Snape went to the common room of the guests. He was intent on speaking
with Carly and Derek, wanting to make sure that they were clear on the
rules to avoid any irritations. The last thing he needed was to save their
asses if they rubbed any of the students in his house the wrong way.
He spent the time after the meeting to stock up on the Wardus potion. He would be able to make a month's supply, and restock after that.
He approached the common room door and said the password (steam roller), and entered the room. Looking around, he did not see Carly, but he did spot Derek talking to Krista in what appeared to be a heated debate. Already the tension between the Gryffindor and Slytherin houses have started. At least they weren't trying to do any physical harm yet.
He walked over to them and spotted the business article in front of them. Derek was explaining what sounded like a pro argument; for what, he had no idea.
"Krista, I'm just saying that labour unions have helped build more fairness in the workplace."
"Derek, I'm not saying I disagree with that argument, but they also are making it harder for management to manage their businesses."
Snape was irritated that his approach got no response from either individual, so he cleared his throat. Both looked up at him.
"Mr Danforth. I need to speak with yourself and Miss Trant."
Derek looked over at Krista, and in a mocking tone and a glare, he said, "This is not over."
Krista imitated the voice and glare. "Far from it." She growled. They continued to glare until neither could hold back the laughter. They had been reading 'Hogwarts: A History' and discovered the house rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin. "I leave you to your reading." Derek finally said. He than turned to Snape, "I'll just go fetch Carly, Professor." Snape nodded, and Derek left.
While Derek went to get Carly for the meeting with Snape, Snape was left in the presence of an unusually quiet Gryffindor. Krista had not uttered a sound after Derek's departure, and went back to reading her article, completely ignoring the potion's master. Usually, Snape really wouldn't care either way, but the fact that she was so passive and acted so calm despite his usual intimidating demeanor almost knocked him down a peg. Almost. 'I'm losing my touch' he thought, but quickly dismissed that thought upon seeing the horrified face of Carly. Apparently, she did not want to be in his presence any more than he did hers.
The trio left the common room to head for Snape's office.
~@~
Snape ushered the two visitors into his office. He took a seat behind his desk and looked at them for a few moments. Derek looked back at him expectantly. Carly looked like she would die of a heart attack any minute. She somehow found her voice. "You wished to speak with us, sir?" She asked, a bit shaky in the voice.
"No. I don't wish to speak to you. But considering that you are staying here for an extended period of time, I suppose I must." Snape said icily.
Derek glared at him. "There's no reason for your manner, sir."
Snape returned the glare. "Well, if you think my manner is bad, wait until the students in my house arrive. They do not look kindly on" and gave them both a disapproving glance "non magic folk."
"Than why'd you agree to this activity?" Derek asked, very curious that this man had such hostility, but had accepted the Headmaster's idea whole heartedly, or so Professor Dumbledore had told him.
"One of the first things you will learn in this house is when to hold your tongue, Mr Danforth." Snape said.
"Obviously not from yourself, sir." Derek shot back. At the fury in Snape's eyes, Carly cringed and tried to shrink as far into her chair as she possibly could.
"It's attitude like that that will get you nothing but physical harm, Mr Danforth."
"Because there's a possibility that I'm a Muggle?" Derek shot back. Thinking back on it, Snape had to admit, that he had no idea who the witch and wizard were, and what their strength was. He could sense no power coming off of Derek, but that could be said about them all. He was also a bit impressed and repulsed, because it reminded him so much of Gryffindors, with the courage that this man displayed. Even more so if he was really a muggle. Talking back to Snape was either a brave or usually very stupid thing to do.
"Exactly, Mr Danforth." Snape finally replied.
"But they will know that there is a witch and wizard, and will not know whether or not the wizard is myself. If they are as cunning as the Slytherin house is supposed to be, than they will see that it is unwise to cause physical harm to us." Derek replied.
"Keep in mind, Mr Danforth, that these students are adolescents. Their logic is not exactly impeccable." Snape replied with an air of boredom and irritation.
"Are you putting down the students in your house, Professor?"
~@~
"Miss Grist. Could I speak with you in my office?" Krista looked up to see Minerva walking into the common room.
