Disclaimer: I do not own, in any way, shape or form these characters except, perhaps, Sasha Winters, an illusional invention of my mind's eye.
Author's note:
Thank you for those of you who have reviewed. Don't think of it as blackmail - think of it as… sprouting from your shell with the tiniest of assistance. ::smirks:: Don't worry, I shan't forget my promise. I have a pathetic exscuse which even makes myself cringe, and I am truly sorry. Don't worry, I have fixed the problem ::glares evilly at Comcast worker then kicks him and laughs sarcastically:: Eh. Hopefully this newfound internet access shall be a little more of a long term inverstment then the past- what?- month? Enough of this, just go and read, that's what we're all here for after all… ¦¬D
Prologue
Chapter IV:
Special Intersocial Volition:
Consent
Sasha stared at him for a second. His words were washed away by the misty wind and at first she didn't understand what he had said. When she did her eyes widened in confusion, then embarrassment.
"What? What could I do possibly do there, what position would I take?" It was more of a statement reassuring that she would not go then a question. She pushed away from the professor and looked at him squarely.
"Potions," was the frank response.
Sasha furrowed her brow a little and then looked up at him with doubtful eyes.
"Isn't that your arrangement - Hogwarts' infamous Potion's Master?"
"Flattered," he said dryly, "but you're wrong. I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts presently. I understand why you would think that I taught-" he gestured toward the heavy tome just visible through the window- " Potions." He paused and then began with a silky, cunning voice, which made Sasha want to smile along with his slippery smirk.
"I know you are more then qualified. Ever since Dumbledore asked if I had any 'ideas of help' for the position being filled, as he put it, I have been closely observing your practice or conduct, and from what Stephen has told me-"
"What!"
He paused and quirked an almost resentful eyebrow as he continued: "I have only asked your former employer about where you received your education. After you got me the one book fro-" he stopped when he became annoyed with her blank expression.
He stayed silent waiting, but when Sasha didn't say anything he became fairly upset.
"You should be pleased, Winters, Hogwarts is quite an esteemed school-" he paused and added haughtily," the best in the nation…"
Sasha almost smiled. Albus Dumbledore. She had heard much of him, a great much for an equally great wizard. Of course he was in all the Grindelwald biographies and 'Greatest Wizards in our History' volumes, but she had never had the honor of meeting him in person, well, not yet. And his school: Hogwarts. She did not belong there, did she? No: she belonged there about as much as Karkaroff did. She read The Daily Prophet often and knew about what had happened at the TriWizard Tournament two years ago.
The dreamy look must have sprouted in her eyes because Snape was looking at her strangely. This time she couldn't help it; she grinned.
Severus Snape gave her a loathing look that told Sasha he didn't like being smiled at. Sasha kept the cheeky grin on her face, however.
"Pack your bags, we leave this place as soon as you are ready," he sneered. He proceeded to summon his cloak, while Sasha turned on her heel to her room.
…
In no time at all Sasha was walking up the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade and wandering through Diagon Alley, alone. Snape had gone ahead while she gathered her personal things from her home in London. The slight click of her shoes on the dirt and stony road followed at her heels. It was rather lonely, being months away from the new school year; just the occasional, daily customer bustling around or ranting about overly priced items. Then again, it was a Tuesday.
Only the company of a small cage accompanied her up the long walk. Her other bags had been "forwarded" to Hogwarts - the name still jabbed her conscious mind. She was going to teach at Hogwarts.
Her owl was sedate on the perch; it's eyes probing the streets at any movement or noise. It huddled on its roost; wings tucked neatly back and head bent low. It was a vermiculated eagle owl; the large black eyes narrowed…searching. His name was Rene.
Ever so softly he cooed and Sasha turned to look at him. He was only four years old, with three years stay in her ownership. The colorless spots on his frosty black feathers along with the coat being flecked with snowy dots and splotches of white gave the impression of winter. Sasha ignored the pun as her mind wandered, irritably. Sasha quirked her head in amusement and Rene gently cooed once more and then lowered his head.
