A/N: Hello, and welcome to chapter 11. I would have posted this yesterday,
but for some reason, this site wouldn't load on my browser. Here it is,
folks, the beginning of the school year. We notice a change in Draco,
celebration over Lupin, a subtle difference in Snape, and our reaction to
Adam's presence is, well. I'm not telling you anymore. I'm gonna let you
figure that out for yourself. So, trumpet fanfare In Which The School Year
Begins.
Chapter 11:
On the Hogwarts Express.
Hermione looked out the window, sighed, and sat up from her position against Ron's chest.
"We'll be at Hogwarts soon. We should really get ready." The group scrambled for their robes. Ron paused for a moment, thinking.
"You know, this is the first year where Malfoy hasn't come in to pester us." Harry paused as well.
"You're right. I wonder why?"
"Maybe he's matured enough to try to stop that foolish rivalry." The three stopped and stared at Ginny. "What? It could happen."
"In another galaxy, maybe. Not here on Earth, though. Sorry Gin." She made a face, and Ron turned to Harry. "Maybe he fancies you Harry." That caused a complete and total stop and stare at Ron. "No, I'm serious. Mum always said that young boys pick on the girl that they like, so maybe Malfoy was picking on you because he fancies you." Ginny nodded slowly.
"You know, in some twisted way, that almost makes sense."
"And," Herm continued the though, her eyes shining like they always did when they figured out a puzzle, "he couldn't show it before because he didn't realize. And now, with his father being a high ranking Death Eater and all, he wants to put as much distance between the one he cares about and the man who could destroy him." She and Ginny sighed.
"It's so romantic."
"It's all a load of rubbish if you ask me. Malfoy does not fancy me. Besides, we don't know if he's even gay." Ron looked at him.
"Oh please, Harry. Just look at the way he dresses, the way he acts. He's got the whole feminine-looking/acting thing down pat. He is definitely gay."
"Oh please. That doesn't mean anything."
"Yes it does. I talked to Percy-"
"you talked to Percy?" Ron continued, ignoring the interruption,
"and if anyone should know it's Percy. He's a closet study of human nature, I told you about that one project he had from the ministry (1) and he's been fascinated by human nature ever since."
"oh." That was all Harry had to say. Draco was gay? That would explain a lot. But Draco liking him, that was a little much. Him liking Draco, on the other hand.Harry had known he was bi for a long time, and actually was quite happy with it. It was just another thing to throw in the Dursley's faces. He had told Ron and Herm over the summer, unable to keep even that much of a secret from his closest friends. They had been wonderfully accepting. Ron even started taking after his mum for a moment and started to play matchmaker, but Herm had wisely put the kibosh oh that idea.
Just as they were all dressed the train slowed to a stop. They opened the door just as Draco walked by, for once not flanked by tweedle-dum and tweedle-dumer. He glanced at them for a moment, and his step faltered, before he stuck his nose up in the air and pushed on. It was so obviously forced that it made Harry wonder if maybe Ron was right.
In the Great Hall.
All the teachers, with the exception on McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Remus were already present and seated at the teacher's table. Severus was in his customary seat at the end of the table, and Adam had made himself comfortable next to him. He was sitting in a manner most unusual for a professor, or really, any living thing with a spine. His customary sprawl made Severus smile, just a little tugging at the corners of his mouth, but it was there, and more than most of the teachers (and all of the students) had ever seen on him (with the exception of the drinking crew. If you are unsure as to who I mean, read the second chapter over again.)
Remus came in the side, dressed in the best robes he owned, a set that he had bought earlier this year, and was a little out of breath, as if he had ran to the great hall (which in fact, he had.) There were three empty chairs at the table; Dumbledore's McGonagall's and an empty one next to Adam. Taking deeper breaths to get his breathing under control, he sat down next to Adam. Adam turned to look at him. Looking for all the world like a cat lounging on a windowsill.
"Hello Remus. Last minute preparations take a bit longer than expected?" Remus turned to him, and gave him an open-mouthed grin.
