Working as Severus's assistant was surprisingly easier than Veronica had expected.
Severus was less on edge because, for once, he wasn't the only one making sure the place didn't go up in flames, and the students took to her without hesitation. They took to her so well, the timidest of the students even half directed their questions to her because she was significantly less intimidating than the Potions Master was. With the number of questions rising, Severus almost had hope for the students this year. Questions meant they were actually trying to learn, and even semi-competent students could manage to keep a cauldron from combusting.
The break period came and Severus reclined slightly in his seat.
"How am I doing?" Veronica asked and Severus smiled slightly.
"Better than expected." He confessed, "The students seem to like you."
"That's because I don't scare the devil out of them" Veronica said pointedly, crossing her arms over her chest.
"If they're scared, that means they'll be careful."
"Or it means they will be even more nervous and make a mistake."
Severus shrugged, "I'm working with what I've got, Veronica. What would you have me do?"
Veronica rolled her eyes and popper her neck, "What class is next?"
Severus hummed and glanced at his class sheet, "Gryffindor and Slytherin. Fantastic" He added the last bit with extra venom. "That's just what I need."
"Grouch" Veronica scolded him. "It might not be so bad."
The hour passed and soon students were filling the class again, many of them looking extremely skittish. It was a fourth-year class, so Veronica wouldn't have much to do with this one, and instead opted to remain in the back and begin to grade the short assignment the previous class had turned in prior.
Throughout the entire class, not one voice was raised that wasn't answering a direct question. No hands were thrust into the air, and every face was either passive or rattled.
Veronica watched this with concern as the class began to file out silently, and she beckoned Hermione Granger from the group.
"Miss Granger, is everything alright?" She asked, "The entire class looks as if they'd come close to death."
Hermione looked around anxiously and sighed. "We've just come from Professor Moody's class, ma'am." She explained and Veronica shrugged.
"Yes, what of it? Is he starting you off so rough?"
Hermione blinked hard and swallowed. "Professor Moody…" She struggled to find the words. Severus watched from across the room curiously as Hermione was the last to leave. "Professor Moody showed up the three Unforgivable Curses in class today. All of them."
"He did what?" Veronica was aghast, "What do you mean? How could he-?"
"On an amblypygid, ma'am" Hermione insisted, her voice strained. "Neville Longbottom, he-he was so upset that Professor Moody kept him back to talk to him."
Veronica frowned grimly, "I see. Thank you for telling me, Miss. Granger. You can go now."
Hermione ran after the group as Veronica approached Severus seriously. "Did you here what she just said?"
"No, what?"
"Apparently." Veronica crossed her arms angrily, "Professor Moody decided an appropriate first lesson for the students would be to teach them about the three Unforgivable Curses."
"Okay?" Severus blinked, "I fail to see the issue."
"He decided to do it, but demonstrating them in front of the children on an Amblypygid Spider." Veronica finished and Severus winced.
"Oh, I see."
"Uh huh"
"Well" Severus breathed, "It's not the method I would have used, but- "
"But?!"
"But the man is a professional and we can't go questioning his methods on the first day." Severus stated firmly, sensing an argument brewing.
"Severus, he tortured and killed and animal in front of Children!"
"it was a bug." Severus corrected her, "Let's not act like the man sacrificed a goat in the classroom"
Veronica opened her mouth, and then closed it firmly and let out a short grunt. "I'm not doing this right now, I'm going to go see if I can find Neville Longbottom."
"What for?"
Veronica reached the door way and glanced at him behind her. "Moody tortured an animal in front of him using the Cruciatus Curse. The poor boy is sensitive enough about you scolding him, I can't imagine how he's handling this."
Veronica left him there and began to storm the halls of the castle and thought hard.
The Greenhouses.
She slipped through the throng of children and outside into the sunny September air. Sure enough, she found Neville sitting on the wooden bench outside the third greenhouse, a large book spread open in his lap.
"Mr. Longbottom?" She called his attention and he looked up in the surprise before closing the book and standing.
"Madame Largo." He sputtered, "I-I'm sorry for not being in Potions today. Is Professor Snape terribly angry?"
"Oh, he hardly noticed." Veronica shook her head, "But I did."
Neville looked at the ground, clearly ashamed for skipping class but Veronica sighed, "may I sit?"
Neville was surprised, but nodded and made room on the bench for her to sit.
"Neville" Veronica sighed, "I heard about what happened in Professor Moody's class today."
Neville went pale and shuffled uncomfortably.
"I just wanted to come check and how see you were doing."
"I'm alright." Neville muttered, "Professor Moody invited me for tea in his office and he gave me this book." He motioned to the heavy Herbology book on his lap. "I'll be okay."
"Neville, look at me." Veronica insisted and the boy did reluctantly. "Listen, I know how hard it can be when people think they can just push you around and you won't say anything about it. And I want you to know that if you ever have any problems you can come to me, alright?"
Neville blushed a little and nodded, "I-I will Ma'am."
"Good" Veronica smiled, "Now, I don't want you missing anymore classes today, so why don't you run along and find your friends. Alright?"
"Okay." Neville stood with and her and watched her leave, his face still tinted pink.
Veronica decided she wouldn't confront Mad-eye. Not only was she not a teacher, she was only here by virtue of the fact that Severus made Dumbledore hire her. That didn't give her much of a leg to stand on when it came to teaching methods.
But she still wasn't happy that Severus had so readily accepted the professor's unorthodox lessons either.
As she left, she was soon accosted by a storm of pale blue feathers. "Madame Largo! Un instant s'il vous plaît I wish to speak with you. "
"Oh uh." Veronica blinked at the mountainous Madame Maxime appeared by her side with a speed and grace that greatly contrasted with her size. "Of course, Ma'am. What can I do for you?"
"You are a writer, yes?"
"Yes ma'am." Veronica nodded and the Headmistress clapped her hands.
"Magnifique!" The woman laughed "Now, I understand from the Headmaster Dumbledore that you may be searching for different employment at the end of this term. "
"Oh, really?" Veronica sniffed. "Yes, and I was wondering you might consider applying for a position teaching literature at Beauxbatons Academy."
Veronica blinked, "Oh uh, I'm flattered, honestly I am, but I have no real teaching experience."
"You will be earning some this term, yes?"
"I suppose so, but- "
"Do you speak French?"
"Yes, quite fluently, however- "
"Then you think it over" Madame Maxime insisted, "And if you do apply, you will have first consideration for the job. After all, I am a big fan of your books!"
Veronica realized why she was being offered the job and confusion was replaced with pride. "Oh, Well thank you Ma'am. I will certainly consider your generous offer." The headmistress took her promise to heart and bade her farewell and Veronica smile, properly flattered. Over head the class bell ran, snapping her from her reverie and scolding her for not returning to the dungeons by now for the next class.
