Author's Note: Finally Snape is in this chapter! Also, italics are used to represent thoughts. And lastly, if you love Slytherin or Ravenclaw aesthetic, feel free to follow my tumblr page at ravenclawdoorknocker.


Severus glanced again at the open letter on his work desk, next to his cup of half-finished tea. As he threw some books into his black leather suitcase, he thought about how Dumbledore's letter was so...ambiguous. It was a little peculiar, Albus insisted he come back to the castle as soon as he could. He mentioned something about a visitor he'd love for him to meet, but never mentioned a name.

Typically, Severus returned to Hogwarts a week before the first day of classes. It gave him enough time to brew new potions so the infirmary and his own stores could be restocked. A week was also enough time where he could double check his inventory at a leisurely pace, besides nothing should have been touched over the summer. And, he could put in an order for fresh ingredients for the student cupboards.

Severus folded up his issue of Potioneer Monthly and clicked his suitcase shut. He pulled down the blinds to the window, which overlooked the dingy street and large smokestack in the distance. He scurried around his home, double checking each room for loose papers or dishes, then turned off the lights. When he was done, he cast a shrinking charm on his luggage and slipped the suitcase into his robe pocket. He placed a few of his personal hand-crafted protective wards on his home, and apparated to Hogwarts.

– – – – –

Alex woke up to the curtains being drawn. "Who's there?" she mumbled half awake.

"Mistress, it is Daisy."

"Oh. What time is it?" she asked sitting up.

"Eight o'clock Mistress," Daisy restarted the fire.

"What time do the shops open in London...I mean the Muggle shops?''

"Most stores open around nine, and a few other shops open at ten Mistress."

"Great. Can you please bring up breakfast after I've showered?" she put on her glasses.

"Yes Mistress. Daisy washed Mistress's clothes, they're on her nightstand."

"Thank you." Alex looked at the uniform, This is the last time I have to wear this thing.

"Headmaster left Mistress some money for shopping today," the elf pointed to a dark purple silk sack sitting on the desk.

"Oh! Daisy! It's most likely I'm going to need to alter my clothes, after I've finished shopping. I know that can take awhile at Muggle stores, but do you know if Madam Malkin's Robes would offer that service if I brought in my own clothes?"

"Certainly. The Madam could help Mistress with that. Though, Madam Malkin might charge Mistress extra for bringing in outside robes."

"That's fine, I don't mind. What time does the Great Hall serve lunch?"

"Noon, Mistress."

"Right, then I'll try to not spend too much time getting sidetracked on our trip. I want to be back by lunch time."

– – – – –

"It's going to take awhile before I get used to apparating like that," Alex whispered placing her hands on her knees. They were in an alleyway next to The Leaky Cauldron, she could hear horns honking from city traffic in the background.

"Daisy apologizes Mistress," she stuttered nervously.

"Don't apologize. Okay, you stay in here," she pointed to the pub, "while I go shopping around some Muggle stores. I'll come get you when I'm ready to go into Diagon Alley. Got it?"

"Yes Mistress. Daisy understands."

Just a couple of blocks down Charing Cross Road, Alex found the one store she recognized. "Yes. Thank you H&M god." She power walked towards its doors. Once inside she wasted no time buying all the fall essentials she thought she would need. Dumbledore left her way too much money. It embarrassed her how much cash she was carrying around.

She purchased an assortment of blouses, sweaters, dress pants, jeans, dresses, shoes, and of course undergarments. Alex had about eight bags worth of clothes. She also stopped by a drug store and picked up some personal hygienic items and makeup. When she finally stepped into The Leaky Cauldron, she saw Daisy waiting patiently at the counter.

"Oh Mistress! Let Daisy carry all those bags!" she tugged at her arms.

"Are you sure you can–"

The house elf conjured up a small brown pouch, and proceeded to stuff all her shopping in it.

"Extension charm?" she asked, thinking back to Hermione's purse.

"Yes Mistress," Daisy smiled at her.

