Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
A/N: Hello readers! This is a short summary for the story. The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy think that Professor Severus Snape needs to lighten up and look towards a happier future. They attempt to make him look towards the "bright side of life." Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter at all. Spoilers for the Deathly Hallows as in Snape, Sirius, Remus, Fred and Dumbledore aren't dead!
The war was finally over. Losses had been taken to account on both sides, Hogwarts was fixed, and a new year started for all the students. Not to mention, a new improved version of Hogwarts A History was printed. Everything was almost normal. Except for one little thing. Severus Snape had changed his outlook on life. Although he still docked house points, and made rude comments, everyone noticed him becoming a shell of his older to say, even Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were worried. It was a sad thing to watch the once greatly feared potions master roaming the halls like a lost puppy. Finally, Albus Dumbledore saw fit to take matters into his own hands. He decided that he would confront him privately. His opportunity struck when he caught Severus moping on hallway patrol.
"Severus," he called, "Are you feeling well? I've noticed that you've been moping around lately." Immediately his eyes flashed and Severus retaliated.
"I don't want, nor do I need your pity, Dumbledore." He sneered
"Severus my boy, I'm afraid that you do. Even the students who despise you are worried. Moping around is not a healthy practice, I'm afraid."
"I'm NOT moping around. I'm simply becoming more reserved towards people. I do not need any of your concerns, thank you very much." Severus said, his eyes flashing angrily
"Very well Severus, I will not bother you any longer. Good night." Replied Albus somewhat sadly as he watched Severus exit, robes billowing behind him. It was almost a hidden art, he mused, to have you robes swish in such a fashion. Behind Dumbledore a tabby cat came into view, changing into Minerva Magonagall afterwards.
"I see that look in your eye, Alus." She said, amused, "You're planning something."
"Indeed Minerva, it's about time our Serverus learned how to look on the bright side of life." He replied.
"Well I agree with you, for once. Good luck and good night." She said
"Good night." Albus replied, walking off whistling a famous muggle tune with a bounce in his step.
The next morning Severus came in the Great Hall for breakfast looking as bleak as ever. He grabbed a muffin and went out muttering something about 'stupid first period' attracting many curious looks and whispers of "Is he alright?" With that note, Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.
"Students," he said, "As you have noticed Professor Snape has been looking, how do you put it 'down in the dumps' lately and I thought that we all might want to cheer him up a little bit."
A series of groans followed in suite. Over at the Gryffindor table our favorite golden trio was whispering amongst themselves. "I've noticed that, but how the bloody hell are we going to possibly cheer Snape up? I've never seen the man smile." Said a confused Ron. Seconds later, Dumbledore told them all the answer.
"I'm going to make this a little contest. The house that can make Severus smile first wins 20 galleons for each and every person who participated. You're going to have to find your own ways of cheering him up. Each house will have a go at dinner time in 2 days. Sometimes laughter comes from the least expected places, remember that. Oh, and don't tell Severus what we are doing here. Have fun!"
As soon as Dumbledore stopped talking, the Great Hall was abuzz with conversation. How would they get someone who was famous for NOT smiling to break into laughter? Well he certainly wasn't going to like being pranked, the school unanimously decided. Over at the Gryffindor table one bossy know-it-all was trying to figure out what Dumbledore's clue meant.
"Laughter comes from the least expected of places…hmm…what could that possibly mean?" she asked everyone who would listen.
"Maybe we should go back to the common room and list all the things we find funny and pick the most unusual." Suggested Harry
"Brilliant Harry," said Ron, "And I could always owl Fred and George to see what they would have in mind."
"So it's settled then." Said Hermione, "Hey, I wonder what the other houses are planning?"
Over at the Ravenclaw table all eyes were on Luna. "What?" she asked
"Well…Luna you are the most unusual one of us…no offense, so we were wondering what you thought about the matter." Said a Ravenclaw
"I think this has something to do with all the houses in unison. I think we should partner together. Then, we have four times the advantage." Luna replied
"That's actually not a bad idea." The Ravenclaw said, "Someone should go to the other houses and see what they think."
"Yeah." The Ravenclaw table said in unison.
"I'll do it tomorrow during our free period." Said Luna. The Ravenclaws then left the Great Hall, looking forward to tomorrow. The Slytherins and Hufflepuffs were equally confused upon the matter, but followed suit shortly afterwards.
End…until next time
A/N: So what do you think? Reviews are welcome and appreciated.