And So it Begins
Snape found himself pacing back and forth in front of the empty hearth in his private quarters into the early hours of the morning. He had never been one to worry about classes at the start of term or to worry in general. But tonight was different. Everything had changed and he needed to be ready. His mind drifted back to the summer when he had informed Irlynn of her ability's origin. He had to keep his word about teaching her to use it. Finally settling into a chair, Severus let his mind calm, drifting into a light sleep.
Not far from him, Horace was up as well. He hadn't taught in years. He wasn't sure he could handle being back in the atmosphere. For all he knew, someone could take a lesson and turn it deadly. Then again, he had been responsible for a certain student in the past, becoming more than a man should be. But he mustn't let that stop him.
"This is different," he tried to reassure himself.
When the sun finally dawned a few hours later, Horace had finally dozed off at his desk. Both he and Severus woke to the sunlight peeking through curtains and both dragged themselves to their feet. Severus knew he needed to speak with Dumbledore before the term got underway and his schedule became irrevocably busy. Some five minutes after changing into new robes, Snape wound his way to the Headmaster's office. He knocked twice and waited.
"Come in." The voice sounded strained and tired. Snape pushed the door open and walked in. Dumbledore was seated at his desk, sipping a cup of tea. He looked exhausted.
"It appears insomnia is contagious," Severus drawled softly.
"What can I do for you, Severus?"
"I wanted to inform you that I intend to begin Irlynn's lesson immediately. She needs to be able to control her ability if it is to be of any real use to her."
"I agree." A moment of silence.
"Is there something else?" Severus slowly nodded. He couldn't believe he was about to suggest what had happened upon him in his pacing the night before.
"I believe it would be…useful to teach Mr. Potter Occlumensy. If the Dark Lord gains entry into the boy's mind, we will have lost." Dumbledore took a moment to consider the suggestion. He couldn't deny Severus the fact that Harry needed to be able to protect himself against Voldemort.
"Are you offering?"
"If you think it best." He didn't sound pleased in the slightest.
"You will be extremely busy this term. I don't want to overburden you." Severus let a noise that sounded vaguely like a snort.
"As will you, Headmaster. But there are things that must be done."
"If you believe you can devote the required time to both sets of lessons in addition to your teaching duties…" Severus just nodded.
"I don't believe there will be time for frivolous pursuits this term."
"Don't push them too hard, Severus. They are still very young." Severus shrugged and stood.
"Thank you for your time. If you will excuse me, I have classes to prepare for."
Snape spun on his heel and left the Headmaster to his tea. In Gryffindor Tower, Harry and the other 4th year boys in his dorm were getting up, grumbling about the early hour. They'd reviewed their timetables briefly the night before to see they had Potions first that morning. Their usual dread of the trek to the dungeons had been replaced by curiosity. Perhaps Slughorn wouldn't play favorites with the Slytherins as Snape had.
"What do you reckon Slughorn will be like?" Ron asked as they sat down in the Great Hall.
"Don't know. Can't be worse than Snape…I mean with the favoritism and everything."
"Yeah…" Ron reached across the table to pick up another piece of toast when Hermione joined them.
"Morning, Hermione," Harry greeted.
"Morning. Looking forward to Potions?"
"I suppose. What do you think it will be like not having Snape teaching it?" Ron interjected.
"Better, I expect. I heard Slughorn was a decent professor when he taught before. He appreciates skill, not house lines. But don't forget, we've got Snape teaching Defense now."
"Yeah…well…that's something I know I can do well in…even if he is teaching it."
Breakfast finished shortly and students milled about, taking their time getting to classes. Many of the first years scurried along, fearful of being late on their first day. Irlynn watched several blue and yellow clad students race towards the dungeons. She just shook her head as she made her through the horde of students to the Defense corridor. She was excited that she had Snape on her first day. She was eager to see how he handled the new subject matter. She arrived in the classroom to find one or two Hufflepuff students sitting at desks in the back. Irlynn picked a seat in the middle of the room and let out a breath.
As she sat waiting for class to begin, Harry and the other Gryffindors made their way to the dungeons for Potions. They found Professor Slughorn already standing at the front of the room. He seemed larger and pudgier close up. Horace spotted Harry and gave him a grin. Harry gave a small nod back and sat down.
Slughorn began his class with a review of materials they had covered the year before. Harry couldn't keep from leaving over and whispering in Ron's ear.
"Feel's like last year…when Snape had us do review."
"Yeah…he doesn't seem too hard."
"Shush, the both of you. He's talking," Hermione scolded.
They spent the rest of the class taking down the brief notes Slughorn gave about what they'd be learning that term. It seemed rather advanced for fourth year. Hermione seemed content with the items on the list. The bell rang and Gryffindors and Slytherins alike packed up in record speed and headed out of the room. Harry was halfway to the door when Slughorn called his name.
"Mr. Potter, may I speak with you for a moment?" Harry turned and walked to the front of classroom.
"Yes, Sir?"
"I would like to invite to you a little gathering I'm having at the end of the week." Slughorn pressed a piece of parchment into Harry's hand.
"Gathering?"
"Oh just a little get together of some of the more gifted students. I trust I'll see you there."
"Sure…I guess." With that he headed out, in a hurry to catch up with Ron and Hermione. At the same time, Irlynn was gathering her books together to head to Transfiguration. She was about to turn and go when she felt her father's eyes on her back. She walked to the front of the class.
"Is there something, Sir?"
"Yes. We begin your lessons regarding your ability this evening. Eight o'clock sharp in my office."
"So soon? The school term's barely begun."
"There is no time to waste. You will need to know how to control your ability if it is to be of any use to you."
"Yes, Sir. Eight sharp. I'll be there."
"When you see Mr. Potter, inform him that he should stay after class."
"I will."
Irlynn walked out of the class and sure enough, she ran into Harry, Ron and Hermione. They exchanged 'hellos' and chatted for a moment before Hermione and Ron went in.
"Dad said you have to stay after class."
"Bloody hell…I haven't even done anything yet and he wants to give me detention."
"No…I don't think that's it. I think he just wants to talk to you is all."
"Oh."
"He's going to start my lessons tonight." Harry nodded and they parted ways. Irlynn walked at a brisk pace to the Transfiguration corridor while Harry joined Hermione, Ron and their classmates in Defense.
By the time the class ended, Harry's stomach was grumbling loudly. He checked his timetable to see they had Herbology after lunch.
"I'll catch up with you," he called to his friends as he wound his way around desks to the front of the room.
"Sir, Irlynn said you wanted me to stay after class." Snape looked up from the parchment he'd been reading.
"The Headmaster has asked me to instruct you in the art of Occlumensy. We will begin immediately. You will be at my office at seven o'clock sharp this evening. Do not be late."
"Sir?"
"Seven o'clock, Mr. Potter." Harry stood there a moment more before he realized Snape wasn't going to give him any more information. Shouldering his bag, he headed for the Great Hall. Snape sat in the classroom for a while longer, staring at the schedule he'd drawn up. He would instruct them three nights per week for an hour each. If he had to, he would continue their lessons on weekends for longer periods. They would not be happy with the arrangement but they would be prepared for what was to come. They would need these skills to face the Dark Lord and his forces.