A/N:: This is my first harry Potter Fan Fiction. I do not own any of the characters except for a Alexandria Moonberry, all the rest belong to J.K. Rowling. It does not follow the books and I've made a few changes for the sake of the story. I hope you enjoy it. :)

Chapter one - New Events Take Place

It was a warm night. The quarter moon was glowing brightly through the few scattered clouds in the sky. It was peaceful at Hogwarts with no children running around yet. Unfortunately, that would change soon enough much to Professor Snape's great displeasure. He was standing in the courtyard waiting for Dumbledore who was running a few minutes behind schedule. Severus looked down at his pocketwatch and quickly put it back in his pocket when he heard footsteps approaching. Much to his surprise, it was not Dumbledore but Professor Lupin. Why Dumbledore had allowed him back on to the Hogwarts teaching staff was beyond Severus. If it had been Severus's decision he would have banned Lupin far from the school after that disgusting display between Lupin and Sirius years ago when Harry potter and his meddling friends had been present for the grotesque transformation.

"Ah Severus, I see Dumbledore has also asked you to meet him in the courtyard?" Lupin asked, adjusting his robes.

"Yes, he has. If I had been aware that he was having us meet I would have skipped the meeting altogether." Severus sneered.

"You both made it." Dumbledore said appearing from behind the fountain. "Good. I wanted to let you know we will have a new teacher. She is traveling out from Romania to be here with us this year. I needed to speak with you both on what the changes will be and what they will mean."

"We haven't any need for a new professor. All the positions are filled since you took back the werewolf." Snape said eyeing Lupin for a reaction.

Lupin smiled and nodded, "yes, I have gladly taken back the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Severus opened his mouth to attack him once more but Dumbledore spoke first. "I have yet to discuss this with the two of you but not all the positions ARE filled. You see some last minute changes have occurred. First, I will be away with the ministry for the year and I have appointed McGonagall as headmistress. So, therefore, I now have the Transfiguration class in need of a teacher."

"Why not appoint the new teacher to this class?" Lupin asked.

Dumbledore smiled, "Because I had hoped Professor Snape would be kind enough to take McGonagall's class."

Snape's face turned from horror to utter disgust to think Dumbledore would even suggest it. "I would much rather teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Plus why not put the werewolf in that class he has had LOADS of experience…"

"Lupin, would you take the class?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "It seems professor Snape is not yet ready for a promotion."

"Will he then be taking Defense Against the Dark Arts?"

"No."

"I will gladly take the class then." Lupin answered the headmaster.

Severus felt his head jerk to look at the Dumbledore. "I am very well capable of teaching that class!"

"Severus, I have known you for many years and I believe you have done well in your position. I think you should stay."

"Oh yes? Well what qualifications has this new professor that makes her more eligable for the position than I am?"

"Severus, do you want it that bad? Because if that is the case then you can discuss it with Professor Moonberry and Headmistress McGonagall." Dumbledore said putting his hand on Severus's shoulder. "Lemon Drop?" he said pulling the candies out of his sleeve and offering some to the two men.

Lupin gladly accepted and he and Dumbledore walked away. Severus stood there feeling the anger radiate off his body. For years he had wanted this position and now some nobody was going to come in and just take it? He would see this taken care of even if he had to go talk to the old bat herself.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for Severus because Dumbledore was not scheduled to leave until after addressressing the students on their first day and McGonagall was not to return from Romania with the new professor until the first day of school. The students had just arrived and were pouring in from all corners of Hogwarts into the Great Hall. He had arrived a bit late dreading to see all the new kids and hoping to miss some of the sorting ceremony of the first years. It always seemed to take so very long… As he walked in he looked to see the newer faces in the Slytherin House. Draco's bright blonde hair was back (of course) and Crabb and Goyle were at his side as usual. He looked over to the Griffindor House only to find himself disgusted to see Potter, Weasley and Granger all sitting together once more. It was going to be a long year. He glanced over just in time to see Dumbledore present McGonagall as the new headmistress.

