Snow crunched beneath Severus Snape's boots as he strode along the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The bitter wind whipped his cloak behind him, but he hardly felt the cold. His mind was fixed on the threads converging around Hogwarts—threads he had seen unravel once before.
Sirius Black was moving closer. Pettigrew remained hidden, his name blinking faintly on the Marauder's Map like a curse that refused to fade. And Potter…
Snape scowled to himself. The boy was drifting nearer to danger with every step, blissfully unaware of how deep the trap ran.
This time, he would not stand by.
---
The Great Hall – Midday
Harry noticed it again: Snape's gaze, sharp and assessing, like he was cataloguing Harry's every breath. It wasn't the old glare Harry was used to, full of sneering contempt. No, this was different. Focused.
Even Draco noticed it.
"You ever think he's watching you too much?" Draco muttered when Harry passed him by the Slytherin table. His tone was laced with curiosity more than malice.
Harry stopped mid-step. "What are you talking about, Malfoy?"
Draco smirked faintly, leaning back. "Don't play dumb. He's been shadowing you since the start of term. Makes me wonder what he knows that we don't."
Harry hesitated. He didn't answer, but the flicker of unease in his expression said enough.
Draco tilted his head. "You really don't know, do you?"
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Know what?"
Draco shrugged with practiced nonchalance. "Guess you'll find out soon enough." He turned back to his plate, though Harry didn't miss the way his gaze lingered on him for just a fraction longer than necessary.
Hermione's voice snapped Harry from his thoughts. "Honestly, why do you even talk to him?"
Harry shook his head. "I don't know."
---
Snape's Office – That Night
Lupin stood across from Snape, his expression grim. "Sirius is here. He's closer than ever."
Snape folded his arms, his dark eyes glinting in the firelight. "I've felt it too. He's reckless enough to strike before the full moon."
Lupin hesitated. "You don't intend to let Potter see him?"
Snape's reply was immediate, a low growl: "No. If Potter sees him, this will unravel exactly as it did before."
Lupin frowned. "You're changing things already, Severus. You've held the threads this tightly before?"
Snape glanced toward the ancient mirror on his wall. His own reflection stared back, haunted.
"Not tightly enough," he muttered.
---
The Clocktower Courtyard – The Following Morning
Harry found himself alone again—until Draco appeared, hands stuffed in his pockets.
"You're jumpy lately," Draco observed casually.
Harry shot him a look. "And you're suddenly interested."
Draco smirked. "Maybe I just like watching you squirm."
Harry rolled his eyes but didn't walk away. Something about Draco's tone was different—less sharp, almost thoughtful.
"Just…" Draco hesitated, lowering his voice. "If you hear anything strange, Potter—anything—don't go chasing it. Not this time."
Harry blinked, caught off guard. "Why would you care?"
Draco faltered, then shrugged like it was nothing. "Call it self-preservation. If you get yourself killed, half the school will implode, and I don't want to deal with that mess."
Harry huffed out a small laugh despite himself. "You're terrible at pretending you don't care."
Draco stiffened but didn't deny it.
Unseen above them, Snape stood on one of the clocktower balconies, hidden in shadow. He watched the exchange quietly, his mind turning. He would need to keep both boys close.
---
Elsewhere – The Forest Edge
Sirius Black crouched low, his breath misting in the cold. The lights of the castle shimmered beyond the trees.
"Almost," he whispered to himself, his voice hoarse and ragged.
The pieces were falling into place.