The school was alive in the midst of summer and it wasn't only students but also patrons, the board of Governors, alumnae old families, new money, other schools, curious onlookers and a score of others, including past staff members. The Qudditch field gleamed and everyone was excited.
"Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to this special faculty versus students match. I'd like to thank the Board of Governors for allowing this match to take place. We almost forgive you trying to take our Headmaster a year ago." The crowd laughed jovially but there was a distinct look of dislike on Lucius Malfoy's face. Lee Jordan, however, ignored it and continued to announce. "The student team is assembled by their peers and are considered the best of the four Houses. The House Captains made the final rulings. The staff team is headed up by Madame Hooch who has played with the Welsh team and she hand picked her team of past and present teachers. I have it from good sources that two special players will be preforming today."
Inside the student clubhouse the players readied themselves. They were all grim-faced and serious as they tied their robes, fastened boots and tried to keep their fear out of their eyes.
"Remember this is just for fun so enjoy yourself and if we win, its more for the better." Roger Davies said, looking charming in his Ravenclaw blue. He was playing today as Keeper. Harry slid off the bench and peered out the tent to the stands.
He picked out Cho Chang instantly. She was sitting with Professor Sinistra and both were laughing. Cho had braided her hair and had a deep purple ribbon entwined within it. She had put on a little make up on and it made her even more beautiful. She laughed at something Sinistra said and it made her glow. Harry blushed when she caught his eye, smiled and wave. She slid down and walked towards the tent.
"Going to win?" She asked.
It took a moment for him to find his voice. "Uh-huh."
She laughed. "You sound sure of yourself."
"Uh-huh."
"Well...I'll see you after the game."
"Uh...huh"
She smiled again and turned to inch back to her seat. Harry watched her go then turned around and hit his head against the wall. "Stupid!" He shouted.
A fellow teammate smiled and laughed. "Don't worry Harry, she hardly noticed."
"Severus, you feeling alright? You're already stretched and warmed-up? You know the trick it just-"
"Edith, I swear if you tell me to keep my eye on the ball one more time it will have dire consequences."
Madame Hooch took a step away from Snape then nodded. "Ah. Quite right Severus."
Severus exhaled and put his foot on the bench to fasten it. He tied it, studied it and undone the lace to do them again. McGonagall looked at him amused. He looked away embarrassed and tied his boots. He slammed his boot down again and inhaled.
"Nervous?" McGonagall asked.
"Out of practice." He muttered. "I would have preferred more practice A couple of laps around the field with Flitwick as a Quaffle or a Bludger and I would be more relaxed."
"Severus!"
"What?!?"
"Behave!"
"I am behaving. If I wasn't I would be relaxed." He dodged a sock that was sent flying straight at him and walked to the edge of the room, looking at all the people congregated. He began to pick out enemies and allies from among the throng. He rebuked himself but he knew he couldn't help it. He was a Death Eater and nothing, and no one would be able to release him from that fate. He looked down at his left arm. A white bandage covered the whole of his forearm. He said he had burned himself one night during a work session. The other teachers accepted that and didn't question it. He knew he could never be a part of them. He was different and would always be so. It was a grim truth. He looked back at the tent. McGonagall and Hooch were giggling as the Chasers readied themselves. (One was checking a mirror.) He turned back just as someone put their hands over his eyes.
"Guess who?" She asked.
Severus smiled. "Astra."
Astra Sinistra was beautiful but young. Incredible raven hair framed her pale face, and almond shaped blue eyes. She looked particularly fine in her slender black robes. She was a relatively new teacher, and as a student she had been in his class. A fact Severus couldn't help but remembering. She was the closest thing to a girlfriend he had in some time. She reached up and kissed his cheek. They had nursed a romance last year, during the Championship but Severus had ended it abruptly. Astra was from the generation he called the Wounded. The Wounded were those who grew up during and shortly after the Dark Times, and had missing members because of Voldemort's Death Eaters. Correction, he forced himself to remember, Astra was missing loved ones because of him.
"I'll make you a bet, Potions Master."
"And that is?"
"If we when you take me out to dinner. If we lose you go home alone tonight."
"Now you're giving my reason to allow the kids to win."
She hit his arm playfully. "Severus!"
"What?"
"Behave..." She purred. "Or better yet, don't." She smiled at him again and walked back into the tent.
He watched her go. She was beautiful.
"Behave Snape."
"Always Remus." He answered without looking back. Lee Jordan's voice was speaking again. It was time to enter the field.
