This morning I had awoken to the cold and, to my surprise, I was alone. I had half-expected Snape to be there as he was the last few times I had been in my bedroom. Thankful, yes, because I had not wanted to deal with hi this morning. Even though we had taken a break from our clashing, I still was not ready for it to start so early. I keep this in mind so I won't be surprised if we start fighting today. Or the next...or the next.
I am sure he is a wonderful person once you get to know him....okay, maybe not wonderful, but good. I don't see a blossoming friendship anytime soon, however, that's for sure. We get on each others nerves. No surprise there. Maybe because we are both Slytherins? I don't know. And right now, I don't care. My stomach is upset.
"I'm going to take a shower, maybe that would help." I yawned quietly.
I got out of bed, and went into the bathroom, and turned the shower head on. Stepping out of my bed clothes and into the shower, I let out a sigh. Hot water streamed down my back, soothing it and making my stomach feel better. Lately my emotions have gotten the better of me, and my stomach has suffered for it. 'I shouldn't be so anxious all the time, I'll get myself sick, and I'll have to be hospitalized again.'
What was it that made me sad? Was it the death of my mother or the fallout that I had had with my father? Was it the pressure of getting good scores on my training as an Auror, or was it my lack of sleep? Maybe because of Lily and James' death? A mixture of a little bit of everything? Maybe. I did miss the Potters. I remember that I was invited to the wedding. My Gods, was she ever with child then. A boy, I believe. Harry was going to be his name, I had been told. Snape had attended as a guest. More like Lily had felt pity for him, for some reason or another. she was like that. The look on his face when she finished her vows....Was she ever beautiful! White gown and red hair up in curls! And James with a big grin on his face. Remus laughing and making small talk with Severus. Sirius was drunk during the after-party. It was great, it really was.
Her..their death. That day was so quiet. Children were unaware of what was going on around them. But, even though they had died people were rejoicing! October 31st. A day to remember; a day to celebrate the fall of a horribly evil...thing. Aurors should have been on the look-out better; Sirius should not have been the secret-keeper. Fucking traitor. We all trusted him.
I was awoken from my thoughts with a loud raping at the bathroom door. I bet that is Snape right now.
"Hold on, I'm in the shower! I'll be out in a few moments!" I yelled over the shower's noise.
"Would you hurry up? I keep getting sent down here to make sure you eat something! Like I am your keeper, yeah, sure! I should just move in, or something...." he complained. Or joked. I could never tell with people like him.
I had ignored that last comment. Disturbing images came to mind. I shivered, although the water was scolding hot. I shut it off, climbed out of the shower, wrapped up in a towel. I had gotten dressed, brushed my hair and my teeth; I was taking as long as possible doing the simplest of things. Just to annoy him, and it was enjoyable, too.
"Finally, Miss Zopiel. Can we get something to eat now? I'm starving, and you certainly look peckish yourself." he paused. "Are you alright? You look as if you have been crying your eyes out."
I scoffed. "No, I am fine, thank you very much. And the name is Adelaide. Drop the formalities, the school year hasn't even begun yet!"
Sighing, he took a hold of my hand. That pissed me off. I do not enjoy being treated like a child. Yanking myself away, he turned to give me this look which I, again, ignored. "I know where the Great Hall is, thank you Severus. If you are so bored of escorting me everywhere then you don't have to. Ignore your "orders" for once."
He turned then, as usual, and walked away. Good riddance. I can walk alone in the peace and quiet. He probably is rejoicing in his head. Hooray! But, he had kept an even and steady pace. Right next to me. Perfect, what does Snape want now? Better yet, what was he ordered to do?
"Did you sleep well last night?" he asked softly. "If you weren't crying, then you obviously re still tired. So?" I don't think I was crying.
"Neither. I am fine, Severus thank you. What about you, did you sleep at all?"
He laughed. "No, not really. I don't sleep much these days. As you very well know."
Silence again. The sun shown above the horizon now, above the trees. The splashes from the Black Lake could be heard from where we walked. Interesting, I haven't been there forever. I should go and visit while I am here, before the kids arrive. Before I knew it, we had reached the hall again. "Thank you for escorting me, you didn't need to."
"Well, yeah. I did. You're my apprentice. And it was by the request..."
"...of Dumbledore. I got you." I laughed.
