You could not wait to go to the ball with your soulmate, as Minerva told you that Severus had never been to the event with anyone else before. He was not a person who would enjoy such things, but he would, if he found the right person to spend his time with. And you were the perfect person for him in everything he did.

However, your excitement was replaced with nerves when you received a letter from your parents, inviting you to their party this weekend. Their words seemed nicer than usual in the letter, and it was freaking you out a bit as you thought that they must had something really important to talk to you, and they needed you to come to the party. 

Folding the letter carefully and keeping it in under a piles of books, you let out a sigh. It felt odd to go back there, when you no longer find it as your home. But they were really keen in having you during the party, for the reason in which you would never know unless you really come.

You put your head in your hands, your parents' faces crossed your mind. You felt guilty for not wanting to visit your parents, when they literally raised you up in their home. But then again, money and gold were not enough for a child, as you could not remember when was the last time you felt loved by your parents.

You knew you should not feel guilty, when your parents did not even try to love you. All they did was manipulating your thoughts, causing you to believe of how hopeless you were, until you resorted to giving love to everyone else, as you never wanted them to experience what you were going through.

A smile found its way on your face, realising that it was time for you to see Severus for the dance lesson. You did not wait any second to get out of your office, leaving the horrendous thought about your family behind, as Severus was the only thing on your mind now.

As you walked into the room, all eyes were on you, including Professor Snape's who was explaining something to his Slytherins. You waved at him and stood at the back of the room, your smile never dropped from your face even if you were actually very tempted to walk over to him and give him a kiss.

While you were mustering all the professionalism as a teacher, Severus could only think about how stunning you were. You took his breath away as you walked into the room, stealing everyone's attention for you, with your sweet smile that matched your lovely personalities.

Severus thought that it was not possible for a person to become prettier every day, but you surely became more and more beautiful for him. Every time his eyes locked with yours, he fell in love with you all over again, feeling his erratic heartbeat in his chest. 

You frowned when he kept staring at you, and you noticed a few students were realising it too. But before you could say anything, a student was bold enough to shake Professor Snape from his thoughts.

"Professor, you were saying about the ball?"

The student reminded him, and Severus cleared his throat, realising that he was too enamoured by you that he almost forgot about the students. You held back a smirk as you shook your head at him, seeing him trying to get back to his students.

"We all know the ball is approaching. Slytherin house is known for having perfect manners, and I expect you to maintain our good reputation during the ball. I am compelled to guide you so that none of you will make foolish mistakes on the dance floor." 

His deep voice sent shivers running down your spine, and you sighed in content, thanking the universe for blessing you with Severus Snape as your soulmate. This man was perfect from head to toe, and his voice was one of many other things you adored about him.

"Professor L/N, will you join me please to demonstrate the dance."

You nodded, smiling as you made your way to him on the dance floor. Severus bowed slightly in front of you, offering you his hand. His heart was beating rapidly against his ribcage, feeling nerves wrecking his soul as he looked you in the eyes. The power you had over him was tremendously magical, he knew it now.

"May I have this dance?"

"It will be my honour, Severus."

Taking his hand, you placed your hand on his shoulder, trying to ignoring the insane thumping of your heartbeat, along with his. Butterflies were fluttering in your stomach when he rested his hand on your hip, a small smirk was formed on his lips when he saw how flustered you were.

"Remember to treat your dance partner with respect during the ball. They are not some kind of toys, they are supposed to be your dates." 

He told his students, as he showed them the right steps in dancing. You smiled, following his lead whilst losing yourself in his eyes. You took the chance to admire his face, and it did not go unnoticed by the dark haired professor.

"Do you like what you see?"

He asked lowly, so that the students could not hear him. You gave him a nod, a smug smile was painted on your face.

"Very much."

You responded, causing him to raise his eyebrow in a challenging way. 

"I could just kiss you right now if the students are not watching us, Severus."

You continued, smirking when his eyes grew wide at your words. You were only joking, of course, as it would not be professional for you to do so. But when Severus mimicked your smirk, your heart bloomed.

"No one is stopping you, Professor L/N."

You let out a chuckle, and you could see some students were talking among themselves, about you and Severus. They believed there must be something going on between you and the head of Slytherin, and they were not stopping until the truth was revealed.

"You can talk to your partner during the dance, as long as you do not disturb the other couples."

He told the students, as the dance was coming to an end. You had to bit the inside of your cheeks to hide your disappointment when he let go of your waist, and you dropped your hand from his shoulder. 

"It was a pleasure to have this dance, Professor L/N."

He said, a small smile was threatening to crack on his lips. You smiled broadly, now knowing that Severus was extremely good at dancing. You were lucky enough not to step on his foot today, or perhaps it was because you were dancing with passion, that you did not even realise if you were making any mistake.

"I'm sure everyone knows how to dance with the perfect steps now. I'm happy I could help you Slytherins."

You said, receiving smiles and grins from the students. They were looking at Severus, then their eyes moved towards you. You clasped your hands together and nudged your soulmate with your elbow, and he was baffled to see his students' gazes on both of you as well.

But then one brave soul decided to speak out, surprising everyone with his boldness, including you and Severus.

"They look like soulmates."

Perhaps it was only intended to be heard by his friend, but when the student realised he had said it out loud, colours drained from his face, thinking of what kind of detention would he receive from Snape. The other students were glancing at each other, but Severus rolled his eyes dramatically when he could tell that they were having the same thought too. 

