When the Potions class ended, students spilled into the corridor buzzing about Keith, Helena, and Snape giving points.
But as Helena packed up her things, she felt a gaze on her.
Snape.
He waited silently at the back of the room, pretending to rearrange cauldrons.
But Helena knew that look—he wanted to speak with her privately.
She quietly told Susan to go ahead, then approached.
Snape flicked his wand.
The door closed and locked behind her.
His expression softened instantly—something only Helena ever got to see.
"Helena," Snape said quietly, his voice losing its usual cold bite.
She smiled gently.
"I did well?"
Snape's eyes warmed with a mix of pride and subtle astonishment.
"You were exceptional."
"Textbook-perfect answers… and your brewing precision…"
He exhaled softly, as if trying not to get emotional.
"Lily would have been proud of you."
Helena stepped forward and hugged him—only here, only in these hidden moments, could Snape allow himself to return the gesture.
He slowly wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Thank you… Father."
Snape froze every time she said it—but today he whispered back:
"You are my daughter. I… will always protect you."
Seconds passed in silence.
A soft, rare moment between the feared Potions Master and the girl who healed his heart.
Finally, Helena pulled back with a small smile.
"I'll make you proud every day."
"You already do."
Snape opened the door with a flick of his wand, face returning to his stern mask just in time for Helena to leave.
But the warmth stayed in his eyes as he watched her walk away.
Keith & Tonks – Hallway Scene
Tonks had been waiting outside the classroom, bouncing on her toes, ready to tease Keith for the "Snape admiration show."
As soon as Keith stepped out with Rias and Susan—
Tonks leaned in with a grin.
"Well, well~ Mr. Runcandel, causing chaos on your first day? Snape isn't supposed to like students."
Keith lifted an eyebrow, stepped closer, and before Tonks could react—
He pressed one hand against the wall beside her head, leaning in.
Tonks froze, eyes wide.
Keith whispered directly into her ear, voice low and dangerous:
"Careful, Tonks…
You're so adorable I might kiss you right here."
Her entire body jolted.
Her hair flashed pink → purple → neon red in seconds.
Her face turned the same shade as a ripe tomato.
"K-Keith!! W–wha—"
He smirked and pulled away smoothly, walking off with Rias and Susan as if nothing had happened.
Tonks stayed pinned to the wall, stunned, hands trembling.
Passing students slowed down.
"Is that Tonks?"
"Why is her face so red?!"
"She looks adorable!"
Tonks covered her burning cheeks, her hair exploding into pastel-pink embarrassment.
"D-damn you, Keith…"
But her smile was bright and giddy.