Fragile. That child is anything but. Obnoxious, brazen, reckless, and too smart for her own good. A knock at his office door interupted Severus' thoughts
"Enter. Potter. To what do I owe the..pleasure of such a late visit"
"I just wanted to check on Lexi and see how she's doing"
"You knocked on the wrong door"
"I didn't want to disturb her, so I figured I would ask you"
"It was an eventful day"
"Did you know? About..you know"
"I do not make it a point to ask my colleagues about such matters"
"How was she this morning? Last night she was... In bad shape. Neville and I had to bring her to her chambers. Lucky she was coherent enough to say her password. Also lucky she's small. Even then we had a hard time getting her back here.I think she's got something to work through. I mean who just picks up and moves clear across the world for an assistant professor position? Someone as brilliant as she is could have found a job anywhere. Who does that?"
Someone who has nothing to leave behind, thought Severus
"I came to a similar conclusion. I am unable to access her memories."
"Occlumency?"
"Certainly not. She is a born Legilimens, which is quite rare and different than a learned Legilimens. I can hear her current thoughts...loudly."
"You sound thrilled by that" Harry laughed
A small blue cat appeared on Severus'desk. Minerva's patrons. All Heads of House were being summoned to her office.
"We better go then. Weird being Head of Gryffindor now.."
Harry, Severus, Pomona, and Filius gathered in Minerva's office. The portraits were all wide awake despite the late hour.
"I wanted to discuss today's meeting. Alex brought forward a concern about the current curriculum. I thought we should discuss the matter as Heads of House."
Everyone was silent for a minute
"Well I think it's about time someone brought up." Pomona said firmly "It's not really my curriculum, but both the Potions and Charms classes should include contraceptive options" She looked to both Severus and Filius.
"I agree and 5th year is the last year all students are required to take both Charms and Potions." Filius said
"Severus?" Minerva looked at him over her glasses.
He sighed. If this conversation never happened, it would have been fine with him.
"I can see Miss Lee's point" he said slowly "However, The Ministry will need to approve of the curriculum change"
"I think Kingsley will approve this easily" chimed in Harry
He would say that. It doesn't affect his class.
"Then I will put Miss Lee in charge of teaching that class" Severus did not want to talk to 15 year olds about anything related to the subject.
"As long as she is comfortable, then I will not interfere with how you manage your class" Minerva sat at her desk to write to Minister Shacklebolt as the other exited her office.
The next morning, the knock came at 7:55. At least she is prompt, if nothing else
"Enter"
She came in a flopped in her usual chair. Severus had her coffee already in her spot.
"Thanks" she nodded at her coffee. "I appreciate this and look yesterday was shit and I'm sorry...Being hungover and then the whole curriculum thing..."
Severus put his hand up to stop her
"The curriculum is being changed. You will be in charge of teaching the potion to the 5th year students and this year you will also teach it to the advanced potions class."
"Are you serious"
"I am rarely anything but"
She jumped out of her chair and wrapped Severus in a hug but quickly backed away "Sorry. Sorry. That's just such great news!"
"I would be remiss not to ensure you are comfortable with teaching the subject matter. You may share as much or as little as you wish"
"Thank you. Seriously. Between yesterday and today I just need you to know that I appreciate your kindness towards me"
Kindness? Severus was beginning to think this girl didn't know the difference between kindness and courtesy. He has been calledany things, kind was never one of them.
Throughout the rest of the summer, the castle was repaired and the teachers were prepared for school to begin. Alexianna remained an enigma to Severus, although the rest of the staff found her pleasant and refreshing. Severus couldn't quite figure out why he cared about the girl's secrets. Perhaps it was just a puzzle to solve to stave off boredom and to keep him mind from dwelling on the events of last year.
He hated to admit it but Potter was right. She's brilliant and could have done anything in America and yet she was here. As an assistant professor. The meager pay and menial work was far beneath her skills. What was she running away from...