So, I see you enjoyed the first chapter enough to enter into the second. Thank you, this tells me you enjoyed it enough to at least give the second chapter a shot. Thank you for reviews if you left any, I am starting this chapter right after the first. Well, enough of my ramblings, and on to the story, enjoy.

Minerva's Point of View

Minerva awoke in her bed wondering if the happenings of the day before were just a restless dream due to the hard year ahead. She rolled over to find the scroll with Albus's mark on it. She sighed knowing it indeed was not a dream. She would have to go to great lengths to ensure the students' safety this year. Uh, I'm getting too old for this. She mused to herself. She waved her wand causing her usual attire of emerald robes to adorn her. She carefully wound her hair into a tight bun, making sure not a hair was out of place. Nothing must look out of the ordinary. She recalled the other professors' unhappy reaction to Severus's position in the school, but they too agreed that it was best.

Who else would take the position anyhow? It was too short of notice to dispute this anyway. They all agreed to keep a close eye on him and the students. The two new Ministry appointed professors sounded quite odd to her, but she couldn't dispute. The ministry of magic is after all the very government of the wizarding world. They would have the power to overthrow Severus if he put a toe out of line. Minerva smiled at this. The thought would hopefully get her through the day.

Minerva fussed with her robes a bit, making sure she was up to standards before leaving her room and entering the Great Hall. Amycus, Alecto, Fillius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, and Hagrid was already there. She sat in her usual seat as headmistress choosing to eat some eggs and bacon. She poured herself some pumpkin juice and began to eat quietly. She felt slightly uneasy. Usually the hall was filled with chatter, but right now it was dead silent, even with the other usually chatty professors there. She looked up slowly to find Amycus staring at her intently.

It was a rather uncomfortable stare, one seemingly out of hate and desire more than curiosity. No wonder everyone was dreadfully quiet. Minerva sighed slightly and began to nurture her food, delicately pushing it around her plate and taking a small bite here and there, hoping they would leave soon so she could eat her breakfast in peace.

Severus's Point of View

Severus awoke that morning looking at the same room where he used to meet in secret with Albus to discus matters of the order. He missed him dreadfully for he had been such a good friend. He almost hated him the day he handed him that stupid piece of paper and told him to kill in the place of Malfoy. The burden was so much, almost too much. He was to kill his only friend in this life in order to save an innocent soul. He found out that day that his dear friend was dying to begin with, but it was still hard knowing that no matter what, even if he could save him, he would die anyways.

He rose and got dressed in his usual black robes and his smock. He walked down the staircases with his robes billowing behind him due to the velocity and wind lifting them due to the downward force. He made his way to the entrance hall and found an uneasy feeling begin to quell in the pit of his stomach. Something wasn't right, of course it wasn't going to be the same to begin with, but it wasn't the way it should be nevertheless. He opened the double doors to find Minerva and his colleagues already seated. Amycus was staring at Minerva in almost a malicious manner which caused Severus to feel almost protective. He knew what they were capable of.

Severus walked up to the platform upon which the head table was in his usual nonchalant manner. Minerva looked up at him with a hatred in her eyes but with a feint look of a plea behind them. She looked as if she just wanted to burst out of the door and never look back, but he stubborn courage kept her there staring at him as though he were the enemy. If only she knew he was on her side. He supposed it was for the better that the other professors didn't know. That way it would be much easier for Amycus and Alecto to believe that his loyalty to Voldemort was unwavering.

Severus smiled at Alecto, who in turn smiled back, taking her character to the fullest. Amycus was; however, finding it difficult not to lust after Minerva. He would have to learn the ways of Hogwarts and blend in much better or they would be exposed. Severus sighed and sat down next to his hating colleague. She glared at him and began to finish her food in a hurry. Severus adorned his plate with sausage and pancakes. He took a bite and chewed slowly as he watched Minerva eat her food in such a flurry.

Amycus's eyes never left Minerva the whole time. Severus hurried in order to follow Minerva and keep her safe best he could until she reached her destination. Minerva got up, so Severus followed her out of the Great Hall, noticing that when she got up, Amycus also did, but sat suddenly, realizing that Severus was going to accompany her. He swore to himself and filled his plate instead.

Minerva's Point of View

Minerva hurried out of the great hall, trying not to show her worry. She stepped into the hallway and down the corridor attempting to get to her room. She could hear the clop of sure foot falls behind her. She took a sharp intake of breath as she neared the top of the stairs and turned with her want pointed towards her aggressor. Suddenly her wand flew and Severus caught it and held it out to her. It was not Amycus behind her, but Severus. As if that was any better.

"You may need this." Severus droned in a sarcastic voice as he held the wand out to her. Minerva took it reluctantly. The figure of Amycus appeared out of the Great Hall and they both suddenly pocketed their wands, but kept their hands on them. Minerva nodded to Severus and walked back to her room with Severus on her trail. Minerva made it to her door and turned to Severus and whispered a small thanks before she disappeared behind it. She uttered magical enchantments and wards on her door to keep unwanted visitors out.

She began to think about what had just transpired. Was Severus not all bad, or was it just on his way? Why did he give her wand back? Why hadn't he hurt her when he had the chance twice now? These questions haunted her as she heard voices outside her door. She leaned closer to hear.

