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

New acquaintances

I approached the door, carrying tea in hand. Though I had met the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, I was eager to make new acquaintances.

The professor looks up from his work and smiles warmly. "Miss Foxx, isn't it?" He sets his quill down. "To what do I owe the pleasure? And thank you very much for the tea."

"Since we haven't had a chance to speak since the train ride," Calliope said, smiling as she set the teas down.

The professor chuckled. "Quite true. You're the librarian, correct? I've meant to come by on my free periods, but I keep finding myself with endless essays to mark," he said, gesturing to the stack of papers cluttering his desk.

I laughed understanding "I'm afraid the essays do have a way of multiplying," she replied with a sympathetic smile. "Yes, I manage the library. If you ever find a spare moment, I'd be delighted to show you around."

He chuckled at that, grabbing his cup of tea. "Hopefully that moment will come soon," he said, looking at the essays and then at her. "But that's enough about essays. May I ask a question?"

She nodded sipping her tea

He took a sip of his own tea before speaking again. "Is there a particular reason you've brought me tea?" he inquired, curiosity flowing in his eyes.

Calliope chuckled softly, "Tea has always been my way of breaking the ice," she admitted sincerely.

The professor chuckled to himself, finding her candidness endearing. "It is a most effective ice breaker," he said. "Or perhaps I'm just a very willing target."

She couldn't help but notice his sudden change in mood, but she brushed it aside with a smile. "So, what brought you to Hogwarts?"

He leaned back in his chair and chuckled. "Oh, I suppose you could say I was roped into it by Dumbledore. He's a dear old friend and he knew that I've been looking for a teaching position. I'm still not entirely sure if I'm really cut out for the job, but here I am all the same," he said with a shrug and a smile.

She nodded, interested in his response. "Surely you're fit for the job if Dumbledore has hired you," she said reassuringly.

"You put too much faith in Dumbledore's judgment. I have a slight... reputation amongst some parents and students alike," he said, his voice tinged with melancholy.

Calliope regarded him thoughtfully over her teacup, then smiled gently. "Reputation or not, Dumbledore must have seen something in you beyond hearsay. Besides, I'm sure students and parents alike will come to appreciate your unique approach."

"You're rather more trusting than most," the professor observed, a small smile on his face. "And you certainly have more faith in the goodness of people. I appreciate it, truly," he said, his eyes flicking up to hers, he said, his eyes flicking up to hers, 

her eyes never met his, he looked down quickly slightly embarrassed 

"Did you attend Hogwarts as a student?" I asked.

Remus chuckled, "Yes, I was a student at Hogwarts. I was in Gryffindor, the house known for its courageous and daring members."

I took a sip of my tea, memories of childhood stories flooding my mind. "Yes... my mother never liked that house; she always said they were too arrogant," I said with a smile, recalling her words.

"Yes, well, we were sometimes," Remus replied, "Did you attend as well?"

"No, my mother taught me herself," I replied, memories of her flooding back.

I glanced at my wrist and noticed that my watch was reminding me it was already lunchtime.

"It seems time isn't on our side. How about we walk to lunch together?"

He glanced down at his own watch, noticing the time. "Yes, you're correct. Time does seem to be running out," he said, gathering up some of his papers and putting them in a neat pile.

The two stood while They walked together down the halls toward lunch.

Remus chuckled at my quip about a painting, while Severus turned towards the laughter, baffled to see Calliope and Lupin together before him.

-

Jealous? That was a ridiculous assumption. Yet, Severus eyes flicked to the book in her hand and the way it lay clutched to her chest, his mind wandered to the times his own hands had been there. But no - no. He did not care about her that way. He could not. He would not. His thoughts raced rapidly

Calliope took a seat beside him, offering her customary smile. "Good evening, Severus."

He gave a small nod in return, a subtle acknowledgement of her greeting. "Calliope."

As he responded to her, he couldn't help but notice the way the light caught her hair, the way it cascaded over her shoulders. He quickly reprimanded himself. He did not care. He did not.