Disclaimer: Rowena is mine. . .that's all.
Rowena woke at six o'clock that morning, feeling aches throughout her body, and she drowsily made her way downstairs, and put some boiling water on the stove for her tea. She took a quick bath, feeling somewhat excited about the meeting she would have with Dumbledore later that day. She quietly inched into Remus's room, and into the closet, looking for some wizarding robes, since men's and women's were practically the same. She wanted to look professional for this. She left somewhat noisily, hearing a mumbled "Who's that?" from Remus, only for him to fall back into snoring.
She drank her tea quietly downstairs, thinking about what Dumbledore might have to say, then her thoughts changing to ones about Sirius. She smiled. He, indeed, was her reason for living. He made her life interesting, he made her life a life. Being in Nepal. . . that wasn't life to her. Hogwarts with Sirius was life. Living with Sirius and Remus in this damned house was life. She felt so alive when she was with them, they actually had fun, something they doubted they'd have when they were adults.
Rowena finally finished her cup of tea, shaking herself out of these reminiscent thoughts. She ran back up to her room, looking through the small black bag which held all her possessions. She found her paddle hair- brush, and started brushing through the thick, tangled locks which were a red-ish dark brown. Apart from looking a little tired she was ok. Her brown eyes looked like they had seen too much. All of a sudden she looked at her nose, noticing a piercing she had done after a few years in Nepal. Menakshi talked her into it. She smiled, finding a ruby stud nose ring in her bag. She put it on, smiling rebelliously at herself.
"This is youth, huh?", she thought jokingly.
Rowena looked back at the clock next to her mirror. Seven-thirty. Time was slow, for some reason.
She walked down softly, slowly, letting time pass her by, so that maybe it would be nine soon. She felt her wand in her pocket, everything was set. She sat on the couch, sighing to herself, feeling lonely, and perhaps a little sad. What if she had to see Snape on a daily basis? Would Sirius maintain his stubborn, angry behavior? Remus was no issue. He had a sensible head on his shoulders, unable to let childhood qualms and disagreements bother him.
Rowena glanced at the clock in the kitchen. Seven-forty. She heaved another sigh, and all of sudden noticed something on the stairs. Sirius was watching her, and not even in his Animagus form. She smirked at him, asking in mock delight,
"Would you like to sit down, Sirius?"
His eyes were as weary as an old screen door. He walked down to her and sat next to her, looking at her up and down.
"Dressing up for Snivellus?", he asked in a taunting manner.
"Actually, it's for Dumbledore, perhaps my taste is a tad older.", she retorted, upset that Sirius could act so childish.
Sirius smiled, noticing her tongue never suffered in Nepal.
"Why are you so immature, Sirius? Everyone else has left their Hogwarts teenage problems behind."
"Snape hasn't.", he replied defiantly.
"I don't see why you are shying away from the ability to be the better man. You always thought you were better, even when you were worse. You could be such an. . . ignorant git."
He rolled his eyes, still looking like he needed several more hours of sleep. And then he stared at her for a few moments, adding,
"I never knew you had a nose ring!"
She smiled, "Being perfect in Nepal annoyed me. Someone told me I should get one."
He grinned, "It suits you."
"Thanks." She laughed.
Rowena, unaware of what she was doing, ran her fingers through Sirius's jet black hair, absent mindedly trying to smooth out the kinks. He just looked at her, his face looking somewhat gaunt. Inwardly, she shivered. He ought to have taken better care of himself lately. Sure, he often looked happy, the circles under his eyes were vanishing, making him look much like he did years before.
"You need sleep. Go back to bed.", she said suddenly, sounding much like the mother Sirius never had. She had her hand on his cheek, the bones practically sticking out, his eyes drowsy. He smiled, placing his hand on top of hers, which was still on his cheek. They both smiled, suddenly aware that this had been a rare moment in which neither was being sarcastic or joking. This was natural.
