"Severus…" Albus had watched the Potions Master fret for several weeks. "Everything will be fine."
Severus nodded without conviction. He was not certain he believed what the Headmaster said. His stomach was in knots, as were his nerves. "We will soon find out."
"She is here. I believe she is more gifted than you mentioned." Albus raised his brows and smiled. Severus said nothing just continued to pace. Finally, the eyes following him about got annoying.
"She was educated early is all, and has studied abroad. She is a quick study." Finally, he sat down and waited.
"That she is. She will make a fine assistant to help with your double schedule." Dumbledore watched as the doors to the Great Hall opened. An average height, slender, pale, dark haired girl stepped inside and approached them. She seemed worried, unsure. "Welcome, Nephthys. I am pleased to finally meet you."
"Headmaster, I am honored to be here and look forward to the school year and your presence." She bowed slightly but did not lose his gaze from hers.
"Well, come have a seat. The children will be here soon." Dumbledore motioned to a chair by Snape with a twinkle in his eye. She ignored it as she sat down. Neither she nor Severus spoke.
Soon, the students began filing in and sitting down. Nephthys watched with a blank expression that matched Snape's . Most of her appearance matched his. Her hair was black, her skin very pale, and her features were sharp. Her black robe seemed to be a living part of her as his seemed to be of him. Needless to say, she caught the attention of many of the older students, especially Slytherins.
Dumbledore rose after the sorting and made his usual speech. As he ended it, he introduced Nephthys. "The young woman beside Professor Snape will be assisting with his double schedule. She is to be treated as a professor and has full disciplinary power."
The students looked at the young woman, shocked. They could tell she was about the age of a fifth year student, yet she was not a student. As they ate their meal, Harry Potter and his friends, as well as Draco Malfoy and his friends, were eyeing her carefully. Halfway through the meal, Nephthys stood and barely touched Snape's shoulder before making her way out of the Great Hall. He watched her go before taking a drink of his wine, wiping his mouth, excusing himself, and following her out.
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Nephthys stopped outside the Great Hall. She knew he would follow. Sure enough, he came out the door a few seconds later. He took her by the arm and drug her toward the dungeons. She quickly jerked free and followed. He snorted but said nothing, holding open the door to his classroom when they arrived. She entered and waited. He would be the first to speak or nothing would be said. She was not in the position to start any conversation. Everything was up to him.
"Come into my office," he said as he headed in that direction. She followed obediently. After they were inside, he locked the door and took his place behind his desk. Nephthys looked around and at the vials, cauldrons, arcane books, chalices, beakers, and other such objects. The surfaces were in disarray but not out of order. She sniffed the air and smiled. He was brewing nothing more than tea at the moment. "Sit, Nephthys. It seems we have much to discuss."
"As you wish, Professor." She sat down and made herself comfortable but straight and tense, though her appearance belied that.
"Inside these walls, when we are alone, you do not have to use such formalities." He poured the tea and handed her a cup. She sipped it and her smile returned. "I see your tastes have not changed."
"No, they have not, in most things that is." She pulled her wand from her sleeve and waved it before her. A small tray of scones appeared. "These are something I found intriguing."
Snape looked at the scones a moment before reaching for one and sniffing it. Nephthys smiled as he nipped at the scone. He chewed lightly before swallowing. "Intriguing indeed. Irish cream wrapped in a chocolate shell."
"And, with your taste for chocolate…"
Snape smirked. "Yes, I do have a taste for chocolate, but if you tell a soul…"
Nephthys smirked and drank her tea. She had no doubt the two of them would make hell for the students during the year. She, herself, had plans for the Malfoy boy and the other Slytherins which would all depend upon them. "I would never dream of it." She sat forward and placed her cup down. "I should see to my chambers. Classes start tomorrow and I can't wait to get my talons in the students."
"You are much like your father, Nephthys." Snape smirked over the rim of his cup. Nephthys smirked back as she stood.
"Why, thank you, Father!" She nodded her farewell and left him alone. He watched her go, reaching for another scone. Perhaps things were not going to be as bad as he feared.