"This is going to be a very…interesting…year," she mused. "Teaching Potions in Albus Dumbledore's school. How did I get into this again?" Her step was deadened and she faltered so slightly it was almost a mental flinch.
"Surely the students will be a change," she thought. All those dead books, for all those years. How long had Professor Snape said he had been looking? Pages and pages - millions of pages had she scrolled and eventually memorized. The puzzle, the maze of rows and towers of volumes so thick with dust an Asthmatic would surely hyperventilate. That was, no, had been her life. Did these children read as much as she had long ago? She frowned a little: "I'm teaching children…I don't like children-" Pause, "Oh, and do you think Snape does?" Sasha had a good chuckle about that. The chuckle sobered quickly as the gates loomed closer to view. Nothing was perceptible through the dense trees inside the high guarding walls, not a single tower or steeple. Sasha reached the gates and reached out a stubborn hand to the locked handle. The Latin phrase was on the tip of her tongue to unlock the doors, so easily she could have rolled it off and been done. But her throat went dry and she stopped for a moment.
"No turning back now. Blast Karkaroff and Drumstrang, blast them to hell." And as her fingertips touched the cold metal and her eyes searched the dark forest trees, she had no regrets.
…
"You're late."
"My apologies, was there a set time? I must have missed that, then."
Snape didn't respond, he just turned on his heel and led her up a flight of stairs. He walked very quickly, almost as if he had the intention of loosing her, which he easily could for every hall and stair was a foreign land to her. His dark robes swelled back and billowed in the drafty corridors as he walked. He took large, powerful strides and Sasha had to skip a few steps to keep up. Soon he halted in a deserted hallway. The tapestries were bright and musty at the same time, throwing off an odd contrast, while the paintings huddled between frames and whispered softly behind raised hands. A suit of armor could be seen far down the hall, and if they were to keep walking she could have gotten a better look. Instead she observed a large stone gargoyle that guarded seemingly nothing on the opposite wall.
"Honey-bee tarts," he hatefully said and Sasha almost choked. What had he said? For a complete two mille-seconds she became confused; both from what he had said and his sudden movement towards the statue, before catching something big and gray moving out of the corner of her eye.
The rock gargoyle had sprung to life with those distasteful words and now stepped aside to reveal an open passageway. Snape gave her a withering glance and walked through the portal. Sasha looked first at the gargoyle almost to blame him for her reaction, then followed quickly behind the professor.
She was met with a large spiraling staircase, slowly revolving upwards towards a pair of great oaken doors. Sasha followed Snape as he placed both feet on the bottom stair and was carried aloft, revolving towards, what Sasha had now determined it was: Albus Dumbledore's office. Something scuttled down her spine like an icy demon racing over her bristling skin and swallowed into her toes. As they reached the entrance she paid more attention to her companion's arm reaching out and knocking fiercely with a bronze griffin knocker upon the doors. Again did she seem to acutely notice the soft, "Come in," that issued from within.
…
"Hello," Sasha greeted civilly offering her hand. Albus smiled warmly and took it into both of his. His azure eyes sparkled merrily behind half moon spectacles. The corners of Sasha's mouth twitched into what she pleaded herself to be a reassuring smile. It seemed to satisfy the headmaster for he turned to Professor Snape and smiled as he let go of her hand. His hands were lined and thin but warm and soft. His graying beard hung low to the belt of his starry, plum and silvery robes. Sasha had noticed the snoozing headmaster portraits along with the brilliant phoenix on its perch in the corner, eyes wide watching her skeptically. She had no reason against the magnificent bird, however, considering that Snape had practically knocked down the door with his beat on it.
"Professor Winters, welcome to Hogwarts!" The headmaster exclaimed as he circled his desk so he could escort her to the door. "Let me give you the tour," he said happily.
