A Bitter Sip
Severus Snape had never been one for idle socialization, especially in the bustling streets of Hogsmeade. The quiet cafe was his sanctuary, a place where he could sip his coffee in peace without the distractions of students or colleagues.
It was the one place he could be certain no one would approach him.
His usual spot by the window–far from prying eyes–provided a perfect view of the street but allowed him to retreat into his thoughts.
That was until he saw her.
Callista Malfoy.
At first, he thought it was a trick of the light. But no, there she was, sitting at a table outside the cafe with none other than Caleb Wood, the ever-smiling Gryffindor Quidditch captain.
Severus could feel his insides knot.
The sight of her laughing, leaning in close to Caleb, her hand gently resting on his arm… it made his blood boil. His jaw clenched as he watched her toss her golden hair back, her blue eyes sparkling as she looked up at Caleb.
She was playing it up, no doubt, for his benefit.
The annoyance in Severus’ chest swelled. It wasn’t the fact that she was here with Caleb. No, it was the fact that she was so carefree, the way she played with him, teasing him with touches and laughter, knowing full well that someone was watching.
Severus’ eyes narrowed.
He wasn’t sure if it was the sight of her with another man, or the knowledge that she was purposefully flaunting herself in front of him, but it felt like a punch to the gut.
He took another sip of his coffee, trying to appear nonchalant, but his hand trembled ever so slightly as he set the cup back down. Why does this bother me so much?
It shouldn’t.
She wasn’t his.
She was playing a game, and he was just another casualty. But it still felt like a slap to his face. The intensity of his feelings caught him off guard. He had been dismissive of her since the day of the incident, treating her with icy detachment in class, but here, seeing her like this, laughing with Caleb as if he didn’t exist–he was failing to maintain his usual composure.
She leaned forward, laughing at Caleb's words, her eyes glinting with a flirtatious edge. The way she touched him, a casual brush of her hand on his shoulder, a fleeting caress–Severus’ breath came in short gasps.
He watched her play it up, ensuring he saw it all, knowing full well that it would get a rise out of him.
Caleb Wood, Severus thought bitterly, of all people.
He stood there for a moment too long, watching them. Her laughter, her ease with Caleb, grated against Severus’ every nerve. She was deliberately pushing his buttons.
And worse, it was working.
The worst of it all? He wanted to storm over there, drag her away from Caleb, and demand to know why she was playing this game with him. Why did she have to flaunt this in front of him?
But he wouldn’t. He couldn’t.
Not without giving away far too much.
Instead, he turned on his heel, shoulders tense, and stalked away. He made his way to the far side of Hogsmeade, trying to rid himself of the image of her and Caleb, but the anger, the jealousy, and the confusion continued to churn in his gut.
You’re a fool, Severus Snape, he thought bitterly, letting some ridiculous woman have this effect on you.
And yet, the ache remained, settling deep in his chest.