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The next day came all too soon. Snape and Nephthys had DADA with the sixth years first. Neither one was looking forward to the Slytherin and Gryffindor rivalry, though Snape was an avid participant. They awaited the arrival of the students, Nephthys sitting at the desk flipping through a book with an arched brow. "They are just now… Goddess, no wonder I am able to…" She tossed the book down and looked at him. "Alright, I'm bored already."
Snape snorted as the first students trickled in. "Get used to it, My Dear." He glanced down at the book and shook his head. She had been looking over the material for the seventh year students.
Nephthys sighed and sunk into the chair and crossed her arms. "Great." She watched the students as they filled the chairs. The clock behind her chimed and she stood, smiling. "Let the fun begin," she whispered to him. He took a deep breath. She was like her father but also like her mother…
As they got ready to begin class, a voice traveled to their ears. "Tell me, Potter. You still a pathetic fool?" Harry ignored Draco's question as he noticed Snape and Nephthys watching them closely. Neither instructor said anything. Snape moved to the front of the room and began discussing a creature called a Scarinx. Many of the students became quickly bored and let their minds wonder, especially the Slytherins. They figured Snape would make an example, and fools, of the Gryffindors. Pity for them, Snape was not the one doing the questioning.
"Alright, Nephthys, see if they learned anything." Snape leaned against the desk as she began walking about the room.
"Very well." Her eyes scanned the room and quickly found her target. "Mr. Goyle, let us start with an easy question. What color is a Scarinx?" Goyle made a strange deer in the headlights face as Hermoine's hand shot up. "Patience, Miss Granger. We all know you know the answer. Your reputation precedes you." Nephthys turned her attention back to her target. "Mr. Goyle?"
"Green?" He guessed futilely.
"Incorrect. Five points from Slytherin. Mr. Crabbe, seeing as you were paying such close attention, what is the answer?" She now stood behind them, having moved without them hearing. Draco slid a paper toward Crabbe as covertly as he could, which she saw and promptly took. "Five more points from Slytherin. Not a very good start you have so far, gentlemen." She walked to the front of the classroom. "Miss Granger, if you would?"
"Red, scarlet to be more precise, though some have been known to be a light rust color." Her answer was very enthusiastic. Nephthys made a mental note to pull the girl aside and talk with her. They could learn from each other.
"Miss Parkinson, what creature, domestic that is, does a Scarinx most resemble? By the way, five points to Gryffindor." Nephthys came to a stop by her father and leaned back beside him. After a moment she spoke, "Miss Parkinson, Mr. Malfoy is surely not stupid enough to repeat his acts that have already failed. Your answer?"
"Lion?" Pansy doubted she was right. She had been too busy staring at Draco through the whole class.
"No. Five more points from Slytherin. Mr. Weasley?"
"Uh… Cat?" He was uncertain himself.
"Correct. Five points to Gryffindor. I will give Parkinson credit for the correct familia. However, I did say domestic in the question." She glanced at Snape, who nodded. "Read up on Scarinxes. You have a quiz next time we meet. Perhaps you will learn to better pay attention to your lessons." She picked up a different book than the one she had tossed aside and sat back behind the desk. She showed something to Snape, who nodded again.
"Open your texts to page 27." He crossed his arms and began to discuss Lupgles. Nephthys seemed uninterested as she relaxed back in her seat again. She began drafting their quiz. A while later, Snape dismissed the class. She motioned a farewell as he left for his potions class. She was left to take care of the sixth year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw DADA class.
As she watched the students take their seats, eyeing her as they did so, she wondered what it would have been like to have gone through the famous Hogwarts curriculum. Her father had assured her she was getting a far wider and better education by studying abroad. She was getting true experience while learning. If only she was so certain. She feared the students would prove him wrong, though the books were failing miserably.
Finally, all the students were settled and ready to begin. Nephthys sighed as she stood and moved to lean against the desk. "Alright. You can either open your texts and find the entry for Scarinx and read of your own accord or listen to me. The choice is yours, but seeing as the Slytherins decided to not pay attention last class, you will be having a quiz on the creatures next time you have this class." She waited as several students opened their books. She then began the lecture. The day was going to prove long and boring, she was certain.