"Of course, Professor." She said, as she put down the paper she was reading and slipped on some shoes. As soon as Krista found out that Minerva was the head of Gryffindor house, she was almost jumping for joy. The woman seemed stern, but she had a heart of gold. By the end of their first conversation, they had developed a fondness for each other. Krista was like the daughter that Professor McGonagall never had.
They made their way to the Gryffindor tower and to Minerva's office. When they arrived, Krista noted that Mark was already there waiting for them.
Minerva sat behind her desk, and offered tea to the two visitors. After they had cups in their hands, she sat back, "I just wanted to bring you here to set some ground rules for when the students arrive."
Both Mark and Krista looked at her expectantly.
"Now, I will give you advance warning. Some of the students in my house are a tad. . .rambunctious. But they are welcoming, nonetheless." Minerva continued. "My advice is to watch out for the redheads. Two in particular. Fred and George Weasley. Do not take any candy they hand you unless you are willing to find humour in the situation that befalls you." She chuckled as she thought of the Ton Tongue Toffees. She got Severus good with that one on April Fool's Day last year.
"We abide by a curfew for the students, and even though you are both adults, we ask that you abide by that curfew. There is both the common room that is connected to the other guests, as well as your house common room. You will be allowed to attend Hogsmeade trips with the students if you wish, and may attend or even participate in some of the classes, provided that the professor of that class gives you permission." Professor McGonagall explained a few rules about the Forbidden Forest, the squid in the lake, and other things about Hogwarts that they should know about for their protection.
They finished their meeting, and the two young adults began to take their leave. Before they left the room, they heard Minerva's voice, "Enjoy your stay."
~@~
Professor Flitwick sat down in his office with his two visitors.
"Ah. Christom, Melanie. I hope that you two are settled comfortably in your rooms?" This was responded to with nods in the affirmative. "I have asked you here so that I can better prepare you for the students arrivals."
The two students took chairs that sat in front of the desk that Flitwick was sitting at. They went through the general rules of the students, and than through some of his own.
"Now, my house has many of the more studious pupils in the school. We have a few unspoken rules that should be followed out of common courtesy." Flitwick stated. "If you are in the common room and it is quiet, please do not interrupt the students. They usually set their own times aside for study in the common room, and have an unspoken agreement as to when those times are. They seem to change every year." He said as an afterthought.
Turning back to his guests, the Charms Professor declared, "You may make use of the library facilities, but the restricted section is restricted unless you get permission from a teacher for a book. That is for your protection. If it were not, you'd have free range of that as well." The two heads nodded in understanding. "Also, you may attend any class you wish, as long as you have received permission from the professor of that class."
Both Christom and Melanie thought that this would be an exciting year.
~@~
Professor Sprout brought Avis and Natalie to one of her greenhouses. Getting the information that she wanted out, she could also do some work and teach them a bit on what they could be participating in throughout the year.
"You two are more than welcome to help me tend my gardens, though I'll understand if you do not wish to do so all the time." She chuckled merrily. She, too, explained the basic rules for the year. When mentioning that they were allowed to visit the classes with the professor's permission, Avis looked like he had struck gold.
"Even Potions?" He asked eagerly.
"Even potions. Though, I'd advise that you wait until Professor Snape is in a passive mood rather than an irritated one. It increases the likelihood that he would not castrate you for asking him." She said with a smile. Both Avis and Natalie had already had the 'honor' of meeting with the potions master briefly. They did not like him much, but one of the things that Avis had been looking forward to was working muggle chemistry and potions together. He'd been a science freak since the day he could measure ingredients.
~@~
Back in the common room, the eight guests were seated comfortably around the fireplace, telling each other of their experiences with their housemasters and housemistresses.
"And just when I thought there was no way to piss him off anymore. . ." Derek was speaking and stopped when he heard the door to the common room open and the main character of his story walked through it alongside some of the other professors and the headmaster. "I'll finish this story later." He said more quietly as he noticed Snape glaring at him through the corner of his eyes. Both men were distracted when they heard Krista giggle and Mark let out a hearty laugh.
'Gryffindor's!' Thought Snape and Derek collectively, though both would be repulsed if they knew that they were thinking along the same lines.
"If you are quite done there, Miss Grist, Mr Borkitis." Snape said to the two Gryffindor's. Dumbledore looked upon the scene with a twinkle in his eye.
