Laurette gave a sigh of relief when she was on the Hogwarts Express. She was getting quite lonely in her home alone. Hermione had begun coming over once a week or so. They would explore muggle London together into the night then go back home and sleep in Laurette's massive bed.
Laurette had found out that Hermione and Ron were being intimate with each other. Hermione was quite the feminist and didn't place much value in being or not being a virgin. However, she did romantically recall the details to Laurette about her first time with Ron and the little details he had planned to try and make it memorable.
Laurette found it hard to imagine Ron being so romantic, gentle, and so sensual. Hermione didn't spare any details when she described exactly what they used the muggle flavored lubricant for. She couldn't help but be a bit jealous of Hermione. She wanted someone to pursue her and caress her in the way Hermione had described in their late-night conversations.
While on the train, Laurette looked up from her book, a novel that she borrowed and wanted to finish and return to Professor Snape now that they would see each other again. Draco Malfoy walked past her compartment window. She eyed him as he put an arm around Pansy Parkinson. Who wasn't already paired up this year?
It wasn't surprising to see Draco. She had a subscription for the Daily Prophet delivered to her home for the last month of the summer, so she was able to keep up with the Death Eater hearings. Lucius Malfoy had taken the fall for his entire family so that Draco and his mother could remain free outside of Azkaban.
When the train arrived at the castle, her book was completed, and she placed it in her book bag to be returned to its owner later. She made her way with her friends to the Great Hall. Laurette wondered if she'd finally have an easy year. Although, this year she would have her NEWT exams.
In her fifth year, she first met with Professor McGonagall for career advising. It was then when she first announced that she wanted to be an auror. Although, she wasn't exactly certain that was what she wanted to do with her life. She mainly came to that conclusion to piss off Professor Umbridge, who was also in the meeting at that time.
It felt different seeing Professor McGonagall in the headmaster's old seat. McGonagall was the new headmistress for the school since Dumbledore's death. Laurette wondered if McGonagall was still going to teach at all. She also wondered who the new Defense professor would be. Two new individuals were at the head table this year.
Her questions were answered when Professor McGonagall stood. She introduced the new Defense Against the Dark Arts instruction, Professor Palmer Wren. She was an older woman, maybe in her mid-fifties. She had short grey hair and eyes that looked kind but also as though they could be fierce. Her appearance was similar to a more plump version of Madam Hooch.
Professor McGonagall spoke of her previous experience teaching the subject at the American school Ivermony. Professor Wren's wife was working on a project abroad for the next few years, so it was the perfect timing for her to transfer to teaching at Hogwarts. Laurette wondered if she would actually last more than one year. They still did not have a teacher to do so.
Next, Professor McGonagall introduced the new Transfiguration professor. Professor Grace Hasan stood and gave a wide smile and a wave. She genuinely looked excited to be selected for the position. She was younger than Professor Wren. She appeared to be in her thirties with thick long hair and a slightly olive skin tone. Her entire demeanor was welcoming. Her brown eyes matched her hair color. Laurette actually didn't feel worried about getting a new head of Gryffindor house. There was something so calming about Professor Hasan.
Her thoughts ended about the new professors when the speech ended and the food appeared before them. Laurette hoped that her final year at school would be easier than those where a dark lord was after her.
That evening, Professor Hasan entered their common room to hand out schedules and properly introduce herself to every single student. She made advising dates and times with everyone as well who was a fifth year of higher. Laurette watched her, she didn't mean this as an insult at all, but the woman reminded her more of a Hufflepuff than any other house. It was apparent that she was making an effort to connect cheerfully with each student in Gryffindor house.
Laurette was more than aware that characteristics and personality were not automatically related to one house, but she was genuinely curious if the woman was a Gryffindor when she was in school. She wasn't sure what qualifications were needed to be a head of a house.
When it was time for her to finally speak with the new head of house, Laurette smiled. The first question Profesor Hasan asked was if she had everything she needed for the year. She was instantly impressed by the attention to detail she was giving every member of Gryffindor house.