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Lunch came not soon enough for Nephthys. She entered the Great Hall, robes swirling about her. The students present watched her, noting how much like Snape she really was and not knowing why. Rumors had started, some of them very close to the truth. She had ignored the questions some of the older, braver students had asked her. Her mind was set on one thing, and one thing only, making it through lunch without losing her temper. She had reservations that she could make it. She placed herself beside her father and clenched her teeth as the half-giant Hagrid turned her way.
"Yer the talk of the school now. Everyone is wantin' ta know all about ye."
"Yes, well, I am sure they have enough fake stories to satisfy them without knowing the truth. My life is none of their concern, nor is it something I wish to discuss in open for I have no reason to believe anyone would believe what I said concerning most of the questions they would ask." She sipped at the drink that sat before her. Hagrid eyed her a moment, deciding she would probably not be all that interesting to talk to after all.
Snape, on the other hand, had heard her and was smirking. "You shouldn't be so quick to turn them away."
Nephthys snorted. "What can I say, it runs in the family."
Snape's smirk grew slightly. "Yes, that it does." He passed her some rolls, knowing she favored them to all the rest of the food. She took them without a word and began nibbling at one. "How has your day been so far?"
"Miserable comes to mind." She swept her eyes over the crowd finally settling her gaze on Harry. "It amazes me the ruckus one boy can make when he wants nothing but to be normal."
Snape followed her gaze. Harry and his friends had noticed the attention and shot curious, if not malicious, looks back. "You jump to an awful quick assumption. You have not been around him…"
"Which means you jumped to an assumption before you even met him, right?" She glanced at him and rolled her eyes. "You do not mind being judged but Mr. Potter dislikes it. He is not his father."
"You can read him?"
"Of course. I can read all of them if I try." She finished her roll in silence, occasionally looking at the Gryffindor table. As the students began trickling out, Draco Malfoy and his pair of lapdogs came up to speak with Snape.
"Draco?" Snape asked as the blond waited.
"Sir, if I could have a moment of your time?" He looked at Nephthys, who was the only teacher still close to Snape as most of the others had left.
"Well, you have it so speak." Snape ignored the obvious hint that Nephthys should leave.
"Sir, I don't want to speak of this in front of…"
Nephthys rolled her eyes. "Really, Mr. Malfoy. Are you always so subtle?" She picked up her goblet and drank. Draco noticed the silver and onyx ring on her left index finger which bore a serpent on either side of the onyx, their mouths open around the gem. The ring seemed familiar but he could not place why. "Well, as it seems he is not to speak while I sit here, I will be in the Potions room awaiting you. You were making some Wolf's Bane correct?"
"Yes, it should just about be finished. Check it and add the last bit." He waved her off as she stood and left the hall. Draco made sure she was gone before speaking.
"Sir, I am quite curious as to why you allowed her to make a mockery of the Slytherins this morning." Draco crossed his arms and looked at the Potions Master.
"My reasoning is none of your business, Draco. She obviously felt you deserved what she did." Snape stood and began heading for the dungeons. Draco followed as it was his next class.
"You are the Head of House. She is your assistant, which means you should have control over…"
"Draco, no one controls Nephthys save for Nephthys herself. She has been independent most of her life."
"But, Sir…"
Snape stopped and looked at the young Malfoy. "Draco, I recommend you stop your pestering and get ready for class. We will be learning a new potion and I haven't the time to put up with this." Snape left him and his 'friends' standing there. Draco glanced around to see if anyone saw the teacher attack his favorite student. He sighed, not noticing Harry standing by the stairs. Harry was just as surprised as Draco by Snape's vehemence against questioning about Nephthys.
Snape entered the Potions class to find only Granger had arrived. He shook his head and moved to the front of the room where Nephthys stood reading over a scroll. She glanced up at his approach. "You know, if you substituted Hag's Hair for the Crone's Whiskers you would have better results." Hermione held her breath as she heard Nephthys question Snape's approach. Snape was not one to take it lightly, even from someone such as Dumbledore.
"Hag's Hair…" Snape glanced over her shoulder at the scroll. "Perhaps…"
"You might consider Horn of Dragon instead of the Fang of Serpent, too." Nephthys placed the scroll down. "If you have them, I could make it such while you show the students the other way."
Snape considered this. "I see no harm, but you will be the one testing it." He eyed her pointedly.
"But of course. I would never imagine giving someone else a potion I am not certain will work." Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she spoke. Snape snorted and turned his back to her. More students were arriving and he had to prepare himself.
