If there was one emotion Snape could read, it was fear. He saw it everyday
of his life-he was proud of his ability to inspire fear. He could read any
level of fear that he had inspired. So, he was perplexed when he received
no fearful looks from Velvet Mephorria.
If she had been bothered by Snape's presence, she had hid it too well for him to perceive. In fact, she didn't seem anxious about his clothes, his sharp tongue, or his cruel expression. In fact, she didn't seem to take anymore notice of him that she did of the other teachers. IN FACT, he had gotten the same rather blank summing-up look that she had given the other teachers.
Snape was not pleased.
McGonagall had mixed opinions about this new girl-Velvet Mephorria. She didn't like the circumstances. "I see Headmaster Dumbledore is up to his usual shenanigans, and I am not sure I approve. Really! An eighteen year old Muggle-a Yankee Muggle, no less-Pulled from her life to study at Hogwarts!" If she had been any good, wouldn't she have gone to an American school? This project was going to take up valuable time she could use to grade papers.
Then again, Dumbledore had said the girl would also be a teacher's assistant-maybe she wouldn't need as much time to grade papers. The girl did seem very nice and eager to learn. And perhaps McGonagall would get over her accent, after all, she did have a Scottish one herself.
Hagrid took an immediate liking to Velvet. She was beautiful in a Renaissance way with very long auburn hair, bright blue-green eyes, and pale skin. While taking her through Diagon Alley, at the request of Dumbledore, he had gotten to know her a little. He loved her soft Southern accent, and that she smiled at his jokes that weren't funny, and that she blushed so often. Plus, she thought that dragons were as cool as he thought they were. He had asked her to come to tea as often as she liked.
Velvet's room was a huge loft in a tall tower which could only be reached by climbing a very long staircase. The circular staircase stopped in the ceiling at a trapdoor which could be opened from above and below. There was a large French window with a tiny deck from which you could see almost all of the castle and grounds. The view was almost as breathtaking as the stairs-no wonder the other teachers refused to stay here. At least she could slide down the rail.
The major benefit of the tower, though, was that she could be completely alone and therefore use any technology she wanted. She had her CD and DVD collection along with her laptop, sound system, and a small refrigerator full of Diet Cokes. Dumbledore had shown her how to bewitch them into running off magic instead of electricity.
She looked out of the window at the fading sun and realized the students would be there soon. She quickly changed into a blue blouse and a black skirt, over which she wore an open black cloak. She pulled her long hair into a tight, low bun which brought out her high cheekbones.
She slid all the way down the stairway and flew off the end, nearly toppling Severus Snape who had just opened to door to the tower. His eyes flashed as he waited for her to stop laughing.
"The headmaster asked me to make sure you could find the dining hall. Although, I find it unlikely that you missed the room filled with tables on your tour this afternoon."
She opened her eyes really wide, "Really?! The room with all the tables.a dining hall?! Who would've guessed?"
Snape raised an eyebrow at her sarcasm and then swept out of the door and stalked down the hall like an overgrown bat. Velvet followed quietly, having stifled her laughter.
In the dining hall, Dumbledore was speaking quietly with McGonagall. Hagrid was walking out of the door to meet the train. Lupin was standing alone and eyed Snape when he walked in. Several other teachers were talking amongst themselves.
Dumbledore looked up and smiled, "Ah, Severus, I see you have found the young Miss Velvet." He gestured broadly, "The wonderment is about to commence. as soon as I find that seating chart." He rummaged through his robes, and then lifted his cap-there on his head was a scroll. He laughed aloud. Velvet exchanged an eye-roll with Lupin while Dumbledore handed the scroll to Snape and replaced his hat.
Snape took the chart and looked at it sharply. He noticed that he and Remus were suitably apart-he also noticed he was at the end of the table, which he liked. And, he noticed that between McGonagall and himself, Velvet Mephorria was to be seated. He opened his mouth to say something, but seeing Remus smiling broadly at Velvet must have changed his mind. He gave Dumbledore a short affirmative nod, and swooped towards his seat.
"Has terrible misfortune befallen dear Professor Snape, or is he always so. disgruntled?" Velvet asked in a hushed voice.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily, "Oh, I believe you will see for yourself. PLACES everyone."
McGonagall went off to meet the first years, and the other teachers sat in their seats. Velvet hesitated and Lupin gave her a half encouraging, half sympathetic smile. She grinned madly and sat down, looking forlornly at McGonagall's empty chair. She was trying to think of something pleasant to say but was interrupted by a growing noise.