Breakfast consisted of eggs and bacon, which I enjoyed more than I should have. But it had been so long since I had had a decent meal, I couldn't help myself! No, I ate like a human being and not a farm animal, thank you very much. Elf-made crunchy bacon and warm buttery eggs to start the day off...quite nicely, actually. A nice hot shower; an escort from a much more tolerable Snape; a wonderful breakfast. Yeah, things are getting better. I hope, better not make assumptions of things too fast. I remember what happened last time!
Well, yesterday.
I really did enjoy walking around the grounds again. it was peaceful, and thankfully, quiet. The Whomping Willow still stood, thrashing around for some unknown reason. I don't know why this is still here...someone could get seriously hurt! Then there ws the pathway that led to an opening surrounded by trees and these strange beings called Thesterals; beings which could only be seen if you have witnessed death. Its not that sad, really. Death is all around us. Sooner or later, you will be able to see one. They're quite beautiful creatures, really.
After I reached the outside of the garden, I decided it to be time to head back and help Snape. He'd be pissed if I made him wait any longer. Working with him has actually been quite enjoyable today. I hope it stays such.
I spoke too soon. When I had come back, he looked livid as I had hoped he wouldn't be. However, he didn't lash out as I had thought he would. Previous experiences with my trainers had made me paranoid, I expect. "Miss Zopiel, please finish your side of the cupboard. We still have other things to prepare."
"Adelaide, dammit!" I thought.
I may have heard him chuckle then, but I figured I had imagined it. Its not like he can read minds or anything.
When we were finished, I let out a sigh of relief. Wondering what we were to do next, I turned around and met his eye. I shivered. Why was he looking at me like that? Curiously, questioning; I couldn't figure it out. I send him a swift smile and asked, "Well, what next?"
He shook his head. "I assume it would be prudent to clean the classroom. At least make it look presentable for our incoming students. We must look like professionals, after all." he rolled his eyes. "Come, Miss Zopiel."
I huffed. "As you wish, Snape."
Tidying up the classroom had been faster than I had expected. We used magic, of course, so that may be the reason. After we had done what we set out to do, we sat down. It was quiet for a good few minutes. Silence really is nice, especially after being on your feet for so long. You can almost drift away...
"What made you decide to become an Auror-In-Training?" Severus asked.
I opened one eye. "The same reason anyone else does. To capture bad guys and make our world a safer place."
He rolled his eyes. "Yes, but why did you. Any special reason?"
I remained quiet for a moment. "To protect those that I love. Alastor Moody had told me that my reasons weren't good enough, however. I don't see anything else better. Protecting your loved ones, how great is that? They'll be safe because you had it in your power to protect them!"
"Not everyone can be saved just because you had the ability to." he waited. "Look at Headmaster Dumbledore. Look at anyone who wants to set out to protect their loved ones. It all ends in pain. Nothing good ever comes of it. Sad, but true."
My eyes narrowed. "Why must you always be so negative?"
"Why are you always so perky?"
My heart skipped a beat.
"I have my reasons, Severus."
He cocked an eyebrow. 'And why is that?"
I smiled warmly at him. "Look at how far we've come; how much we have accomplished! Isn't that..."
"It's not particularly grand, no," he paused. "Adelaide, please leave. You are done for now."
He stood and went over to his back room. "Come back a little later."
I obeyed, as usual.
I wonder what his issue is. Is it so hard to be positive at lest once in a while? No one can really be THAT miserable. Can they? Well....maybe he needs some time to think or be alone. I don't know. Maybe I'll go and 'bother' Albus instead. If I remember correctly his room was protected by two gargoyles who would not move until you spoke the password. I'll just name off some weird candy names until I get it right.
Wow, the hallways seem longer than usual. Probably because I was a 'child' last time I was here. Who knows. I had forgotten how beautiful the architecture was here. All the colors regarding the houses here were painted in the ceilings. Wow, never noticed that before.
I had made it to the two gargoyles and called out "Cockroach Clusters" to "Licorice Wands" until I finally discovered the pass. I muttered a cheery thanks to the guards and bounded up the tall winding staircase. This would be enjoyable. Albus is always relied upon when you need to talk. Conversations with him are never boring, to say the least. Anything from Chamber Pots to Voldemort.
Yet much to my disappointment I didn't see him sitting at his desk as usual. Although his voice called my name from the corner of the room. Friendly and wise as always. This was going to be a great conversation. I can tell already.
"Good afternoon, Sir." I said and smiled as I walked over to join him.