"I have you down for tomorrow morning at nine to meet with me for your advising appointment. Since you are a seventh year, there is a bit more urgency to make sure you are signed up for all the correct classes."
Laurette nodded and actually looked forward to getting to know her head of house more. "I'll see you then, Professor."
The next morning arrived, and Laurette made her way to Professor McGonagall's old office after having some free time to roam about the castle. Neville Longbottom was exiting the office as Laurette approached it.
"She's so nice!" Neville stated as they briefly spoke about their summers and the new head of house.
Laurette entered the room. "Please take a seat, Miss Potter." Last year, there was just a desk and a couple of hardwood chairs in the large office. This year it looked totally different. It felt inviting, and she took a seat on the grey couch that was detailed with a couple of pillows and a throw blanket.
"Before we begin, do you have any questions for me?"
"Were you in Gryffindor when you were a student?" The question was asked before Laurette thought to censor herself.
But Professor Hasan didn't take any offense to it. "The hat allowed me to pick between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and I chose Gryffindor."
"Sorry, that was rude," Laurette added quickly, but the professor laughed and stated that Laurette wasn't even the only one to ask that question.
"It says in Professor McGonagall's notes that you are pursuing the path of becoming an auror, is that still correct?"
Before speaking, Laurette paused. Did she actually want to be an auror, or did she just want to shut up Professor Umbridge two years ago? But if she didn't continue to become an auror, she had no idea what she would even want to do.
"I guess so…" Hasan eyed her in a way that made her feel as though more was meant to be said. "It's just hard picturing myself being anything other than a student."
"That's understandable," she replied with a soft smile. "It looks like you've registered for all of the correct classes then. You'll want to be sure to take your apparition test on April twenty-first, but we have plenty of time before then. I'll add you to my list of other students to remind. If you want more practice, in January, a course will be available in Hogsmeade."
"Thanks, I'll take note of that." She hated all the side-along apparating that she had done recently, so part of her didn't even want to get her own license, but it was rumored that side-along apparating was more difficult than doing it alone. She hoped that was true.
"If that is it, if you don't have any other questions. You have year seven Potions starting shortly, and I wouldn't want you to be late." Laurette thanked Hasan and left for the dungeons.
Throughout Potions, Severus could tell that Laurette was distracted. He was glad when she remained after class to speak with him. "I have your book," she pulled the borrowed novel out of her bag.
"Did you enjoy it?" He asked as he took the book and placed it in a desk drawer.
She wanted to say that she would have enjoyed it more if it was read to her in his soothing tone, but instead, she nodded.
"What is bothering you?" He asked bluntly.
"Nothing, Professor," she replied as she began to step towards the classroom door, but with one of his long arms, he grabbed her elbow, and she was held on the same spot. He eyed her. "I have a break, and I imagine you do as well." She nodded as he requested that she follow him to his office.
"What's going on, Potter?" He spoke when they were both sitting down in his office.
"I'm sick of the fighting. I don't want to do it anymore," she answered him plainly.
"Unfortunately, I am going to need a bit more context to understand the situation," Severus replied to her.
"I don't know what I want to do after I graduate," she spoke in a huff.
"Is your ambition no longer to become an auror?"
"I don't know what else to do."
"You would do well as an auror, but it is important to decide on a career that you enjoy. With the Black and Potter fortunes that you've been left with, you have a bit more luxury in doing something important to you rather than just focusing on the compensation. Quite frankly, you needn't work if that was what you wanted to do."
"The month alone in London with nothing to do was quite enough for me." She sighed. "I can't imagine not having a job to do."
"You still have the entire school year before you would be in a position to make any decisions. With your course load being that of one preparing you to be an auror, you will have the education to pursue many alternatives if you find you have changed your mind."
"I guess," she sighed once more. They were both silent for a moment before she continued, "Hey, I need to get going. I left my Defense book in my dorm, and I don't want to be late with the new professor."
Before he could add another word, she left his office feeling even more confused about what she wanted from the rest of her life.