Startled, she looked up. Snape caught her eye and frowned, "The thundering masses." The doors burst open and a flood of chattering children spilled into the room. Snape gave a half-smile to the gathering Slytherins and noticed that they were all staring at Velvet.
"I suppose you like children," Snape began.
"Only when properly cooked," Velvet cut him off.
A treacherous grin threatened to break onto his face, but he was saved by the sudden hush that fell over the room to welcome the new students.
McGonagall led a swarming hive of nervous children towards the front of the room, and one by one they were sorted into different houses. Snape took note of the new Slytherin members and tried to sum them each up, but towards the end the entire room watched closely at Michael Sieves. The child was so small that he had to climb to get on top of the stool. The Sorting Hat seemed to take days to say "RAVENCLAW" and the little boy shuffled towards his table.
By the time the ceremony was over, Velvet was exhausted. It was six hours later where she was from, and she had only arrived today. So she was not disappointed to find that McGonagall seemed to have ears only for Dumbledore; in fact, she thought it was kind of cute. She found herself rambling to no one in particular .
"Everyone here has such strange and symbolic names. Minerva-the Greek virgin goddess of the hunt, who had eyes only for religion. Strange that a Scottish person would have a Greek name." Snape looked up and actually listened to what she was saying, it wasn't like he was eating.
"Well, I think that is rather accurate, though eyes only for Dumbledore might be closer to the truth," Snape replied.
"Then there is Dumbledore, which is a Gaelic word for bumblebee and of course Albus means white and cloud-like."
"Albus, his beard. And he is rather like a bumblebee always buzzing around in others business."
"Rubeus Hagrid. Ruby red, although he's not really red. And of course, haggard which he certainly is," she continued. "But the one that really amazes me is Remus Lupin. Remus, as in Remus and Romulus. Twins raised by a she-wolf. But Remus was the born loser because Romulus murdered him and went on to found Rome, his namesake. And Lupin simply means wolf. The losing wolf-man. If he starts disappearing during the full moon that will be our sign."
Snape smiled evilly, "Why, our friend Professor Lupin is a werewolf."
Velvet didn't even flinch, "Then the name works perfectly. Anyone who misses that is just foolish. Now, Severus Snape, this one is more difficult. Your first name isn't actually Septimus, is it?"
Snape looked slightly surprised, "My full name is Severus Septimus Snape. Why?"
"Lucius Septimus Severus was a Roman Caesar. He took over when the Caesar he was serving died. Then of course Severus is Latin for severe, which you certainly are. And Snape like snap or snake. I'm not quit sure." Her eyelids were beginning to droop a little.
Snape thought quietly for a moment, and decided he needed to read more Roman history about his namesake. "Lucius. as in Lucius Malfoy, how strange. Tell me, what does your name mean?"
She looked up at him sleepily. "I don't know. It's so strange, I've tried to figure it out but it never makes sense. I mean Velvet is just a type of cloth. And Mephorria, good luck on that one. I think my mom just made it up and never told me."
The meal was winding down and Dumbledore quieted the room. "I would like to re-introduce Professor Lupin, who will be teaching Defense against the Dark Arts. Also, an aid who will be here as well, Miss Velvet Mephorria."
Velvet stood and tried her best not to look tired. She vaguely noticed the whispers about her-but she was too tired to care. The prefects began leading the children to their halls and the teachers all stood. Velvet noticed that Snape hadn't eaten a thing, but then again, neither had she. Dumbledore handed her her schedule, and she turned to leave.
Remus Lupin caught her by the arm and escorted her out the room, Snape watched them leave, his dark eyes curious and jealous.
"Tell me, did my ears hear that our 'dear Professor Snape' told you that I was a werewolf?"
"Oh, yes. He did say that. It only makes perfect sense, though. I suppose the proverbial cat, or wolf in this case, is out of the bag?"
"Yes, has been since he revealed it several years ago, due to a misunderstanding."
"It seems that the two of you still don't get along." They reached the door to the tower. "Goodnight, Professor. It has been a very long day."
"Goodnight, and please, call me Remus, even if it is the losing son"
His hearing is unbelievable, she thought as she started to close the door. Before it closed, though, she saw something that made her pause-a shadow in the hall. It was Snape, who had followed them from the dining hall. He had nearly blended into the wall completely, and she was surprised she saw him at all. She smiled and mouthed 'goodnight' to him before shutting the door.
