Chapter 1
Severus Snape strode through the silent corridors of a Hogwarts in August, no students to be seen, the tranquility only interrupted by the occasional movement of a portrait or ghost. Eight years had passed since the Battle of Hogwarts, and after a quick restoration, (after all, magic does expedite these things) the castle was back to its usual glory, as was the former potions master. After the war and a miraculous recovery from an infamous snake attack, his name was cleared by the testimony of the "Chosen One", and he was free to do as he pleased. No longer needed to be a double agent and spy, he had been at a loss as to what to do with himself. The only place he'd ever felt at home was Hogwarts, yet he wasn't sure he wanted (or would be allowed) to return there.
As fate would have it, Minerva McGonagall was appointed Headmistress after the war, and she all but begged him to resume his post as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and to be her Deputy Headmaster. She felt badly about all the trouble she caused him during his headship, though she blamed him for not sharing the details of Dumbledore's plans with her. They had resumed a friendship that was awkward at first, but became comfortable over time. Severus appreciated her forgiveness, and she appreciated his help in maintaining order at Hogwarts. She valued his opinion on many aspects of running the school, which was why he was heading to her office in the middle of summer.
Snape reached the stone gargoyle and uttered the password (Talisker) and ascended up to the head's office. He knocked on the door and she bid him enter.
"Ah Severus! Thank you for taking time out of your holiday to offer me your assistance." Minerva McGonagall was sitting at her desk, eying him beadily.
Severus rolled his eyes and sat in one of the chairs in front of her desk. "You still haven't told me what exactly I am here to help you with, Minerva. I'm rather intrigued."
"Well Severus, I wanted your assistance in interviewing my final candidate for the potions position, as I've been rather disappointed in the rest."
"Oh how thrilling. Who shall we be interviewing? I already gave you my opinion on the rest, and I'm not surprised you found them unsatisfactory." he replied with disdain.
The three potential candidates she had owled him made him shudder. Two had obtained their potions mastery, but were some of the most pompous windbags Severus had ever encountered. The third showed promise, but he was finishing his apprenticeship and had no teaching experience. A potions master needed his wits about him. Severus would rather leave the post empty then have some incompetent fool teaching the class. And that was saying something, as Snape valued the importance of potions almost as much as defense against the dark arts.
"I received a last minute application from a Miss Eleanor Oakensen, and I am hoping to offer her the post, so long as her interview goes well. I know you are familiar with some of her work, but I also wanted to be sure you were comfortable with the possibility of her becoming your colleague, and working in close proximity with her." Minerva eyed Severus cautiously. "Poppy filled me in on the details of how you were saved from that blasted snake wound".
Snape stood up abruptly and began pacing the office. He was irritated that Poppy had shared the details of his recovery with Minerva, but understood why, with the possibility of his savior coming to live and work in close proximity with him.
Eleanor Oakensen had developed the most powerful antivenom known to Wizardkind at the mere age of 17. Her late father had gone to school with Poppy Pomfrey, and after reading about Nagini's attack on Arthur Weasley, Eleanor sent some phials of the antivenom to the matron, hoping that it may help someone in need. Of course blasted Hermione Granger had immediately summoned Poppy as soon as she encountered Severus in the shack, and Poppy came and immediately administered those phials, as well as a hefty amount of blood replenishing potion. He owed all three women his life. He had long admired Miss Oakensen's work, though he initially resented her. Although he didn't know her, he compared her in his mind to a swotty little Gryffindor, always barging in playing the hero without considering the consequences. In truth, he had not expected to survive the war, and had become comfortable with the idea of death.
Surviving had opened up a whole new world of complications, as Saint Potter had shared all the intimate details of his life with the greater wizarding world, in order to prove his innocence. He had more or less come to terms with his continued existence, and supposed he was grateful to be alive. Except for the times he had to go out in public and was bombarded with witches both swooning over and pitying him, thinking him a hopeless romantic. At those times he fervently wished he was rotting away in Azkaban. He generally wasn't bothered at Hogwarts, he treated his students as strictly as he ever had, although with the war over he was allowed to be fairer. He received more admiration than before, and his students respected him for his knowledge of the dark arts as well as his heroism as a spy. Hogwarts was really the only place he felt comfortable and accepted. He feared losing that comfort. He knew his resentment was unfounded, but he wasn't sure how he would react when the conversation would inevitably come about.
