My Love Is Vengeance: Chapter 4: I Do Not Dream.
Severus swept through the corridors, his features drawn tight, eyes piercing ahead. His demeanor was most feral but his mind tripped and rolled with an ease over certain events. Lessons to be planned. Having to deal with Potter and the lot in the swiftly approaching weeks. His more personal, more controversial studies to be done. Filtering through like a sieve the less important things gathered, granulated and forgotten until recollection demanded to know of their presence. Hogwarts walls flickered through his arid eyes he didn't have to look to see the door casually marked "Professors' Lounge" swiftly approaching. Laying a long fingered hand on the worn oak he pushed his way into the room, being greeted by a sea of smiling faces and pleasantries. Ignoring his co-workers as if they were beings to small to be seen he slunk into a seat as far away from the rest as possible and prepared to listen to Albus drone on about the same things he did at the beginning of every year.
"I'm so glad to have each and every one of you here for the start of another year at Hogwarts." Dumbldore began, standing in the center of the room, holding his arms outward to show that he wished to start the meeting. "As I'm sure you all have noticed, there are new faces among us, I'd like to welcome Professor Kinney, the new Muggle Studies teacher as well as Professor Hawthorne, our Potions Professor."
Professor Kinney and Hawthorne stood, smiling and introducing themselves to the staff briefly before Albus continued.
"As I'm sure you've heard that Professor Snape is now the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I'm confident he'll excel in this field as well as he has in Potions." Severus nodded, leaving his face free from expression as some turned to congratulate him.
And so it went on, the plans to be discussed, forbidden areas for students as well as teachers, the new lunch menu. The meeting ended then, and Severus remained in his seat, watching his co-workers filter slowly out of the room, murmuring amongst themselves. He didn't notice someone approaching him from the side until a gentle hand laid on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry about this morning."
Severus' eyes flickered upward to the face he most certainly did not want to see. "Whatever for, Professor? Certainly you didn't throw insults at me for no good reason."
Professor Hawthorne stood, looking down his gaunt face, taking in the appearance of age, subtly, the lines framing his eyes, eyes that held nothing but self loathing and contempt. Inky hair falling just past his shoulders blending softly into his black robes. "I'm just… I'm new at this" She turned round to sit in a nearby chair, pulling her legs up beneath her. "I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just on edge." She offered him a lopsided smile, hoping he'd see that she was being sincere.
Snape stood abruptly, nostrils flaring "If it's forgiveness or some shoulder to cry on that you're looking for you won't find it here. And frankly I don't give a damn what your problems are. I haven't been here this long to be berated by some wet behind the ears wizard who woke up one morning and fancied herself a Potions professor." Not giving her a chance to answer he turned and stormed out of the room. His footsteps echoing loudly throughout the hallway.