Author's Note: This is my first entry on fanfiction.net, and also, my first
fanfiction all together! Be gentle and don't flame too badly- criticism is
welcome, bitching is not.
Also, MASSIVE, ground-scraping, bowing-and-groveling thanks to Jaqueline (angelicgirl), who provided the get-up-and-go inspiration to start this, as well as a wonderful sounding board. Thanks much, girl! :)
This is also partially dedicated to Barry, who has sat with me and my endless bitching night after night after night. Thanks so much, honey- you make it all better, no matter what. :)
Disclaimer: While Leda is mine, Lucius Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, Harry, Hermione, and everyone else (especially the lovely, luscious Snape!) belong to the goddess J.K. Rowling. I make no claim to any of them, as much as I'd love to have Severus under my control... lucky woman!
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They can't be serious, Leda thought silently, mouth slightly agape and vermilion eyes wide. Surely not there...
"Yes, Leda. We mean what we say," said the aging Malfoy, one brow rising slowly in a look of challenge.
A grimace passed her lips at his abrupt reception of her thoughts, and she obediently lowered her head. I want to say no!, her mind screamed. It's too dangerous! There's no way -I- can do it... why would they even ask me? I'm much too inexperienced, an-...
"Leda!"
She blinked and startled, eyes flicking up to her more highly ranked brethren. "Y-yes?", she stammered, quickly biting her lip and clearing her throat. Work, damn you! You'll only look weak to them!
A cold smile passed Malfoy's thin lips. "We realize that you are hardly adept enough to handle a situation like this, should something... unfortunate?... arise, but Dumbledore, aged as the codger is, will not recognize your face. You have not been seen with us before. This is important." He paused, and steepled his fingers in front of his eyes. A bitter, icy laugh hissed past his lips. "After all, we can hardly have Voldemort himself waltzing into their grounds, can we?"
A smile passed her lips- she always had loved his sense of humor, as biting and derogatory as it can be. "Of course not, Brother Lucius," she replied cooly. "I'm honored that you've chosen me for this, and I promise not to fail you," she said quietly, confidence beginning to filter back into her voice. A pause filled the air before her green eyes raised and found theirs- her brethren, her friends, and her protectors- and a faint smile curved across her lips. They will defend me. These are my brothers. If something happens, they will come to my rescue without hesitation, her mind said. The smile widened and tightened just slightly, heart thrilling with sudden anticipation as she spoke,"How soon may I leave?"
Her mind reeled as she stepped off the train at Hogsmeade- my god, am I here already? Perhaps I've taken the wrong train and I'm in the wrong place. Perhaps it's already been finished, and I can go home. A sick tension knotted itself in her stomach and, for good measure, anxiety tightened her throat.
"Missus Sloane?" boomed a voice from behind her. Her robes fluttered wildly as she whipped around, wand drawn and pointed at the towering behemoth who put his hands up in timid defense. She hesitated and stammered, palms breaking into a cold sweat as she put her wand away again.
"H-Hagrid, right?" she managed out, laughing tightly as he nodded. "I'm sorry... I wasn't expecting anyone..." A loud clatter and maddened squaking startled her out of her apologies. The fool conductor had dropped her owl's cage in his bumbling effort to take him off the train. She sneered.
The groundskeeper frowned and began to admonish the conductor for his treatment of her owl, and she took a moment to quickly take in the environment around her. Small streets. Quaint businesses. Train stations. Hogsmeade looks like every other wizard town I've been to, she remarked to herself. How exciting.
With Hagrid's help, she boarded the carriage to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, no less nervous than the moment her post- graduation mission had been assigned. Uncomfortable next to the hulking giant, she leaned against the side of the carriage, watching him with vague suspicions.
"How long is the trip?"
"Oh, jes a few minutes," he rumbled, and shone an amicable smile down on the young girl. "How're you feelin' about teachin' here? We've had trouble from teachers in your position before, but," he interjected with a shrug of his massive shoulders, "Albus told us that yer real smart... graduatin' from Durmstrang and all."