Severus's Point of View

Severus ran into Amycus almost as soon as he had ensured that Minerva had locked herself safely away in her quarters. He glared at him with great anger. "Why did you follow her back to her rooms Severus?" He asked in a malicious voice. Severus thought for a quick moment realizing that Minerva could most likely hear everything. Now would be a good time to ensure his loyalty to Voldemort after helping Minerva. As much as he cared for her safety, he must keep up appearances.

"Well, you know me Amycus. It has been so long since I have had a good woman in my bed." Severus said in his best attempt at sincerity. His mind was rationalizing this as the best way to toss Minerva's trust away if she was listening. Amycus smiled a crooked sneer.

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. She looks like she would taste quite nice." Severus nodded in agreement. He had not thought about Minerva that way before, but upon mention, he had to admit, she was rather fetching. Severus tried to banish the thought from his mind. Now was not the time to get romantically involved with anyone, especially not Minerva. She was not as old as she looked. Her body may look old, but she was full of youthful fervor.

Amycus seemed satisfied with Severus's motives and walked along. Severus sighed with relief and walked off to his office to do paperwork until the students were to arrive. He had to prepare his speech for the beginning on the school year. It was going to be a long day.

Minerva's Point of View

Minerva prepared herself for the sorting ceremony. She was relieved to think that it would be easier to not be alone in a room with the students around. Of course, that is if Amycus was indeed from the Ministry. Minerva dwelled slightly on the words so heavily smeared upon Severus's lips earlier that day about him wanting to bed her. This confused her, because his actions spoke as if he cared for her, not wanting to bed her against her will.

Minerva opened her door and looked about silently then waited on the staircase for the students to arrive as usual. She did not see Severus or the other professors anywhere. She took it as a good thing, for that meant that they were in the great hall and not out and about. She gave a sigh of relief when Hagrid brought the students in and the rustling of luggage being left by the door and excited voices could be heard.

The older students were already inside of the Great Hall awaiting the new additions. Minerva noted that this was a smaller group than usual and let the thought rest. The war caused much uncertainty. It was probably best this way. The students clambered up the stairs in a cluster of noise that slightly resembled the sound of a herd of animals.

Minerva looked at them all sternly with pressed lips. "Follow me." She said plainly and brought them into the great hall and made a mental note at how they oohed and ahhed at the ceiling. She smiled slightly and then noticed Amycus and the smile left her face. This was not going to be the same as other years. Severus was sitting in Albus's place. Not to mention two new strange professors from the ministry taking over defense against the dark arts and muggle studies after the previous professor was murdered.

She brought them to the front and sorted the new students into their houses and sat down at her rightful place at the head table. She pretended to smile for the students' sake, but she knew that some of them knew better. Ginny seemed to be searching her eyes for some sign that she was okay. Minerva made a better effort at smiling and this seemed to satisfy her curious student. Severus stood up at the podium and looked out at all the students.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Please accept your new classmates and teach them the ways of the school. A few minor changes to staffing this year. Teaching Muggle Studies will be Professor Alecto. Teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts will be Amycus. And in Albus's place, I will be taking over as Headmaster. Other than that, one rule change. No student will be out of their dorms after nine o'clock. Thank you." As Severus finished his quick speech in his monotone nonchalant voice, a great feast appeared in front of the students and the staff.

Everyone began to eat and Severus sat down in the Headmaster chair. Severus looked at Minerva who glared back at him. She didn't know for sure who's side he was on, but it seemed easier to hate him at that moment. The hell he wouldn't get under her bed skirts. She began to eat but could feel the stare of Amycus at her back. She paid no attention and focused on eating and the joyful chatter that filled the room. It was going to be a very unique year indeed. When the feast was over and everyone headed back to their common rooms, Minerva set out to her private chambers.

She could feel eyes on her as she left and could hear footsteps behind her. She passed it off simply as Severus following her to her private chambers and kept walking. Suddenly she was spun around against the cold stone wall. Her eyes were face to face with Amycus. She was going to scream but a silence charm was put upon her. He grabbed her hands and held them above her head and brought one hand down to cup a breast. Minerva spat in his face and Amycus pulled back to rub the spit out of his eyes. Minerva took the chance to run to her dorms and lock the door.

She heaved as she stood back to the door as she undid the charm so she could have her voice back. She was going to have to be much more careful. She didn't know if she should tell Severus, or to just deal with this herself. She decided to solve the problem herself, not knowing where Severus's loyalties lye. It was going to be a restless night for her.

Severus's Point of View

Severus was the last to leave the great hall that night. He walked up the eight flights of stairs to his office and sat down with a bottle of firewhisky. He thought of all the shit he had been through and finally when the woman he had always admired noticed him and had to talk with him, he had to treat her badly. He scolded himself for ever becoming mixed up in all of the bull shit of being a double agent. Oh, how he wished he was back at Hogwarts as a lad with Minerva's breast slightly brushing his shoulder as she leaned over him to show him the proper wand movement to transfigure a mouse into a wine glass. What a lesson that was that day.

Even today, that is the only transfiguration spell he can do. Was it her soft breast, or just her teaching skills? He would never know, but what he did know, was that he cared about her from that day forward. The one woman he could never have. Now she was dangling in front of him, willing to trust even after all he put her through, and he has to treat her like shit. Damned if he could ever tell her how he feels about her now. Even if Voldemort should meet his demise.

Severus finished his bottle and opened another, enjoying his drunken stupor.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I hate writing bridge chapters that lead to the good ones, but they seem boring in themselves... I do hope you liked it though, and review if you liked it. Anyway, keep reading my avid readers.

To be continued...