Disclaimer: Yes, the almighty J.K.R. owns everything within this story, save for Pyre and Sahriya, and basically anyone that you don't recognize. I'm making no money off of this, so please don't sue. Believe me, all you'd get are used HS 314 books.
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Chapter 1: Hello
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"What the devil are you talking about?!" Severus Snape bellowed before catching his tongue. He straightened up slightly, fixing his long black robes, pushing his shoulder length black hair out of his face. He sighed before looking back up at Albus Dumbledore. The headmaster had a slightly bemused look on his face. "Headmaster, what I mean to say is, I am more than qualified for that job, sir. Why bring in an outsider to teach the Defense Against the Dark Arts class?"
"Because, Severus, she is quite qualified. She herself is an alumni of Hogwarts." Dumbledore said, a slight twinkle in his azure eyes. "She graduated several years ago and went on to a very prestigious wizarding school in the States." Dumbledore explained.
"Well, who in blazes is she?" Snape asked, his temper ready to flare again. He smiled inwardly at the thought that the combined Slytherin and Gryffindor Potions class was in less than fifteen minutes, the perfect time to release tension by deducting points from the Gryffindors.
"Pyre Rittin."
"Pyre…Rittin… Odd, I don't remember the name. When did you say she graduated from Hogwarts, Albus?" Severus inquired, running his hand through his hair. "Wait… Oh, Albus, not her. Anyone but her. She was worse than bloody Potter and the Weasley's combined!"
"Do relax, Severus. You'll live longer." Albus chuckled. He stood up and walked around his large desk, his dark blue robes swishing silently behind him. He placed a hand on Snape's shoulder and smiled. "I wouldn't worry. I do believe she's mellowed out a bit since then. Although the hair's still… Well, I'll let you see. She's in the Staff Room, might as well greet her before your first class, Severus."
Severus rolled his eyes slightly, but followed the aged wizard out of the office and down to the Staff Room. They stepped into the room just as Minerva McGonagall stepped out. She smiled slightly at the pair before muttering something to Albus.
"…the hair's even worse now, Albus. I think you should talk to her about that."
"Alright, Minerva." Dumbledore chuckled. He led Snape over to a dark corner of the large room and spoke in a rather cheerful voice that Snape disliked immediately: "Severus Snape, you remember Pyre Rittin, yes?"
A young woman in black robes looked up from her book, rather shyly. She had short black hair with chunks of magenta running through it. It was spiked all over, fairly reminiscent of Madame Hooch's hair, if she was going through a punk phase. Her ears were pierced, four times apiece, and she wore simple black eye shadow. Her pale face showed the signs of a slight smile before she spoke.
"Hello, Professor Snape." Pyre said, standing up. She extended her hand to Snape, which he took in his own, in a distrustful handshake. "Hello, Headmaster."
"Good morning, Rittin. Have you blown anything up lately?" Snape asked, his face in a twisted smile.
"Well, Professor, it's only eight thirty in the morning. Give me time…" Pyre said, a heavy sarcastic tone to her voice. She glanced at her watch before wincing. "I'm afraid we can continue this at another time. I have a class to teach."
And with that, Pyre left the room, leaving a smiling Dumbledore and a silently cursing Snape.
"Why did you hire her, Albus?" Snape asked, his voice tight. Dumbledore simply shrugged his slim shoulders.
"Call me crazy, Severus, but I do believe that some people deserve a second chance."
Severus merely sighed and walked out of the room behind Rittin.
"Sorry to tell you old boy, but you do have a bit of a conscience. You just don't like to show it." Albus said to the empty room. He smiled as he received a response from Sir Nicholas.
"I agree… I give it a week before they kill each other."
"My, you certainly are an optimist, Nick…"
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