Hermione barely noticed Ron and Harry as they joined her. She watched as Nephthys easily made her way around Snape and the classroom, not worried at all she would do something to upset the Potion Master. "'Mione?" Ron asked as he touched her arm.
"Hmmm?" Was her only response.
"What are you staring at the new teacher for?"
Hermione came from her thoughts, not noticing Snape had moved to their vicinity. "She's curious. She has no worries of upsetting Snape by suggesting changes to his potions or searching through the potions ingredients and stuff. Not to mention that her suggestions seem quite logical." Snape's snort made all three of them jump.
"I suggest you use your time more fruitfully than to gossip about the staff." He walked passed them, ignoring the snickering coming from the Slytherins. Nephthys did not.
"Many great witches and wizards have come from the Slytherin House have they not?" She asked Snape rather loudly. At his nod, she smirked. "It is a shame then to see that the Slytherin House future rests in the hands of these children. I've seen better manners on the ass end of Purgamentum Troll." Hermoine's hand flew to her mouth at hearing that. The rest of the class was dubious as to what she was talking about, save for Draco, who looked pissed by her comment.
"Nephthys, that is enough." Snape shook his head. She would have been in Slytherin, of that he had little doubt. However, she was so much more mature than a majority of the house it scared him. "Alright. I want you to pay close attention to me." He drew the attention of the students to him with little trouble. They knew better than to ignore him. "You are going to be making a complex potion today that is called Mens Mentis Visum Venenum. You will need Crone's Whiskers, Fang of Serpent, Crystal Powder, Aquila Oculus, Spiritus Unda, and one of your own eyelashes. The recipe is on the board." He left them to it, deciding to make his own as well. He joined Nephthys at the table at the front of the room.
"I'm afraid to test this once I'm finished," she admitted. The room was quiet so a few of the students could understand her, at least the ones at the front. They just happened to be Hermione, Ron, Harry, Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle; though Crabbe and Goyle were having too hard a time with their potions to pay any attention.
"It could enhance your vision too much. Perhaps I should choose one of the students…"
Nephthys gave him a look that said flat out no. "No. I will do it before it comes to that." She poured the Spiritus Unda into her cauldron and let it set for a moment before sprinkling the Crystal Powder into it. "If I do, you must promise to hold my wand while I do so. I can not take the chance…"
"Very well." He, too, was adding his Crystal Powder. He began stirring the mixture with his wand, which she raised a brow at but said nothing. She was not going to stir hers yet. She added the Hag's hair and Aquila Oculus before pulling her wand out and stirring the potion. "Are you sure you know what…"
"Yes, I know what I am doing," she replied to his unfinished question. She sprinkled in a small amount of Horn of Dragon and stirred just a bit more. She pulled her wand out and waved it, cleaning off the remaining potion. Placing the wand down she pulled a single eyelash from her eye and waited. Snape was already stirring his for the final time as she watched the class.
Hermione was finished while Ron and Harry were concentrating quite hard on what they were doing. Draco appeared done as well while Crabbe and Goyle looked completely lost and confused. Seamus Finnegan looked almost scared, but not as much as Neville Longbottom, while the rest of class was a mixture of all the others. She dropped her eyes from them and let the eyelash float down into the cauldron. She watched as it settled on the surface before slowly sinking into the depths. Taking her wand, she tapped the side of the cauldron thrice before handing it to her father.
"Here. Hold onto this." He took the wand and slipped it up his sleeve. She sighed and closed her eyes, waiting for the time to try the potion. Many of the students had yet to finish, which made Snape antsy. The results of the potion could vary dramatically, which is why it was so complex. If you didn't get it just right…
He looked at Nephthys' potion and then at the class. "Alright. Time to see if anyone got it correct." He stood and approached Seamus Finnegan. Nephthys noticed no one was startled by this. They seemed to have been expecting it. "Finnegan."