"Yes, you could say that. I ran into an old friend in town and I stopped to shoot the breeze with him for a moment too long, it seems." Adam stared at him for a moment, his eyes registering the faint blush paining his cheeks when he said 'friend.' So, it would seem Remus had a boyfriend.hmm.interesting.
The doors opened again, and this time Dumbledore and McGonagall entered the room. They walked quickly up to the table, McGonagall a step behind Dumbledore. (Ok, a little note here. I switched from calling her Minerva to calling her McGonagall, because when she is serius she deserves more of a formal address.) They both stopped in front of the table, so Dumbledore could address them all to their faces.
"Well, here we are, at the start of another school year. We have new bright and shining faces to teach, and fresh blood to teach them." He nodded his acknowledgement to Adam and Remus. "I certainly hope you all remember my warnings about who to watch this year." He sighed. "They are here. Minerva," She nodded and exited the Great Hall to wait for the first years. "Good Luck to you all," was the last thing Dumbledore said before taking his seat. Within moments the other students (2nd year and up) started filling up the Great Hall. Severus sighed, and pinched his nose. He could feel the headache of this next year forming already.
At the Gryffindor Table
Ron sat down next to Hermione (of course) while Harry and Ginny sat across from them (much as they had on the train) The entire hall was buzzing, telling stories of summer vacations, gossiping about 'conquests' but mostly excited exclamations about Lupin's return and whispered pondering about the handsome young man who was obviously the new teacher, and was sitting next to Snape and SMILING! This is, of course, what our dynamic trio (plus Ginny) was talking about.
"There he is! That's Professor Pierson." Ginny squealed quietly (It's not impossible.)
"Ohh. He is handsome. It'll be much less.boring in History of Magic now, I assure you." Ron looked at Harry confusedly.
"I don't see it. How is he handsome? His nose is larger than Snape's!" Ginny glared at him."
"Of course you wouldn't see it. He's not handsome like that Muggle actor Harrison Ford (Author squeals and feels faint) he's more of a classical elegance, like a Greek statue."
"Or a Roman god." Herm and Ginny giggled and Harry and Ron shook their heads, though Harry could see what they were referring to. His whole face lit up when he smiled and his eyes glistened with an inner fire, like lightning. It was that that made his so appealing. Adam leaned over and whispered something to Severus, laughing. Severus responded with a short laugh, and a quick, small, real smile. The trio (plus Ginny) raised their eyebrows in surprise.
"Could it be."
"It's not possible."
"But maybe."
"Snape isn't totally heartless." They looked at each other for a moment before replying in unison.
"Nah."
It was at that moment that the Great Doors opened and nervous first years walked in. McGonagall lead them up to the sorting hat, called the first name (Addams, Rupert) and the Sorting ceremony had begun. When the last name was called (Zuccery, Abigail) Ron leaned in to Harry.
"I am so hungry I could eat a Hippogriff."
"Don't let Buckbeak year you say that." Ron made a face at Harry's attempt at humor.
"Very funny. Just because a guy has a larger than normal appetite he-" He was cut off all of a sudden when McGonagall rapped her glass, signaling for silence. Dumbledore stood, waiting for complete silence.
I would like to start off with a few words. Dingle-berry, Kings-foil, ferklemped and fershnookered." (2) He paused as the students (and a few of the teachers) twittered in amusement. "Now, I would like to inform all first years, and remind a few of the other students, that the Forbidden Forrest is expressly OFF-LIMITS. Not even detentions will be served there, it has become too dangerous. ("Yes!" Ron exclaimed excitedly, for now he had no worries of running into the Giant Spider that lived in the forest. He had never quite gotten over the shock of the first time.) The house cup will be back in the running this year," he had to pause for the cheers were almost deafening, some of the teachers wincing at the noise. Dumbledore smiled a little bigger. "Now, on a lighter note, I would like you to welcome back Professor Lupin as your returning Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," and again he had to pause for the cheers. "I would also like you to welcome to Hogwarts your new History of Magic professor, Professor Pierson." Adam smiled and waved as he was applauded. "Now," said Dumbledore, with a dramatic flair, "we FEAST!" Instantly the plates and platters and goblets filled with all sorts of foods and juices. Dumbledore sat and the feast began.
