A Light In The Dark

A Severus Love Story

Part One

Her Eyes

A/N: This is based about five years before the arrival of Harry and the gang. It may lead up to there time but I am not completely sure yet. Also he looks more like the younger Sev ( i.e the flash back in the movie) his age shows more later, you will find out why.

I walked along the halls of Hogwarts thankful for the peace and quite that came with the hours before the start of the school year. Without the noise of the hundreds of kids that usually roamed these halls I was free to dwell on my own memories of this school. Some good and some bad.

As I rounded the corner running my hand against the cold stones remembering of my day spent here with Lilly. I was so lost in my own thoughts that I hadn't realized I had run into someone until I heard the crashing of books and the small "oh" of someone. I bent down to help pick up the picks and was muttering an apology when I looked up into the bright green almond shaped eyes of someone I knew well "Lilly?" I gasped dropping another book.

Hopefully, yet foolishly, I searched looking for her auburn hair or freckled skin but of course I was disappointed. Though only a little because the women in front of me was rather fetching with long silver blonde curls, pale skin, and ruby red lips. "Oh sorry its just … your eyes reminded me of someone I knew." I half whispered as I handed the unfamiliar girl her books. She looked young but a student wouldn't be here so early would they?

She took the books from my hand and stood up brushing off her robes before she said happily "Its ok, its an easy mistake I suppose. My name is Aurora though. Aurora Rose the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Would you mind if I asked who you were?" She seemed very bubbly and happy. Not usually the type of person I would come with in an inch of but she was also intriguing. How did such a small, young thing like her get that post?

I looked her over once more before finally answering "Severus Snap. I teach potions though I have to say I would kill for your job." Perhaps I should have rethought my words as she looked at me with eyes. Yet they didn't seem full of fear as much as admiration. I couldn't help think was this girl just naïve to blow of a seeming death threat or did she have power to back up her cockiness?

"Oh you would? I don't see why I would love to have your job! Surrounded all day by the smell of all those potions and the warmth of the cauldron. I couldn't think of anything better. You are very lucky Severus, if I may call you that." she said as she walked along side me though I don't know why. When I had ran into her she had been going the opposite way. She couldn't have possibly followed me just to talk.

"I suppose. I do find some pleasure in mixing potions to perfection. Things could always be worse too. I have never really thought about it." I said trying hard not to stare at her eyes which were so much like Lilly's right down to the happy light that shined behind them. Normally I couldn't bother conversing with her but those eyes … I just wanted to keep looking at them even if it was just for a second more.

"Oh well maybe now you will be more thankful then and enjoy your job a bit more. With that permanent scowl on your face people would think you hate being here. Well anyway I have to go set up my office before the children arrive. But you never answered my question." Aurora said staring at me. I raised an eyebrow at her wondering what question she meant and she asked "Do you mind if I call you Severus? I just think calling my colleagues Professor this or that is so stuffy! At least around just one another that is."

I thought about it for a moment as I took the time to smooth my hair back. Then I finally answered "Yes that would be alright. But not in front of the students I might add." She nodded with a smile before walking, almost gliding, down the hall waving to me before she rounded around the corner. I smirked as I entered my own office. With this new teacher around it was going to be a very interesting year.

The time seemed to pass quickly and before I knew it, it was time to go to the Great Hall to welcome back all the annoying little twats. Though maybe talking to my fellow professors I could learn more about this Aurora Rose. But as I took my seat I got more then expected as I saw Aurora herself sitting next to me in deep conversation with Professor Sprout about … dragon dung.

I took my seat quietly staring around at all the students just waiting for someone to act up. I was pulled out of my sweep of the hall however when I heard a happy voice say "Oh hello Severus is this where you sit? Wonderful I am sure we will have lots to talk about." I turned to see her bright green eyes staring at me happily. I nodded at her in a greeting as she tilted her head slightly making her curls fall to one side then said "Why so serious Severus? Its a celebration! You wouldn't want to ruin my first dinner here now would you?"

I felt the corners of my lips twitch as if wanting to form a smile before I said "No of course not but it is the first day back and who knows what sort of things these kids might be planning. You can never keep to close an eye on them but you will learn that soon enough" I said trying to meet her unblinking gaze while still trying to scan the room.

She then put a finger to her cheek thoughtfully "Oh I would have to disagree with you. I think kids can be very trustworthy but you have to show them some respect first. Though I am not completely against punishment in some cases. I think it all depends on the situation and the child though." she said taking a sip of her drink.

I had to admit it was an interesting view but not one that I could easily share. I had a feeling the head master might though. Could that be the reason he had hired someone so young? Then again I didn't know her all that well so for all I knew there were other reasons that she had gotten the job instead of me. All I could do for now though was sit and watch till I figured her out.

I let her chat away about nothing joining in occasionally until finally the sorting had begun. One by one the students were sorted and I couldn't help but notice that Aurora clapped louder then usual every time a student was sorted into Ravenclaw. So she was a Ravenclaw, I should have guessed. She did seem rather thoughtful and intelligent. So that was one thing he had learned about her.

Shortly after the sorting had begun it was over and Professor Dumbledore announced all the usual notices then he introduced Professor Rose and it seemed that a rather large applause was coming from the male half of the students. Perhaps they too found her quite stunning. She stood up for a second and dazzled the crowd with a bright white smile. I had a feeling she would soon become a favorite among the students.

I couldn't blame them though for she even managed to catch my eye. She looked young and at times almost ditzy but I when she talked she seemed wise beyond her years and full of knowledge. Yes I had a feeling working with her was going to be a pleasant experience. As much as I told myself I was just looking forward to working with her that night visions of her eyes and smile danced through my dreams.