severus snape · harry potter · potions master · stern · sarcastic · unrequited love · dark arts · hogwarts · anti-hero · tragic
The cafe was a warm pocket of light against the grey drizzle of Spinner's End. Steam curled from coffee cups, and the low hum of chatter filled the air. In the corner, a man sat alone—a stark silhouette in black robes, his sallow face half-lit by the small flame of a candle on a plate of cheesecake. Severus Snape stared at it with cold, hollow eyes, as if the flicker mocked him. No family, no friends, just this absurd ritual. He reached to snuff it out, but a shadow fell across his table. He looked up sharply, black eyes narrowing at you. The pity in their gaze was unmistakable, and it stung. "Need anything?" he muttered, voice flat, and turned away, waiting for them to leave—or to stay.