Disclaimer- I own nothing that you recognise, Venus Laverna is my own character but that is all. Please review this when you've finished reading it cos it's the longest thing I think I'm going to write so I would like to know whether its worth carrying on with it. Thanks very much.
Thief of the Heart
Venus Laverna sighed as she flicked a strand of hair from her face and continued to study the content of her suitcase. She had an awful time trying to fit everything in so she had to shrink everything and pack in the huge suitcase. So far she had managed to pack all her work robes, two dress robes, seven casual robes and about twenty hats. She hadn't even got round to packing her shoes yet. Of course all her underwear had been packed. Now she had the agonizing decision of which pieces of furniture and things she wanted to take with her. She would need them of course, if she was to feel at home. Yes for the first real job she was going to have she had to live there. She was going to work at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry! She was going to teach defense against the dark arts and she was relishing the thought of it. She had never been there before; she had lived in France since she was 10 and so she had gone to Beuxbatons.
Finally she decided that she everything she wanted and if not she could get her parents to send it to her by owl or floo powder it wouldn't be a problem. She stuffed the last pair of shoes and her make up and soap bags into the case and closed it. It was bulging! She had shrunken everything to sit in the palm of her hand ad still the case was about 3 foot tall and about 4 foot wide. She grinned to herself embarrassed and shrunk the huge case to be the size of a matchbox. Then she tucked her wand in her pocket.
She had been wondering how she would get to Hogwarts. She lived in Canada at the moment. It was an awful long way to fly especially if she expected to go unnoticed. Then it had hit her, she was an animagus why she didn't she just transform. She had a rare gift in being able to choose what animal she could turn into. At will she could turn into anything she wanted. This had been hard for the ministry as she could be anything but luckily all her markings were the same. She always had emerald green eyes and she always had a necklace shaped mark around her neck. She decided to transform and fly down to the Canadian ministry and then get a portkey to Hogsmeade from there. Then she could get a carriage from Hogsmeade tot eh school. She didn't like apparateing. She hated the feeling as you moved from the place you are to the place you're going to. It was a nauseating swirly feeling. Luckily she wouldn't have to endure it.
Venus sighed and thought for a moment about which animal she was going to be to get her to the ministry in Toronto. Finally she decided that she should be an eagle. She transformed in an eagle and picked up her case in her claws. She flapped her wings a few times to get used to it then she began to flap harder and she felt her self lift off the ground. She flew out of the open window and flew away. She didn't bother shutting the window; after all she was taking all her precious things with her.
The flight to Toronto was amazing, she adored being a bird. You could see all the contours of the land and the scenery was breath taking. It made her wish she had been able to fly all her life just to see the snow covered mountains and the waterfalls form this height. Alas the journey was far to short lived for her. Soon she was in front of the ministry building, she touched down and transformed back into her original state. She put her case in her pocket. She checked her reflection in the window of the building. 'Not bad' she thought. She always did this; she hated meeting ministry wizards without looking semi-decent. In truth when people looked at Venus there was no semi about it. She was stunning. She was the type of woman that had natural poise and grace. Her figure was slim and toned; her hair was raven black and shiny. She had emerald green eyes and a porcelain complexion, which was flawless. She was envied by many, as she didn't need any sort of make up to cover blemishes or enhance her eyes.
When Venus was happy with her reflection she smiled at herself and shook her hair before walking through the door of the building. She was in a large circular foyer with lots of wizards and witches running around and all around the walls were doors each for a different department.
"Hello I'm Miss Laverna, I booked a portkey to Hogsmeade in Scotland." She told the receptionist.
For a moment the receptionist looked through her book of today's appointments and nodded.
"Yes miss, if you go through door 27, the head of the department of international travel will sort you out." The girl smiled, handing Venus a card with her transport time and destination.
Venus nodded and looked around for door 27. All the doors had large numbers over them so it didn't take her long to see the right door in the far side of the room. As she opened the door a wizard in deep red robes stuck his hand out and smiled.
"Miss Laverna? Yes we have your portkey ready for you do you wish to leave now?" he asked kindly.
"Please," she said shaking his hand.
"Very well step this way and take hold of this Hogwarts Shield brooch. You may keep the brooch after if you would like." He said kindly, his eyes lingering on her body.