– – – – –

Alex looked at Madam Malkin through the mirror in astonishment, "You are amazing at this!" She was wearing the last outfit she bought, a white lace dress. The witch's tailoring skills were impeccable, she had corrected for everything that concerned Alex.

Madam Malkin laughed, "You flatter this poor old woman. I've been doing this for many years, I could do this in my sleep. Besides, you, like all us women," she nudged Alex in the side with her elbow, "need more room in the bust. And since you're so petite, shorting the hem line wasn't very difficult either."

"Don't sell yourself short, I'm jealous," she said, spinning around inspecting herself in the mirror. "What time is it may I ask?"

"11:28. Want me to ring up everything?"

"Yes." Madam Malkin walked to the front of the store. Alex turned to Daisy sitting on the chair next to her, "Okay, we still have a half hour. Daisy, where can I buy a pet?"

"That would be Magical Menagerie, Mistress."

"Alright, you'll lead the way." Alex paid for everything, grateful she didn't mess up the coins she gave the owner. She had to adjust to wizarding coin conversions pretty quickly. And the two were off again down the cobblestone street.

– – – – –

Alex stepped into the Magical Menagerie, Daisy following behind her. She was greeted by a short old woman with round glasses and black velvet witch robes, "Welcome."

The small store was a lot to take in, every shelf and length of counter space was covered with something. If it wasn't a pet shop, Alex would have guessed the shop owner was a hoarder. There were vases filled with feathered toys, stacks of pet bowls with matching collars, trays with yarn balls and small squeaky toys, large sacks of animal bedding piled up to the ceiling, and a wall with an assortment of treats you could scoop in a bag and purchase by the pound. On the left wall, she saw a variety of small colorful birds. Some were cleaning their feathers others bathing in their water bowl. There was a tank of rats, and next to them a tank of small mice, all quietly squeaking. In the back corner she even saw a cage with green snakes napping on a branch. And on the floor in the middle of the room, behind a low barrier, was a giant jewel encrusted turtle, snacking on some lettuce.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Alex snapped her head up. She blinked, there was a brown ferret resting on the woman's shoulders that wasn't there before.

"Ummm, yes. I'm looking to purchase a cat."

"Then you'll want to look all along this wall," she gestured to Alex's right.

"Thank you." Alex glanced at all the various baskets and metal cages where there was constant meowing. There were a variety of black, white, ginger, siamese, and tabby cats. Some were kittens, and few cats looked to be on the older side. Alex stopped when she saw two grey-blue eyes looking through a dark whicker basket. It was an older tabby cat with a light grey coat. "Hello sweetie," she whispered. She saw the cat paw at the hole in the basket. The cat had cute white paws that looked like it was wearing gloves, and a white chest. "Do you know how old this one is?" she asked the saleswoman.

"Oh, let me see," she shuffled over to look at the cat. "Oh him, he's about three years old. But I've only had him in the store for about half a year."

"I'll take him." She purchased the cat, and a couple other necessary supplies to look after him. "Now, what should I call you beautiful?" Alex asked bringing up the cage to look at the cat in its eyes again.

– – – – –

"Good afternoon Hagrid!" Alex called out as she waved.

Hagrid looked up from where he was kneeling down in the garden, "Hello Alex! Back from your errands?"

Alex walked closer to his hut. She gently laid down her cat's basket. "Yes! Are you planting something?"

"Yes. I'm planting radishes," he said dusting off his garden gloves.

"Well, I hope you have a good bunch to harvest soon."

"Thank you," he took off a glove and dipped his hand in the water bucket next to him, dabbing his forehead.

"Listen Hagrid, can I ask a favor of you? I know how good you are with animals."

"What can I do you for?"

"Well, I'm looking to adopt a dog. Could you keep your eyes out for any strays or dogs that need a second home? I don't wan't to buy a dog if there's one desperately in need of a home to begin with."

"That's awfully nice of you, I'll be sure to do that. I'll keep my eyes peeled," he smiled.

"Thanks so much!" Alex said goodbye and continued towards the castle's entrance.