"Severus, are you quite alright?" Minerva asked, concern in her eyes.
Snape glared in her direction. "I'm fine, Minerva. Honestly, I really don't think I need to be here. Miss Oakensen is brilliant. You know I've long admired her father's work, he was one of the most innovative Potioneers of our time, he invented Veritaserum, for God's sake! She proved herself brilliant before even attempting her potions apprenticeship, by inventing the Snakewood Antivenom. She's saved countless lives, mine included. You can hire whoever the hell you want, you don't need to worry about my feelings on the matter. Now if you don't mind, I'll take my leave."
Minerva stood up angrily. "Take a seat, Severus. You aren't going anywhere, I require your assistance and you gave me your word. Miss Oakensen should be here any minute now."
Severus sat, looking daggers at Minerva. There was suddenly a knock on the door. "What impeccable timing," he muttered darkly.
"Come in," Minerva intoned pleasantly.
The door opened to reveal a young and rather beautiful witch. She was of average height, with wavy dark hair that hung just past her shoulders and bright hazel eyes. Severus immediately noticed the dark circles that were prominent underneath them. Her hair was unlike anything Severus had seen, it reminded him of rich woodgrain, with varying shades of blacks, browns, deep reds, and just a bit of amber. Dressed in a simple black gown that accentuated soft curves underneath her teaching robes, she strode into the office confidently, smiling pleasantly at the elderly witch and surly wizard in the office.
"Good afternoon! You must be Headmistress McGonagall! Thank you most sincerely for granting me an interview, it is a real honor and privilege for me to simply step foot into Hogwarts, I heard so much about this place from my parents as a child." She shook hands with Minerva.
"Thank you for coming. I trust Hagrid proved a satisfactory escort?" Minerva asked, smiling at the young witch.
"Yes! He was so kind and welcoming. He remembered my parents from their time at school here! He shared a bit of what he knew of the castle and grounds as we walked up. I got a good chuckle out of your password, by the way, Talisker is the name of my cat, as well as my favorite Scotch distillery."
Minerva's eyes lit up like a child's on Christmas morning. "Ah, so you are a Scotch drinker? How marvelous, I'm always looking for someone to appreciate a good Scotch with. Only Severus here usually indulges me." Eleanor turned her attention to Snape, who was looking as though he'd rather be anywhere else.
She held her hand out. "You must be Severus Snape. I've long admired your work in potions, and it is a pleasure to meet you." Severus begrudgingly stood up and shook her hand. He noted that she made a point not to say she had heard of him for being a spy or war hero who spent years atoning for his mistakes, as most did when they came in contact with him. He was grateful for that.
"Likewise, Miss Oakensen. Now that we have dispensed with the pleasantries, could we get on with the interview?" he asked, looking at Minerva impatiently. Eleanor raised an eyebrow, looking a bit taken aback by the aloof wizard, but sat in the chair next to Snape and folded her hands in her lap, looking at Minerva expectantly.
Minerva sat as well. "So, you are the daughter of Edward Oakensen, who as Severus and I are aware of was one of the most brilliant potioneers of our time. I remember him and your mother, Leandra, from their time in school, and I found them both kind, well mannered, and intelligent. Both were in Ravenclaw, if I remember correctly?" Eleanor nodded in confirmation.
"His innovations, as well as his invention of Veritaserum are legendary. I know he was a beloved potions master at Illvermorny for many years, and I must say I am so sorry that he was taken so young."
"Thank you," Eleanor replied emotionally. "I owe him so much and I miss him every day. He was a wonderful man and teacher and an even better father." Minerva looked down at her papers, and gave the witch a moment to collect herself.
"I've heard from Headmaster Fontaine at Ilvermorny, and he had nothing but wonderful things to say about you. You were sorted into the house of the Horned Serpent, and had top notch grades during your education there. You were so accomplished at potions that he asked you to cover the subject after your father's death, though you hadn't yet completed an apprenticeship." Eleanor nodded.
