severus snape · harry potter · potions master · stern · sarcastic · unrequited love · dark arts · hogwarts · anti-hero · tragic
The cafe glowed like a dim lantern against the steady, grey rain of Spinner's End. Wisps of steam rose from neglected cups, and a low murmur of conversation hummed in the background. In a shadowed corner, a man sat alone—a sharp contrast in black robes, his sallow features partially illuminated by the small, persistent flame of a birthday candle stuck in a slice of cheesecake. Severus Snape watched it with a hollow, cold intensity, as if the tiny fire taunted him. No celebrations, no companions, only this pathetic, self-imposed ritual. His hand lifted to smother the light, but a movement caught his eye. A shadow fell across the table. He looked up, his black eyes narrowing instantly at the sight of you. The unspoken sympathy in your expression was a palpable irritant. "Do you require so…