She nodded and, trying to focus her nervous energy into somewhere less obvious than her voice, began fumbling with the sleeves on her robe. "Y-yes, I graduated top of my class. It was very difficult." She paused, then continued after casting a wary glance outside when a howl broke across the clearing. "But I expect to do well here. Teaching has always been a dream of mine, let alone in such a renowned school as Hogwarts."
"Aye, and un'er Dumbledore..." Hagrid rumbled, pausing and casting a look to his pocket watch. "Oh, dear... we're goin' t'be late for dinner. May miss some of the Sortin' Ritual..."
Leda frowned, and made no qualms about hiding the disdainful look on her face. Wonderful, she thought. Only you could make a bad impression before you even step foot in the school.
By the time they arrived, Leda had asked Hagrid to bring her things to her room that she would have help finding later, not wanting to be any more late to dinner than she was already.
In a flurry of flapping black robes and mussed waves of auburn hair, she entered the Great Hall with a panicked expression and came to a skidding halt. Every student and teacher within the hall stopped their conversation and stared at her. Even the Sorting Hat stopped it's words, placed awkwardly on the head of a frightened first-year.
She merely stood there, mouth a bit open and eyes filled with panic and fearful confusion. Oh god, Leda... you've blown it already. Remember what they told you to do...
Just as her fingers tensely found the comforting base of her wand, the Headmaster rose to his feet and began to speak. His warm, thick voice echoed across the hushed hall, commanding that respect and attention be paid. "Students, and administrators, it is my greatest pleasure to introduce our new teacher for the Defense Against the Dark Arts- Miss Leda Sloane. She graduated at the top of her class from Durmstrang Academy, and I know I can trust you all to make her feel comfortable in her new home." A sigh of relief fluttered from her chest and a smile overwhelmed her fair features. Oh, thank you, you doddering old fool!, she thought, before smiling graciously and bowing her head low towards the teachers' table.
She hardly heard the warm rounds of applause and few shouts of welcome as she made her way for the teacher's table. Her sharp eyes scanned the teachers whose faces she already knew so well. Dumbledore, obviously. McGonagall and her sharp eyes. Snape... the Potions Master. That's the only one they told me to be wary of, she thought, lowering her eyes away from him with a delicate smile. He's the only one who has been with us before.
Dinner was wonderfully uneventful. Her seat between McGonagall and Flitwick gave her ample time to see the notable students of the school, and learn the Houses and their various histories. That's Malfoy's son, she told herself, watching the white-haired boy's snide grin as he stuck chewed gum into another student's hair. Wow... how can you miss that hair? Those eyes? That sneer? He looks simply identical to his father.
And there's Potter, she thought, lips pursing in a look of thoughtfulness she had been practicing rather than her habit of simply frowning. The One-Who-Lived. A sense of dutiful anger filled her as she watched the scarred boy laugh and joke with other students of his house, and she rose to excuse herself politely.
"I hope it's all right that I turn in a bit early?," Leda asked, smiling faintly at the teachers around her. "It's been a rather long day for me."
"Oh, of course," McGonagall exclaimed, rising first. "Let me go find a House Elf to lead you to your room, Leda."
The teachers each rose in turn and shook her hand, smiling brightly and thanking her for coming to fill the teaching position at their school. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, Trelawney, all down the line before she reached the Potions Master. A hesitation stalled her before she extended her hand, smiling as simply as she had to the others.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Professor," she said, hand still extended.
He watched her for several long moments, silent and probing in his dark demeanor. With startling speed, he snaked a hand out of his long sleeves and briefly shook her hand, abruptly releasing it. "Sloane," was all he said before turning and exiting the Great Hall. She frowned deeply, looking down at her hand for a brief moment before excusing herself as well.
The House Elf who had volunteered to lead her to her room merely led her about in circles for what seemed like hours before finally stumbling across the right room. As it fumbled for the keys and the stairs shifted behind her, she glanced towards them and caught sight of Snape's robetails vanish into a corridor. A thoughtful frown pressed itself to her lips again, and she ushered inside her room without a word of thanks to the bumbling creature that had lead her there. That night, sleep came quickly, tomorrow's tasks pushed to the back of her mind and true exhaustion overwhelming her, mind still holding thoughts of her first night at Hogwarts.