"Thank you very much," she said she stepped up to the object.
She reached out and took hold of it she felt a jolt just behind her navel and the feeling off air rushing around her. Seconds later she was stood on the platform of Hogsmeade central and there were students spilling out of the carriages of a scarlet steam train.
"You must be Professor Laverna!" came a gruff voice from behind her.
She turned to find herself stood in front of an enormous man with bushy brown hair and a brown beard. He stuck his hand out.
"I'm 'agrid, pleased ter meet yeh. Professor Dumbledore says I'm ter offer you a ride in the boats with the first years so you can see the castle from the lake. Personally it's my favorite view of it." Said Hagrid. "Hi Harry!" he said to a boy walking past him with a boy with red hair and a girl with brown curly hair.
"Evening Hagrid!" the boy called back jovially.
Venus stared. That boy he had glasses and black hair and he had a scar.
"Was that Harry potter?" Venus asked excitedly.
"Sure was. He's a good lad he, you'll get on well with him." Hagrid said and stood waiting for Venus to decide her route.
"Oh yes sorry Hagrid, I'll come in the boats if you don't mind." Said Venus seeing his expression.
Hagrid nodded and walked along the platform shouting to the first years to follow him. She followed him over a little hill saw Hogwarts castle up ahead. It was spectacular. All the windows were lit up. Despite herself she gasped it was fantastic! She followed Hagrid and climbed into the same boat. Quietly in awe she sat in the back of the boat.
"Nice i'nt it?" Hagrid asked knowing her response.
"It's fantastic!" she exclaimed.
All too soon the boat ride was over and she was standing on the bank of the lake. Hagrid pointed to the door at the foot of the castle.
"You go on ahead and talk to Professor McGonagall. I'll sort out the first years." Hagrid told her and turned to the first years in front of him.
Venus walked up to the castle and through the door into a corridor lined with many wizard pictures all moving. Many of them greeted her. She kept walking until she came to some stairs.
"You must be Venus Laverna! Welcome to Hogwarts, I'm Minerva McGonagall, head of Gryffindor house." Said a woman with a neat bun and glass. She spoke with a Scottish accent.
"Yes I'm Venus, pleased to meet you." Said Venus and stuck her hand out to shake Minerva's.
Minerva shook her hand then turned and walked up the steps. Venus followed her.
"You'll be sitting at the head table with all the other teachers I'm sure you'll find it pleasant here," Minerva said kindly.
She walked through a door into the great hall. Many students were filing in to the seats that sat around 4 banquet tables in the room. Minerva showed Venus to her seat and said she had to go and greet the first years. She left and Venus was left sat there surrounded by people she didn't know.
She looked around her. To her left there was a woman with grey hair and intense eyes. And to her right there was a man with black hair and black eyes. Even his robes were black, but none of these were as dark as his expression. He seemed to be staring at a student into the midst of all the others.
"Hello," Venus ventured, "I'm the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Venus Laverna." She looked at both the people sat either side of her.
"I'm Millie Hooch," the woman said and smiled, "I teach flying, it's a tiring job but then I don't put as much emotion into my teacher as dear old Severus there does. He despises the kids, or so he pretends." She said and grinned.
Venus could tell she was trying to get a rise out of the man sat next to her.
"I do not despise them, I just don't treat them like little babies, they'll realize the real world isn't that nice and I'm just helping that process." He said pointedly, taking his eyes away from whichever student he was watching. "I'm Severus Snape, I teach potions."
"Oh I loved potions at school, it was my best subject. Pity no school has offered me that job. Want to swap?" Venus laughed jokingly.
The expression on Severus' face strange as if he would like to take that offer. Before they could say another word Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat loudly.
"Welcome back to yet another year at Hogwarts. I hope all of you shall have a good year and before we start the banquet we shall have the sorting ceremony,"
Minerva entered with a group of first years following her tot eh front of the hall. She placed an old hat on a stool. The rip near the brim started singing.
It's yet another year to start
Another year that's going to pass
But tell my now what's in your hearts
Put me on don't be an ass
I'll tell you just were you should be
I'll you just were you belong
You've no need to be scared of me
I'll tell you know I'm never wrong
Gryffindor, you shall be if your heart is pure
You'll be brave and true and right
You'll be strong right to the core
And your roars never worse than your bite
Hufflepuffs be loyal and fair
They know what's right and just
They'll help you with every care
And they will do what they must
Slytherin are cunning and sly
They are the clever lot
They will do what they can and try
To be the best, they think that your not.