Sasha almost wanted to protest. She hadn't attained the job yet, had she? Surely the simple fact that Snape wanted her to have it did not suffice?
But as Albus Dumbledore led her through the exit of his quarters, down the moving stairs, and out into the passageway she realized he was either desperate or Snape had said some powerful things. Neither idea did she enjoy.
Albus had been speaking ever since their exit, only now did she begin to truly listen:
"Severus has been our Potion's Master for many years, as he has also been the head of Slytherin House," he stated as he lead her away from the gargoyle and down towards a suit of armor. Sasha had heard of how Hogwarts divided into four houses: Gryffendor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and the said Slytherin.
"It is quite an honor to be in your school, Sir," she said, gazing at the portraits and tapestries on the walls. "I heard so little about Hogwarts at Drumstrang that I knew little of what to expect." She took a sidelong glance at the Headmaster. He seemed to be content and smiling so she said no more.
Albus led her through the Great Hall and to the common rooms of every house, then, finally to her quarters.
Dumbledore left her with a few farewells and polite invitations, and after his absence Sasha walked around her new home. The floor was a hard, gray stone that matched the rough walls, and despite the lack of picturesque beauty, it suited her. The first room was rather large and reminded her more of a private study, then a common room. There was a large fireplace opposite the door and in one corner a massive desk and workshop. A deep red rug had been tossed upon the floor and two comfortable-looking recliners were situated near the fire. Candles were lit and hovering above here head in strategic places casting a mysterious glow about the room. There were no windows and Sasha remembered going down a few staircases on her way. She was probably near the dungeons, she thought.
Sasha walked through a side door and into her bedroom. It was smaller then the former room, but well furnished. A queen bed fit perfectly into the middle, the silver and red drapings that hung from the ceiling fitting the rest of her accommodation's mood. She wandered around this room and through her private bath, which was not exquisite but lovely at the same time. When she was finished, the bags and suitcases caught her attention and she began to unpack.
***
Faithful reviewers, I salute you.
Chapter five has been started, but only you can determine when I shall finish it.
Author's note:
Thank you for those of you who have reviewed. Don't think of it as blackmail - think of it as… sprouting from your shell with the tiniest of assistance. ::smirks:: Don't worry, I shan't forget my promise. I have a pathetic exscuse which even makes myself cringe, and I am truly sorry. Don't worry, I have fixed the problem ::glares evilly at Comcast worker then kicks him and laughs sarcastically:: Eh. Hopefully this newfound internet access shall be a little more of a long term inverstment then the past- what?- month? Enough of this, just go and read, that's what we're all here for after all… ¦¬D
Prologue
Chapter IV:
Special Intersocial Volition:
Consent
Sasha stared at him for a second. His words were washed away by the misty wind and at first she didn't understand what he had said. When she did her eyes widened in confusion, then embarrassment.
"What? What could I do possibly do there, what position would I take?" It was more of a statement reassuring that she would not go then a question. She pushed away from the professor and looked at him squarely.
"Potions," was the frank response.
Sasha furrowed her brow a little and then looked up at him with doubtful eyes.
"Isn't that your arrangement - Hogwarts' infamous Potion's Master?"
"Flattered," he said dryly, "but you're wrong. I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts presently. I understand why you would think that I taught-" he gestured toward the heavy tome just visible through the window- " Potions." He paused and then began with a silky, cunning voice, which made Sasha want to smile along with his slippery smirk.
"I know you are more then qualified. Ever since Dumbledore asked if I had any 'ideas of help' for the position being filled, as he put it, I have been closely observing your practice or conduct, and from what Stephen has told me-"
"What!"
He paused and quirked an almost resentful eyebrow as he continued: "I have only asked your former employer about where you received your education. After you got me the one book fro-" he stopped when he became annoyed with her blank expression.
He stayed silent waiting, but when Sasha didn't say anything he became fairly upset.