All of a sudden Rowena heard a restless rapping knock at the door. She jerked her hand away from Sirius, who looked highly displeased, from the scowl upon his face. Rowena glanced at the kitchen clock, which clearly read nine o'clock.
She heard Sirius mutter under his breath,
"Damned bloody Slytherins! Never let you have a moment!"
She smiled to herself. He actually cared that what little time they had spent together was being interrupted.
"Go to sleep, please?", she desperately whispered to him.
Sirius nodded, whispering back, "Don't let him take advantage of you!"
She gave him an encouraging grin.
Sirius ran up the stairs into her room, while Rowena walked towards the door, waiting until her friend shut the door of his room. She opened the front door, finding Snape looking at her with. . . some look she could not decipher.
"Severus.", she said, nodding to him.
"Rowena.", he said, nodding back.
She took the somewhat peevish professor into the house.
"We shall Apparate. Then, we will walk the rest of the way.", Severus said in a mechanical sort of voice.
They both turned their wand toward themselves, muttering incantations under their breath. Suddenly both of them were in a grassy field, a mile away from Hogwarts. They walked for a few minutes in silence, until Rowena looked to Severus, who was looking quite pensive. The sunlight was glinting warmly in his black eyes, which happened to have silver facets.
"What are you thinking about, Severus?", Rowena asked in bored curiosity.
"Why should it concern you at all? Gryffindor mentality. . . that curiosity is a helpful thing. . .", Severus lashed back.
Rowena refused to answer. Indeed, he still seemed bitter about his schooling days, just as Sirius had predicted.
"If you must know, I was absolutely puzzled at how you can live with a werewolf with no spine.", Severus said, his voice slightly less abrasive.
Rowena felt irate at this. How could he insult Remus, the one who treated him with civility and integrity? Just because Remus wasn't argumentative over every little thing, did not make him someone who could not stand up for himself.
"Well, if you MUST know, Severus, I find it better than living with a permanently apathetic, bitter, favoritist Slytherin Potions teacher.", Rowena answered coolly.
She looked at Severus, feeling pleased to put him in his place, for he did not say anything else. However, she could see a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"At least he has some sense of humor.", Rowena thought to herself.
~*************************~
Before Rowena knew it, they were in Dumbledore's office. Rowena looked to his desk, glancing at Fawkes in his golden cage, lovely in his red plumage. Dumbledore himself looked a lot better. His silver hair was not scraggly and unkempt like it was the night a few weeks ago, his eyes had the cheery spark she was used to. She smiled. If Dumbledore was improving, the rest of the wizards and witches would too.
Dumbledore smiled kindly at her and Snape.
"Please sit down, Severus, Rowena."
They heeded Dumbledore, and sat down in the two chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk.
"Rowena, perhaps you are not aware why have called you here today."
"No, Professor. Though it is good to see you. You look much more at ease."
Snape looked revolted. Rowena refused to notice.
"Thank you. I am improving. Now, I find it a challenge to hire a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher each year. I do remember how well you did in your Dark Arts O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s, Rowena, and how naturally the curriculum came to you. You had even better scores than James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black."
Rowena distinctly heard a snort from Snape.
"Professor, you aren't suggesting that I would be good for the position?", she asked, horrified.
"Indeed, Albus, I have always been qualified for it! I have applied every year, and you never seemed to be aware that I am more suitable than many. . . others you have chosen.", Snape eagerly voiced.
Dumbledore sighed, placing his thumb and forefinger on the bridge of his nose.
"Severus. . .we have talked about this before. You are a suitable Potions teacher, and that is a position that befits you. Rowena, you often demonstrated for the other pupils in class your hexes, curses, and such. Do not tell me you are unable to teach and that you are nervous around others. Since you are back in England, why would you not take the position?"