– – – – –

Alex flopped down on the bed, the shopping bags Daisy brought up earlier fell on top of her. She sighed, and quickly pulled off her uniform. She swapped it for a pair of black skinny jeans and black v-neck shirt. Her stomach growled. She heard her cat meow back in response. "I suppose you're hungry too." She opened his cage and set down a can of food.

She walked through the bookcase and saw Dumbledore dressed in a set of juniper green robes. He was sitting at his desk with a lunch spread. "I was just about to go down to the Great Hall."

"I thought we'd do lunch up here. I still have some things to discuss with you."

Alex ate a roasted ham sandwich with chips, or crisps, as Albus teased her. He asked her how her shopping trip was, and also mentioned how he sent an owl to Severus. He said that Severus would be arriving to the castle soon. Alex almost choked on a red grape she was eating when he told her the news. She drowned her throat with some tea.

"Now, for other important matters. Alex, first, here is the key to your Gringotts vault." His hand slid a gold key across the desk. She picked it up, the end of the key looked like half of a butterfly's wing. "Next, I'm kicking you out of my quarters."

Alex raised her eyebrows and blinked. "Wha–"

"Not to worry. I'll escort you to your new permanent rooms, and while we're on our way I'll show you the classroom you'll be teaching in."

"Okay...let me just get my–"

Dumbledore interrupted her again with a raised hand, "Daisy is moving your belongings as we speak."

– – – – –

They walked up various staircases, some moving, which caused Alex anxiety, all the way to the fifth floor. "It's a bit of a journey, but you'll have your privacy up here. Along one of these corridors you can access a staircase up to the clock tower," said Albus. They eventually stopped at a portrait of a young gentlemen, reading in his study by candle light. His back was turned. "Here we are."

The man turned around, "I thought that was you Albus. Hello, you must be Miss Alex."

"Good to see you Sir Isaac. Potions Master." The painting swung open to a tiny closet of sorts, with a dark brown closed door.

They stepped through. "Oh my god, Albus. You are so embarrassing," she said through her teeth. Dumbledore looked back, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Alex saw that before the door, on either side of her were coat hooks and a space she could place shoes.

He turned the black door knob, "You can always change the password to anything, at any time." He laughed.

They walked through a short narrow hallway that led up to a wide open room. The small work study blended into a sunken living room, and the entire floor was paneled with dark walnut wood. In the office area, she had a large desk, next to a white corner bookcase. There was even a small reading nook at the window of her study. She stepped down two steps into the living room. There was a large cerulean blue sofa, a low glass coffee table, and fireplace. She noticed there was even a small kitchenette area to the right, with a sink and small table.

"Your bedroom is through there," Albus pointed to the right.

Alex crossed the narrow walkway to the white bedroom door. When she opened it, she saw her cat napping in the middle of a queen sized bed. The walls were painted a smoky blue grey color, and she saw another open door, which led to a bathroom. She stepped back out, "This is all beautiful, and the high ceiling and tall windows are perfect," she pointed to the windows to the left of the living room couch.

"If you like the windows here, wait until we reach the classroom," smiled Albus. They walked another five minutes down a few corridors until they reached a large door with a gold knob, and entered.

"Here is your classroom. If you'd like, I can arrange a separate office for you to do your private work."

The room was very spacious and had a high ceiling. The wall opposite them was covered with tall windows, and to Alex's excitement, facing east to let in the morning sunlight. The left side of the room had cabinets and a bookshelf against the wall. In front of that was a red oak desk and a black movable chalkboard. The student work desks were high, with tall matching stools. There were more cabinets on the west side of the room. The back of the classroom had a wide sink, and various sized canvases along with easels laying against the wall.

"No. That won't be necessary. There's a teacher's desk here," she leaned back and sat on the desk's edge, "and during my free hours I'll probably be making art of my own. So I'll use this classroom."

"I see, very well."

"Besides, the lighting in this room couldn't be any more perfect!" she gestured to the windows.

"Yes, you do get plenty of sunlight. Alex, I'll leave you to get acclimated? Oh, and come to dinner in the Great Hall around 5:30 this evening. I'll make a brief announcement to some of the staff of your new position here."