"Why, I thought I'd never see the day when Gryffindors and Slytherins were sitting together with such a positive atmosphere." Albus said, much to the irritation of Snape and McGonagall. "I think the two of you could learn something from them." They chose to ignore that comment, and instead glare at each other. The guests watching the whole scene had to stifle more chuckles. They didn't want to be on the receiving end of either glare. Their efforts did not go unnoticed.
"I would recommend that you all keep in mind who is brewing the potions that you must drink weekly." Snape said. That sobered most of them up. Mark and Natalie were finding it difficult to follow suit.
"Now, now. Severus wouldn't poison you, so you do not have to worry about a thing." The headmaster replied. This time, Krista piped up.
"Awww! You mean I won't get any extra rat poison in my diet? I was looking so forward to it!!" She said with a mock whine. This time, none of them could keep back the giggles. Even McGonagall was chuckling. Snape looked more sour than usual.
After a few more moments, giving them the chance to settle down, the Headmaster spoke up again. "Tomorrow, some of the teachers have volunteered to give you tours of the castle. This will make it easier for you to not get lost while you do your own exploring over the next few days and when you are going around the castle during the year." There was a bit of murmuring from the group. "Also, I must ask you all a favour. To help with our muggle studies class, I ask that each of you split up the time in the classes so that you may be present to add any ideas, thoughts, or points of view that could assist the children in their classes." All of them thought this was acceptable.
The faculty bid them a good night (except for Snape, of course), and they were left to their own devices. By 10pm, Natalie, Avis, and Christom had left to go to bed. By 11, it was down to Carly, Krista, and Mark. By midnight, the only one left in the common room was Krista. She sat in the chair by the window. Watching the stars outside. It wasn't until she was startled by a voice that she registered the time. "Planning on sleeping at all?" Said Dumbledore. Krista looked at the time. It was nearing 4 am. She had not moved from that spot since the meeting.
"Just lost in thought, Headmaster."
"Albus. I suggest you get to bed. It is going to be an eventful week."
Krista nodded, and headed for her own room, muscles aching from the length of time they had remained in position. Albus looked after the girl, the twinkle in his eye dimming slightly.
He spent the time after the meeting to stock up on the Wardus potion. He would be able to make a month's supply, and restock after that.
He approached the common room door and said the password (steam roller), and entered the room. Looking around, he did not see Carly, but he did spot Derek talking to Krista in what appeared to be a heated debate. Already the tension between the Gryffindor and Slytherin houses have started. At least they weren't trying to do any physical harm yet.
He walked over to them and spotted the business article in front of them. Derek was explaining what sounded like a pro argument; for what, he had no idea.
"Krista, I'm just saying that labour unions have helped build more fairness in the workplace."
"Derek, I'm not saying I disagree with that argument, but they also are making it harder for management to manage their businesses."
Snape was irritated that his approach got no response from either individual, so he cleared his throat. Both looked up at him.
"Mr Danforth. I need to speak with yourself and Miss Trant."
Derek looked over at Krista, and in a mocking tone and a glare, he said, "This is not over."
Krista imitated the voice and glare. "Far from it." She growled. They continued to glare until neither could hold back the laughter. They had been reading 'Hogwarts: A History' and discovered the house rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin. "I leave you to your reading." Derek finally said. He than turned to Snape, "I'll just go fetch Carly, Professor." Snape nodded, and Derek left.
While Derek went to get Carly for the meeting with Snape, Snape was left in the presence of an unusually quiet Gryffindor. Krista had not uttered a sound after Derek's departure, and went back to reading her article, completely ignoring the potion's master. Usually, Snape really wouldn't care either way, but the fact that she was so passive and acted so calm despite his usual intimidating demeanor almost knocked him down a peg. Almost. 'I'm losing my touch' he thought, but quickly dismissed that thought upon seeing the horrified face of Carly. Apparently, she did not want to be in his presence any more than he did hers.
The trio left the common room to head for Snape's office.
~@~
Snape ushered the two visitors into his office. He took a seat behind his desk and looked at them for a few moments. Derek looked back at him expectantly. Carly looked like she would die of a heart attack any minute. She somehow found her voice. "You wished to speak with us, sir?" She asked, a bit shaky in the voice.