"He then asked if you would stay on and teach the following year when he was unable to find a suitable replacement, is that correct?" Minerva asked, looking for confirmation.
Eleanor nodded. "Yes, that is correct."
Severus leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him.. "Rather unprecedented for him to allow you to teach that young and that long without your mastery. Why didn't you decline and immediately start your apprenticeship after completing your education at Ilvermorny?" he asked, looking into her eyes and subtly trying to break into her mind.
She narrowed her eyes. "First of all, Professor Snape, it is common courtesy to await a verbal answer before utilizing legilimency to break into one's mind and memories, and only if you have good reason to suspect they are being dishonest."
Snape raised an eyebrow. "You are a skilled Occlumens." It was a statement, not a question.
"I'm actually a natural born Occlumens. No one has ever been able to penetrate my mind, though my father was a self taught Occlumens and Legilimens., and he tried, albeit unsuccessfully. He also taught me a bit of legilimency, but I admit I'm not great at it." She crossed her ankles and sat back in the chair, arms crossed defensively. Snape thoughtfully appraised her, but said nothing more.
"Now, if you'll allow me to answer your initial inquiry. As I assume you both know, since it happened in London during your war, and it was in the news, my father was attacked, tortured into insanity, and killed before my eyes, while we were visiting to work out the details of my impending apprenticeship. All because Lord Voldemort wanted my father to join his ranks, and he refused." She stated, her voice shaking slightly. McGonagall looked at her with sympathy, Snape with an unreadable expression.
"After I returned to America, my mum and I both lived in fear of being hunted down by death eaters, and staying at Ilvermorny offered us immense protection that we would not have had elsewhere. I was not in the best mental state to be teaching upon my return, but I learned to conceal my emotions and I did what I had to. Even though some of my first students were also my peers, I taught with the same high standards my father did, and they knew what I expected of them. They also knew I was not someone to cross. I've never had an issue controlling a class, and had no issues teaching the curriculum from first through seventh year, even before completing my mastery."
"Yes, that's what Professor Fontaine said. He further added that the entire teaching staff was inspired by your courage and ability, which was so uncommon in one so young." Minerva replied.
Eleanor blushed slightly. "I'll have to thank him. He and his wife, Alanna, were extremely kind to my mother and I. I think they would have let me teach there longer, had I shown interest, but after the following year, when Lord Voldemort was defeated, and my father's murderer was killed, I felt like it would be safe to come to England and begin my apprenticeship at last. My father had been so happy when I applied for it, and I wanted to complete my mastery to make him proud. So my mum and I moved back to Manchester, and I began my apprenticeship. While I taught at Ilvermorny, I developed the Snakewood antivenom, which I feel is my greatest accomplishment. During my apprenticeship I also developed the Migraine Mitigator, which to my knowledge has helped many people control their issues with intense head pain. During and after my apprenticeship I have done much research and have several published articles, and I'm currently researching the Dreamless Sleep potion, and attempting to figure out if there is a way to make it non-addictive. It is common knowledge that it can be habit forming, and that its effects wear off over time if you become reliant on it."
"Fascinating," Severus replied sincerely. "And why is it exactly that you want to return to teaching after all this time?"
"Though research and development is satisfying, I really felt the most fulfilled whilst teaching, sharing my knowledge and passion with others, and I am very much hoping to have an opportunity to do what I love once more."
Minerva looked at Severus, apparently more than satisfied with Eleanor's credentials. Severus turned to Eleanor, asking another question.
"From the time you completed your mastery up until recently, I haven't seen or heard many developments coming from you. Why is it that now, four years later, you have resurfaced? What have you been up to?"
