Disclaimer: Quite obviously i don't own anything you recognise from Harry Potter, it all belongs to J.K Rowling. Anything you don't recognise (such as Anna) is mine. Also the title of this story comes from a song by Paul Oakenfold, something i did not realise until just recently, so i don't own that either.
A/N: This is my first proper fanfic. It started out as just a way to practice and improve my writing skills, but along the way it has developed into much more.
Unfortunately, due to a string of real life events out of my control, this story has been on hold indefinitely and will remain that way until further notice. A thousand apologies to my readers, reviewers and my beta TowerMage.
On a side note, Chapter 20 has been rewritten slightly and Chapter 21 is in development. However, there will be no new uploads until there is more than one new chapter ready to go.
Chapter 1: Anxious Arrival
A frown formed on the pale lips of Annalyse Chambers as she looked out at the rain pelting the train's window. It was a terribly gloomy day, not something she thought of as a good start to her new job.
Anna shook her head slightly and returned her attention to the open book resting in her lap, but she could not concentrate.
After reading the same paragraph at least four times she closed the book with a snap and replaced it in her battered briefcase. The Hogwarts Express would be stopping soon anyway and Anna would return to Hogwarts for the first time since her graduation.
I wonder if it's changed at all, she thought as the train began to slow down. Standing up and stretching, Anna adjusted her blue robes. Rummaging in a pocket she drew out a small mirror in order to check her appearance.
Her mouse brown hair was tied back in a plait, though a few stubborn strands had freed themselves to fall around her face. A light dusting of freckles covered her small nose and her blue eyes appeared somewhat troubled, as if there was something about this new job that scared her.
The train came to a stop slowly as Anna put the mirror away and picked up her
battered briefcase.
"Firs' years! Firs' years this way!" came the loud voice of Hogwarts Gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid, as he ushered the first years towards a group of boats waiting at the edge of the lake. The older students and Anna made their way to the horseless carriages waiting nearby.
Anna ignored the curious looks the students gave her as she went to climb into an empty carriage, pausing to give the Thestral that pulled it a quick pat.
The rain continued to fall, battering the carriages as they were drawn up the muddy road towards the castle. Anna fixed her attention upon the warm lights glowing within the castle, trying to ignore the curious glances and whispering of the three Hufflepuff second years that shared her carriage.
They probably think I'm the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Anna thought as the swaying carriage jostled her and the students around.
Anna was indeed to be a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but not as the teacher of that particular subject. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, had written to her a few weeks ago asking her to take up the position of Astronomy professor for the year as Professor Sinistra had taken a much-needed vacation. Anna had agreed immediately, she was desperate for work and could find little as a substitute teacher. It was her hope that, if she did well, Dumbledore might find her a full time teaching position.
Well, here we go.
Anna and the students climbed out of the carriages and ran up the castle steps quickly, eager to be out of the rain.
As Anna stood in the Entrance Hall using her wand to dry herself as the rain continued to fall, she pitied the first years that were making their journey to Hogwarts by the lake and were probably drenched from head to toe.
The other students were chatting away happily as they began to slowly make their way into the Great Hall. Anna stood awkwardly in the Entrance Hall, unsure of whether to follow the students or not.
"Ah! Annalyse Chambers!"
Anna turned to see Professor Minerva McGonagall, deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration teacher, walking towards her. Anna smiled somewhat nervously as she greeted her old teacher.
"Hello Professor McGonagall."
McGonagall waved a hand dismissively.
"Call me Minerva," the old woman smiled at Anna, "Welcome back to Hogwarts Annalyse. Just follow the students into the Great Hall, everyone is getting ready for the Sorting Ceremony."
"Of course."
McGonagall nodded and looked over at the main doors where Hagrid's voice could be heard outside.
"Hurry along now, there is a place for you at the staff table." She said before heading over to the doors.
Anna moved to pick up her briefcase, but it was gone. A house-elf had already taken it to her rooms. With a slight smile upon her face, Anna made her way into the Great Hall and towards the staff table.
Professor Albus Dumbledore rose to greet her as Anna approached the large table.
"Annalyse, my dear, welcome! It is good to see you again." His bright blue eyes twinkled behind his half moon glasses.
"Likewise, Headmaster." Anna replied.
"Please, take a seat. I believe the Sorting will take place in a moment." Dumbledore indicated to an empty seat at the table.
As soon as Anna sat down, McGonagall entered the Great Hall with the first years following her nervously. The Sorting began quickly, but Anna paid little attention to the ceremony. Instead she was busy looking around the staff table at all the teachers.
Seated next to her was a short, grey haired witch who introduced herself as Professor Sprout. Anna chatted quietly to the witch for a few moments before turning her attention to the man seated on her other side.
He had shoulder length black hair, a hooked nose and a scowl on his face as he watched the students being sorted. The scowl looked as if it was a permanent feature.
"Hello, I'm Annalyse Chambers." She smiled at him as she introduced herself.
He turned his head ever so slightly to look at her with dark eyes.
