Disclaimer: I do not own Harry, Ron, Hermione or any other characters that I use from the Harry Potter books. All characters belong to the master mind J.K. Rowling.
'Beginnings'
Recap:
Closing her eyes, Ginny felt herself begin to laugh lightly through her sobs. "Yes…" Ginny answered, softly rubbing the tears away.
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked, pretending to clear out her ears. "I'm sorry…I didn't hear you. Come again?"
Laughing Ginny smiled. "Yes!" Ginny said launching herself at Hermione in a giant hug.
"Ah, excuse me ladies," Ron interrupted poking at his wife. "We have a visitor."
"Visitor?" Hermione asked. "Who?"
Pointing to the window both Hermione and Ginny watched as a large snowy owl landed on the window sill, a large manila envelope in its beak. Written boldly in all caps on the front, was none other than Miss Ginevra Weasley. Both girls went back to squealing while Ron once more picked up his paper. He was bound to get through it sooner or later.
Chapter 3: Enter Snape
Dear Miss Weasley,
We are pleased to inform you that your application has been processed, and you have been selected as Hogwarts new Transfiguration Professor….
…We will expect you to arrive in one weeks advance so we may meet with you, and also to arrange your living quarters. We hope your summer holidays are going well and that you're ready for the new term.
Sincerely,Otto Rowland Prokopovits
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
She could still see the words on the newly pressed parchment; still feel the paper in her hands… Many times she has asked herself if it was a dream, but every time she went to pinch herself she realized it was indeed real. She could remember Ron's and Hermione's excitement at her receiving the letter, not that they didn't know it was coming. But they still had been excited and had even taken her out that night to celebrate. They had spent the next month helping her get ready and making sure she had everything she needed. Hermione had spent hours upon hours with her to make sure all her lesson plans were organized and neat. Ron had taken care of shipping all her belonging to Hogwarts and also her transportation. They had also taken a few trips to Diagon alley so they could order books from the school catalogue for her students. No matter how much she thanked them she knew she would never be able to repay them for their kindness.
And now here she was on the Hogwarts express, heading back to the place that had always held her heart. Sighing she glanced out the window at the passing landscape remembering how as a girl it hadn't held any interest for her. At that time she was only obsessed with Famous Harry Potter and scoring oustandings. But now all that seemed far behind her. This was her home now, and she was more than thankful to be back.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the door sliding open as a short plump woman entered. "I thought that was you Miss Weasley," she said smiling kindly. I never forget a face; haven't in a two hundred years."
"Umm, hello?" Ginny said looking confused. "Do I know you?"
"Well I should say so," the woman smiled pulling her trolley into view. "Anything off the trolley dear?"
Smiling Ginny bit back a chuckle. "It's you," Ginny said standing to shake the woman's hand. "The trolley lady."
The woman laughed nodding her head. "Well, that's what the students know me as," she said chipper. "But Hogwarts teachers call me Lucinda Honeyduke, and you may do the same."
"Honeydukes?" Ginny asked. "Then you are…"
"That's right. I'm the only heir and daughter of none other than Charles and Zella Honeyduke," Lucinda chuckled. "I try to keep a low profile from those who might wish to steal my parent's recipes. Just have to be careful, that's all."
"Well, your secret is safe with me," Ginny said taking a seat again.
"Now then, would you like anything off the trolley dear?" Lucinda asked displaying its contents to a starving woman.
"I think I'll take two chocolate frogs and one nice cold butterbeer thank you," Ginny smiled. Lucinda quickly retrieved the items off the cart and handed them to Ginny. "How much do I own you?" Ginny asked digging for her wallet.
"Oh no dear," Lucinda laughed. "Teachers eat for free. Enjoy!" And with that she was gone.
"Free huh?" Ginny smirked, unwrapping one of her chocolate frogs and merrily devouring it.
She arrived at Hogsmeade Station an hour later tired and exhausted from her trip. Bag in hand she made her way on foot to the three broomsticks. It wasn't a bad walk for she had done it numerous times when she was younger with Draco, Ron, Hermione and Harry. In fact it had been right along this path Harry had proposed to her. Shaking her head Ginny pushed all thoughts of Harry out of her head. She wasn't going to spoil this with thoughts of the past.
Ten minutes later Ginny arrived at the three broomsticks. Taking a seat at one of the tables she waited patiently. The letter had clearly stated that someone from the school would be here to pick her up, but apparently they hadn't arrived yet.