Ravenclaw are clever and work
They always do their best
They study hard and never shirk
They're a cut about the rest
Their four houses are all here
To which do you belong?
So try me on don't shed a tear
It won't take very long.
When the hat stopped singing there was a round of applause. Venus had never seen this before. They had a bowl in Beuxbaton, which you dropped your name into and it sorted you out from there.
The sorting ceremony didn't take very long and all the first years were soon sitting at a house table and watching Dumbledore intently.
"Yes welcome first years, I'm happy to see some many of you. I'm also happy to see our new member of staff who will be taking over from last years Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. It's Professor Laverna." Professor Dumbledore indicated to Venus.
Venus blushed as thousands of pairs of eyes turned to look at her. She wasn't used to being the center of attention.
"I'm sure you will get on just fine. But enough of the announcements and on with the feast." Then Dumbledore clapped his hands and food filled the tables.
Venus was impressed with the amount of different types of food that the table was now laid with. Things like roast potatoes and pork, carrots and peas and beef, Yorkshire puddings and chicken. You didn't get this in Canada, but all the same she was filling her plate.
"so what do you think of the castle so far?" Severus asked her as she was about to tuck in to her meal.
"oh it's very nice, very different from the school I went to." She said.
Severus seemed content with that answer.
"Would you like to join a few of us for a start of term drink in the three broomsticks tonight?" Millie asked, taking a sip of the wine that was in her goblet.
"Oh yes please that sounds great. How many is a few of us?" she asked tensely.
"Well Millie and I will be there, usually Minerva will come, Filious Flitwick, Chloe Sprout and usually Hagrid. Why?" Severus asked.
"Oh I'm just not good with a lot of people that I don't know." Venus replied and carried on with her meal.
Far too soon the feast was over and the students were filing out of the hall. Venus followed the other teachers out of the hall through the door behind the table. She didn't know where her room was.
"Erm Minerva I wasn't told were my room was to be could you help me?" Venus called after Minerva.
"Och yes of course dear!" Minerva exclaimed, "I'm so sorry. Severus! Venus is to stay in the rooms next to yours," she called to Severus. "Dear would you mind sharing a lounge with him? Its just we haven't got any other rooms free and the other staff all share a lounge with someone, unfortunately he has had it all to himself for so long it will be decorated in his dark bleak fashion." Minerva laughed.
Severus walked over to Venus and Minerva.
"Severus you'll be sharing the lounge with her ok? Now don't give me that look! I know you have had it to yourself for so long but there is no more room and it was intended for her to stay there." Minerva said.
"Very well." Sighed Severus, "Venus follow me please I'll show you to your room. You have no aversion to living in the dungeons do you?"
"Erm no not really, it wouldn't be my first choice but I'm sure it would be fine." She smiled at him.
Severus gave a sort of half smile back. It was as if he had never had to do this before and he was finding it difficult. 'Hmmmm he doesn't look too bad when he smiles,' thought Venus. Her musings had brought her deep under ground and into the heart of the Hogwarts dungeons all around the walls were touches in brackets and hardly any paintings.
"Here we are, this is the entrance to the lounge and then our rooms are through here, the passwords fairy wings." Severus said and the tapestry he was standing in front of rolled up and an opening appeared in the wall.
Venus walked into the lounge. It was decorated in emerald green and mahogany. Huge bookcase stood ceiling to floor all around the walls. they were filled with books of every kind and jars of potions ingredients. Rolls of parchment lurked in corners and silver ornaments stood on the large black marble fireplace. The sofas and chairs were old black leather, soft and comfortable. The rug on the floor depicted a large serpent wound round a wizard's hat. There was light coming from the cast iron sconces on the walls and candles on the book shelves.
While Venus had been inspecting the room Severus had gone and lit the fire. He then went and poured himself a glass of whiskey from the cabinet next to the fireplace.
"Sorry," he apologized after downing the drink in one, "Would you like one? I had to have one after that feast, can't stand the damn things."
"Oh no thank you, I don't like whisky." Venus said, "Are these my rooms?" she asked pointing to the door to the right of the fireplace.