Seamus seemed to shrink under Snape's gaze and the attention of everyone around him. His classmates slid away, knowing his potion was more than likely terribly wrong. Hesitantly, Seamus tug a drink of the potion, making a face as it hit his tongue. Nephthys made a note that lemon would help with the taste. She watched as his eyes grew large and then blank. She saw panic take control of his face and stood. "He has gone blind." She stepped across the room to them, placing her hands on his face. "Mr. Finnegan, I want you to concentrate on my voice. Can you do that for me?" Slowly, he calmed and did as she wished. Now, Seamus, I want you to close your eyes and rest. Sleep, Seamus, and all will be well. He slumped in his seat and soon let out a small snore. "The effects should wear off in time. If he is still blind when he awakens, someone must see that he is taken straight to Madame Pomfrey." She eyed the Gryffindors then her father. "I suggest you find a better guinea pig, and not Neville Longbottom." She turned and strode back to the front of the room. "Unless you want to see what kinds of ways this potion can mess inexperienced brewers up. Perhaps that would be to their benefit."
"I agree and was my intention." He looked around the room once more. "Crabbe." Crabbe visibly paled as he took a drink of his potion. His eyes turned bloodshot and his face haggard. Snape glanced at Nephthys.
She smirked. "Skeletons, I wager. Should he sleep as well?" Snape shook his head. "Alright. How about Mr. Goyle then?" Goyle, looking at Crabbe, was quite reluctant to take a chance. However, the gazes of both Snape and Nephthys spurred him into motion. He took a small sip of his potion and got a lude smile on his face as he gazed at Nephthys. "That one is going to sleep." She moved forward and did the same to him as she had to Seamus. "He was literally undressing me with his eyes," she told Snape as he looked curiously at her.
"Very well. Weasley, I believe you may go next." Ron gulped and sipped at his potion. His eyes clouded over but that was all. Everything seemed as though he was looking through a dense fog. Nephthys shook her head and pointed to Pansy. Snape nodded and the girl took a drink of her potion. Her eyes got real bright and she saw stars, everywhere. Next was Harry, who went into a trance. Then, Draco took his turn, going in his own trance. Goyle and Seamus were waking up as the effects began wearing off the others. Nephthys waited. Finally, Snape turned to Hermione after everyone was back to normal. "Granger."
Hermione bravely took a large drink of her potion and waited. Seconds later, her mind was bombarded by thoughts and images she couldn't control. Her head reeled from the onslaught until she heard a voice calming her, pulling her from the horror. Once she was back to herself, she noticed Nephthys before her holding her head. "Too much Crone's Whiskers and not enough Aquila Oculus. The potion is probably the easiest to mess up of all the ones you have tried." She stepped back as Snape began pouring small samples of his potion out for the students.
"I am going to give you each a small sample of this, made correctly." He quickly passed them out and turned to Nephthys. "First, however, we are going to see what Hag's Hair and Horn of Dragon do to the potion in place of Crone's Whiskers and Fang of Serpent."
Nephthys nodded and stepped over to her cauldron. She took a cautious sip and braced herself. The sensation of flying took over her mind as she closed her eyes and scanned the area around her. Each of the minds in the room appeared as a cloud, and their linings gave away the nature of the minds. She was surprised to find Malfoy's mind lacking in the evil darkness of his father, while she was unsurprised by the brightness of Harry. He was confused and uncertain but he was brave and strong. She decided against diving into any of the clouds. The students had a right to their privacy.
The class watched for several minutes while she stood there motionless. When she opened her eyes, they were a solid blood red. Many of them gasped and hunkered in their seats. Snape took a cautious step forward. As he did so, she blinked and shook her head, her eyes going back to their normal darkness. She shot out an arm, grasping Snape's robes to steady herself. "I was partly right. The Hag's Hair took out part of the risk for control loss. However, the Horn of Dragon intensified the sensations and readings."
Snape lead her to a seat and turned to the class. "Now, you get to sample what she just did." He motioned for them to drink the potion and watched as they all closed their eyes and got lost inside their minds. "Are you alright?" He asked Nephthys as he handed back her wand.
"I'll be fine. I wasn't expecting it to be so taxing is all." Snape nodded and turned back to the class. The students took several moments to come from their visions. They all sat in silence as they thought about what they had seen. Nephthys also lost herself in her thoughts, not noticing when Snape dismissed the class.
"Why don't you go to your rooms and rest? I can handle the other class by myself." She glanced up when he spoke, nodding at the suggestion. She would do just that.