"What can I get you?" Glancing up Ginny was greeted by young girl dressed in a cute green apron. "What can I get you Miss?" she asked again smiling brightly.
"Oh, well, how about just a glass of water please," Ginny said.
"No problem," the witch said and scampered off to fetch Ginny's order.
Glancing around the pub Ginny gave a groan of aggravation. She was sure the letter said that someone would meet her there at 6:45pm sharp and it was now 6:55.
The young server returned with water in hand placing it on the table. "Excuse me?" Ginny asked taking the drink into her hands.
"How can I help you?" the girl asked looking thoughtful.
"I'm supposed to be waiting for someone here from Hogwarts," Ginny said. Taking a sip of her water she continued. "Do you know if anyone has asked for a Ginevra Weasley lately?"
"Not that I know of… But I can go check the bar for you Miss," the server said picking her tray up. "Would you like me to go find out for you?"
"Please," Ginny said placing her drink back on the table. Nodding the witch swept across the floor. Ginny watched as she called the attention of one of the bartenders. She watched the bartender take down a notepad reviewing it only shaking his head. Rolling her eyes Ginny growled in irritation.
"Excuse me Miss, but no one has called for you yet," the server said approaching the table.
"Alright. Thank you," Ginny said with a curt nod.
The server went back to her work leaving Ginny there to boil. If there was one thing Ginny hated the most, it was people who arrived late. She had always been taught the punctual and never let people wait on her. Apparently, this person wasn't one to be prompt.
Twenty minutes went by, until she caught sight of a cloaked figure moving into the bar and to the bartender who pointed her way. The cloaked man glanced her way and nodded to the bartender. He approached the table slowly until he was standing before Ginny.
"May I help you?" Ginny asked trying to sound professional.
"You don't fool me Weasley," the cloaked figure said removing his hood. He had light grey eyes and long platinum hair tied back in a ponytail. His features were masculine and cut, but Ginny had known him instantly by the sound of his voice.
"Draco Malfoy" Ginny said smiling. It had been ages since she had seen him, and here he was all grown up and looking very robust. "What on earth are you doing here?"
"I've come to pick you up," he said smiling. He had been taken aback when the bar tender had pointed her way. He hadn't recognized her right off and was unsure if it was her or not. Ginny was nothing like she had been seven years ago. She was taller, and she had well, become a woman. She had lost her childhood freckles and was darker, probably from working outside. Her hair was longer but still mad curly and above all things red.
"You pick me up?" Ginny asked looking a little unsure.
Rolling his eyes he grabbed her satchel and motioned for her to follow. "Come on, I've got a carriage outside waiting."
She wasn't sure if she should follow, but then again she didn't want to stay here anymore either. Dropping a few galleons on the table she followed him out of the pub and to a black horseless carriage waiting outside. Well, horseless to everyone else. Ginny eyes darted to the skeletal horse-like creature before her. Though she had been introduced to these creatures at a young age she still was slightly fearful of a full grown Thestrals. Its white shiny eyes caught hers and it flapped its wings for her to get in.
"Sorry I'm late," Draco said helping her in and handing Ginny her satchel. "I had a meeting with Prokopovits that didn't let out till late. He sends his apologies and regards by the way."
"Wait a minute," Ginny said after Draco had got in the carriage. "Meeting with Prokopovits? Are you saying you work at the school?"
"That's right," Draco said as the carriage began to move. "You are looking at the Defense against Dark Arts Teacher."
"You? Dark Arts?" Ginny chuckled lightly. "Since when?"
"I've been working at the school now for four years," he said looking at her curiously. "I thought Harry would have told you."
"Oh," Ginny said looking away. "No he didn't mention it to me."
"That's kind of odd…" Draco said but finally letting it go.
For a few minutes there was an awkward silence until Draco drowned it out. "So are you excited about your first year?"
Turning back to him Ginny smiled. It was odd talking to Draco like this. Eight years ago he had been the enemy always trying his best to dampen Harry's, Ron's, Hermione's and her spirits; Always trying with a vengeance to get them into trouble and always turning people against them. No one had known say for Dumbledore and Snape that he had been a spy for the order gathering information to use against the Dark Lord. When the war came he had turned against Voldemort taking down many of his followers including his own father who had mercilessly killed his mother. It had almost taken his death for Harry and everyone else to realize he had done what he did to help out the order and to help Harry. After that, amends had been made and Draco eventually became a good friend to both Harry and Ron.