– – – – –

Alex decided to take a break, and wandered the school grounds. She enjoyed the warm sun against her skin, she looked up at the trees. She saw squirrels playing up and down a tall oak tree, and she noticed a subtle change in its foliage. The green leaves were were turning yellow-orange and red at the ends. The hint of autumn colors reminded her of a sunset. A warm August breeze blew against her face. The natural change around her made Alex think maybe she needed a bit of change too. She smiled at her new idea. She turned directions and took the path up to Hogsmeade.

– – – – –

Earlier she had talked with Daisy to ask the elf what type of shops were in Hogsmeade, and when she heard there was a small salon, that intrigued her. As she walked past Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop Alex smiled at how overly the top the shop display looked, with all the frilly lace and mismatched flower prints. She definitely wanted to check that out, and a quick thought made her smile widen. She thought how cute it would be to have a date there with Severus.

Alex looked up at a sign with gold scissors as its logo, and gold letters that read "G.U.M." She squinted and saw that underneath, in finer print it read, "The Golden Unicorn's Mane." She pushed open the door and a small bell rung, causing a short red haired woman to turn around. "Oh you're a cute one. How can I help you?" The witch was young. She looked in her late 20s, her hair was long with loose curls, and she wore teal blue glasses. Alex noticed the tile floor had a black and white checkered pattern. There were thee work stations, each with a green leather chair, and gold framed mirror in front it.

"Um, I want to get most of this," she pointed to her hair, "cut off. And maybe even change my color too, but it might be a little tricky. Can you listen to my idea?"

"Darling, nothing is too tricky for me. I've cut many a hair, you won't pose a challenge. I once cut a Goblin's hair, and the pressure to get that perfect was beyond high."

"Okay then... that's good I guess."

"Take a seat," she gestured to the middle station. "So what's got you in here today? My name is Chloe by the way," the witch said.

"Alex...Oh. Well, I'm going through a lot change...just recently. And I need a fresh start. I figured I could start with my hair."

– – – – –

"Ohhh I love it," Chloe squealed and clapped. "I know you're going to love it too." When she turned the chair around, Alex beamed at the results. The bob cut with her trimmed straight bangs was cute. Her haircut barely touched her shoulders. Having short hair made her feel lighter. She didn't feel as tied down anymore, compared to her previous dark curtain of hair. From her dark roots to the ends, the transition of the hombre color Chloe applied was subtle. The ends of her hair varied from a bronze-like orange to an auburn red, similar to the autumn leaves she saw. "Your hair is so beautiful, it almost looks like fire at the ends from all the warm tones." Alex nodded in agreement.

"I look so much better. Thank you Chloe," she hugged the stylist. Alex paid and left, but not without promising to Chloe she'd come back again soon.

– – – – –

"Alex!" she heard Hagrid call in the distance.

"Hey Hagrid!" Alex walked closer. "What's up?" At that moment, Fang came running out the house and up to her. He sniffed and licked her sides. "Hello Fang," she patted the dog on the head.

"Did you cut your hair?" asked Hagrid. He was laying down some mulch.

"Yes I did!" smiling at how he took notice.

"Looks nice. Oh–Albus stopped by, he told me to tell you that he wishes to see you. He said to go up to his office straight away."

"Oh, he did? Thanks for passing on the message," Alex turned around and quickened her pace back to the castle.

– – – – –

The doors creaked opened, and Alex stepped through. She heard a couple low voices stop. "Hagrid said you wanted to see me?" Alex immediately saw Albus, and then she squinted at the person sitting with their back to her. That black hair... Severus snapped his head around, and she caught her breath for a second.

"Alex, perfect timing! Ah, I see you cut your hair?"

Alex slowly walked forward, her back stiff. "Yes, I did. I looked like a hot mess the past couple days. Why didn't you tell me? At least Phineas was honest," she turned and looked at the portrait.

"Oh yes, you were quite dirty," said Phineas. Alex rolled her eyes. This painting is going to cause me a permanent headache, she thought.