Once again, Snape was not pleased.
If she had been bothered by Snape's presence, she had hid it too well for him to perceive. In fact, she didn't seem anxious about his clothes, his sharp tongue, or his cruel expression. In fact, she didn't seem to take anymore notice of him that she did of the other teachers. IN FACT, he had gotten the same rather blank summing-up look that she had given the other teachers.
Snape was not pleased.
McGonagall had mixed opinions about this new girl-Velvet Mephorria. She didn't like the circumstances. "I see Headmaster Dumbledore is up to his usual shenanigans, and I am not sure I approve. Really! An eighteen year old Muggle-a Yankee Muggle, no less-Pulled from her life to study at Hogwarts!" If she had been any good, wouldn't she have gone to an American school? This project was going to take up valuable time she could use to grade papers.
Then again, Dumbledore had said the girl would also be a teacher's assistant-maybe she wouldn't need as much time to grade papers. The girl did seem very nice and eager to learn. And perhaps McGonagall would get over her accent, after all, she did have a Scottish one herself.
Hagrid took an immediate liking to Velvet. She was beautiful in a Renaissance way with very long auburn hair, bright blue-green eyes, and pale skin. While taking her through Diagon Alley, at the request of Dumbledore, he had gotten to know her a little. He loved her soft Southern accent, and that she smiled at his jokes that weren't funny, and that she blushed so often. Plus, she thought that dragons were as cool as he thought they were. He had asked her to come to tea as often as she liked.
Velvet's room was a huge loft in a tall tower which could only be reached by climbing a very long staircase. The circular staircase stopped in the ceiling at a trapdoor which could be opened from above and below. There was a large French window with a tiny deck from which you could see almost all of the castle and grounds. The view was almost as breathtaking as the stairs-no wonder the other teachers refused to stay here. At least she could slide down the rail.
The major benefit of the tower, though, was that she could be completely alone and therefore use any technology she wanted. She had her CD and DVD collection along with her laptop, sound system, and a small refrigerator full of Diet Cokes. Dumbledore had shown her how to bewitch them into running off magic instead of electricity.
She looked out of the window at the fading sun and realized the students would be there soon. She quickly changed into a blue blouse and a black skirt, over which she wore an open black cloak. She pulled her long hair into a tight, low bun which brought out her high cheekbones.
She slid all the way down the stairway and flew off the end, nearly toppling Severus Snape who had just opened to door to the tower. His eyes flashed as he waited for her to stop laughing.
"The headmaster asked me to make sure you could find the dining hall. Although, I find it unlikely that you missed the room filled with tables on your tour this afternoon."
She opened her eyes really wide, "Really?! The room with all the tables.a dining hall?! Who would've guessed?"
Snape raised an eyebrow at her sarcasm and then swept out of the door and stalked down the hall like an overgrown bat. Velvet followed quietly, having stifled her laughter.
In the dining hall, Dumbledore was speaking quietly with McGonagall. Hagrid was walking out of the door to meet the train. Lupin was standing alone and eyed Snape when he walked in. Several other teachers were talking amongst themselves.
Dumbledore looked up and smiled, "Ah, Severus, I see you have found the young Miss Velvet." He gestured broadly, "The wonderment is about to commence. as soon as I find that seating chart." He rummaged through his robes, and then lifted his cap-there on his head was a scroll. He laughed aloud. Velvet exchanged an eye-roll with Lupin while Dumbledore handed the scroll to Snape and replaced his hat.
Snape took the chart and looked at it sharply. He noticed that he and Remus were suitably apart-he also noticed he was at the end of the table, which he liked. And, he noticed that between McGonagall and himself, Velvet Mephorria was to be seated. He opened his mouth to say something, but seeing Remus smiling broadly at Velvet must have changed his mind. He gave Dumbledore a short affirmative nod, and swooped towards his seat.
"Has terrible misfortune befallen dear Professor Snape, or is he always so. disgruntled?" Velvet asked in a hushed voice.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily, "Oh, I believe you will see for yourself. PLACES everyone."
McGonagall went off to meet the first years, and the other teachers sat in their seats. Velvet hesitated and Lupin gave her a half encouraging, half sympathetic smile. She grinned madly and sat down, looking forlornly at McGonagall's empty chair. She was trying to think of something pleasant to say but was interrupted by a growing noise.