Realizing he was still waiting for her answer she continued. "Yes very," she answered. "I mean, I've only been out of school for about six months now. And to get a job this quick is a dream come true."
Draco smiled at her before turning his gaze at the approaching castle ahead. "Well let's hope you are as ready as you think."
"Did I mention I hate buggy rides," Draco said helping Ginny out of the carriage.
"This would be the third time," she laughed taking her satchel gratefully from Draco.
Glancing at his watch he gave an irritated grunt. "I will take you to the headmaster's office quickly and let you in. But we must be quick about it. I have to pick up my son in half an hour from pee wee quidditch."
"Oh yea…" Ginny smirked. "I forgot you got married a while back. How's Cho doing nowadays?"
"Wonderful," he said showing her up a staircase. "She was actually inquiring about you and Harry this morning. And I have yet to ask when you two will finally tie the knot."
"The knot..?" Ginny said knowing very well what he had meant.
"You know, getting married?" he asked pointing for her to make a right turn.
"Oh right…." She sighed, taking in a deep breath. "Never."
She tried to keep walking but he had stopped her quickly. "Never?" What do you mean?" Draco asked looking concerned. "Did something happen?"
"We just decided to go our separate ways, that's all," Ginny said trying to move past him.
"You weren't a very good liar Weasley," Draco said smirking slightly. "What happened?"
"You want the truth?" Ginny asked looking up at Malfoy. "He couldn't keep his dirty hands off of the opposite sex. My direct, he couldn't keep himself OUT of anyone of the opposite sex."
Knowing fully well what she was talking about Draco let her go. "Oh Gin, I'm so sorry," Draco said. He never thought Harry would have been that kind of guy. But then Harry had also grown too big for his pants in the last few years. It was sad to think Ginny had, had to of dealt with it all this time.
"Don't be sorry," Ginny said turning around to face him. "I'm not. Yes I will always love him, but I can never go back. Not ever. I'm happy now, and I haven't felt this good in years. This is how it should be."
Draco knew Ginny was strong, yet a part of him wasn't sure if she was all but ok yet. "Well, if there is anything you need, let me know," he said patting her on the head.
"I will," she said smiling, though he could tell she was anything but cheery.
Glancing down at his watch he cursed lightly. "Crap, I'm going to be late. And Cho is a beast when I'm late!"
They both continued to the headmaster's office, their laughter echoing in the halls.
Peppermint. That was what had greeted her when she had entered the headmaster's office. The aroma of it instantly assaulted her nose and for a moment she thought she was going to pass out. Coughing a little to get it out of her system Ginny made her way through the study and up to a large mahogany desk. To her surprise though, the headmaster was not there. Glancing around she looked to see if she had missed him on her way in. But to her avail there was nobody around say her. Laying her satchel on the chair she moved away from the desk and back into the study/living area. Upon the walls were portraits of Headmasters and Headmistress' who had served at Hogwarts. A few were snoozing while others chatted quietly amongst themselves. A few others greeted her waving kindly and some even congratulating her on getting the job. However it was one portrait that caught her attention out of all others. There, right above the fireplace was none other than Albus Dumbledore smiling down at her over his moon shaped spectacles.
"Hello Professor," Ginny said nodding at her former Headmaster.
"Ah Miss Weasley, so nice to see you," Dumbledore smiled his eyes twinkling. "It's been a while hasn't it?"
"Yes sir," Ginny said taking a seat on the sofa. "Too long if I do say so."
"And may I congratulate you on securing such a heated position," Dumbledore said clapping his hands together. "I had hoped the position would have gone to either you, or Mrs. Weasley. But either way I'm glad you are here."
"Thank you professor," she smiled fidgeting slightly.
"Nervous are we?" the old wizard asked eying the red head before him.
"A little," Ginny confessed. "I mean, it's my first teaching job ever. I guess I'm just worried about screwing it up or not being able to live up to all those who came before me; Like Professor McGonagall."
"I see," Dumbledore said running his fingers through his beard. "We always wish to be like those before us, because we always look to them as the perfect role model. We watch and observe but only see what they have become, not what they had been. I assure you Miss Weasley… Each staff member here shared the exact same feelings as you and felt the exact same way. But they were told then as I am telling you now. Put those feelings behind you and 'keep moving forward.' If you have it in your heart to teach, then teach. If not, well… then don't. Each one you see here now, each portrait on these walls told themselves, I can do it and became many great witches and wizards of their time."