The first few weeks of school went by as seamless as they could. Laurette was rather fond of her two new professors. However, a feeling of uncertainty was growing stronger each day, especially when she stayed behind on a handful of occasions to speak to her new Defense instructor. Professor Wren had heard from Professor McGonagall that she wanted to be an auror, so she wanted to aid Laurette in any way that she could. Professor Wren would tell her about what she could expect from the position, thinking it was helpful information, but it only made Laurette less certain that she wanted to pursue that field.
The first few weeks turned into months, and snow began falling. One weekend afternoon, Laurette and Hermione went to Hogsmeade together. Laurette wouldn't say it aloud, but she was feeling particularly lost in regards to her future. Especially because Hermione was going on about how excited she was for an internship she was interviewing for at the ministry later in the week.
They went into The Three Broomsticks for a warm butterbeer. Laurette had had one since Bill and Fleur's wedding over the summer, and it reminded her of how carefree and confident drinking had made her feel that night.
She convinced Hermione to take a shot of firewhiskey with her, but Laurette was alone for the following two shots, which were taken in surprisingly rapid succession. Hermione rolled her eyes at her friend, but she didn't think much of it. She needed to get back to the castle anyway.
"I need to get to the library and finish my Runes essay. Are you alright for getting back to the common room?"
"I'm completely fine, Hermione," Laurette replied, a bit loudly as they entered the castle.
"You're completely wasted," Hermione replied with a laugh as she went up the stairs.
Laurette turned completely around and walked back out of the castle into the setting sun. However, the entire scene did not go unnoticed. Severus Snape was walking up the stairs from the dungeons when he heard the entire interaction between the two. Luckily, he had his long jacket on, and he followed her out of the castle.
Laurette was just about to exit the castle grounds to the path that led to Hogsmeade when she heard the familiar voice behind her, "Potter! What's your hurry?"
Groaning, she turned around on her heels. "There is still a couple of hours left before I need to be back to the castle." She retorted, being instantly defensive.
Severus had completely caught up with her now. "You may have not broken any rules pertaining to curfew, but you seem to have forgotten that drinking isn't allowed in the castle. I know a stray butterbeer finds its way behind the castle walls, but you reek of firewhiskey.
"I'll have you know, Professor, I haven't done any drinking on the castle grounds-"
He snatched her elbow, annoyed at the immature behavior. "Being drunk on the castle grounds is an offense as well."
She pointed to Hogsmeade, where she was headed, "If you don't mind, I'll be heading out to where I won't be causing any infractions then-"
"My. Office. Now."
"Oh, don't be a bore, Snape." She muttered with attitude. Neither could believe the words that were said. However, the firewhiskey was truly coursing through her veins, fueling the anger about her undecided future.
"Do not make me repeat myself." He spoke through gritted teeth in a tone he hadn't used with her in years. She eyed him before turning to walk back to the castle. "Charlie Weasley may be a gentleman, but there are far too many swine that lurk around Hogsmeade at night for a stray pretty student making herself easy prey-"
She sharply turned around again, opening her mouth to argue back, but all she could think to say was, "What?" She had not pieced together that Severus was observing at the wedding.
All he replied was, "Keep your voice down until we are in my office unless you want to do the honors of making this a more public issue."
The last thing Laurette wanted was for someone like McGonagall to be brought into this or her new head of house, so she did as told and walked with the Potions Master to his office.
When the door was shut, and they were alone in his office, he raised his voice at her. He was not shouting, but each word was laced with anger, "What is the meaning of this behavior? This is unlike you."
"Like anyone knows anything about me." She retorted, taking a seat in her usual spot.
The statement made him silent before speaking again. This wasn't some teenage drunken evening, something was the matter. He noticed tension and a slight degree of isolation in her since school began, but he figured it was due to the stress of her workload. Most seventh years had a fair amount of free time, but as she pursued becoming an auror, she had a completely full schedule. On top of that, students were already preparing for their NEWT exams.
He made an effort to alter his tone, "What is going on?"
