Severus woke up that morning, and arrived at his classroom a bit early, in order to make sure everything was in order. The onslaught of first-year students into the dark dungeon classroom shook Severus from his thoughts. He was amused, watching the different reactions of the students. He noted that a couple students already had a quill in hand, ready to take notes. They definitely had some interest in the class. He made a mental note to watch those students moving forward.

With a smirk, he picked up the student roster, scanned the students carefully, reading their names slowly and icily. Once he was finished calling the names he looked up at the class, and spoke.

"You are here to learn how to defend yourselves," he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word - like Minerva McGonagall, Severus had always had the gift of keeping a class silent without effort. "This is an essential skill; therefore, you would all do well to take this class seriously."

Severus then set off around the edge of the room, speaking now in a lower voice; the class craned their necks to keep him in view.

"The Dark Arts," Severus continued, "are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible."

Several of the students stared at him, contemplating.

"Your defences," said Severus, a little louder, "must therefore be as flexible and inventive as the arts you seek to undo."

More silence followed this little speech, as Severus turned to the blackboard and began scrawling the day's lesson in neat chalky cursive while the students whispered amongst themselves.

"Werewolves," said Severus. "They are exceptionally precarious, and when dealing with their bites, it is imperative to act swiftly. Can anyone tell me anything about werewolves?"

There was silence, and Severus noted a student - Summers was it? - on the fence with answering.

"Nobody" he questioned. "How disappointing. I merely wish to see what background information you posses."

At that last bit, the brunet first-year rose her hand.

"A werewolf is a human being who, when the full moon rises, becomes a fearsome and deadly near-wolf due to lycanthropy," said Marianne Summers.

"Very good, Miss Summers," he said. "Anyone else?"

Severus watched as an auburn boy a few seats away rose his hand.

"Aren't there werewolves in the forest?" asked Arthur Dobbs.

"It didn't take long for the rumors to reach your ears," smirked Severus. "All I'll say on the matter is that the forbidden forest is home to many things that are certainly no friend to you."

"Now, a mixture of powdered silver and dittany applied to a fresh bite will seal the wound and allow the victim to live," explained Severus. "However, they will live on as a werewolf."

He then showed several pictures of werewolves and regular wolves. Delving just a tad into the differences, so as they'd know if it really was a werewolf bite.

He then had them turn to page 387 and start reading the introduction to werewolves.

Finally, the bell rang and all the students scurried out of the classroom. Severus took a seat at his desk at the front of the dungeon.

The next class he had was the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff fourth years. That would be interesting; they would be working on hex-deflection.

That class went smoothly, considering. There was definitely a lot of hesitating and curiosity amongst the students, who evidently were nervous about his having returned.

The end of the lesson was welcome indeed.

Before long it was lunch and Severus made his way up to the Great Hall and took a seat at the head table, to the right of Minerva.

By the end of the week, Severus was exhausted, that after his last class Friday – fourth years – Severus could be found with his head in had hands, resting on the desk, as his head was running a mile a minute.

Unfortunately for him his colleague, one Minerva McGonagall, had taken it upon herself to make sure he was alright, and adjusting well to his return.

In the past week she had made it abundantly clear – to him at least – that she didn't intend to let their conversation on the tower go without a fight.

He was pulled out of his thoughts by Minerva who had just walked in.

"Good afternoon, Severus," greeted Minerva.

"Headmistress," replied Severus.

"I do believe I've had this conversation with you already, Severus," said Minerva pointedly.

Severus just snorted. He remembered, he just also didn't particularly care. Formalities and distancing himself from ridiculous, maudlin conversations was just so much easier; he hated sentimental nonsense.

"I don't know about you but I'm glad the first week is done," said Minerva.

"Indeed," smirked Severus.

"I believe you had fourth-year defence today," said Minerva matter-of-factly.

"Yes," Severus said plainly.

"How did it go?" questioned Minerva.

"As well as can be expected," said Severus.

"I see," said Minerva. "I'll consider it a success then."

Severus just raised his eyebrows.

"What?" jeered Minerva.

"Nothing," said Severus.

"Sure," said Minerva in disbelief. "You really should get some sleep, you know."

"Where were your keen observation skills before?" Severus thought to himself. He then mentally chided himself. That wasn't fair; he had needed Minerva to be unaware at the time.

He sighed.

"I trust you weren't here to discuss my sleeping patterns," retorted Severus.

"Certainly not," Minerva huffed.

"Indeed," sneered Severus.

"I just thought I'd let you know that I'd like yours and Filius's Quidditch schedule by next week," said Minerva.

"I see," smirked Severus. She really was a terrible liar. "And why did you decide to personally remind me, even though we discussed this two days ago?"

Minerva just huffed, and started making her way to the door.

"By the way, try a cup of chamomile and passion flower," said Minerva, turning to Severus and giving him an encouraging smile. With that, she closed the door.

Severus just scoffed, organized his papers, and made his way to his quarters a couple doors down.

The entire way to his quarters he kept racking his brain over what Minerva had said. The camomile was obvious and, if he remembered correctly, passion flower had been used for sleep problems and the like related to anxiety. It was purportedly a sleep aid… how did Minerva know about his nightmares?

He just shook his head, and moved to sit in his black leather armchair, as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Why couldn't Minerva just let it go! No, she had to bring it up.

Checking the time, he just sighed, and pulled out his latest potions text. He had a few hours 'til dinner, and at least people had the sense not to bother him in his quarters.

After dinner, Severus didn't hesitate to take his leave, and headed back to his quarters.

Lighting a fire, he took a seat and pulled out the recent edition of a Potions Tabloid he'd subscribed to. Apparently a Potions Master, a couple counties over, was working on improving upon the Oculus Potion.

They proposed using half the mandrake and adding the equivalent amount of moondew.

Severus snorted. Griffiths forgot to account for the ground unicorn hair, and it would also change how long you had to crystallize the water for. Either he was very lax during the interview, or he was as big a dunderhead as Severus had ever had the misfortune of meeting.

On the other hand, moondew did have healing properties. Severus privately thought that fluxweed would work just as well, if either were going to work.

Maybe he'd do some brewing tomorrow; it was the weekend after all.

It was several hours later, when Severus decided to call it a night. He was tired, Minerva was right about that. He made his way to his room, and closed his eyes to hopefully get some rest.