"You should be pleased, Winters, Hogwarts is quite an esteemed school-" he paused and added haughtily," the best in the nation…"
Sasha almost smiled. Albus Dumbledore. She had heard much of him, a great much for an equally great wizard. Of course he was in all the Grindelwald biographies and 'Greatest Wizards in our History' volumes, but she had never had the honor of meeting him in person, well, not yet. And his school: Hogwarts. She did not belong there, did she? No: she belonged there about as much as Karkaroff did. She read The Daily Prophet often and knew about what had happened at the TriWizard Tournament two years ago.
The dreamy look must have sprouted in her eyes because Snape was looking at her strangely. This time she couldn't help it; she grinned.
Severus Snape gave her a loathing look that told Sasha he didn't like being smiled at. Sasha kept the cheeky grin on her face, however.
"Pack your bags, we leave this place as soon as you are ready," he sneered. He proceeded to summon his cloak, while Sasha turned on her heel to her room.
…
In no time at all Sasha was walking up the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade and wandering through Diagon Alley, alone. Snape had gone ahead while she gathered her personal things from her home in London. The slight click of her shoes on the dirt and stony road followed at her heels. It was rather lonely, being months away from the new school year; just the occasional, daily customer bustling around or ranting about overly priced items. Then again, it was a Tuesday.
Only the company of a small cage accompanied her up the long walk. Her other bags had been "forwarded" to Hogwarts - the name still jabbed her conscious mind. She was going to teach at Hogwarts.
Her owl was sedate on the perch; it's eyes probing the streets at any movement or noise. It huddled on its roost; wings tucked neatly back and head bent low. It was a vermiculated eagle owl; the large black eyes narrowed…searching. His name was Rene.
Ever so softly he cooed and Sasha turned to look at him. He was only four years old, with three years stay in her ownership. The colorless spots on his frosty black feathers along with the coat being flecked with snowy dots and splotches of white gave the impression of winter. Sasha ignored the pun as her mind wandered, irritably. Sasha quirked her head in amusement and Rene gently cooed once more and then lowered his head.
"This is going to be a very…interesting…year," she mused. "Teaching Potions in Albus Dumbledore's school. How did I get into this again?" Her step was deadened and she faltered so slightly it was almost a mental flinch.
"Surely the students will be a change," she thought. All those dead books, for all those years. How long had Professor Snape said he had been looking? Pages and pages - millions of pages had she scrolled and eventually memorized. The puzzle, the maze of rows and towers of volumes so thick with dust an Asthmatic would surely hyperventilate. That was, no, had been her life. Did these children read as much as she had long ago? She frowned a little: "I'm teaching children…I don't like children-" Pause, "Oh, and do you think Snape does?" Sasha had a good chuckle about that. The chuckle sobered quickly as the gates loomed closer to view. Nothing was perceptible through the dense trees inside the high guarding walls, not a single tower or steeple. Sasha reached the gates and reached out a stubborn hand to the locked handle. The Latin phrase was on the tip of her tongue to unlock the doors, so easily she could have rolled it off and been done. But her throat went dry and she stopped for a moment.
"No turning back now. Blast Karkaroff and Drumstrang, blast them to hell." And as her fingertips touched the cold metal and her eyes searched the dark forest trees, she had no regrets.
…
"You're late."
"My apologies, was there a set time? I must have missed that, then."
Snape didn't respond, he just turned on his heel and led her up a flight of stairs. He walked very quickly, almost as if he had the intention of loosing her, which he easily could for every hall and stair was a foreign land to her. His dark robes swelled back and billowed in the drafty corridors as he walked. He took large, powerful strides and Sasha had to skip a few steps to keep up. Soon he halted in a deserted hallway. The tapestries were bright and musty at the same time, throwing off an odd contrast, while the paintings huddled between frames and whispered softly behind raised hands. A suit of armor could be seen far down the hall, and if they were to keep walking she could have gotten a better look. Instead she observed a large stone gargoyle that guarded seemingly nothing on the opposite wall.