"Good evening children" she stared, "as you know we usually have a great many things to address on the first day so let me start by saying that a "great beast" has been spotted close to Hogwarts recently and he is considered incredibly dangerous due to the fact that no one has yet to see him entirely. While Hagrid, with help of the centaurs, are looking for him, you are not to be seen anywhere near the lake. The forest is as always forbidden... and now, to move on to lighter topics."

Snape turned and walked out not being able to stand the sound of the old bat's voice. She would inevitably tell them that Professor Lupin had returned and the new teacher from Romania would be the new DADA teacher which, of course, he did not planned on being present for. The hallways were now empty as the children had all made it to the Great Hall, some relatively late. He had made a mental note of their names and would make sure that points were taken from their houses. He pushed open the large wooden door of his classroom and walked to the table where he began looking through his class itinerary for the day he dreaded the most. The day the brats, particularly Potter and his mangy friends would walk into his class room and sit down in their prospective chairs. He had made sure to assign the chairs this year and keep the golden three far apart.

"Severus!" came a loud shout from the door. He stood up immediately ready throw a hex on the person intruding but found himself lucky he had not when he saw Headmistress McGonagall standing there in her long dark robe and tall pointed hat. "An explination I think is in order for your absence at the ceremony. You know it is mandatory to attend even for professors. I am very disappointed! Whatever Albus lets you get away with, it is not the case this year." she stated walking to his desk.

"I had yet to finish the itinerary for the class and it all begins tomorrow. I was patrolling the halls before that and saw a rather good amount of kids heading to the Great Hall late. I suggest you have your prefects checking their horde better. 10 point from every child's house that I caught running late." Snape said looking down at the headmistress.

"Professor I have heard of your disdain for your current position and all the groveling that Professor Lupin said you did in order to take the DADA class from professor Moonberry. Now, what I am about to charge you with you better listen to well. I have since meeting Miss Moonberry decided her under qualified for the position of potions master as she is excellent in hexing but not quite so in potions. Yet, you insist on running DADA so, I leave them both in your charge."

Severus frowned at this, not quite understanding her intent. Impossible to teach both. How can she even suggest it? And how dare Remus say that I was groveling. I would not have dreamed of doing anything of that sort. I will have a few words with him when I see him next.

"You are now head of both departments. You will teach your DADA class and Miss Moonberry will receive your potions position. Miss Moonberry, bless her soul, seems rather excited at teaching this class and it troubles me deeply. If anything happens, you will handle it and if anything is needed, you will take care of it. That is the cost of accepting the DADA position. So it seems I am offering the position to you under this exception. Do you still want it?"

Severus thought he should have thought it over better before answering especially since he had yet to meet the new professor but to finally get what he deserved was overwhelming. He of course could not show the hesitation and excitment he felt so he calmly answered, "of course I'll take it."

Severus looked around the room the kids were starting to take their seats. Each a bit surprised to find their former potions master standing at the front of the room. A evil smirk wanted to take its place on his face but he decided against it. Near the end of the day, he was rather pleased how it had all turned out. He had gone through his class with Potter and company and had been very happy when they all left groaning about the two rolls of parchment they had for homework. His 6th period was free and all day he heard nothing from the potions class. Obviously, McGonagall had been bluffing in order to get him to refuse the position. He decide to check in on the new professor. He walked to the potions classroom but as he neared he noticed students walking out happily. He checked his pocket watch, 6th period had only begun twenty-five minutes ago. He quickened his pace pushing some of the last kids aside. Severus found himself peering into an empty classroom. He turned and looked at the children making their way into different parts of the school. "You!" he shouted pointing at Neville Longbottom. "Where is your professor?"

Neville felt his knees tremble as the angry professor shouted his way. "I… I… I d-don't know Sir. She… She… never came to cla-class, Sir." He managed to sputter before feeling a faint coming on.

Severus just watched as the young Griffindor fell to the floor before turning away. He stormed down the hall. As he walked at a steady pace he noticed a young lady walking down the other end. She was the new teacher, she had to be. The only way he could tell was her long black robes without a house assigned to them. Stopping, he just waited for her to come down the hall his way. Why should he have to walk all the way down the hall anyway if she was headed in that direction? He watched. Her face was buried deep into a black planner and she still managed to walk around the kids. He watched as she approached. Her speed was a bit quick so she would be here any second. He took a deep breath to raise his voice as soon as she was within four feet from him but before he could get out a word she rammed into him, the planner hitting him in the face.