Eleanor smiled sadly, "I went through a lot after my father's death, and bottled up a lot of my emotions for a long time. I was feeling pretty depressed, and my mum suggested I take up one of our shared passions… music. My mum is an extremely talented singer and pianist, but never got the chance to pursue it, because she came to Hogwarts, met my dad, got married, had me, and then moved to America. She taught me what she knew as I was growing up, but she is convinced I am far more gifted than her and urged me to apply to a muggle music college. I spent the four years after obtaining my potions mastery pursuing a degree in Piano and Vocal performance at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester." Severus's eyes widened in shock, whilst Minerva merely chuckled appreciatively.
"You are a woman of many talents, it seems." she said, winking at Eleanor.
"Why on earth would you go to school for music when you could have been looking for a teaching post, or utilizing your immeasurable talents to do research in your field?" Severus asked incredulously.
Eleanor tensed up and frowned at the dark arts professor. "Music is incredibly healing to the soul. You have no idea what I went through, it was as though I was dead inside. Life isn't worth living if your soul is all but gone. Music sets me free in a way that magic never has. After what happened to me- she stumbled on her words- erm, to my father, I now have trouble expressing my emotions the normal way. I have found that I can be incredibly expressive and emote through singing or playing piano. It has been incredibly therapeutic to me, and I thank Merlin every day that I made that decision." Severus narrowed his eyes, not missing her subtle slip up. Something terrible happened not just to her father, but to her as well.
Minerva cleared her throat. "Miss Oakensen, I apologise for Severus's insensitive questions, he sometimes crosses the line. Would you mind stepping out into the hallway? I'd just like to discuss a few points with Severus, and then we can let you know if you have obtained the position."
Eleanor's eyes widened. "I didn't realize I'd be getting an answer so quickly! Of course, I will be outside, take whatever time you need!" She smiled at Minerva, sent a perturbed look at Snape, and left the room, closing the door with a snap.
Snape rounded on Minerva. "How dare you accuse me of crossing the line? You wanted my help, and I found it strange that she all but disappeared from the Wizarding world for over four years. I wanted some answers."
"Severus, Eleanor seems like a wonderful young woman, and she certainly has the credentials for this job. You can really be an insensitive berk sometimes. It's clear from the dark circles under her eyes and the way she talks about her father that she has had a terrible time. Perhaps you should try feeling a bit of compassion rather than suspicion."
"I have no concerns about her ability, Minerva. Offer her the damn position, but be sure to fill her in on our unique situation. She may not be comfortable with it, and I don't want to deal with any drama or unpleasantries." He sat back down in his chair, crossing his arms and scowling at the witch.
Minerva rolled her eyes and strode over to the door, opening it and letting the younger witch back inside.
After Eleanor took her seat, Minerva sat behind her desk once more.
"Eleanor, we would be very much honored if you would accept our offer and join Hogwarts staff as our new Potions Mistress. However, we have a unique situation this year and I want to make sure you are comfortable with everything before you accept."
Eleanor looked intrigued. "Go on," she replied curiously.
Minerva continued. "As you are aware, Severus was Potions master here many years before he obtained the Defense against the Dark Arts Post. When he took over the position, he made it clear that he wanted to keep his quarters in the dungeons, which was ok with Horace Slughorn, who preferred the defense quarters, as they are on the third floor and are much more comfortable. It is also handy for Severus to be near the Slytherin common room, as he is their head of house. However, Severus utilizes the defense office, which is connected to the defense classroom. Your office would be in the dungeons, connected with the potions classrooms. The entrance to Severus's quarters is accessed through a portrait in your office, and the entrance to your quarters is accessed through a portrait in his office. Your private quarters can be warded and entered only by you, of course, but you and Severus will be crossing paths quite a bit, in order to access your respective living spaces, I imagine."
Eleanor shrugged her shoulders. "That won't be an issue with me, I prefer quarters above ground, and I don't mind having an open door policy for my office. As long as it is ok with Professor Snape, it's ok with me."
"As my office doesn't come with a door, I could care less. I don't feel like moving out of the space I've lived in for most of my life," Severus confirmed irritably.