Albus laughed, "Well, I was just saying how I knew your father Manuel from when I was studying abroad. Anyway, I want to introduce you to Severus Snape. He is Hogwarts Potions Master. I told him already about how your circumstances brought you here to the castle."

She nodded at Severus, she was afraid of opening her mouth and saying something completely stupid. Severus stared at her, Alex averted his direct gaze, and decided to look at his lips. Oh my, those lips...

"This is Miss Alex García," said Dumbledore.

"Hello," he muttered quietly. He turned back around toward Albus, "Well, after waiting for half an hour...Can I take my leave Headmaster?" he said a bit irritated.

"Ahhhhh...of course," Albus said softly.

Severus stood up and walked past Alex without a glance. She watched him leave. Was he somehow disappointed?

When the doors were closed, Alex looked at Dumbledore with her hands on her hips. "Well, that went over well," she said sarcastically.

– – – – –

With an hour still to kill, Alex thought she'd get a better look at all the castle had to offer. She walked along the first floor up to Minerva's office. The witch's door was open, and Alex peeked her head inside. Minerva saw her, "Ah! Come in! New hairstyle I see...What can I help you with dear?"

Alex stepped up to her desk, "Can you show me the Gryffindor common room?" She smiled.

"Why of course," Minerva got up. "Now why didn't I think of that?!"

The two of them climbed their way up to Gryffindor Tower, and stopped in front of the tall portrait of the Fat Lady. "Come to see me do a performance?" the painting asked.

"Not today," Minerva said curtly.

"Hmph," pouted the Fat Lady.

"Quaffle." The canvas swung open, and they stepped through the circular entryway. "Here you go dear, spend as much as time as you'd like looking around. After all, this is where you belong. Think of it as a second home," the older woman smiled.

"Thank you Minerva."

"Well, I would stay and give you a bit of Gryffindor history, but I'm making some important changes to my lesson plans. The National NEWTs Board made some changes to the curriculum's expectations this year."

"Oh that's alright. Thanks again," said Alex, and Minerva left.

Alex looked around the lion's den. It really did feel like home, the splashes of reds and oranges made the room feel cozy. The room smelled faintly of cinnamon and fire wood too. At the focal point of the common room was a wide fireplace with an old and beautifully embroidered lion tapestry. A shiny gold Quidditch Cup trophy from 1986 was on the mantelpiece along with some books. A couple small vintage Gryffindor flags were strung along the width of the fireplace, she assumed were donated by past students.

There were two long red cushioned sofas on either side that framed a large coffee table in front of the fireplace. She loved the antique looking carpet that covered the middle of the floor. And the bizarre patterned fabric that covered most of the stone walls in the room, was very "Gryffindor." She guessed the pattern was Medieval, from what she could recollect about her history.

Hanging above a brown cabinet, there was a still portrait of a young lady with with her back turned, holding a pointed witch's hat. The woman looked oddly familiar, Alex stepped closer. She read the bottom right corner which the artist wrote "M. McGonagall." "Oh my god, is that Minerva?!" Alex laughed. The painting even had a dark cat sitting right beside her feet.

There were brown arm chairs and a few leather chairs that peppered the room, each with their own small desk next to them. There were a couple decks of playing cards and a Wizard's Chessboard on the coffee table. Alex walked up to the tall left window. She could see a view of the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid's hut, and the rest of the school's fields. She loved how there was a small reading ledge, with a red pillow, big enough to fit two people comfortably. She couldn't imagine who wouldn't call this beautiful room, home.

– – – – –

"Pureblood."

"Ambition."

"Salazar's locket."

"Bloody Baron."

"Parseltongue."

"Basilisk."

Alex blinked as the stone wall opened up. Basilisk? Oh the irony, she thought, and stepped through.

The Slytherin common room was amazing, more so than Alex would have guessed. It was intimidating, yet regal. The room was a bit too dark for her tastes, but she was in the dungeons after all. Everything looked so decadent and with at least a hundred year history behind it. A section of the left wall had an old painted mural, and near the back a set of stairs leading to the dormitories.

