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

Open seats

I reluctantly peeled myself from the comfort of my bed, a groan escaped my lips, accompanied by the dull thud of the novel that had rested on my chest throughout the night, now tumbling unceremoniously to the floor.  I couldn't help but jump at the sudden disturbance.

With a resigned sigh, I retrieved the fallen book, my fingertips tracing its worn cover as I cast a wary gaze upon it. 

Another romance novel, I noted "I really ought to diversify my reading," I muttered to myself,

-

Today marked the official return of students from their winter festivities.

 I made my way to breakfast, laughter and conversations filled the air However, 

 when I approached hush fell over the crowd, all eyes seemingly fixated on me with a curious feeling. I hesitated, my smile faltering momentarily as I tried to decipher their reaction.

Finding the only available seat next to a familiar man in black robes, I quickly took my place,

"It's alright, my dear," a kind voice broke through the tension, accompanied by a reassuring smile. "The students aren't accustomed to new faces, especially in the middle of the term."

Dumbledore raised his hand, signaling for silence to sweep over the hall.

"Yes... Yes," he paused, "Silence!"

"It seems you've all discovered the school's new librarian." He looked at me, prompting me to stand up.

My face flushed red as I hesitantly rose, giving a slight wave and a bow.

"Calliope Foxx," Dumbledore finished as I sat, and breakfast resumed.

The breakfast was delicious, one of the most filling meals I've ever had. The conversation around me was quaint; the professor in black robes wasn't quite the talker, and Pomona had left minutes ago to attend to the greenhouse.

Glancing at the small watch on my wrist, I realized I had 30 minutes of free time. I smiled quaintly, pushing my chair out.

"Hello again," the familiar voice said, taking my hand and lightly kissing it.

"Good morning, Gilderoy," I replied, curtsying.

Our exchange was sparse; he spoke of his books and fame which did not interest me much

Beside me, a groan emanated from the professor in black robes. He quickly left, his cape billowing behind him.

—------

I hummed a tune in my head as my feet balanced against the ladder on the shelves. I took the liberty to reorganize and clean the books, noticing they hadn't been touched.

–

I walked through the hallways. Yes, I was annoyed that Dumbledore had commanded us to use different curriculums this year, as if there was anything wrong with the ones we had been using.

Severus grunted as the library doors opened before him. He stood quietly, but the new librarian took no notice of him. Books flew to shelves as the ladder she was on glided across them.

"Mhrm," Severus coughed loudly, hoping she would hear. Nothing.

"MHRM!" he coughed even louder, still receiving no response. He sighed, rubbing his temples.

"Ms. Foxx," he said loudly, hoping to get her attention. She turned, smiling at him.

"Yes?" she said from the ladder, removing her glasses.

"I'm looking for the new potions curriculum that the headmaster said you had" he said sternly, avoiding direct eye contact with her as he scanned the room.

"I do have them in my possession. Let me just p--" she began, but he interrupted her.

"Ms. Foxx, I do not wish to waste my time," he said as her smile faded.

"Yes," she nodded, walking to retrieve the books. Severus's face shifted as he cast Legilimens, but he heard nothing. He couldn't hear her thoughts.

She handed him the stack of heavy books. He briefly nodded and left her to her thoughts about the snarly man.