"No. I don't wish to speak to you. But considering that you are staying here for an extended period of time, I suppose I must." Snape said icily.
Derek glared at him. "There's no reason for your manner, sir."
Snape returned the glare. "Well, if you think my manner is bad, wait until the students in my house arrive. They do not look kindly on" and gave them both a disapproving glance "non magic folk."
"Than why'd you agree to this activity?" Derek asked, very curious that this man had such hostility, but had accepted the Headmaster's idea whole heartedly, or so Professor Dumbledore had told him.
"One of the first things you will learn in this house is when to hold your tongue, Mr Danforth." Snape said.
"Obviously not from yourself, sir." Derek shot back. At the fury in Snape's eyes, Carly cringed and tried to shrink as far into her chair as she possibly could.
"It's attitude like that that will get you nothing but physical harm, Mr Danforth."
"Because there's a possibility that I'm a Muggle?" Derek shot back. Thinking back on it, Snape had to admit, that he had no idea who the witch and wizard were, and what their strength was. He could sense no power coming off of Derek, but that could be said about them all. He was also a bit impressed and repulsed, because it reminded him so much of Gryffindors, with the courage that this man displayed. Even more so if he was really a muggle. Talking back to Snape was either a brave or usually very stupid thing to do.
"Exactly, Mr Danforth." Snape finally replied.
"But they will know that there is a witch and wizard, and will not know whether or not the wizard is myself. If they are as cunning as the Slytherin house is supposed to be, than they will see that it is unwise to cause physical harm to us." Derek replied.
"Keep in mind, Mr Danforth, that these students are adolescents. Their logic is not exactly impeccable." Snape replied with an air of boredom and irritation.
"Are you putting down the students in your house, Professor?"
~@~
"Miss Grist. Could I speak with you in my office?" Krista looked up to see Minerva walking into the common room.
"Of course, Professor." She said, as she put down the paper she was reading and slipped on some shoes. As soon as Krista found out that Minerva was the head of Gryffindor house, she was almost jumping for joy. The woman seemed stern, but she had a heart of gold. By the end of their first conversation, they had developed a fondness for each other. Krista was like the daughter that Professor McGonagall never had.
They made their way to the Gryffindor tower and to Minerva's office. When they arrived, Krista noted that Mark was already there waiting for them.
Minerva sat behind her desk, and offered tea to the two visitors. After they had cups in their hands, she sat back, "I just wanted to bring you here to set some ground rules for when the students arrive."
Both Mark and Krista looked at her expectantly.
"Now, I will give you advance warning. Some of the students in my house are a tad. . .rambunctious. But they are welcoming, nonetheless." Minerva continued. "My advice is to watch out for the redheads. Two in particular. Fred and George Weasley. Do not take any candy they hand you unless you are willing to find humour in the situation that befalls you." She chuckled as she thought of the Ton Tongue Toffees. She got Severus good with that one on April Fool's Day last year.
"We abide by a curfew for the students, and even though you are both adults, we ask that you abide by that curfew. There is both the common room that is connected to the other guests, as well as your house common room. You will be allowed to attend Hogsmeade trips with the students if you wish, and may attend or even participate in some of the classes, provided that the professor of that class gives you permission." Professor McGonagall explained a few rules about the Forbidden Forest, the squid in the lake, and other things about Hogwarts that they should know about for their protection.
They finished their meeting, and the two young adults began to take their leave. Before they left the room, they heard Minerva's voice, "Enjoy your stay."
~@~
Professor Flitwick sat down in his office with his two visitors.
"Ah. Christom, Melanie. I hope that you two are settled comfortably in your rooms?" This was responded to with nods in the affirmative. "I have asked you here so that I can better prepare you for the students arrivals."
The two students took chairs that sat in front of the desk that Flitwick was sitting at. They went through the general rules of the students, and than through some of his own.
"Now, my house has many of the more studious pupils in the school. We have a few unspoken rules that should be followed out of common courtesy." Flitwick stated. "If you are in the common room and it is quiet, please do not interrupt the students. They usually set their own times aside for study in the common room, and have an unspoken agreement as to when those times are. They seem to change every year." He said as an afterthought.