Startled, she looked up. Snape caught her eye and frowned, "The thundering masses." The doors burst open and a flood of chattering children spilled into the room. Snape gave a half-smile to the gathering Slytherins and noticed that they were all staring at Velvet.
"I suppose you like children," Snape began.
"Only when properly cooked," Velvet cut him off.
A treacherous grin threatened to break onto his face, but he was saved by the sudden hush that fell over the room to welcome the new students.
McGonagall led a swarming hive of nervous children towards the front of the room, and one by one they were sorted into different houses. Snape took note of the new Slytherin members and tried to sum them each up, but towards the end the entire room watched closely at Michael Sieves. The child was so small that he had to climb to get on top of the stool. The Sorting Hat seemed to take days to say "RAVENCLAW" and the little boy shuffled towards his table.
By the time the ceremony was over, Velvet was exhausted. It was six hours later where she was from, and she had only arrived today. So she was not disappointed to find that McGonagall seemed to have ears only for Dumbledore; in fact, she thought it was kind of cute. She found herself rambling to no one in particular .
"Everyone here has such strange and symbolic names. Minerva-the Greek virgin goddess of the hunt, who had eyes only for religion. Strange that a Scottish person would have a Greek name." Snape looked up and actually listened to what she was saying, it wasn't like he was eating.
"Well, I think that is rather accurate, though eyes only for Dumbledore might be closer to the truth," Snape replied.
"Then there is Dumbledore, which is a Gaelic word for bumblebee and of course Albus means white and cloud-like."
"Albus, his beard. And he is rather like a bumblebee always buzzing around in others business."
"Rubeus Hagrid. Ruby red, although he's not really red. And of course, haggard which he certainly is," she continued. "But the one that really amazes me is Remus Lupin. Remus, as in Remus and Romulus. Twins raised by a she-wolf. But Remus was the born loser because Romulus murdered him and went on to found Rome, his namesake. And Lupin simply means wolf. The losing wolf-man. If he starts disappearing during the full moon that will be our sign."
Snape smiled evilly, "Why, our friend Professor Lupin is a werewolf."
Velvet didn't even flinch, "Then the name works perfectly. Anyone who misses that is just foolish. Now, Severus Snape, this one is more difficult. Your first name isn't actually Septimus, is it?"
Snape looked slightly surprised, "My full name is Severus Septimus Snape. Why?"
"Lucius Septimus Severus was a Roman Caesar. He took over when the Caesar he was serving died. Then of course Severus is Latin for severe, which you certainly are. And Snape like snap or snake. I'm not quit sure." Her eyelids were beginning to droop a little.
Snape thought quietly for a moment, and decided he needed to read more Roman history about his namesake. "Lucius. as in Lucius Malfoy, how strange. Tell me, what does your name mean?"
She looked up at him sleepily. "I don't know. It's so strange, I've tried to figure it out but it never makes sense. I mean Velvet is just a type of cloth. And Mephorria, good luck on that one. I think my mom just made it up and never told me."
The meal was winding down and Dumbledore quieted the room. "I would like to re-introduce Professor Lupin, who will be teaching Defense against the Dark Arts. Also, an aid who will be here as well, Miss Velvet Mephorria."
Velvet stood and tried her best not to look tired. She vaguely noticed the whispers about her-but she was too tired to care. The prefects began leading the children to their halls and the teachers all stood. Velvet noticed that Snape hadn't eaten a thing, but then again, neither had she. Dumbledore handed her her schedule, and she turned to leave.
Remus Lupin caught her by the arm and escorted her out the room, Snape watched them leave, his dark eyes curious and jealous.
"Tell me, did my ears hear that our 'dear Professor Snape' told you that I was a werewolf?"
"Oh, yes. He did say that. It only makes perfect sense, though. I suppose the proverbial cat, or wolf in this case, is out of the bag?"
"Yes, has been since he revealed it several years ago, due to a misunderstanding."
"It seems that the two of you still don't get along." They reached the door to the tower. "Goodnight, Professor. It has been a very long day."
"Goodnight, and please, call me Remus, even if it is the losing son"
His hearing is unbelievable, she thought as she started to close the door. Before it closed, though, she saw something that made her pause-a shadow in the hall. It was Snape, who had followed them from the dining hall. He had nearly blended into the wall completely, and she was surprised she saw him at all. She smiled and mouthed 'goodnight' to him before shutting the door.
Once again, Snape was not pleased.