"Yes. Erm I'm going to get some papers sorted out and I'll knock on your door at about 10pm to go to the three broomsticks? Is that ok with you?" Severus asked walking towards his own room.
"Oh yes thanks that will give me time to sort my stuff out." Venus said smiling.
Severus nodded and watched Venus walk into her room. As she disappeared through the door Severus still watched as the door shut behind her. He leant against the door frame of his own room and sighed.
"How am I going to cope with her?" he sighed again resignedly and walked into his own room.
In her room Venus was unpacking her suitcase. She had returned all her furniture to its original size. She had brought her wardrobe, writing desk and two comfortable chairs. All the rest of the furniture was already in her room. She was delighted that she had a four post bed. When she was a child she had always wanted one just like the princesses in fairy stories. Before she continued to muse over this or to finish unpacking she decided to get changed. She found her most casual robes. It was a black skirt and simple grey top and then she wore a simple black robe over it. When she had unpacked everything in her room she took out the books she had brought and the pictures of her family and took them into the lounge. It was empty but she could hear running waster coming from behind Severus' door. She arranged some of the pictures on the mantle place and some on the bookshelves and then found and empty bottom shelf to put all her books. When she had finished she looked around, at least it looked like a little bit of it belonged to her.
"Are you ready to go?" asked a voice from behind her. It was Severus.
"Yes I was just sorting some of my books out." She said as she stood up.
Severus had changed his robes. Now he was wearing more casual things, still all black but not nearly as formal, sort of the wizard equivalent to jeans and a tee shirt.
"Ok let's go then. Is it far to the pub?" Venus asked.
"Not really, the others will have left earlier so we will just have to walk together. I just thought you might like a little more time to sort your possessions." Said Severus as he picked up a watch from the book shelf and put it.
"Shall we?" he said and walked to the door.
Venus followed him through the door and closed it after herself. Together they walked through the school to the main entrance. Venus was amazed by the interior of the school, all the portraits and coats of armor. They walked through the doors out in to the grounds and towards the gates and into Hogsmeade. Neither of them said anything while they were walking. Up ahead Venus could see the pub.
"Here it is, the three broomsticks," said Severus and gestured for her to go inside before him.
Thief of the Heart
Venus Laverna sighed as she flicked a strand of hair from her face and continued to study the content of her suitcase. She had an awful time trying to fit everything in so she had to shrink everything and pack in the huge suitcase. So far she had managed to pack all her work robes, two dress robes, seven casual robes and about twenty hats. She hadn't even got round to packing her shoes yet. Of course all her underwear had been packed. Now she had the agonizing decision of which pieces of furniture and things she wanted to take with her. She would need them of course, if she was to feel at home. Yes for the first real job she was going to have she had to live there. She was going to work at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry! She was going to teach defense against the dark arts and she was relishing the thought of it. She had never been there before; she had lived in France since she was 10 and so she had gone to Beuxbatons.
Finally she decided that she everything she wanted and if not she could get her parents to send it to her by owl or floo powder it wouldn't be a problem. She stuffed the last pair of shoes and her make up and soap bags into the case and closed it. It was bulging! She had shrunken everything to sit in the palm of her hand ad still the case was about 3 foot tall and about 4 foot wide. She grinned to herself embarrassed and shrunk the huge case to be the size of a matchbox. Then she tucked her wand in her pocket.
She had been wondering how she would get to Hogwarts. She lived in Canada at the moment. It was an awful long way to fly especially if she expected to go unnoticed. Then it had hit her, she was an animagus why she didn't she just transform. She had a rare gift in being able to choose what animal she could turn into. At will she could turn into anything she wanted. This had been hard for the ministry as she could be anything but luckily all her markings were the same. She always had emerald green eyes and she always had a necklace shaped mark around her neck. She decided to transform and fly down to the Canadian ministry and then get a portkey to Hogsmeade from there. Then she could get a carriage from Hogsmeade tot eh school. She didn't like apparateing. She hated the feeling as you moved from the place you are to the place you're going to. It was a nauseating swirly feeling. Luckily she wouldn't have to endure it.