Almost two hours later, after most of the food had been eaten (by Ron) No, not really, but he did eat most of the food on his end of the Gryffindor table and the Anthem had been sung (this time ending with a round by some of the older Hufflepuffs since the Weasley twins had not been there to sing there dirge) The Prefects lead them all to their dormitories.
Hermione was the leading Prefect for Gryffindor this year, and lead them all up the winding staircases to the portrait of the Fat Lady. She addressed the other students.
"The password for now is "Sindarin." (3) Please don't forget it this time, Neville." The others giggled while Neville blushed, but Hermione smiled to take the malice out of her words. She really did like Neville, no matter how absent-minded he was. The Fat Lady had opened when she spoke the password so they entered the common room. "The girls rooms are up through this door," she pointed to one door on one side of the room, "and the boy's rooms are up through there," she pointed to a door on the other side of the room. "I believe you all know to which one you belong, and I mean it Seamus. One would think you're really a girl with all the times you've tried to get in." They all laughed, and Seamus grinned cheekily, unabashed. "I have one last thing to say before we all part ways." She waited until they were all looking at her. "I think we're going to have a smashing year. Have a good night's rest all of you." With that they dissipated, and their school term had officially begun.
In the Dungeons.
Adam turned from the fireplace where he stood and accepted the glass of whiskey that Severus had so generously supplied. He sipped and felt if burn all the way down. He sighed.
"That is some good stuff there Sev." Severus smiled.
"I know. I bought that three years ago. I keep it locked up tighter that any Gringotts vault. It's almost as old as I am." Adam laughed and took another sip. Severus poured himself a glass and closed the cabinet, the locking spells slipping back into place, and locked the gigantic padlock on the front. He paused for a moment and snorted in laughter. "You know, I put those locks on there to keep me out as much as anyone else. I'm afraid of what'll happen in I let myself start to drink." Adam looked over in sympathy. He knew what it was like, and (unfortunately/ fortunately?) his immortal status kept his liver from shutting down, kept him from becoming a drunk, and even stopped him from getting drunk. It made it very hard to drown his sorrow let me tell you. "But, I always have a drink to toast the new year." He looked at Adam with something indistinguishable in his gaze. "I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to finally have someone to toast with." Adam laughed.
"Well then, lets get on with the toasting." He raised his glass, "To the Start of a New School Year, New Friendships, and New Beginnings." Severus raised his glass in answer.
"Cheers." The two drank. Now their school year could finally begin.
TBC.
A/N: Phew. It's like 1 am. Geeze. That took a long time to get out. What do you think huh? Severus is starting to feel a little something more for Adam, and Adam is flirting with him (in that subtle, "is that flirting?" was he has.) Again, no one in this story is an alcoholic or a drunk 'cept Methos, and that's cannon. And it doesn't count. In my opinion all immortals are that way, they have too many painful memories and too little physical consequences not to be, but enough on my philosophy of immortals.
(1) This will be an upcoming story. The idea hit me in a flash. Percy is given a special project that makes him study human nature and of course studding it changes him and he leaves the ordeal with a steady boyfriend (Oliver) more self-confidence, and a new look to boot. Look for it in late spring (probably after I finish this or I get writer's block.)
(2)Kings-Foil is in The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien (a wonderful book, probably my all time favorite, thou I love Harry Potter, and is now a Major Motion Picture, go see it. I saw it twice. It kicks butt!!) Farklempt is my butchering of the Yiddish word for choked-up (See Coffee Talk with Linda Richman on SNL) Fershnookered is butchered Yiddish (again) for drunk. I picked that one up from Mel Brooks. (There are trees, there are rocks, there are birds. We'll bless them all 'til we're fershnookered! - Rabbi Tuckman, Robin Hood: Men in Tights)
(3)Sindarin- another LotR reference. It's the name of one of the two elvish languages, and is basically High-Elvish, the language of the Nobles.