"I couldn't have said it better myself," came an older voice behind her. Turning around she caught sight of an older man with a long silver beard resembling Albus' to a T. He had no hair however and wore large circle shaped glasses which made his eyes look ten times their original size. He was a little heavier than Albus had been and wore bright purple robes trimmed in gold. "I say Albus; you never cease to amaze me. You practically did my job for me."
"Ah, the headmaster himself…Good evening Otto," Albus said bowing his head lightly.
"And this must be Miss Weasley, it's so very nice to meet you," Prokopovits said extending a hand to her. Ginny took it quickly not wishing to be rude. "I am as you now know Otto Rowland Prokopovits, Headmaster of Hogwarts. And I see you have reacquainted yourself with my good friend Albus Dumbledore."
Ginny nodded, listening quietly. She didn't want to miss anything the man said.
"Well, anyways…" he said straightening his robes. "Albus already gave you the pep talk and what a stirring one at that. So now, all I have to do is give you your schedule and key and I will have one of the staff members escort you to your quarters." Moving to his desk he picked up a small role of parchment and a large brass key which Ginny could have sworn was not there before. Swiftly he made his way back over to her and handed her the items. "Your bags have already been unpacked and your room, I must say is one of the finest. The house elves took special care when they heard the fiancé of Mr. Potter was coming to Hogwarts."
"Oh…" Ginny said feeling as if a weight had been dropped upon her. "Well…thank you." Why did people still assume she was with Harry Potter?
For the second time today her thoughts were interrupted as the door to Prokopovits' chambers opened. Gasping Ginny took a step back as she laid eyes on none other than Professor Severus Snape. He moved quickly into the study area not once glancing her way. He's still alive?
"Good evening Headmaster," Severus said shaking the old man's hand, and then quickly turned to the fireplace where Albus' portrait hung. "Headmaster," he said again nodding curtly.
"Good evening Severus," Albus said nodding back to his former pupil. "Good to see you looking so cheerful."
Ginny raised an eyebrow in confusion. If that was cheerful she didn't want to see what was furious.
"Excellent timing as usual Severus," Prokopovits said moving to take a seat on a large maroon chair.
"And what could have been so urgent as to call me up here this late?" Severus asked crossing his arms over his chest.
Prokopovits didn't seem to have noticed Severus' question and continued. "Severus Snape I would like you to meet our new Transfiguration Professor Miss Ginevra Weasley."
Ginny was sure she saw Snape flinch at her name. Slowly he turned his head to glare at her a brow rising in complete and utter loathing. Biting her lower lip she did the only thing she could think of and smiled sheepishly. Instantly he turned his gaze back to the headmaster who was smiling brightly his large green eyes blinking in innocence.
"You must be joking," Severus said his hands moving to their sides and under his robes. "Headmaster, do tell me that you did not hire that red headed snippet onto the staff." He hadn't had a problem with the headmaster hiring on Malfoy; Malfoy he could tolerate. But hiring on Potter's fiancé was a whole other matter. It was treacherous to say the least! He knew Potter was probably loving this and was enjoying his sweet revenge. Well Snape was not going to have anything of it!
"Excuse me?" Ginny asked looking completely shocked.
Severus ignored her and turned to Albus who was surveying the scene with interest. "Headmaster, please tell me you didn't have anything to do with this."
"If it will make you unhappy to hear it my boy, then I will remain silent," Albus said trying to pass as innocent.
"Excuse me?" Ginny said again finally drawing Severus' attention her way. "Red headed snippet huh? And just what is wrong with my teaching here? Apparently the headmaster thought I was good enough so what is your problem then…Pro... Pro… Severus!"
The room went quiet as Severus turned to face her. Ginny could see the anger building behind his dark vortexes yet she held her head high determined not to let him get to her.
"Excuse me?" Snape asked his voice dripping with venom. "What did you call me?"
"Oh I'm sorry," Ginny said smiling smugly. "I was under the impression that as your colleague we were on a first name basis here."
She could see the wheels churning in his head for a comeback but failing miserably. Turning away from her, Snape once again crossed his arms over his chest and completely ignored her.
"Ah, now that we are all reacquainted, Severus would you please escort Miss Weasley to her room?" Prokopovits asked gesturing towards the door.
Giving the head master a murderous look he nodded slightly and moved out the door.
"Best you get your things and follow him Miss Weasley," Otto said looking somewhat grim. "Otherwise you will miss him."
Realizing he was right, Ginny quickly retrieved her bag, thanked the headmaster and wished him and Albus a good night before chasing Severus down the hall.
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