Venus sighed and thought for a moment about which animal she was going to be to get her to the ministry in Toronto. Finally she decided that she should be an eagle. She transformed in an eagle and picked up her case in her claws. She flapped her wings a few times to get used to it then she began to flap harder and she felt her self lift off the ground. She flew out of the open window and flew away. She didn't bother shutting the window; after all she was taking all her precious things with her.
The flight to Toronto was amazing, she adored being a bird. You could see all the contours of the land and the scenery was breath taking. It made her wish she had been able to fly all her life just to see the snow covered mountains and the waterfalls form this height. Alas the journey was far to short lived for her. Soon she was in front of the ministry building, she touched down and transformed back into her original state. She put her case in her pocket. She checked her reflection in the window of the building. 'Not bad' she thought. She always did this; she hated meeting ministry wizards without looking semi-decent. In truth when people looked at Venus there was no semi about it. She was stunning. She was the type of woman that had natural poise and grace. Her figure was slim and toned; her hair was raven black and shiny. She had emerald green eyes and a porcelain complexion, which was flawless. She was envied by many, as she didn't need any sort of make up to cover blemishes or enhance her eyes.
When Venus was happy with her reflection she smiled at herself and shook her hair before walking through the door of the building. She was in a large circular foyer with lots of wizards and witches running around and all around the walls were doors each for a different department.
"Hello I'm Miss Laverna, I booked a portkey to Hogsmeade in Scotland." She told the receptionist.
For a moment the receptionist looked through her book of today's appointments and nodded.
"Yes miss, if you go through door 27, the head of the department of international travel will sort you out." The girl smiled, handing Venus a card with her transport time and destination.
Venus nodded and looked around for door 27. All the doors had large numbers over them so it didn't take her long to see the right door in the far side of the room. As she opened the door a wizard in deep red robes stuck his hand out and smiled.
"Miss Laverna? Yes we have your portkey ready for you do you wish to leave now?" he asked kindly.
"Please," she said shaking his hand.
"Very well step this way and take hold of this Hogwarts Shield brooch. You may keep the brooch after if you would like." He said kindly, his eyes lingering on her body.
"Thank you very much," she said she stepped up to the object.
She reached out and took hold of it she felt a jolt just behind her navel and the feeling off air rushing around her. Seconds later she was stood on the platform of Hogsmeade central and there were students spilling out of the carriages of a scarlet steam train.
"You must be Professor Laverna!" came a gruff voice from behind her.
She turned to find herself stood in front of an enormous man with bushy brown hair and a brown beard. He stuck his hand out.
"I'm 'agrid, pleased ter meet yeh. Professor Dumbledore says I'm ter offer you a ride in the boats with the first years so you can see the castle from the lake. Personally it's my favorite view of it." Said Hagrid. "Hi Harry!" he said to a boy walking past him with a boy with red hair and a girl with brown curly hair.
"Evening Hagrid!" the boy called back jovially.
Venus stared. That boy he had glasses and black hair and he had a scar.
"Was that Harry potter?" Venus asked excitedly.
"Sure was. He's a good lad he, you'll get on well with him." Hagrid said and stood waiting for Venus to decide her route.
"Oh yes sorry Hagrid, I'll come in the boats if you don't mind." Said Venus seeing his expression.
Hagrid nodded and walked along the platform shouting to the first years to follow him. She followed him over a little hill saw Hogwarts castle up ahead. It was spectacular. All the windows were lit up. Despite herself she gasped it was fantastic! She followed Hagrid and climbed into the same boat. Quietly in awe she sat in the back of the boat.
"Nice i'nt it?" Hagrid asked knowing her response.
"It's fantastic!" she exclaimed.
All too soon the boat ride was over and she was standing on the bank of the lake. Hagrid pointed to the door at the foot of the castle.
"You go on ahead and talk to Professor McGonagall. I'll sort out the first years." Hagrid told her and turned to the first years in front of him.
Venus walked up to the castle and through the door into a corridor lined with many wizard pictures all moving. Many of them greeted her. She kept walking until she came to some stairs.
"You must be Venus Laverna! Welcome to Hogwarts, I'm Minerva McGonagall, head of Gryffindor house." Said a woman with a neat bun and glass. She spoke with a Scottish accent.
"Yes I'm Venus, pleased to meet you." Said Venus and stuck her hand out to shake Minerva's.