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As Nephthys made her way from the potions class, Draco cornered her. "You think you're something, don't you? Being Snape's assistant and all that." She backed up against the wall as the taller blond bore down on her.
"I think no such thing, Mr. Malfoy. I am very honored to be working in the position I am. If you would excuse me…" As she made to leave he placed his hand on the wall by her head.
"I'm not finished. I want to know who you are and why you are really here."
"Funny. I thought you were already aware of that." Students passed by not about to involve themselves in Draco's business. "I really must be going, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco slammed his other hand on the other side of her head. "Who are you in this world? What is your family name?"
Dad… She called for her father the only way she knew how. "My family name is my own and none of your concern. I suggest you moving away from me, Mr. Malfoy, before I have to resort to some form of discipline. I'm sure your house would be thrilled to learn you not only lost them points but privileges."
"Snape won't abide by whatever you come up with as an excuse. Why would anyone believe you? No one seems to know anything about you."
"Dumbledore knows all that happens in the castle, Malfoy. Besides, why would anyone believe you?" Potter's voice startled them both.
"Leave us alone, Potter. This doesn't concern you." Draco did not even turn to look at Harry. In not doing so, he failed to notice Snape had also came upon them.
"Whom does it concern, Draco?" Snape's question made the Slytherin prince move back. Only then did he realize how close to his heart the tip of Nephthys' wand had been.
"I suggest the next time you wish to corner someone, you make sure that someone is not capable of harming you." Nephthys pocketed her wand and started back down the hall toward her room, stopping beside Harry. "Thank you, Mr. Potter. I appreciate the help."
Harry was surprised to here her voice did not carry any contempt or acid. She was being honest. While Snape dealt with Draco, Harry got into step with Nephthys. "Do you mind if I ask you the questions everyone wants to?"
"Who am I? Where am I from? Why am I here? How old am I? Where do my loyalties fall? You mean those questions?" She smirked at him as she waved her hand before her door. "Come in, seeing as you have no more classes today."
Harry entered in, finding the decor dark but unassuming despite its obvious worth. "I don't want to impose."
"You aren't or I wouldn't have offered." She started some tea then sat down. "Make yourself comfortable."
Harry sat and waited for her to indicate in some way she was ready to talk. Finally, he started the conversation. "I'm not sure how to act, you being a teacher and all…"
Nephthys chuckled. "By all means. Just call me Nephthys and don't act all worried about my reactions. I'm just a teenager talking to another teenager."
"How old are you?"
She smirked and winked. "Don't you know a woman never discloses her weight or her age?"
Harry smiled. "If you don't mind telling me, how old are you?"
"About a year or so younger than you, I believe." She sniffed the air and stood to get their tea. Handing Harry his cup, their fingers brushed. She felt something course through her body and her mind but could not quite grasp what as it moved so quickly. She shrugged it off and sat back down.
"Then how are you able to be an assistant?"
"I've studied abroad most of my life. Do to my mother's marriage and my father's employment, I have been unable to stay with either up until now."
"Your mother is not married to your father?"
"No, she is married to an evil, hateful fool of a man. My father has a duel role in this world, as such, he has kept me at a distance to protect me."
"Everyone has ideas that you are Snape's slave or clone or something horrid. You are nothing more than his daughter are you?" Harry met her eyes as they widened. "The way you look at him and the way he acts with you. I imagine it to be the way I would have been with my parents."
Nephthys looked into her tea and said nothing. What could she say? "You have had a hard life not knowing your parents, not having them at all. I've lived my life knowing who mine are and being unable to show them love, spend time with them. I have often wondered if they care for me at all. At least you know that yours cared."
"Snape cares for you. I could see the concern during class." He glanced away. "I could read you, when I took his potion. The pain and the lost hope. I recognized them because they are traits we share."
"We are too young for such problems."
"We are too young to be as old as we are," he answered. She smirked, having to agree that he was right.
The two soon fell into discussions on all sorts of odd or normal things. She was wise to the muggle world and the wizarding world, so he could talk about anything. Likewise, she found it easy to talk to Harry, enjoyed it even. Only when a knock sounded on her door did they realize how much time had gone by.
"Enter," Nephthys called. The door opened to admit Headmaster Dumbledore and Snape. "Is something wrong?" She did not like the looks on their faces.
