𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑔𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝐿𝒾𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓃 ||(A Severus Snape love story)

prologue 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑔𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓃

On the crowded train to Hogwarts, the chatter of students, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the tracks, there I sat a woman who seemed to exude quietness. With my hazel eyes immersed in a well-worn book, my blonde locks of curly hair tucked behind my ear, I blended seamlessly into the bustling train. I turned the pages to my hopeless romantic book with delicate fingers, my mind getting lost in the world of words.

My body quivered with each breath, a testament to the biting of the winter air that enveloped me on a mid-December day in 1992.

Anticipation thrummed within me as I learned of the vacant position of the librarian, though the information provided to me was sparse, leaving much to the imagination. I found it hard to believe; a small-town local like myself, chosen to serve as the librarian at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

I huffed in slight annoyance as my luggage thudded against the gates of Hogwarts, where an elderly gentleman regarded me with a quizzical expression. "Good evening, Ms. Foxx," chimed Dumbledore, with recognition he acknowledged me with a warm smile. "I am Headmaster Dumbledore."

His gaze flickered to my extensive array of luggage, and he couldn't help but jest, "Quite the light packer, I observe " I chuckled in response, sheepishly admitting, "Sorry, most of it's my books."

"Ms. Foxx, if you'll follow me, I'll show you to your new quarters," Dumbledore offered graciously, to which I eagerly nodded, quickly falling into step behind him.

–

A gasp escaped my lips as I beheld my astonishing new quarters. The walls were adorned with intricate floral motifs, delicately embedded into the very fabric of the room. Though the bed appeared weathered with age, the comfort it added washed my thoughts away.

My reverie was abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice calling out to me.

"Ms. Foxx," came Dumbledore genial tone, drawing my attention as he turned towards me.

"There's a staff party tonight; we'd love for you to meet everyone," he said with a welcoming smile

"Yes, I'll be there," I replied, nodding in agreement as Dumbledore swiftly departed, leaving me to unpack my belongings in the solitude of my quarters.

The notion of a staff party failed to give me much excitement; the prospect of me simply sitting in a corner, quietly observing, loomed in my mind. Yet, I reminded myself, it would afford me the opportunity to acquaint myself with my new colleagues.

I pondered over what to wear, but in the end, I realized there was no need to impress anyone. Opting for my trusty favorite dress paired with a cozy cardigan, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. My hair, tousled by the delightful snowfall outside.

With a casual shrug of my shoulders, I gave one last look at my reflection before exiting my quarters.

-

My feet plattered across the floor, the door deciding to squeal loudly as if to announce my grand entrance to everyone within earshot. Well, there goes any chance of a discreet arrival.

 I waltzed in, heads turned toward me like I was the latest shiny toy they just couldn't resist. I flashed an awkward smile, making my way over to the coffee table,

As I savored the rich aroma of my coffee, a sudden choke startled me, coinciding with the approach of a gentleman.

"Lockhart Gilderoy," he introduced himself with a wink, extending his hand.

I returned the gesture with a polite smile. "Calliope Foxx," I replied, our hands meeting briefly.

Before his sentence could fully form, additional figures approached asking numerous questions

"How old are you?"

"Quite young,"

"Why librarian?"

"Did you school here?"

"Where are you from?"

Dodging the barrage of questions, I sought the quiet corner, letting out a sigh as I took a sip of my black coffee. From my vantage point, I observed the bustling room, noting how each person seemed to have found a companion for the evening.

Just then, the door swung open, admitting a mysterious figure dressed entirely in black, a character I hadn't yet encountered. Curiously, no one else seemed to pay him any mind... intriguing, to say the least.

His gaze briefly flickered in my direction, and I couldn't help but notice. In an exchange with a woman clad in green, his attention seemed to linger on me for a moment longer.

The night wore on, a yawn escaped my lips, signaling my growing weariness. With one last glance around the room, I made my exit as the door creaked open once more.