Minerva shook her hand then turned and walked up the steps. Venus followed her.
"You'll be sitting at the head table with all the other teachers I'm sure you'll find it pleasant here," Minerva said kindly.
She walked through a door into the great hall. Many students were filing in to the seats that sat around 4 banquet tables in the room. Minerva showed Venus to her seat and said she had to go and greet the first years. She left and Venus was left sat there surrounded by people she didn't know.
She looked around her. To her left there was a woman with grey hair and intense eyes. And to her right there was a man with black hair and black eyes. Even his robes were black, but none of these were as dark as his expression. He seemed to be staring at a student into the midst of all the others.
"Hello," Venus ventured, "I'm the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Venus Laverna." She looked at both the people sat either side of her.
"I'm Millie Hooch," the woman said and smiled, "I teach flying, it's a tiring job but then I don't put as much emotion into my teacher as dear old Severus there does. He despises the kids, or so he pretends." She said and grinned.
Venus could tell she was trying to get a rise out of the man sat next to her.
"I do not despise them, I just don't treat them like little babies, they'll realize the real world isn't that nice and I'm just helping that process." He said pointedly, taking his eyes away from whichever student he was watching. "I'm Severus Snape, I teach potions."
"Oh I loved potions at school, it was my best subject. Pity no school has offered me that job. Want to swap?" Venus laughed jokingly.
The expression on Severus' face strange as if he would like to take that offer. Before they could say another word Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat loudly.
"Welcome back to yet another year at Hogwarts. I hope all of you shall have a good year and before we start the banquet we shall have the sorting ceremony,"
Minerva entered with a group of first years following her tot eh front of the hall. She placed an old hat on a stool. The rip near the brim started singing.
It's yet another year to start
Another year that's going to pass
But tell my now what's in your hearts
Put me on don't be an ass
I'll tell you just were you should be
I'll you just were you belong
You've no need to be scared of me
I'll tell you know I'm never wrong
Gryffindor, you shall be if your heart is pure
You'll be brave and true and right
You'll be strong right to the core
And your roars never worse than your bite
Hufflepuffs be loyal and fair
They know what's right and just
They'll help you with every care
And they will do what they must
Slytherin are cunning and sly
They are the clever lot
They will do what they can and try
To be the best, they think that your not.
Ravenclaw are clever and work
They always do their best
They study hard and never shirk
They're a cut about the rest
Their four houses are all here
To which do you belong?
So try me on don't shed a tear
It won't take very long.
When the hat stopped singing there was a round of applause. Venus had never seen this before. They had a bowl in Beuxbaton, which you dropped your name into and it sorted you out from there.
The sorting ceremony didn't take very long and all the first years were soon sitting at a house table and watching Dumbledore intently.
"Yes welcome first years, I'm happy to see some many of you. I'm also happy to see our new member of staff who will be taking over from last years Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. It's Professor Laverna." Professor Dumbledore indicated to Venus.
Venus blushed as thousands of pairs of eyes turned to look at her. She wasn't used to being the center of attention.
"I'm sure you will get on just fine. But enough of the announcements and on with the feast." Then Dumbledore clapped his hands and food filled the tables.
Venus was impressed with the amount of different types of food that the table was now laid with. Things like roast potatoes and pork, carrots and peas and beef, Yorkshire puddings and chicken. You didn't get this in Canada, but all the same she was filling her plate.
"so what do you think of the castle so far?" Severus asked her as she was about to tuck in to her meal.
"oh it's very nice, very different from the school I went to." She said.
Severus seemed content with that answer.
"Would you like to join a few of us for a start of term drink in the three broomsticks tonight?" Millie asked, taking a sip of the wine that was in her goblet.
"Oh yes please that sounds great. How many is a few of us?" she asked tensely.
"Well Millie and I will be there, usually Minerva will come, Filious Flitwick, Chloe Sprout and usually Hagrid. Why?" Severus asked.
"Oh I'm just not good with a lot of people that I don't know." Venus replied and carried on with her meal.
Far too soon the feast was over and the students were filing out of the hall. Venus followed the other teachers out of the hall through the door behind the table. She didn't know where her room was.
"Erm Minerva I wasn't told were my room was to be could you help me?" Venus called after Minerva.