"Honey-bee tarts," he hatefully said and Sasha almost choked. What had he said? For a complete two mille-seconds she became confused; both from what he had said and his sudden movement towards the statue, before catching something big and gray moving out of the corner of her eye.
The rock gargoyle had sprung to life with those distasteful words and now stepped aside to reveal an open passageway. Snape gave her a withering glance and walked through the portal. Sasha looked first at the gargoyle almost to blame him for her reaction, then followed quickly behind the professor.
She was met with a large spiraling staircase, slowly revolving upwards towards a pair of great oaken doors. Sasha followed Snape as he placed both feet on the bottom stair and was carried aloft, revolving towards, what Sasha had now determined it was: Albus Dumbledore's office. Something scuttled down her spine like an icy demon racing over her bristling skin and swallowed into her toes. As they reached the entrance she paid more attention to her companion's arm reaching out and knocking fiercely with a bronze griffin knocker upon the doors. Again did she seem to acutely notice the soft, "Come in," that issued from within.
…
"Hello," Sasha greeted civilly offering her hand. Albus smiled warmly and took it into both of his. His azure eyes sparkled merrily behind half moon spectacles. The corners of Sasha's mouth twitched into what she pleaded herself to be a reassuring smile. It seemed to satisfy the headmaster for he turned to Professor Snape and smiled as he let go of her hand. His hands were lined and thin but warm and soft. His graying beard hung low to the belt of his starry, plum and silvery robes. Sasha had noticed the snoozing headmaster portraits along with the brilliant phoenix on its perch in the corner, eyes wide watching her skeptically. She had no reason against the magnificent bird, however, considering that Snape had practically knocked down the door with his beat on it.
"Professor Winters, welcome to Hogwarts!" The headmaster exclaimed as he circled his desk so he could escort her to the door. "Let me give you the tour," he said happily.
Sasha almost wanted to protest. She hadn't attained the job yet, had she? Surely the simple fact that Snape wanted her to have it did not suffice?
But as Albus Dumbledore led her through the exit of his quarters, down the moving stairs, and out into the passageway she realized he was either desperate or Snape had said some powerful things. Neither idea did she enjoy.
Albus had been speaking ever since their exit, only now did she begin to truly listen:
"Severus has been our Potion's Master for many years, as he has also been the head of Slytherin House," he stated as he lead her away from the gargoyle and down towards a suit of armor. Sasha had heard of how Hogwarts divided into four houses: Gryffendor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and the said Slytherin.
"It is quite an honor to be in your school, Sir," she said, gazing at the portraits and tapestries on the walls. "I heard so little about Hogwarts at Drumstrang that I knew little of what to expect." She took a sidelong glance at the Headmaster. He seemed to be content and smiling so she said no more.
Albus led her through the Great Hall and to the common rooms of every house, then, finally to her quarters.
Dumbledore left her with a few farewells and polite invitations, and after his absence Sasha walked around her new home. The floor was a hard, gray stone that matched the rough walls, and despite the lack of picturesque beauty, it suited her. The first room was rather large and reminded her more of a private study, then a common room. There was a large fireplace opposite the door and in one corner a massive desk and workshop. A deep red rug had been tossed upon the floor and two comfortable-looking recliners were situated near the fire. Candles were lit and hovering above here head in strategic places casting a mysterious glow about the room. There were no windows and Sasha remembered going down a few staircases on her way. She was probably near the dungeons, she thought.
Sasha walked through a side door and into her bedroom. It was smaller then the former room, but well furnished. A queen bed fit perfectly into the middle, the silver and red drapings that hung from the ceiling fitting the rest of her accommodation's mood. She wandered around this room and through her private bath, which was not exquisite but lovely at the same time. When she was finished, the bags and suitcases caught her attention and she began to unpack.
***
Faithful reviewers, I salute you.
Chapter five has been started, but only you can determine when I shall finish it.