"Severus Snape." He said in a cold, smooth voice. Anna's smile wavered slightly at the coldness of his reply.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Professor Snape, what subject is it that you teach?" Anna asked.
"I am the Potions Master." He replied in that same cold voice before focusing his attention back to the Sorting, which was almost over. Anna was going to say more, but he made it clear that the conversation was over by ignoring her attempts completely.
She watched the Potions Master for a moment longer, but was soon distracted as Dumbledore rose at the end of the Sorting.
"Welcome!" he smiled warmly around at everyone, "Let's eat!"
Food flooded the tables and everyone began eating in a flurry of movement.
Anna spent the majority of the feast talking with Professor Sprout, who turned out to be the Herbology teacher, a subject Anna had enjoyed while at school.
As the feast came to an end and everyone was pushing their plates away and thinking longingly about the soft beds awaiting them, Dumbledore rose from his seat once more causing everyone to cease their conversations and listen attentively.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Now, I'm sure you are all eager to get to bed after that delicious feast, but I must ask you to listen for a little longer." His blue eyes twinkled merrily as he looked at all the students, the majority of first years smothering yawns.
"We have a couple of new teachers joining us this year, firstly please welcome Professor Marlan who will be taking Defence Against the Dark Arts this year." There was scattered applause as a young man in elegant green robes stood up. He had light brown hair and a slight smile upon his face as he looked at the students before sitting down again.
"Professor Sinistra has decided to take a much needed vacation this year, so please welcome Professor Chambers who will be taking Astronomy for the year." Dumbledore indicated Anna, who stood and nodded nervously at the students as she received the same scattered applause before taking her seat again.
"Now, if the prefects would be kind enough to lead everyone to their dormitories," Dumbledore paused a moment, his eyes sweeping over a few students who were plainly asleep, "I'm sure we could all use a good night's rest. Off you go now." He smiled at them all again as the noise grew as the students began to file out of the Great Hall.
Anna rose with the other teachers, smiling and bidding them goodnight as they left via a door behind the staff table.
"Annalyse."
She turned from saying goodnight to Professor McGonagall and Professor Marlan, who bowed to her, to look up into the face of Dumbledore.
"Yes, Headmaster?"
"Tomorrow morning, stop by the staff room and I shall introduce you properly to everyone."
"Of course, Headmaster."
"Do call me Albus, my dear." Warmth shone in his bright eyes, "Oh, Severus?"
Anna looked over her shoulder to see the dark form of Professor Snape pause by the door.
"Yes, Headmaster Dumbledore?"
"Would you be so kind as to show Annalyse to her rooms?"
Snape gave a slight bow and nodded to the Headmaster, his dark eyes flicking over to Anna briefly.
"Good, good. I shall see you both in the morning." Dumbledore nodded to both of them before sweeping out of the Hall.
"Follow me." Snape said shortly, leaving the Hall without even checking to see if Anna was indeed following. She had to jog to catch up with the dark professor, his long strides carrying him swiftly down the corridor.
Once she had caught up with him she watched him carefully for a moment. Snape was staring straight ahead, once again ignoring her completely.
"Do you, er, enjoy Potions?" Anna asked, breaking the silence between them.
Without even looking at her, he replied in his cold, velvety voice.
"Yes."
Though he did appear aloof and uncaring, he had an oddly beautiful voice, a voice that commanded the attention of the person he was speaking to.
"Oh. Have you been teaching long?"
"Is there a reason that you are asking these questions, Professor Chambers?" he asked her sharply.
"Er…I was just making conversation." She smiled weakly up at him. He was at least head and shoulders taller than her.
"Well, desist." He said in icy tones.
Anna's smile became a frown as she found the stone floor rather interesting. Was he always like this? She wondered, biting her bottom lip. She was a nice person by nature and hated it when others were mean to her for no apparent reason. Perhaps she would have to stay out of the Potions Master's way while she was here…the other teachers seemed a lot more inviting. Though, being nice to him couldn't hurt, maybe if he got to know her he would be nicer. Yes. She made a silent promise to herself that everytime she saw Professor Snape she would smile or try to start up a conversation. If she managed to get a smile out of him before she left, she would definitely be happy.
"Here." Snape said.
Anna looked up, not even realizing that they had reached their destination.
"Oh, thank you."
Snape merely inclined his head before sweeping off down the corridor, black robes billowing out behind him.
He looks like an overgrown bat, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed! Anna shook her head slightly and examined the door before her. There appeared to be no spells on it. She would have to set up wards in the morning; she was far too tired now.
Opening the door she studied her small rooms. She was quite pleased with the rooms, they were rather cozy. Her office was set out with a plain wooden desk, empty bookshelves and a couple of comfy looking chairs. Moving across the office, Anna opened the door that connected the office to her bedroom. Her battered briefcase sat upon the small bed, a wardrobe stood in the far corner next to the open door that led to the small bathroom.
Covering a yawn, Anna pushed her briefcase off the bed and collapsed upon it. Still fully clothed, her exhaustion crept up on her and she was soon sleeping peacefully.
