**This is my first fanfic so PLEASE don't be too harsh on me!
I'm a HUGE Snape fan. I obviously don't go completely true to his roots, but to me Severus was still really good at heart. Snape/OC.
First couple chapters are pretty short, as I'm getting a feel for this and working it all out.
Any helpful feedback is appreciated!**

CHAPTER 1

I awake with a sudden jolt and feel myself beginning to break a sweat. These dreams I'm having, I know that they're always nightmares but when I awake, I can't remember of what. Why can't I remember something that I must find so terrifying?

My journal and a couple papers fall from my lap and onto the dark green rug on the floor. I look around for a second, realizing I must have fallen asleep in the armchair while reading over my new lesson plans.

I straighten myself up to look at the clock on the mantel. 5:40pm.

"Shit!" I shout as I jump out of the chair and over to the bathroom.

Today is my first official day as the new Muggle Studies Mistress at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and, of course, I am running late. Grabbing my wand, I conjure up a couple charms to help myself get ready a little faster; brush my shoulder-length chocolate brown hair, curl my hair, apply my makeup, brush my teeth. Being a witch just makes these things so much easier.

Running over to the arm chair by my bed, I grab and quickly put on the new dress that I had bought in Diagon Alley just yesterday; a sleeved, knee length, scoop necked, black dress with a thin red accent belt, along with my 3 inch heels to add just a little height to my 5 foot 3 stature. And, of course, we couldn't forget my new teaching robes. I really don't mind that they're black, it's one of my favorite colors to wear.

I check myself in the mirror, still find it astounding how naturally pale I am, and then head out of my quarters for the Great Hall.

I quicken my pace to make my way down to the Great Hall in time for the Start-of-Term Feast.

As I'm descending down the steps to the entry way in front of the Great Hall doors, I see students still making their way inside. I stop and stand in the middle of the staircase, gaze at the students for a moment, and slightly grin to myself before finally making my way down to the doors.

Stopping in front of the doors, I take a deep breathe, exhale, and make my way through the masses of students. I overhear many students talk of their summer activities, their vacations, families, new class schedules, and their wonder to who this unfamiliar woman is walking through the Great Hall.

Professor Dumbledore concludes his conversation with a group of 3 Gryffindor students, who seem like 5th or 6th years, before making his way over to me. The mature wizard has a large cheerful smile on his face as he approaches me.

"Miss Gale. An absolute pleasure to see you again, dear." He grips me in a hug.

"You as well, Headmaster. And thank you ever so much for the position. It will do well to help me… to help both of us, hopefully." I look around at the grand décor of the hall. "Never thought I'd be back."

"We're glad to have you back. All of us."

Dumbledore offers his arm and leads me over to the staff table.

"Minerva, you remember our newest Muggle Studies Mistress, don't you?" Professor McGonagall looks at me intently for a moment.

"Miss Gale. It has been far too long." She beams brightly at me and takes me in an embrace. "I hope you and Robert are doing well. I can't even begin to imagine what you two have gone through." Her bright smile replaced by a look of sorrow.

"We're making it through. One day at a time." I tell her with a small reassuring smile. Minerva looks towards the doors at an irritable looking Filch.

"I must fetch the new first years. We shall catch up sometime soon. How about tea in my office? Just like old times?" She asks with a grin as she begins to walk away.

"I'd love to, Professor." I say as we give each other a short wave goodbye.

Dumbledore then leads me over to another staff member, a staff member that no student could ever forget, no matter how hard he or she tried.

"Severus…" I feel myself begin to freeze up as he turns to acknowledge us. "I am sure that you remember Mi-"

"Miss Gale." He states, cutting off the Headmaster and slightly nodding his head as a greeting.

"Professor Snape. It's wonderful to see you again." Trying to make any sort of conversation so to not be so awkward. A smile begins to grow on the Headmaster's face, as he slowly backs away and makes his way to his podium.

"You as well, Miss Gale." He pauses and hastily looks me up and down. "It's hard to believe it has been five years since you left this school."

"Hmmm… Out of everyone, I wouldn't have expected you to remember how long it's been, Professor." I state, he lifts an eyebrow.

As Dumbledore gives his welcoming speech and the first years are sorted, I try to keep myself seeming as interested as possible and my eyes looking straight ahead at the students. From time to time, I can feel Snape's eyes quickly looking over at me from his spot a couple chairs over.

This isn't what I need right now. I need to focus on this new career and my future here, not on my past. All I've wanted for the past few months was to move on. All I've wanted is to start anew, but thinking about it, maybe coming back to Hogwarts isn't really 'starting anew'. Maybe it's just a trap to bring up old memories.