Chapter 3: Grudges and Regrets
A/N: Hi, everyone! My exam period is over so I'll be a bit more active in updating the story. I have to admit, writing Snape is very hard, because he's literally so complex, but I'll see how it goes.
Thanks for the reviews!
Michelle
Chapter 3: Grudges and Regrets
Severus Snape sat in his study in the dungeons, reading a book regarding African and Asian potioneers and their influence on modern potionmaking. The gloomy room's only source of light was that of a single window leaving the room in a dull green hue and the fire crackling nearby, heating up the room comfortably against the unusual coldness of the dungeons. On Severus' right side, a steaming mug of black coffee stood waiting instead of his usual glass of Firewhiskey, which it was too early for.
He frowned unconsciously while he read, thinking about the new teacher. She might have already arrived if she was prompt and respectful. He shifted in his chair, slightly annoyed for not getting the post again after his 15th attempt and to his displeasure, his mind drifted to the awaiting school year. Fresh first years he had to teach from scratch, the occasional blown up cauldron and the usual hormonal, disrespectful dunderheads that he had to teach.
Sighing, he thought about Dumbledore. The old man always told him the same thing every year after the new teacher was approved and he demanded explanation. "Trust me, Severus,". It had become like a slogan to add to Dumbledore's name. Why on earth did he need to trust Dumbledore if the wizard can't even trust him after all this time? He says that he does, but he got a different impression. He was convinced that, if it depended on Dumbledore, which it did, he would never get the Defense Against the Dark Arts post.
He flipped a page in the book quite aggressively from frustration and almost tore it and cursed at himself. And to add to his sleepless nights was that the Dark Lord has returned. This meant spying for the Order and risking his miserable life by lying in the Dark Lord's face. If this was what his life had come to in honor of Lily, the protection of her son and his own redemption, then so be it. Thank Merlin for Occlumency.
To silence his dark and spiraling thoughts, he shut the book loudly with an echoing snap and remembered the last bits paperwork awaiting in his office before the term started. Standing up from his comfortable leather armchair, he picked up his coffee and walked to his office.
After signing the last of the parchments on his desk, he heard the familiar noise of Floo travel in the fireplace and in a moment, his whole office was illuminated by bright green light and then he saw a soot covered Dumbledore standing in front of the fire, smiling and eyes twinkling.
"Headmaster," Severus made to stand up, but Dumbledore waved his hand in dismissal.
Thoughts began to cross Severus' mind why the Headmaster wanted to address him unannounced. Maybe to rub it in my face that I tried and failed for the 15th time?
"Severus, my boy. I have a matter of paramount importance to discuss with you," Dumbledore sat down in one of the chairs across Severus' desk. Snape heard the amused tone of the man and instantly, his annoyance increased.
He dropped his quill to glare Dumbledore straight in the eyes, awaiting his apparent paramount concern and immediately noticed the stupid twinkling in the older man's eyes. "The new teacher arrived just about an hour ago in Hogsmeade. I already addressed her regarding her post, so no need for you to evaluate her, Severus," Severus' lips thinned and noticed the emphasis on evaluate.
"Fascinating, Albus," his sarcasm made Dumbledore chuckle. Why does he still have that bloody twinkle in his eyes?!
"I wish to invite you to a little event arranged to welcome her to the school. We shall attend the event promptly at 2 PM and your presence is highly requested," Snape raised his eyebrows at Dumbledore and in reaction to his mild, but firm tone.
"And why, pray tell, is it necessary for me to attend this...event, Albus?", Severus was in that mood to rebel a little and this was his attempt at subtle debating with him.
"You are a member of the staff and very respected, if modestly spoken. Also, I find that you and Miss Herrmann would find each other's company rather satisfying," Dumbledore's voice was almost playful. Severus was left dumbstruck and he was most certain that his face now reflected his annoyance, now frowning more than ever.
He's most likely attempting to bribe me or he is just finally going insane.
"There is no reason for me on this earth whatsoever to become familiar with her, Albus! I'll meet her and welcome her and that's it," his voice held a firm agitated baritone. He attempted to dismiss himself from Dumbledore by agreeing to attend just to satisfy him and to be left in peace.
"Excellent, Severus! I unfortunately have to attend to other matters and I regret that we cannot continue this intriguing conversation. I shall see you at 2 PM in the Great Hall," with those words of subtle dismissal and command and leaving no way for Severus to wriggle himself out of, after he clearly got what he wanted, the older man left.
Severus sighed deeply. What a fool he was! Every single time the same thing happens. Dumbledore knew that Severus would eventually give in and grant him his request.
The Headmaster consulted Severus every year regarding the applicants for the Defense post and usually he approved the ones Severus advised against the most, the same with the case with Remus Lupin. This year, he didn't really know anything about Herrmann, so for once, Dumbledore didn't choose Umbrige, the other applicant, or rather, approved and recommended by the Ministry.
The fact that Dumbledore had the audacity to think that he and Miss Herrmann would get along made him mad. The old man clearly was going insane.
He only prayed that Miss Herrmann wasn't an extreme extrovert or dimwitted. If they were to coexist in this castle, the last thing he wanted was an overly talkative or clingy witch.