You did not know what to say, as both of you had never discussed about the students knowing before. You would never cared if they knew because you were proud to be his soulmate, but you were not sure if Severus wanted to keep it as a secret. But his next words sent a grin upon your face.

"Actually, we are soulmates."

Snape announced, audible gasps could be heard in the room as soon as he confirmed their assumption. They never imagined that their professor could be so open to them about his private life, but it turned out Severus was a whole different person when it came to you.       

"100 points to Slytherin."

You intervened, causing them to look at you in disbelief. Severus said yes, and you did not deny it. Hence, you were really Professor Snape's soulmate? 

"That is all for our meeting today, students. You can go back to your dormitories."

Severus dismissed the students before they could ask anything about your bond with him. They shrugged, thinking that they could only ask you more about it during your class.

You watched as the students flooded out of the room, whispering among themselves. You glanced at Severus, who was pinching the bridge of his nose, glad that those students were leaving the room.

"This news is going to fly around Hogwarts so fast, love."

You said, a laugh was escaping your lips. Severus shook his head, failing to hide his smile from you.

"I do not mind. At least, the world knows that this beautiful woman is my soulmate."

You rolled your eyes playfully at his remark, letting him pull you into his arms. You could not help the growing smile on your face, as you felt so warm and protected with Severus.

"And what has you so happy today, darling?"

Severus inquired, cocking his eyebrow upon seeing the gleam in your eyes. The joy that was radiating off you was so fascinating, as he could feel his heart melted when you beamed at him.

"I'm always happy to see you!"

You squealed, unknowingly sent a myriad of feelings exploding in your soulmate's chest. He was so lucky to have you in his life, and his mind was already imagining the future he would have with you. It must be so bright and delightful, as he could never see you bringing sorrow and agony into his life.

"I'm always happy to see you too."

He murmured, leaning down to capture your lips with his own. You melted into the kiss, clinging onto him. Heat rose from your stomach to your chest when you pulled away from him, only for him to pull you closer by your waist.

"I'm glad you're happy with me, Severus."

You whispered, tears of joy boiled in the corner of your eyes. It felt like a dream to be loved by Severus, and you would be eternally grateful that it was becoming a reality now. You would do anything in your power to protect what you had with him, and if you ever hurt him, you would hurt yourself too.

"You are my happiness, Y/N."

He was learning to open up about his feelings more and more with you, and you were happy that he trusted you enough to show his other side to you. After all, his soul was intertwined with yours, and there was no way he could not put his trust on his dear soulmate.

"My parents sent me a letter today."

Severus tightened his arms around you, offering the comfort you needed. It shattered him to see a frown on your face, but he listened to you, wanting you to know that he would always be there for you.

"They invited me to their party, and it seems like they need me to come."

Your frown went deeper, knowing that your parents never really cared if you come or not to their parties. But they were trying to persuade you so much to come, and it puzzled you. Suddenly, it felt like it was salient for you to be there.

"Do you want to go?"

Severus asked, seeing doubt in your eyes. He knew you tried to stay away from your parents, but he also knew that deep within your heart, you still loved them. You were so kind and loving, that it was not possible for you to hate your parents and he was aware of it.

"Can you please come with me?"

You would feel much safer with Severus, and even if you knew it was just a family party, something was telling you that it was better if you take Severus along with you.

"Of course. Anything for you."

He nodded, planting a kiss on your head. He knew it must be hard for you to see your parents again, when you just wanted to finally be away from them. Severus understood your feelings so well.

"I will be right by your side, Y/N. Nothing can hurt you."

He assured you, sending a smile on your face. Then he was reminded of something, and he took your hand in his, walking out of the room. He smiled, amused to see the confusion on your face.

"I want to show you something."

He explained, opening the door to his office. You tilted your head a bit when he seemed to be nervous as he was trying to find something to show you. You watched him, astonished, as he took out a charmed box and put it on his work table.

"Do you remember the letter you sent for me?"

You gave him a nod, feeling a little bit dejected to remember about your letter, which he never responded to. You were waiting for his letter, but turned out he never wanted to send you one. At least, that was what you thought.

"I still have it with me."

You were flabbergasted when you saw your letter in the box. You thought he would crumple it in annoyance and throw it away before he could even read it, because he really hated you before. But he still kept it.

Severus saw the look in your eyes, and he never wanted you to be sad over what happened in the past. He just wanted you to know that he never really despised you. He was just a foolish man for not appreciating you before, and he was still mad at himself until this day.

"I keep it in my possession because it means a lot to me."

"But you never wrote back."

You shrugged, a soft smile was plastered on your face. You told yourself not to expect for his letter, but you were a tad bit hurt when he did not even bother to address you about your endeavour.

"I did. But I did not have the courage to send it to you."

He admitted, handing his letter to you. The letter was crumpled, and you let out a chuckle, understanding how conflicted Severus was when he was writing the letter.

Your heart soared when you realised that Severus wanted to leave his past behind and started a new life with you. Perhaps he was still unsure with what he felt, and what he wanted at that time. If only he did send you the letter, then you would not have to go through such pain before.

But everything happened for a reason, and all that mattered now was he loved you.

"I want you to have it. I still mean every word I wrote in that letter. But I forgot to include one thing."

You knitted your eyebrows together when you saw a smug smirk was dancing on his lips.

"What is it?"

He caressed your face in his hands, and you hummed in content, smiling at him. You wanted to forget about your letter, and his, as nothing was important to you at the moment but him. He was all you needed, and the past did not matter because both of you knew that you had a future together ahead of you.

"I love you."