Chapter Five

After the meeting concluded many of the faculty came over to where Oliver and Val were sitting to welcome them to the staff. From the warm smiles and the comments made to Oliver, it was easy for Val to tell that he was well liked and respected by his former professors. It was a comforting thought that the first friend she had made seemed to be a good choice.

Everyone she met encouraged her to drop the formal titles and use their given names, so she was already beginning to feel at home. Val noticed that the Potions master, Professor Snape, had yet to rise from his chair but was staring impassively into the fire. It almost seemed that he was avoiding having to be included in the niceties of introducing himself to the new teachers.

The other professors gradually started to leave, noting that it was only two hours before the students were scheduled to arrive and the Sorting to begin. Oliver said that he would see her at dinner and departed with the others. Val rose and approached Dumbledore.

Albus, it seems that most of the staff is busy at the moment. Are any of them available for a short tour of the castle? Quite honestly, I'm a little afraid of getting lost in this huge place.

Dumbledore smiled at her and turned to eye Professor Snape, who still hadn't moved from his previous position.

I believe that Professor Snape is not engaged at the present time, Val. I will ask for his assistance in this matter.

Val watched from across the room as Albus caught Snape's attention and requested the tour. The scowl that had darkened his face during the meeting returned and he turned his head to stare at her for a moment before growling a reply and rising out of his chair to follow Dumbledore back across the room.

The Headmaster appeared to have taken no notice of his mood and told Val jovially, Severus has agreed to show you around, Valerie. However, I suggest you begin, as your time is growing short and you will need to return to the Great Hall soon. I will see you both then.

Dumbledore left the faculty room, leaving a silent Snape and Val still facing each other. Gathering her courage, Val offered her hand to Snape and introduced herself.

Hello, my name is Valerie Shorelake. I'm pleased that you are willing to show me around.

Her cheerful smile faltered a bit as Snape simply stared down at her hand as if she were offering to hand him a poisonous snake. She was somewhat shocked when he finally took her hand in his firm grasp before quickly breaking their physical contact.

The only comment he offered before turning around and stalking out the door was, We'd better get started, Professor, before we are late for the Feast.