Turning back to his guests, the Charms Professor declared, "You may make use of the library facilities, but the restricted section is restricted unless you get permission from a teacher for a book. That is for your protection. If it were not, you'd have free range of that as well." The two heads nodded in understanding. "Also, you may attend any class you wish, as long as you have received permission from the professor of that class."
Both Christom and Melanie thought that this would be an exciting year.
~@~
Professor Sprout brought Avis and Natalie to one of her greenhouses. Getting the information that she wanted out, she could also do some work and teach them a bit on what they could be participating in throughout the year.
"You two are more than welcome to help me tend my gardens, though I'll understand if you do not wish to do so all the time." She chuckled merrily. She, too, explained the basic rules for the year. When mentioning that they were allowed to visit the classes with the professor's permission, Avis looked like he had struck gold.
"Even Potions?" He asked eagerly.
"Even potions. Though, I'd advise that you wait until Professor Snape is in a passive mood rather than an irritated one. It increases the likelihood that he would not castrate you for asking him." She said with a smile. Both Avis and Natalie had already had the 'honor' of meeting with the potions master briefly. They did not like him much, but one of the things that Avis had been looking forward to was working muggle chemistry and potions together. He'd been a science freak since the day he could measure ingredients.
~@~
Back in the common room, the eight guests were seated comfortably around the fireplace, telling each other of their experiences with their housemasters and housemistresses.
"And just when I thought there was no way to piss him off anymore. . ." Derek was speaking and stopped when he heard the door to the common room open and the main character of his story walked through it alongside some of the other professors and the headmaster. "I'll finish this story later." He said more quietly as he noticed Snape glaring at him through the corner of his eyes. Both men were distracted when they heard Krista giggle and Mark let out a hearty laugh.
'Gryffindor's!' Thought Snape and Derek collectively, though both would be repulsed if they knew that they were thinking along the same lines.
"If you are quite done there, Miss Grist, Mr Borkitis." Snape said to the two Gryffindor's. Dumbledore looked upon the scene with a twinkle in his eye.
"Why, I thought I'd never see the day when Gryffindors and Slytherins were sitting together with such a positive atmosphere." Albus said, much to the irritation of Snape and McGonagall. "I think the two of you could learn something from them." They chose to ignore that comment, and instead glare at each other. The guests watching the whole scene had to stifle more chuckles. They didn't want to be on the receiving end of either glare. Their efforts did not go unnoticed.
"I would recommend that you all keep in mind who is brewing the potions that you must drink weekly." Snape said. That sobered most of them up. Mark and Natalie were finding it difficult to follow suit.
"Now, now. Severus wouldn't poison you, so you do not have to worry about a thing." The headmaster replied. This time, Krista piped up.
"Awww! You mean I won't get any extra rat poison in my diet? I was looking so forward to it!!" She said with a mock whine. This time, none of them could keep back the giggles. Even McGonagall was chuckling. Snape looked more sour than usual.
After a few more moments, giving them the chance to settle down, the Headmaster spoke up again. "Tomorrow, some of the teachers have volunteered to give you tours of the castle. This will make it easier for you to not get lost while you do your own exploring over the next few days and when you are going around the castle during the year." There was a bit of murmuring from the group. "Also, I must ask you all a favour. To help with our muggle studies class, I ask that each of you split up the time in the classes so that you may be present to add any ideas, thoughts, or points of view that could assist the children in their classes." All of them thought this was acceptable.
The faculty bid them a good night (except for Snape, of course), and they were left to their own devices. By 10pm, Natalie, Avis, and Christom had left to go to bed. By 11, it was down to Carly, Krista, and Mark. By midnight, the only one left in the common room was Krista. She sat in the chair by the window. Watching the stars outside. It wasn't until she was startled by a voice that she registered the time. "Planning on sleeping at all?" Said Dumbledore. Krista looked at the time. It was nearing 4 am. She had not moved from that spot since the meeting.
"Just lost in thought, Headmaster."
"Albus. I suggest you get to bed. It is going to be an eventful week."
Krista nodded, and headed for her own room, muscles aching from the length of time they had remained in position. Albus looked after the girl, the twinkle in his eye dimming slightly.