Also, MASSIVE, ground-scraping, bowing-and-groveling thanks to Jaqueline (angelicgirl), who provided the get-up-and-go inspiration to start this, as well as a wonderful sounding board. Thanks much, girl! :)
This is also partially dedicated to Barry, who has sat with me and my endless bitching night after night after night. Thanks so much, honey- you make it all better, no matter what. :)
Disclaimer: While Leda is mine, Lucius Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, Harry, Hermione, and everyone else (especially the lovely, luscious Snape!) belong to the goddess J.K. Rowling. I make no claim to any of them, as much as I'd love to have Severus under my control... lucky woman!
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They can't be serious, Leda thought silently, mouth slightly agape and vermilion eyes wide. Surely not there...
"Yes, Leda. We mean what we say," said the aging Malfoy, one brow rising slowly in a look of challenge.
A grimace passed her lips at his abrupt reception of her thoughts, and she obediently lowered her head. I want to say no!, her mind screamed. It's too dangerous! There's no way -I- can do it... why would they even ask me? I'm much too inexperienced, an-...
"Leda!"
She blinked and startled, eyes flicking up to her more highly ranked brethren. "Y-yes?", she stammered, quickly biting her lip and clearing her throat. Work, damn you! You'll only look weak to them!
A cold smile passed Malfoy's thin lips. "We realize that you are hardly adept enough to handle a situation like this, should something... unfortunate?... arise, but Dumbledore, aged as the codger is, will not recognize your face. You have not been seen with us before. This is important." He paused, and steepled his fingers in front of his eyes. A bitter, icy laugh hissed past his lips. "After all, we can hardly have Voldemort himself waltzing into their grounds, can we?"
A smile passed her lips- she always had loved his sense of humor, as biting and derogatory as it can be. "Of course not, Brother Lucius," she replied cooly. "I'm honored that you've chosen me for this, and I promise not to fail you," she said quietly, confidence beginning to filter back into her voice. A pause filled the air before her green eyes raised and found theirs- her brethren, her friends, and her protectors- and a faint smile curved across her lips. They will defend me. These are my brothers. If something happens, they will come to my rescue without hesitation, her mind said. The smile widened and tightened just slightly, heart thrilling with sudden anticipation as she spoke,"How soon may I leave?"
Her mind reeled as she stepped off the train at Hogsmeade- my god, am I here already? Perhaps I've taken the wrong train and I'm in the wrong place. Perhaps it's already been finished, and I can go home. A sick tension knotted itself in her stomach and, for good measure, anxiety tightened her throat.
"Missus Sloane?" boomed a voice from behind her. Her robes fluttered wildly as she whipped around, wand drawn and pointed at the towering behemoth who put his hands up in timid defense. She hesitated and stammered, palms breaking into a cold sweat as she put her wand away again.
"H-Hagrid, right?" she managed out, laughing tightly as he nodded. "I'm sorry... I wasn't expecting anyone..." A loud clatter and maddened squaking startled her out of her apologies. The fool conductor had dropped her owl's cage in his bumbling effort to take him off the train. She sneered.
The groundskeeper frowned and began to admonish the conductor for his treatment of her owl, and she took a moment to quickly take in the environment around her. Small streets. Quaint businesses. Train stations. Hogsmeade looks like every other wizard town I've been to, she remarked to herself. How exciting.
With Hagrid's help, she boarded the carriage to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, no less nervous than the moment her post- graduation mission had been assigned. Uncomfortable next to the hulking giant, she leaned against the side of the carriage, watching him with vague suspicions.
"How long is the trip?"
"Oh, jes a few minutes," he rumbled, and shone an amicable smile down on the young girl. "How're you feelin' about teachin' here? We've had trouble from teachers in your position before, but," he interjected with a shrug of his massive shoulders, "Albus told us that yer real smart... graduatin' from Durmstrang and all."