"You wouldn't get it." She replied, pulling her knees to her chest as she picked at a fray in her jeans. They were silent across from each other for some time. "Can I just go back to my dormitory?"
He eyed her, wondering if this was due to her confusion about what to do with her career. He knew it was daunting, deciding a career as a teen. There was something about it that feels so permanent. This wasn't unusual behavior for seventh years, especially those with heavy workloads.
He leaned back in his own desk chair and sighed, "Yes, but I am deducing thirty points from Gryffindor for your actions this evening."
She mumbled, "Fine," and she quickly turned to leave the room. When Severus was alone in his office again, he asked one of his portraits to ensure she safely made it to her common room.
The next morning, she woke up with an actual headache. Hermione brought her a cup of water, and that made her feel loads of improvement. "Are you alright?" Hermione asked as she sat on Laurette's bed.
Feeling fed up with keeping all her thoughts to herself, she pulled the curtains closed around her bed, and she cast a silencing spell. When they were done talking, nearly an hour later, both girls were tearful.
Laurette felt relieved though. She had confessed to Hermione how uncertain she was about her future, and how Professor Wren was almost making it worse by acting as though Laurette was so excited for a career as an auror. She talked about the pressure of her schedule. She even spoke of how isolated she felt with the entire school seeming to pair up.
It didn't help that Professor McGonagall reinstated an annual Yule Ball. Laurette thought the one during her fourth year in the Triwizard Tournament was rough enough, and she barely managed to get a date for that. She was almost annoyed at McGonagall for using her position as headmistress to make the dances a yearly event. Apparently, it was the tradition when McGonagall was a student.
"I feel like such an awful friend," Hermione confessed.
"No, I didn't tell you!" Laurette said. "It wasn't until Snape tried speaking to me yesterday that I even realized that I did want to talk to someone about it, but I wasn't exactly going to drunkenly tell him that I long for a boyfriend or at least a date to the dance."
"He does have a way of keeping tabs on you when you've managed to drink a fair amount," Hermione added, but Laurette gave her a confused expression. "At the wedding, he was constantly watching you and Charlie. He even followed you two to make sure that Charlie didn't stay the night when you both floo-ed back to your place."
Laurette was silent. She didn't realize this at the wedding. Severus's remark last night made more sense now. "Honestly, I wouldn't be complaining if someone like Severus Snape was always watching me. There is almost something romantic about that."
"I fail to see the romance in being stalked by a teacher twice your age, Hermione. That goes against everything you say in your feminist rants as well."
"I guess, but still… As patriarchal as it is to have a man watch out for you as though you aren't capable of doing so yourself, it would be comforting knowing that someone is always there to catch you if you fall…" She droned on, clearly longing for an aspect of her own relationship that was missing.
Laurette continued to eye her, although she recalled the dream she had after the wedding. The dream where she went from dancing with Charlie to being pressed against Severus. Hermione was right to a point, it did make her feel less alone to know she was being looked out for even when she thought she was entirely by herself.
Hermione interrupted her thoughts, "And as far as a date to the dance goes, I happen to know someone that fancies you." Before Laurette could ask, "Michael Corner."
"He likes everyone!" Laurette replied. "He dated Cho and Ginny last year."
"And he also is tall, dark, and handsome…" Hermione added, and she was true. The Ravenclaw had grown quite a bit in the past couple of years. His dark and messy hair also gave him a bit of a bad boy image. But he was brave as well. He was in Dumbledore's Army in their fifth year, and Laurette knew he was in the battle at Hogwarts as well.
"How do you know this?" Laurette asked.
"Ron overheard him talking to another Ravenclaw about who they'd like to ask to the dance. His confidence took a bit of a hit apparently when Ginny dumped him for Luna. Like he was worried he did something to make her so opposed to men that she'd just decide to date women now." Hermione responded sarcastically.
"Well, the dance is in another month, so we'll see if he plucks up the courage to ask me. If not, I'm staying in my bed the entire night of the ball."