The small orange fire crackling in the fireplace brightly contrasted against the cool toned room. Its small pops and sizzles echoed in the dank dungeon. The round lantern lights that hung from the ceiling flickered, they were enchanted with a special green fire. Even the main crystal chandelier near the center of the room was flickering with the same type of green light.

Alex walked down the stone steps, covered by a long carpet that stretched the entire room all the way to the fireplace. Even the tapestry, when she looked down, was Slytherin-esque. It had a repetitive pattern of snakes woven in an out of each other. She walked all the way up to the mantel. Alex stared at the snake emblem carved into the dark stone, a small bright green stone glimmered as its eye. On the ledge underneath the Slytherin logo was a set of five small animal skulls, of what creature she didn't know.

Most of the furniture and decor was a variation on the colors black, dark green, or dark brown. The dark mahogany chairs were elegant, almost throne-like with how tall the backs stood. She could even make out from the shadows how long snakes were carved intricately into the wood. Off to the side of the fireplace, there was a single long green leather sofa with black velvet throw pillows. Alex saw small side tables scattered about. A variety of objects were placed about them, such as a Wizard's chessboard, a globe, gold scales, and other fine magical instruments.

Alex looked around and saw very few things hanging on the stone walls, there was a pair of rusted swords, and a couple portraits, most likely, of famous Slytherins. She walked up to a large portrait that ran the entire height of the wall, its size caught her attention. It was a portrait of an old wizard caring a large staff, and a beard that fell down to his knees. On top of his head rested a crown of oak leaves. For as dark as the room was, the still painting was one of the brightest things in it, because the sunset in the forest background was painted with light yellow and golden tones. She knelt down on one knee to inspect the small gold plate description in the middle. Etched on it was "Merlin, The Great Wizard." "Wow, the greatest wizard of all time. He was a Slytherin? No one goes around talking about that, I wonder why?...Wait, didn't Merlin help Muggles?" She examined the full length of the powerful wizard once more, then decided to see if she could spot something out the window.

There were six long windows that looked out to the Black Lake, the green light emitted from the water was beautiful. Alex looked out the intricately patterned glass window, directly to the right of the fireplace. She noticed how the window cast a green tinted light on her skin. From what she could make out in the murky water, it was only a few bubbles. She stared for a couple minutes hoping to see something pass. Alex blinked when she saw a grey mass swimming in the distance, she pressed her nose against the glass.

"What are you doing?!"

Her shoulders stiffened. Alex turned to see Severus at the entrance. "I'm just looking around the common room. I wanted to check it out."

"How did you get in here?" He looked at her like she had trespassed into his domain.

"Same way you did, through the wall. I guessed the correct password," Alex stated blankly. "Like it was hard... You know if I can get into the common room in six attempts, I think that's a problem."

"Problem?" he stomped down the stairs and up to Alex. "The only problem is you sneaking your way down here, unattended and without permission." He titled his head forward.

"Um, sneaking my way down here? I walked..." Alex joked. "And since when do I need to be baby sat?" she mimicked his head tilt.

"As I am Head of Slytherin House, it would be appropriate to get permission from me before entering. Which if I recall, I never granted you access to," he folded his arms staring down his nose.

Alex looked at him puzzled. "So you would rather have me come and interrupt you from your busy day of brewing potions and arranging lesson plans...just so I could look around the common room? Please. I thought I'd save us both the trouble and explore on my own." She smirked up at him.

His dark eyes glared back, Alex knew he was trying to intimidate her. She stayed calm and pushed back a little harder with him. "And as you can see," Alex swept her hand in dramatic effect, "I haven't broken anything or caused any sort of ruckus. Which leads me to conclude that you are making a big deal out of nothing, and are simply just blowing hot air." She folded her arms across her chest. Alex saw the corner of his mouth twitch and nostrils flare.

"Regardless of your argument...If I find you down here on your own again, there will be," he paused, "severe consequences. Next time, come straight to me. Or I'll be happy to report that our visitor, is the cause for me being disrupted from my important work directly to the Headmaster."