She nodded and, trying to focus her nervous energy into somewhere less obvious than her voice, began fumbling with the sleeves on her robe. "Y-yes, I graduated top of my class. It was very difficult." She paused, then continued after casting a wary glance outside when a howl broke across the clearing. "But I expect to do well here. Teaching has always been a dream of mine, let alone in such a renowned school as Hogwarts."
"Aye, and un'er Dumbledore..." Hagrid rumbled, pausing and casting a look to his pocket watch. "Oh, dear... we're goin' t'be late for dinner. May miss some of the Sortin' Ritual..."
Leda frowned, and made no qualms about hiding the disdainful look on her face. Wonderful, she thought. Only you could make a bad impression before you even step foot in the school.
By the time they arrived, Leda had asked Hagrid to bring her things to her room that she would have help finding later, not wanting to be any more late to dinner than she was already.
In a flurry of flapping black robes and mussed waves of auburn hair, she entered the Great Hall with a panicked expression and came to a skidding halt. Every student and teacher within the hall stopped their conversation and stared at her. Even the Sorting Hat stopped it's words, placed awkwardly on the head of a frightened first-year.
She merely stood there, mouth a bit open and eyes filled with panic and fearful confusion. Oh god, Leda... you've blown it already. Remember what they told you to do...
Just as her fingers tensely found the comforting base of her wand, the Headmaster rose to his feet and began to speak. His warm, thick voice echoed across the hushed hall, commanding that respect and attention be paid. "Students, and administrators, it is my greatest pleasure to introduce our new teacher for the Defense Against the Dark Arts- Miss Leda Sloane. She graduated at the top of her class from Durmstrang Academy, and I know I can trust you all to make her feel comfortable in her new home." A sigh of relief fluttered from her chest and a smile overwhelmed her fair features. Oh, thank you, you doddering old fool!, she thought, before smiling graciously and bowing her head low towards the teachers' table.
She hardly heard the warm rounds of applause and few shouts of welcome as she made her way for the teacher's table. Her sharp eyes scanned the teachers whose faces she already knew so well. Dumbledore, obviously. McGonagall and her sharp eyes. Snape... the Potions Master. That's the only one they told me to be wary of, she thought, lowering her eyes away from him with a delicate smile. He's the only one who has been with us before.
Dinner was wonderfully uneventful. Her seat between McGonagall and Flitwick gave her ample time to see the notable students of the school, and learn the Houses and their various histories. That's Malfoy's son, she told herself, watching the white-haired boy's snide grin as he stuck chewed gum into another student's hair. Wow... how can you miss that hair? Those eyes? That sneer? He looks simply identical to his father.
And there's Potter, she thought, lips pursing in a look of thoughtfulness she had been practicing rather than her habit of simply frowning. The One-Who-Lived. A sense of dutiful anger filled her as she watched the scarred boy laugh and joke with other students of his house, and she rose to excuse herself politely.
"I hope it's all right that I turn in a bit early?," Leda asked, smiling faintly at the teachers around her. "It's been a rather long day for me."
"Oh, of course," McGonagall exclaimed, rising first. "Let me go find a House Elf to lead you to your room, Leda."
The teachers each rose in turn and shook her hand, smiling brightly and thanking her for coming to fill the teaching position at their school. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, Trelawney, all down the line before she reached the Potions Master. A hesitation stalled her before she extended her hand, smiling as simply as she had to the others.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Professor," she said, hand still extended.
He watched her for several long moments, silent and probing in his dark demeanor. With startling speed, he snaked a hand out of his long sleeves and briefly shook her hand, abruptly releasing it. "Sloane," was all he said before turning and exiting the Great Hall. She frowned deeply, looking down at her hand for a brief moment before excusing herself as well.
The House Elf who had volunteered to lead her to her room merely led her about in circles for what seemed like hours before finally stumbling across the right room. As it fumbled for the keys and the stairs shifted behind her, she glanced towards them and caught sight of Snape's robetails vanish into a corridor. A thoughtful frown pressed itself to her lips again, and she ushered inside her room without a word of thanks to the bumbling creature that had lead her there. That night, sleep came quickly, tomorrow's tasks pushed to the back of her mind and true exhaustion overwhelming her, mind still holding thoughts of her first night at Hogwarts.