Minerva nodded briskly. "There's more, I'm afraid. We have a first year coming to Hogwarts that has a very unique situation. He is a werewolf, and we are allowing him to come to school under very special and controlled circumstances. The last werewolf student we had nearly attacked Severus, and he is only agreeing to the lad coming here if he is in control of the situation. Severus has installed a cell in his quarters where he will be taking the lad to stay during his transformations. Severus went to school with the boys parents, and they wish to entrust the brewing of Wolfsbane to Severus alone. He will need to share your private brewing room with you once a month to discreetly brew the potion."
Eleanor raised her eyebrows. "I can certainly agree to sharing my brewing space, and I'm glad you let me know that I will be in close proximity to a werewolf once a month. May I say I think it is wonderful that you are giving this boy a chance at a quality education, where other schools perhaps would not. I can assure you that I am more than capable of brewing the Wolfsbane, but I do understand the parents wish for a family friend to be responsible for their son. If for any reason Professor Snape needs my assistance, I'd be happy to help in any way I can."
Minerva nodded, relaxing back in her chair. "I'm sure I don't need to add that we require your utmost discretion in this matter. No one but the rest of our staff will know about this boys situation, and we all need to do our best to help him keep it a secret." Eleanor nodded.
"So will you accept the position?" Minerva asked, eyeing the girl hopefully.
Eleanor's face broke into an excited grin. "I am honored to accept, Professor McGonagall!"
Minerva smiled warmly. "Then let me be the first to welcome you to our staff," she replied, shaking Eleanor's hand. "As you are a new staff member, you are welcome to come and get settled on August 19th. I'm going to ask Severus to meet you at the gate that day, and he will escort you to your quarters and show you to your office. You will have about two weeks to get your quarters, office, and potions classroom in order, as well as replenish the student storeroom. We deal with the apothecary in Hogsmeade, so it's a simple matter of putting an order in and picking it up once they have it filled. Madame Pomfrey will also have a list of potions she requires for the infirmary, and it is the potions master… or mistress's job to brew them and continually help her keep them in stock through the year."
"That sounds wonderful! I will be sure to have everything in order by the 19th, and I look forward to getting acquainted with everyone here!" Eleanor replied excitedly. "Is there anything else you need from me today, professors?"
"Not at this time. I know you are friends with Poppy, and she mentioned wanting to see you. Would you like me to escort you to the infirmary so she can say hello to you?" Minerva asked, rising from her chair.
"That would be lovely!" Eleanor replied, standing as well. Snape rose to his feet irritably.
"If you have no further need for me, I'd like to take my leave," he said, looking to Minerva.
She nodded. "Thank you for your insights, Severus, I'll be seeing you on the 19th."
Snape nodded to her then turned to Eleanor. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Professor Oakensen." With a swish of his cloak, he billowed out of the office and out of sight.
After a moment, Eleanor raised her eyebrows again. "I'd heard that he was quite a piece of work, and I'd say that is an accurate assessment."
Minerva laughed. "Severus appears gruff, but to be honest, he is mostly bark and no bite. You seemed to handle him well, I think the two of you will get on fine."
"I hope so, as it seems I'll be seeing rather a lot of him," she replied, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Minerva patted her arm. "If he gives you trouble, you let me know. I've known him since he was a lad, I can put him in his place. Let's go see how Poppy is doing, I haven't seen her since the end of last term."
The witches exited the heads office and headed to their destination, unaware of the dark brooding wizard watching them from a hidden alcove.
Snape was intrigued by the young witch. He'd never met a natural born occlumens, though he had heard of them. It was a rare gift. He wasn't used to being shut out of someone's head, and it disturbed him. He definitely got the sense that there was more to this woman than appeared, and he was curious to find out more about her. He'd heard of her father's attack after it happened. He wasn't often included in the Dark Lord's agendas unless they involved Hogwarts. He was deeply disgusted and disappointed, and secretly pleased when the Dark Lord punished Mulciber. Even the Dark Lord was displeased that his witless cronie tortured such a brilliant mind into insanity. Apparently that was never part of the plan. It was truly a loss to the Wizarding world. Snape didn't know till today that the young witch had been there and was forced to watch. He wondered what else he didn't know about the situation, as clearly more happened than she let on. He swept away, heading back to his home at Spinner's End, plagued by unpleasant thoughts and suspicions.