Ok. It's late, I'm tired, so in the next chapter the classes start, we see Adam's teaching style, more strangeness from Malfoy, and more chemistry between Adam and Severus. Please R/R. Tell me, are my characters far out of character? Until we meet again, see ya later!
Chapter 11:
On the Hogwarts Express.
Hermione looked out the window, sighed, and sat up from her position against Ron's chest.
"We'll be at Hogwarts soon. We should really get ready." The group scrambled for their robes. Ron paused for a moment, thinking.
"You know, this is the first year where Malfoy hasn't come in to pester us." Harry paused as well.
"You're right. I wonder why?"
"Maybe he's matured enough to try to stop that foolish rivalry." The three stopped and stared at Ginny. "What? It could happen."
"In another galaxy, maybe. Not here on Earth, though. Sorry Gin." She made a face, and Ron turned to Harry. "Maybe he fancies you Harry." That caused a complete and total stop and stare at Ron. "No, I'm serious. Mum always said that young boys pick on the girl that they like, so maybe Malfoy was picking on you because he fancies you." Ginny nodded slowly.
"You know, in some twisted way, that almost makes sense."
"And," Herm continued the though, her eyes shining like they always did when they figured out a puzzle, "he couldn't show it before because he didn't realize. And now, with his father being a high ranking Death Eater and all, he wants to put as much distance between the one he cares about and the man who could destroy him." She and Ginny sighed.
"It's so romantic."
"It's all a load of rubbish if you ask me. Malfoy does not fancy me. Besides, we don't know if he's even gay." Ron looked at him.
"Oh please, Harry. Just look at the way he dresses, the way he acts. He's got the whole feminine-looking/acting thing down pat. He is definitely gay."
"Oh please. That doesn't mean anything."
"Yes it does. I talked to Percy-"
"you talked to Percy?" Ron continued, ignoring the interruption,
"and if anyone should know it's Percy. He's a closet study of human nature, I told you about that one project he had from the ministry (1) and he's been fascinated by human nature ever since."
"oh." That was all Harry had to say. Draco was gay? That would explain a lot. But Draco liking him, that was a little much. Him liking Draco, on the other hand.Harry had known he was bi for a long time, and actually was quite happy with it. It was just another thing to throw in the Dursley's faces. He had told Ron and Herm over the summer, unable to keep even that much of a secret from his closest friends. They had been wonderfully accepting. Ron even started taking after his mum for a moment and started to play matchmaker, but Herm had wisely put the kibosh oh that idea.
Just as they were all dressed the train slowed to a stop. They opened the door just as Draco walked by, for once not flanked by tweedle-dum and tweedle-dumer. He glanced at them for a moment, and his step faltered, before he stuck his nose up in the air and pushed on. It was so obviously forced that it made Harry wonder if maybe Ron was right.
In the Great Hall.
All the teachers, with the exception on McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Remus were already present and seated at the teacher's table. Severus was in his customary seat at the end of the table, and Adam had made himself comfortable next to him. He was sitting in a manner most unusual for a professor, or really, any living thing with a spine. His customary sprawl made Severus smile, just a little tugging at the corners of his mouth, but it was there, and more than most of the teachers (and all of the students) had ever seen on him (with the exception of the drinking crew. If you are unsure as to who I mean, read the second chapter over again.)
Remus came in the side, dressed in the best robes he owned, a set that he had bought earlier this year, and was a little out of breath, as if he had ran to the great hall (which in fact, he had.) There were three empty chairs at the table; Dumbledore's McGonagall's and an empty one next to Adam. Taking deeper breaths to get his breathing under control, he sat down next to Adam. Adam turned to look at him. Looking for all the world like a cat lounging on a windowsill.
"Hello Remus. Last minute preparations take a bit longer than expected?" Remus turned to him, and gave him an open-mouthed grin.
"Yes, you could say that. I ran into an old friend in town and I stopped to shoot the breeze with him for a moment too long, it seems." Adam stared at him for a moment, his eyes registering the faint blush paining his cheeks when he said 'friend.' So, it would seem Remus had a boyfriend.hmm.interesting.