Snape looked at Harry, his disdain showing. Nephthys rolled her eyes and waited for an answer. Dumbledore cleared his throat and looked at her with something akin to pity. "I fear that young Malfoy has intentions of informing his father about you and trying to get you removed from Hogwarts."
"Why?" She looked down as she asked. Harry sensed something in the atmosphere change.
"Lucius is a governor on the board, and Draco has no reason to be honest about what happened in the hall. Lucius and his son can spin a mighty good tale." Snape did not look happy about this as he spoke.
"And if I know him, he will be here this night," Dumbledore looked at her.
"I do not fear him, no matter what his pull." Her eyes hardened as she met Dumbledore's eyes. "Let him come."
"Nephthys, he is powerful…"
"I know that, Father, but I do not intend to be bullied from this position. I am here to help you. He will not take this time away from me, from us."
Snape knew nothing would come of them arguing. She would do as she wished. Albus nodded as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are brave, Nephthys. Perhaps Harry can stay around until this is over?" He raised his brows and looked at Harry thoughtfully. Potter nodded in agreement. "Well then, shall we go to the evening meal?" They all agreed and left the room for the Great Hall.
When Harry started to sit down with his friends, Dumbledore placed a hand on his arm. "If you see her start to leave, follow her. I don't trust Lucius." Harry nodded and sat down. Ron and the others looked at him, waiting for what was going on.
"Come on, Harry. Tell us what is goin' on," Ron said.
"Nothing, Ron. At least not yet." Harry glanced toward the head table.
"Where did you disappear to?" Hermione asked as she nibbled at her food.
"I had a question for Snape's assistant," he answered casually.
"And?" Several people asked. He looked up and rolled his eyes.
"And what? She is his assistant because of his schedule. Nothing special."
"How old is she?" "What is her family name?" "Where is she from?" "What's she really like?" Questions bombarded him. He sighed.
"Ask her yourselves. I'm not sure what she would…" He trailed off as a hand fell on his shoulder. He looked up to see Nephthys standing there.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance." She smirked at the others. "Let me see. I believe I am about Ginny's age. I was raised for the first few years of my life in Ireland before moving to Scotland. I later stayed in Romania and Hungry before moving on to Greece and Italy. I have spent time in Egypt, India, Japan, China, and Mongolia as well as the Americas. So, I guess you could say I am from all over." They sat there looking at her. Most of the students in the hall had grown quiet. They wanted to know, too. "It is not my place to announce my family without consent. As to what I am like, you can see that for yourselves as I cannot judge myself."
"Nice," a voice said from near her ear. She jerked back. Lucius was there much more quickly than any of them had expected. Harry looked toward Snape to see the other man standing, looking ready to pounce. "Do you usually find yourself so important as to disrupt meals?" He asked softly.
"They asked questions which I answered. If that displeases you, I really do not care." She met his eyes with her hard, cold ones. "You are sooner than I had wagered." She brushed passed him and out of the room. He was quickly behind her, as were Harry, Snape, and Dumbledore. Minerva wished to follow but knew someone had to watch the students. Draco soon followed as well.
Nephthys stopped and turned, waited. Lucius watched her as the others joined them. "I have heard she is trouble, Albus."
"No more so than your son," Nephthys retorted. Draco came to his father's side and glared. "Of course, I don't hide behind my father." Her words were like sparks to hot fuel.
"Nephthys, enough." Snape stood before Lucius. "Whatever problem you have with her presence, you must take up with me. She may not hide behind me, but I will not allow her to rush into whatever you are up to."
Both Malfoys were silent. "You!" Lucius finally said. Snape did not bat an eye or move. "I can see the resemblance, though she must share some of her mother's features as well." The barb was obvious. Snape said nothing. He need not as a female voice carried to their ears.
"Perhaps she does. Tell me, Lucius, do you see any?" Narcissa walked up to Nephthys and stood beside her. "Does she share my features?"
Lucius went rigid. His nostrils flared as he glared at his wife, Snape, and Nephthys. None of the three would back down. Draco had stepped away from his father after learning that Snape was Nephthys father. Harry was gaping at learning who was her mother. Dumbledore's expression was blank as he watched over the whole confrontation. Things were about to change.