"Oh I am so very sorry." She said putting her hand on his cheek.

He pushed it away from him and regained his composure. "What on earth do you think you're doing?" He barked angrily.

"I was trying to make something of this itinerary that was left on my desk, but I have to tell you... the writing is incomprehensible."

He grabbed the book from her as she started to turn it sideways and then upside down. "Give me this." He said snatching it away. "Why were you not teaching class just now?"

"Because I don't have a 6th period class." She said looking him straight in the eyes.

He glanced down at her ever so slightly because she was actually rather tall the top of her head aligned perfectly with his eyes. Her hair was black and pulled back into a ponytail except for her full bangs that lay on her forehead severely straight. The ponytail it self was extremely straight and fell to slightly above her mid-back. Her skin was very fair and her light brown eyes sat evenly on her face atop a small button nose covered by some thin round glasses. The thing Severus on the other hand could not help but notice above all were the small but full heart shaped lips that looked like they had been painted in blood. If she had not been covered by the itinerary he was sure he would have seen them from across the campus. "A vampire?" he sneered.

"Where!" she shrieked excitedly turning and looking in all directions. Much to her disappointment he could see she turned back to him and glared, her lips parting ever so slightly.

He shook his head, "I meant you."

A smile and a hint of pink appeared on her cheeks, "No, but perhaps someday," she winked and grabbed back the itinerary.

He yanked it back a second time and opened it up to see his writing. It clearly stated "NONE" over the 6th period section. Suddenly he felt anger start to build inside of him as he realized that he had mixed up the itineraries for the two classes and had accidently given her his schedule. "You have my itinerary." hH stated his lip beginning to curl on the left side of his mouth.

A look of sudden understanding came over her, "I knew it was odd when your chapter one homework didnt make sense with what we had just read." She giggled and the sound made Severus's hairs stand on edge. He wasnt sure whether to feel foolish or infuriated. He turned his back to her and began to walk away when he heard her shout, "Oh my dragon's tail!" Turning just in time, he saw her help Longbottom off the floor. "Are you alright sweetheart?" She said brushing the young boys hair from his face.

Severus watched as Longbottom got a complete look of shock on his face. What was that stupid boy gaping at now? He always seemed scared or confused, if not both. "Are you a...a…. Va...vam… vampire?" he managed to spit out.

"No. Are you alright?"

"Yes, Professor." He said seeming a bit more relaxed until he looked over and saw Severus staring at him. "Thank you, bye," he said taking his books from Moonberry and running down the hall.

"No running Longbottom!" Severus's voice bellowed down the hall. "10 points from…" He was cut off when he felt a poke at his side. He jerked and glared at Moonberry who was covering her mouth and hiding her smile.

"Is it custom in Romania to touch people you don't know?" He said, his breath deepening as his anger rised.

"How do you know I'm from Romania?" She smiled. He frowned.

"Never mind. Follow me I have your correct itinerary. This one is mine."

Severus swirled around his cloak flowing around him as he handed the Professor her correct schedule and itinerary. "Take this now and get back to work."

"6th period is not over for another hour Severus, why don't you tell me more about yourself?"

"Professor Moonberry, I am telling this one time and one time only. It is Professor Snape to you and as the head of your department I suggest you take heed unless you would like to find yourself without a job and on the first ship back to Romania."

"Alright, I'm off then." She said walking out the door. He heard her shout from outside, "until next time Severus!"

His eye twitched in displeasure. He stood up to walk out after her but decided to better not put up with her anymore today. Moonberry would be a handful he was sure of that much. He sat in his chair and looked down at the open itinerary. His writing was not nearly as bad as she had claimed it to be but what he really did not understand was how it was that with her nose so far into the book she managed to avoid EVERY kid walking down the hallway but run straight into him? Curious, very curious indeed.