The doors opened again, and this time Dumbledore and McGonagall entered the room. They walked quickly up to the table, McGonagall a step behind Dumbledore. (Ok, a little note here. I switched from calling her Minerva to calling her McGonagall, because when she is serius she deserves more of a formal address.) They both stopped in front of the table, so Dumbledore could address them all to their faces.
"Well, here we are, at the start of another school year. We have new bright and shining faces to teach, and fresh blood to teach them." He nodded his acknowledgement to Adam and Remus. "I certainly hope you all remember my warnings about who to watch this year." He sighed. "They are here. Minerva," She nodded and exited the Great Hall to wait for the first years. "Good Luck to you all," was the last thing Dumbledore said before taking his seat. Within moments the other students (2nd year and up) started filling up the Great Hall. Severus sighed, and pinched his nose. He could feel the headache of this next year forming already.
At the Gryffindor Table
Ron sat down next to Hermione (of course) while Harry and Ginny sat across from them (much as they had on the train) The entire hall was buzzing, telling stories of summer vacations, gossiping about 'conquests' but mostly excited exclamations about Lupin's return and whispered pondering about the handsome young man who was obviously the new teacher, and was sitting next to Snape and SMILING! This is, of course, what our dynamic trio (plus Ginny) was talking about.
"There he is! That's Professor Pierson." Ginny squealed quietly (It's not impossible.)
"Ohh. He is handsome. It'll be much less.boring in History of Magic now, I assure you." Ron looked at Harry confusedly.
"I don't see it. How is he handsome? His nose is larger than Snape's!" Ginny glared at him."
"Of course you wouldn't see it. He's not handsome like that Muggle actor Harrison Ford (Author squeals and feels faint) he's more of a classical elegance, like a Greek statue."
"Or a Roman god." Herm and Ginny giggled and Harry and Ron shook their heads, though Harry could see what they were referring to. His whole face lit up when he smiled and his eyes glistened with an inner fire, like lightning. It was that that made his so appealing. Adam leaned over and whispered something to Severus, laughing. Severus responded with a short laugh, and a quick, small, real smile. The trio (plus Ginny) raised their eyebrows in surprise.
"Could it be."
"It's not possible."
"But maybe."
"Snape isn't totally heartless." They looked at each other for a moment before replying in unison.
"Nah."
It was at that moment that the Great Doors opened and nervous first years walked in. McGonagall lead them up to the sorting hat, called the first name (Addams, Rupert) and the Sorting ceremony had begun. When the last name was called (Zuccery, Abigail) Ron leaned in to Harry.
"I am so hungry I could eat a Hippogriff."
"Don't let Buckbeak year you say that." Ron made a face at Harry's attempt at humor.
"Very funny. Just because a guy has a larger than normal appetite he-" He was cut off all of a sudden when McGonagall rapped her glass, signaling for silence. Dumbledore stood, waiting for complete silence.
I would like to start off with a few words. Dingle-berry, Kings-foil, ferklemped and fershnookered." (2) He paused as the students (and a few of the teachers) twittered in amusement. "Now, I would like to inform all first years, and remind a few of the other students, that the Forbidden Forrest is expressly OFF-LIMITS. Not even detentions will be served there, it has become too dangerous. ("Yes!" Ron exclaimed excitedly, for now he had no worries of running into the Giant Spider that lived in the forest. He had never quite gotten over the shock of the first time.) The house cup will be back in the running this year," he had to pause for the cheers were almost deafening, some of the teachers wincing at the noise. Dumbledore smiled a little bigger. "Now, on a lighter note, I would like you to welcome back Professor Lupin as your returning Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," and again he had to pause for the cheers. "I would also like you to welcome to Hogwarts your new History of Magic professor, Professor Pierson." Adam smiled and waved as he was applauded. "Now," said Dumbledore, with a dramatic flair, "we FEAST!" Instantly the plates and platters and goblets filled with all sorts of foods and juices. Dumbledore sat and the feast began.
