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The End of All Things

Chapter 1- The New Addition

Albus Dumbledore sat quietly in his office, looking over the tips of his glasses at the cloaked figure sitting before him.

"Are you sure about this? I have never heard of such a power..." inquired the old man.

"Tell me Albus, don't you find it the least bit strange that some of the most powerful witches and wizards in your world have disappeared without a trace? I am most sure, Albus, that Voldemort has come up with a new plan to gain his full power...if not more."

"And why do you feel it necessary to take the matter into your own hands?"

"My people are concerned, nothing more. We don't normally fear human magicians, but this...Voldemort is no ordinary human magician," replied the shadowy figure. "I was originally sent to monitor his movements, but I feel I should help prepare the students at Hogwarts for the battle yet to come. I don't believe that the fate of the human wizarding world will be decided during this one year."

Dumbledore sighed. "I will have Professor McGonagall prepare a suitable classroom for you as well as private quarters. You should see her about them tomorrow."

The cloaked one merely nodded at Dumbledore.

It seems Potter, Weasly, and Granger have chosen to remain in Potions. I'd think that after 6 years of having me for a professor they'd give it up, thought Severus. Oh joy. Mr. Longbottom also remains. I suppose I should fire- proof the classroom.

A knock came to the Potion Master's door. "Enter," said Severus.

"Hello, Severus. I was wondering if my Wolfsbane potion was ready?" asked Remus Lupin, a smile spreading on his face.

"It's in the cabinet," grumbled Severus.

"Just as cheerful as always, eh, Snape?" A grunt resounded from Severus. Lupin nodded and chuckled slightly as he reached inside the cabinet to retrieve his potion. "What's that you've got?" asked the werewolf.

"None of your damn business, Lupin. Now get your potion and leave."

"Must be your student list? From the tone of your voice, I'd say your least favorite people are in your 7th year class." Severus glared daggers at Lupin. Lupin shrugged at Severus. "The same four are in my class well. Though they seem to be adeptly better at Defense Against the Dark Arts than potions." Lupin smirked at Snape who ignored him. "Say, have you heard about the new teacher?"

"New teacher?" asked Severus, his eyes rising from the parchment sitting on his desk.

"Yes. I saw him walking up to Albus's office. I ran into Minerva on the way down here and asked her about the new guy. She said that he was going to teach a new subject here, although she wasn't sure either about what exactly."

"Interesting, I suppose I should keep my eye open then. What did he look like?"

"I never got a good look at him. He was cloaked and hooded, but something about him didn't smell...human. I had never smelled anything like him before."

"Well our last nonhuman teacher was a Centaur. I can't imagine who that old man has dug up this time."

Lupin shrugged. "See you around Severus and thank you." Lupin received another grunt, Snape-language for 'You're welcome'.

A new teacher? Could this be a mere cover up for a new member to the Order? I must speak with Dumbledore about this. Severus laid the student list down and rose from his desk. He walked over the fireplace and grabbed a handful of Floo powder. Stepping into the fireplace, he threw down the powder and yelled in a clear voice, "Dumbledore's office. The password is Cream Savor."

After a few seconds, Severus was in Dumbledore's office dusting Floo powder and ash from his robes.

"Ah, Severus. It is good to see you. What may I do for you?"

"I heard from Lupin that we have a new teacher here. Is this true?" asked Severus, a slight look of worry on his face.

"My boy, why do you look worried? You are not being replaced." Severus mentally relaxed at this. "I'm not worried about that.I'm worried about why you are bringing in a new teacher. And don't give me that 'I'm offering a new subject for the students' crap. I know there are ulterior motives here."

"Ah. Well you shall find out at the same time as the students and faculty do."

"You've told Minerva already. Why not the rest of us?

"Minerva," said a slightly perturbed Dumbledore, "is Deputy Headmistress." Snape snorted. "That fact means she is privileged to information sooner than the rest of you."

"I don't know why I bother, Albus, I really don't. It seems I already know what you're going to tell me, but I come anyway!" Severus threw his hands up in the air. "But tell me Albus...Lupin told me that the new teacher didn't smell human. What is he?"

"Like I said, you shall find out when everyone else does." Dumbledore smiled graciously at Severus, infuriating him further. Severus glared at Dumbledore for a minute then went to the fireplace. He chucked in some Floo powder and said, "My office." Damn that old man. I spy on Voldemort for him, and he says I am not privileged to have information early? Damn him to hell and back.

Start of term had finally come. The House tables were fitted to allow for the extra students to join them during the Sorting Ceremony. The Sorting Hat was in its usual place in front of the staff table facing out towards the students. McGonagall was standing next to the Sorting Hat holding a scroll in her hand, ready to call out the names of the new students attending Hogwarts. Looking up at the staff table, Hermione noticed an extra seat in between Severus Snape and Remus Lupin. Professor McGonagall usually sits on Dumbledore's left so that seat isn't for her. I don't notice any teachers missing. Hmm, could we have a new teacher?

"Hey, Hermione. Whose seat is that at the staff table?" whispered Harry loud enough for her and Ron to hear.

"I was just about to ask you the same thing. It doesn't look like any teachers are missing."

"Maybe it's saved for you. Maybe Dumbledore is going to call you to teach a class this year for having straight O's 6 years in a row!" smirked Ron.

Harry chuckled quietly while Hermione punched Ron lightly in the arm. Dumbledore cleared his throat indicating to McGonagall that it was time.

"Attention students. The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin!" yelled Professor McGonagall. The Sorting Hat sang its song, entrancing all the students. When the Sorting Hat was finished, Professor McGonagall began calling out the names of the new students. After each student was sorted, the Great Hall was filled with applause.

The Sorting Ceremony was ended and Dumbledore began his customary start of term speech. "Welcome back to old students and welcome to Hogwarts to new students! I have just a few reminders for the students here. Remember that the Forbidden Forest is strictly out of bounds and none should venture there unless they wish to die a most horrible death. Next, curfew is still at 11:00 PM sharp. Also, with recent events, I advise all students to travel the halls in groups in case of danger. And finally, I would like to take this time to introduce out newest addition to the Hogwarts faculty."

At the mention of a new teacher, chattering spread through the Great Hall like wildfire. Even the staff was interested. They had been told a new teacher was arriving, but that was it. No name, no subject...no race. Ears perked and silence reigned as the mighty doors to the Great Hall swung open revealing a figure cloaked in shadow...

(A/N: I have this classified as a Remus Lupin/Severus Snape fic. Besides the unidentified character above, they will have central parts to plot. Enjoy! Please R&R. Flames are always welcome.)