Disclaimer: As much as I would like to say that I am the genius mastermind behind the entire Harry Potter phenomenon, and as much as I would love to have Jo's bank account, alas, I am not and do not. I am just a girl who felt a burst of midnight inspiration to try her hand at writing a fanfic.
A/N: This is my first fanfic. If you decide to review it, please be nice? Thanks! lol :P
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"I'm Not Broken"
By:
FaithInSnape
Chapter One: The Bad News
It was that time again. The beginning of a new school year at Hogwarts, which meant lots of new students who would whisper and stare whenever Severus Snape passed them in a corridor. Snape had never been a 'looker,' but it was more than his physical features that caused the new students to shy away from him. There was an air about Severus Snape. One of authority and danger. One that hinted at a dark side that you did not want to be in the presence of. One look into his cold, black eyes could unnerve even the most fearless of students.
Professor Snape's reputation as a stern, perhaps even malicious, professor always preceded even his first class of each school year. Due to this reputation, his presence alone was enough to keep each student silent and attentive, without Snape having spoken a single word. Severus didn't mind this, though, because it kept him from having to waste half of the class period explaining his 'class rules' like the other professors usually had to do on the first day of class. Without the unnecessary introductory rule setting, Professor Snape was able to dive right into the material.
"Open your textbooks to page two hundred, twenty-three," Snape said sternly as he strode across the front of the classroom. He watched as the students flipped open their texts. Even the simple act of opening their textbooks could tell Professor Snape a lot about a student. The speed of which they flipped the pages told him their level of interest in the subject of Potions, the expression on their face told him whether or not they thought they were above simple textbook work, and if he ever caught a student communicating to another, whether it be by whispering or note-passing, he knew them to be arrogant. Only arrogant children could be in his presence and not show him the respect that both he and his reputation demanded and deserved. Snape was glad to see each student hastily flip to the assigned page.
"We will be learning about Forgetfulness Potion today," Snape began as his eyes slowly scanned the room. "This potion makes the drinker forget things, obviously," the last word drawn out in his trademark way. "And while it is a relatively harmless potion -" He stopped midsentence as there was a knock on the dungeon door.
With a flick of his wand, Snape opened the door to reveal a small boy, frozen in place as if terrified to actually enter the room. "Yes?" The boy seemed too frightened by Snape and the rather unusual room decorations to speak. "Well?" Snape barked, quickly losing his patience with the boy. "Uh...P-Professor D-Dumbledore needs to see you, Sir" was all the boy was able to get out before quickly turning to leave the dungeons.
"What now?" Snape thought hastily, though he knew that it wasn't like Dumbledore to suddenly call Snape out of a class unless something of considerable importance had occurred, and even then it was rare and never on the first day of classes. "Read the entire chapter on the legal and illegal uses of the Forgetfulness potion. When I return, I expect there to be no sign that I had ever left this room," he warned before swiftly heading for the Headmaster's office.
"Fizzing Whizbees," Snape said to the gargoyle guarding the hidden staircase. Once the staircase had opened, Snape quickly ascended to Dumbledore's office. "You called for me, sir?" he inquired. "Yes, Severus. You may want to sit down for this," the elder man said. Now more curious than ever, Snape sat in the closest chair and waited for the Headmaster to continue.
"I have just received a rather tragic owl, Severus," he began. "It seems your mother has been in an accident. One she didn't survive, I'm afraid." Never one to be open with his emotions, Severus simply watched the elderly Headmaster, showing no emotion on his face. Though, if one looked closely enough, they would have noticed Snape's intense grip on the arms of his chair.
"I know you have not been close to her as of late, but because you are her son and only living relative, it is only fitting that you be excused from your teaching responsibilities to attend to this matter." "But, Sir -" Snape began, but he was immediately cut off. "I've taken care of everything, Severus. Slughorn will be filling in during your absence." Snape wasn't thrilled with his replacement, but, admittedly, it could've been much worse. Still showing no emotion regarding the news of his Mother's death, Snape stood up and quietly headed for the door.
As Snape opened the door, Dumbledore spoke once more, "I'm sorry for your loss." He paused a moment before adding, "And Severus, please know that it is acceptable to allow yourself to grieve." Snape simply nodded as he left the Headmaster's office, letting the door close softly behind him.