"Och yes of course dear!" Minerva exclaimed, "I'm so sorry. Severus! Venus is to stay in the rooms next to yours," she called to Severus. "Dear would you mind sharing a lounge with him? Its just we haven't got any other rooms free and the other staff all share a lounge with someone, unfortunately he has had it all to himself for so long it will be decorated in his dark bleak fashion." Minerva laughed.
Severus walked over to Venus and Minerva.
"Severus you'll be sharing the lounge with her ok? Now don't give me that look! I know you have had it to yourself for so long but there is no more room and it was intended for her to stay there." Minerva said.
"Very well." Sighed Severus, "Venus follow me please I'll show you to your room. You have no aversion to living in the dungeons do you?"
"Erm no not really, it wouldn't be my first choice but I'm sure it would be fine." She smiled at him.
Severus gave a sort of half smile back. It was as if he had never had to do this before and he was finding it difficult. 'Hmmmm he doesn't look too bad when he smiles,' thought Venus. Her musings had brought her deep under ground and into the heart of the Hogwarts dungeons all around the walls were touches in brackets and hardly any paintings.
"Here we are, this is the entrance to the lounge and then our rooms are through here, the passwords fairy wings." Severus said and the tapestry he was standing in front of rolled up and an opening appeared in the wall.
Venus walked into the lounge. It was decorated in emerald green and mahogany. Huge bookcase stood ceiling to floor all around the walls. they were filled with books of every kind and jars of potions ingredients. Rolls of parchment lurked in corners and silver ornaments stood on the large black marble fireplace. The sofas and chairs were old black leather, soft and comfortable. The rug on the floor depicted a large serpent wound round a wizard's hat. There was light coming from the cast iron sconces on the walls and candles on the book shelves.
While Venus had been inspecting the room Severus had gone and lit the fire. He then went and poured himself a glass of whiskey from the cabinet next to the fireplace.
"Sorry," he apologized after downing the drink in one, "Would you like one? I had to have one after that feast, can't stand the damn things."
"Oh no thank you, I don't like whisky." Venus said, "Are these my rooms?" she asked pointing to the door to the right of the fireplace.
"Yes. Erm I'm going to get some papers sorted out and I'll knock on your door at about 10pm to go to the three broomsticks? Is that ok with you?" Severus asked walking towards his own room.
"Oh yes thanks that will give me time to sort my stuff out." Venus said smiling.
Severus nodded and watched Venus walk into her room. As she disappeared through the door Severus still watched as the door shut behind her. He leant against the door frame of his own room and sighed.
"How am I going to cope with her?" he sighed again resignedly and walked into his own room.
In her room Venus was unpacking her suitcase. She had returned all her furniture to its original size. She had brought her wardrobe, writing desk and two comfortable chairs. All the rest of the furniture was already in her room. She was delighted that she had a four post bed. When she was a child she had always wanted one just like the princesses in fairy stories. Before she continued to muse over this or to finish unpacking she decided to get changed. She found her most casual robes. It was a black skirt and simple grey top and then she wore a simple black robe over it. When she had unpacked everything in her room she took out the books she had brought and the pictures of her family and took them into the lounge. It was empty but she could hear running waster coming from behind Severus' door. She arranged some of the pictures on the mantle place and some on the bookshelves and then found and empty bottom shelf to put all her books. When she had finished she looked around, at least it looked like a little bit of it belonged to her.
"Are you ready to go?" asked a voice from behind her. It was Severus.
"Yes I was just sorting some of my books out." She said as she stood up.
Severus had changed his robes. Now he was wearing more casual things, still all black but not nearly as formal, sort of the wizard equivalent to jeans and a tee shirt.
"Ok let's go then. Is it far to the pub?" Venus asked.
"Not really, the others will have left earlier so we will just have to walk together. I just thought you might like a little more time to sort your possessions." Said Severus as he picked up a watch from the book shelf and put it.
"Shall we?" he said and walked to the door.
Venus followed him through the door and closed it after herself. Together they walked through the school to the main entrance. Venus was amazed by the interior of the school, all the portraits and coats of armor. They walked through the doors out in to the grounds and towards the gates and into Hogsmeade. Neither of them said anything while they were walking. Up ahead Venus could see the pub.
"Here it is, the three broomsticks," said Severus and gestured for her to go inside before him.