Almost two hours later, after most of the food had been eaten (by Ron) No, not really, but he did eat most of the food on his end of the Gryffindor table and the Anthem had been sung (this time ending with a round by some of the older Hufflepuffs since the Weasley twins had not been there to sing there dirge) The Prefects lead them all to their dormitories.
Hermione was the leading Prefect for Gryffindor this year, and lead them all up the winding staircases to the portrait of the Fat Lady. She addressed the other students.
"The password for now is "Sindarin." (3) Please don't forget it this time, Neville." The others giggled while Neville blushed, but Hermione smiled to take the malice out of her words. She really did like Neville, no matter how absent-minded he was. The Fat Lady had opened when she spoke the password so they entered the common room. "The girls rooms are up through this door," she pointed to one door on one side of the room, "and the boy's rooms are up through there," she pointed to a door on the other side of the room. "I believe you all know to which one you belong, and I mean it Seamus. One would think you're really a girl with all the times you've tried to get in." They all laughed, and Seamus grinned cheekily, unabashed. "I have one last thing to say before we all part ways." She waited until they were all looking at her. "I think we're going to have a smashing year. Have a good night's rest all of you." With that they dissipated, and their school term had officially begun.
In the Dungeons.
Adam turned from the fireplace where he stood and accepted the glass of whiskey that Severus had so generously supplied. He sipped and felt if burn all the way down. He sighed.
"That is some good stuff there Sev." Severus smiled.
"I know. I bought that three years ago. I keep it locked up tighter that any Gringotts vault. It's almost as old as I am." Adam laughed and took another sip. Severus poured himself a glass and closed the cabinet, the locking spells slipping back into place, and locked the gigantic padlock on the front. He paused for a moment and snorted in laughter. "You know, I put those locks on there to keep me out as much as anyone else. I'm afraid of what'll happen in I let myself start to drink." Adam looked over in sympathy. He knew what it was like, and (unfortunately/ fortunately?) his immortal status kept his liver from shutting down, kept him from becoming a drunk, and even stopped him from getting drunk. It made it very hard to drown his sorrow let me tell you. "But, I always have a drink to toast the new year." He looked at Adam with something indistinguishable in his gaze. "I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to finally have someone to toast with." Adam laughed.
"Well then, lets get on with the toasting." He raised his glass, "To the Start of a New School Year, New Friendships, and New Beginnings." Severus raised his glass in answer.
"Cheers." The two drank. Now their school year could finally begin.
TBC.
A/N: Phew. It's like 1 am. Geeze. That took a long time to get out. What do you think huh? Severus is starting to feel a little something more for Adam, and Adam is flirting with him (in that subtle, "is that flirting?" was he has.) Again, no one in this story is an alcoholic or a drunk 'cept Methos, and that's cannon. And it doesn't count. In my opinion all immortals are that way, they have too many painful memories and too little physical consequences not to be, but enough on my philosophy of immortals.
(1) This will be an upcoming story. The idea hit me in a flash. Percy is given a special project that makes him study human nature and of course studding it changes him and he leaves the ordeal with a steady boyfriend (Oliver) more self-confidence, and a new look to boot. Look for it in late spring (probably after I finish this or I get writer's block.)
(2)Kings-Foil is in The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien (a wonderful book, probably my all time favorite, thou I love Harry Potter, and is now a Major Motion Picture, go see it. I saw it twice. It kicks butt!!) Farklempt is my butchering of the Yiddish word for choked-up (See Coffee Talk with Linda Richman on SNL) Fershnookered is butchered Yiddish (again) for drunk. I picked that one up from Mel Brooks. (There are trees, there are rocks, there are birds. We'll bless them all 'til we're fershnookered! - Rabbi Tuckman, Robin Hood: Men in Tights)
(3)Sindarin- another LotR reference. It's the name of one of the two elvish languages, and is basically High-Elvish, the language of the Nobles.
Ok. It's late, I'm tired, so in the next chapter the classes start, we see Adam's teaching style, more strangeness from Malfoy, and more chemistry between Adam and Severus. Please R/R. Tell me, are my characters far out of character? Until we meet again, see ya later!