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

Hogsmeade

My chair rocked forward simultaneously I sat with Pomona, cradling my cup of tea. It had been a month since our last conversation, and the bruises from my recent mishap had finally faded.

"Looks like there's a Hogsmeade trip coming up soon," Pomona remarked, breaking the comfortable silence. "Dumbledore's struggling to find chaperones, as usual."

I took a thoughtful sip of my tea. "Doesn't sound too terrible. I rather enjoy the company of the students."

"That's because you only see the well-behaved ones," Pomona teased, arching an eyebrow.

"On the bright side, it's an excuse to explore the village," I replied with a smile.

"Yes, that's true," Pomona conceded. "But what if you get stuck with someone you don't particularly like?"

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to share. "Well, I do have a bit of a mystery on my hands," I confessed. "A few weeks ago, I started skipping breakfast, and suddenly plates of food began appearing at my door each morning."

Pomona's eyes widened with curiosity. "Who do you think could be behind it?" she urged.

"I honestly have no clue," I admitted with a shrug. "Perhaps a secret admirer?" Pomona suggested with a mischievous grin.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Highly unlikely."

"But you're quite beautiful, you never know," Pomona persisted.

I shook my head, cutting her off. "Even if that were the case, I'm not interested in pursuing any romantic entanglements at the moment," I stated firmly.

–

In the quiet of the carriage, with only the sound of the wheels against the road, I found calmness. The students, excitedly scampering off to the sweets shop, brought a chuckle to my lips watching their joy from afar.

Entering the pub, I savored the stillness. My coat removed, I surveyed the serene atmosphere, interrupted only by the presence of a familiar figure: Professor Snape. Despite his apparent displeasure, I was determined not to let it dampen my spirits.

"Professor Snape, fancy seeing you here," I greeted, a smile playing on my lips as I settled beside him.

"You can call me Severus outside of school, Ms. Foxx," he responded, taking a sip of his drink.

"Very well, Severus. Then I suppose you can call me Calliope," I replied, mocking his serious state

Our conversation was briefly interrupted by the bartender, but soon resumed, punctuated by the occasional clink of glasses and the murmur of other patrons.

"Whiskey" Severus remarked, breaking the silence. "I would not have guessed"

"You don't know me well, Severus," I countered, noting the subtle shift in his expression.

He remained quiet after my remark, only subtle glances were shared. Before I knew it, my drink was empty, and I rose from my seat

"I must go explore this new village, care to join me?" I asked prompting my hand to find its way to my hip

As he wrestled with his thoughts, a familiar battle unfolded within Severus. Part of him yearned to drown his sorrows in the comforting embrace of whiskey, to lose himself in the amber depths of oblivion. But another voice, quieter yet insistent, whispered that such escapism was futile.

With a determined stride, he followed her along the snow-kissed path, the crunch of his footsteps matching the rhythm of her own.

"Glad you could join me," she greeted him with a gentle smile

-

The duo had wandered through numerous shops, primarily lingering in bookstores where Calliope found solace. Meanwhile, Severus had invested his earnings in the potions shop.

Their last stop was the candy shop, which Severus entered with reluctance.

I took immense pride in my chocolates. "Which ones do you like?" she inquired.

"None," he replied, causing her expression to falter in surprise.

"None?" she sighed, swiftly gathering a bag and filling it with candies.

"What are you up to?" he questioned, by her sudden flurry of activity. "Getting you chocolates to taste," she declared, bringing the bag to the register.

"You can't possibly pay for that," he protested. "I shall," she insisted, producing galleons.

He pushed her hand away and paid. "Severus!" she exclaimed, seizing his hand abruptly.

The two froze at the unexpected closeness.

"I'm sor—" she began, but he raised his hand, halting her. "Do not apologize." She handed him the bag of chocolates.

"Try each one and tell me what you think," she chuckled, leading him out of the shop.