"Visitor?" Alex scoffed, unfazed by his threat. His intense gaze didn't falter, but his lips thinned. "You mean Albus hasn't told you?"

"Told me what?" he snapped.

"I'm going to be joining the faculty this year. So you can forget about your little threat just now, as technically this room won't be off limits."

"You...will be teaching?" Severus asked slowly.

"Yes."

"Here?"

"Yeeeeessss," Alex nodded her head slowly, wondering why he seemed to be having a difficult time processing this. Alex took Severus's confusion as her chance to leave. She turned back before the entrance opened up. "Anyway, it was nice to see you again Severus," she smiled. His mouth opened slightly in surprise. She knew addressing Severus by his first name so casually would throw him off.

– – – – –

Alex entered the Great Hall. A small rectangular table was set up in the middle with ten chairs, and an assortment of food was laid out. Only two seats were empty. Alex saw a lot of faces look her way as she took a seat between Minerva and Filius. However, she ended up sitting directly across from Severus. His eyes followed her movements. Albus smiled at Alex from his spot at the head of the table, she smiled back. She grabbed her napkin, placed it on her lap, and then timidly began placing food on her plate.

Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Ahem. Staff, may I introduce you all to my visitor," Alex smirked at his term. She easily found out that Severus did actually go speak with Albus after their brief encounter. "And newest addition to Hogwarts, Alex García. She will be teaching Muggle Art, and relieving Quirius so he can begin his independent research paper."

Alex took a quick scan of the table and bowed her head, "Hello everyone." She looked at Severus, "It's a pleasure."

"Alex, this is not the entire staff as you might have guessed, you'll get a chance to meet the other professors as they trickle in before the start of term feast." Alex nodded.

"So," Minerva turned to look at Alex, "did you enjoy looking around the Gryffindor common room?" Alex was grateful for the witch to start a conversation with her, a few members of staff looked like they wanted to hound her with questions.

"Actually, I did. And I noticed a particular portrait of a certain someone..."

"Oh Merlin. You're talking about that, I find it a bit embarrassing." She lowered her voice, "Don't tell Albus, but he made a fuss about it being a huge honor...He surprised me one day with a commissioned artist inside my office."

Alex laughed hard, "I promise I won't."

Minerva tilted her head towards Flitwick, "Have you meet Filius? He's the Charms professor, and the Head of Ravenclaw House."

Alex shook hands with Filius. "Pleased to meet you. I'm sure Minerva's told you about my little sorting ceremony?"

"Oh yes," he said.

"It turns out I was almost placed in Ravenclaw myself. I truly identify a lot with the qualities the house teaches," she smiled.

"Would you like me to open up the room for you to explore as well? It's a marvelous common room, I wouldn't mind giving you a brief show," he said.

Alex's face lit up, "Yes, please. I'd really love to."

"Is tomorrow good?"

"Yes, I have free time tomorrow."

"Let's do afternoon tea, then we can head up to the Ravenclaw common room?"

"I'm not going to say no to that."

After fifteen minutes into eating and idle chit chat Dumbledore gathered Severus and Alex's attention. "Severus, I'm going to request that you take Alex with you tomorrow to Diagon Alley and stop by Flourish and Blotts. Help her select a reading list for her class, I'll have to send out a separate letter once she has chosen reading material for her students. I know you can help with that."

Severus looked up, "Headmaster I'll be in my classroom brew–"

Albus interrupted, "As I remember, you told me earlier you were going to run errands in London, so you shouldn't mind if Alex tags along." He smiled at him.

Severus took a sip of tea, "...Of course Albus."

Severus looked at Alex, "Nine o'clock tomorrow, sharp."

"Okay...Where do you want to meet? The front doors?" Alex asked looking Severus in the eyes. He didn't say anything for a few seconds. "Well?"

"Yes. The front doors," he said cooly, still staring.

Dumbledore interrupted their stare down, "Alex can you pick me up some salt water taffy from Sugarplum's Sweets Shop?"

"Of course Albus," Alex smiled.


Author's Note: Leave reviews or comments. I'll get the next chapter up soon!