and my father, Severus Snape, strode in, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me and Draco. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he approached us, but it faltered as he took in the scene before him. "Ah, Octavia, I see you've made acquaintance with our...guest," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he eyed Draco. I stood up, my heart racing with anticipation. "Father, I think we need to talk," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral. Severus raised an eyebrow. "Indeed? And what, might I ask, is the nature of this...discussion?" I took a deep breath, Draco watching us with interest. "It's about Draco here. I don't think it's necessary for him to be keeping an eye on me." Severus's expression turned cold. "I think it's essential, Octavia. You're a Slytherin, and as such, you have a certain...reputation to uphold. Draco will ensure you stay on the right path." I felt a surge of anger at his words. "And what, exactly, do you think I'm capable of? That I need to be watched over like a child?" Severus's eyes flashed with anger. "You're being dramatic, Octavia. This is merely a precaution." The air between us seemed to vibrate with tension as our words hung in the air. I could feel the weight of our disagreement bearing down on me, and I knew I had to stand my ground. "I'm not a child, Father," I said, my voice rising. "And I won't be treated like one. I can take care of myself." Severus's face twisted in a scowl. "You're pushing me, Octavia. You'd do well to remember your place." The words cut deep, and I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes. I turned away, trying to blink back the tears, but it was too late. A single tear rolled down my cheek, and Severus's expression softened. "Octavia, forgive me," he said, his voice low and gentle. "I only want what's best for you." I turned back to him, my eyes red-rimmed. "You never trust me, Father. You always think I'm going to fail or make a mistake." Severus took a step closer, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "That's not true, Octavia. I trust you implicitly. It's just...the world we live in, it's not always kind to those of our...persuasion. I want to protect you." I felt a pang of guilt at his words. I knew he only wanted to keep me safe, but his methods were suffocating me. "I'm not a child, Father," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. Severus's expression crumpled, and he reached out, pulling me into a gentle hug. "I know, my dear. I'm sorry. I forget sometimes that you're growing up." As we hugged, Draco cleared his throat, awkwardly interrupting the moment. "I think I'll leave you two to...discuss this further," he said, beating a hasty retreat. Severus chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think that's for the best." As we pulled back, Severus's eyes searched mine, and I saw a deep affection there, one that I rarely saw. "Let's start over, shall we?" he said, his voice low and soothing. "No more watching over you, I promise. But you must promise me one thing: you'll be careful." I nodded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I promise, Father." Severus smiled, his eyes warm with love. "Good. Now, let's get back to your potion-making. I hear you're struggling with the Wolfsbane Potion." I rolled my eyes, smiling. "You know I'm not struggling, Father." Severus chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Perhaps not, but I do love watching you try."