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

Creaked Carts

In the crowded staff meeting room, Lockhart's incessant chatter grated on everyone's nerves like nails on a chalkboard.

He seemed utterly oblivious to the collective eye-rolling and suppressed groans coming his way as he prattled on about his latest hair care routine or some other triviality. But what they really noticed was his persistent pestering of the new librarian.

Throughout the meeting, Lockhart kept finding ways to interject comments directed at her, reminding her of their chance encounter in the hallway that morning. "Oh, remember that delightful little chat we had earlier, my dear?" he would say with a sickeningly sweet smile, causing her to visibly flinch each time.

Snape, usually stoic, couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation every time Lockhart's voice pierced the room. His senses picked up on the discomfort radiating from the new librarian every time Lockhart addressed her, and it irked him more than he cared to admit.

"Was she that lonely?" he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with disdain. It wasn't like him to be overly empathetic towards others, especially towards someone like the librarian.

With a scowl etched deep into his features, Severus silently vowed to keep a closer eye on Lockhart's interactions with the new librarian. There was something off about the whole situation, and he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

-

Calliope's weathered book cart rattled along the cobblestones, rounding the corner toward the greenhouses.

 Pomona Sprout had requested some books for her Herbology lesson, a task Calliope happily agreed to. In the month since her arrival, Calliope and Pomona had developed a comfortable friendship, often exchanging pleasantries on their chance encounters en route to the library.

"Hello, dear!" Pomona greeted cheerfully, enveloping Calliope in a warm hug as she approached.

"Good evening, Pomona... I've brought the books you requested," Calliope replied, eyeing her trusty, albeit well-worn, cart.

"Yes, yes," Pomona nodded in approval, ushering Calliope towards a nearby seat. "Tea?" she offered with a smile, to which Calliope nodded gratefully.

"So, I've heard you and Lockhart have become quite close," Pomona remarked, a mischievous glint in her that hinted at her adeptness in the art of gossip.

"It depends on who you ask. He's always pestering me; I can't seem to shake him off," Calliope confessed, taking a sip of her tea.

"I couldn't help but notice at the meeting. You two seemed quite chummy," Pomona observed,

"He seems to have taken quite a liking to your company," she continued knowingly.

"So I've noticed. Apparently, we have a 'bar date' this weekend that I somewhat agreed to," Calliope admitted with regret.

Pomona gasped dramatically. "I'm glad to see you getting out, Calliope, even if it is with a... well, let's just say a less-than-ideal companion," she remarked with a playful smirk, causing Calliope to chuckle.

"Pomona!" Calliope exclaimed,

"I think I might just avoid him altogether and pray to the heavens he forgets," Calliope mused, and Pomona nodded in solemn agreement.