Rowena looked down, feeling Snape's and Dumbledore's eyes upon her being. Dumbledore had always been kind to her in school, and when she got in trouble, he managed to help her out. He had sent her straight to Sirius when she was in pain from his alleged death, instead of letting her believe the benevolent lie, which might have been for the better. He was fair to her, her whole life, and he talked to her when she had childhood problems as well. The least she could do was help him out this one time. It was her duty.
"Professor, I suppose I can take the position. . . that is, on one condition, if it can be done."
"Yes?", Dumbledore inquired sagely.
"Well,", she looked to Snape, who bored into her eyes, "I request that Severus help me with the curriculum and such, for I am not experienced yet with such duties. That is, if you don't mind, Severus."
Snape's cold eyes became elated and he looked like he could almost embrace her.
"I will help you, Rowena."
"Very well then.", said a serene Dumbledore, "I cannot see why not."
They were all silent for a short while.
"Well, Severus, if you don't mind, I would like a few words with Rowena. You may leave."
As Snape turned to go, Dumbledore suddenly added,
"Thank you for escorting Rowena to Hogwarts, Severus, though I didn't ask it of you. It was a kind gesture."
Rowena quickly turned her head towards Snape, who looked away, his face flushing. She grinned.
Dumbledore and Rowena did not speak until they heard Snape shut the door. Dumbledore quickly did a Soundproofing Spell, much like the ones used at Order meetings. Finally, Dumbledore started.
"Rowena, the significant reason I wanted you as the Dark Arts teacher is that, well, I trust Harry with you. He will need extra training, as he knows about the Prophecy. I will handle the Occlumency lessons, as Severus is very private, no doubt."
"Indeed, Professor."
"So, how is Sirius? And Remus? And you?"
Rowena smiled, "We're all fine. I think it's good we're all together."
"Is that so? Wonderful!"
"It really gave me a jolt seeing him there, Professor. It's saddening that the one who needs him the most can't know he's here."
Dumbledore nodded gravely, "It is a tough time for Harry. Such trials fill our lives, Rowena, and we must deal with them."
Rowena sighed, feeling cold and alone.
"I don't know how I'll stand not seeing them every day. I will miss them desperately."
"Since you are not a Head of House, Rowena, you are allowed to go on weekends if you'd like."
"Yes. I suppose. By the way, has Remus been making his own potion to, you know, because the full moon is coming up. . ."
"Actually, no. Severus makes him the potion and sends it in batches before the night of the full moon."
"That's good. Well, Professor, anything else?"
"Rowena, I know this will be hard, but try not to get too attached to Sirius. He is very spontaneous. He had luck with him at the Department of Mysteries."
Rowena's heart sank, "Yes, Professor."
"You may call me Albus, as you are officially part of the staff. Make sure to attend the Order meetings. We have a different location each week, for I find it much safer and better that way. You will need to be here two weeks prior to the first day of school. Perhaps you should go to the Burrow, the Weasleys' home, to meet Harry, as you will give him extra teaching. Best to have made his acquaintance so he will be more comfortable. I will send you a letter with Severus to inform you of when to see Harry."
"Alright. . . Albus."
Dumbledore smiled. Rowena was left to smile back, feeling insecure about meeting the "Boy who Lived". What kind of person would he be? How would she comfort him about Sirius?
"I will see you at the next Order meeting, Rowena."
"Goodbye, Albus."
She left his office immediately, running out of Hogwarts Castle, towards the green field she had Apparated to earlier. However, right when she started the incantations for Apparating, Snape ran up to her with a flask of this smoking greenish-brown liquid. He handed her the container carefully. She gave him a questioning look.
"For Lupin. The full moon is tonight."
She smirked, "Another kind gesture. First, you escort me here like a gentleman. Now, you're giving me a potion for someone you despise, knowing it will only do him good."
Snape sneered in a shrewd manner.
"I wouldn't want him to attack that pretty little head of yours in his werewolf form. It's gotten you so far. I am only being civil."
Her face was sour, though she didn't realize it. These were the times she loathed being a woman. Men were always under the impression that you would get ahead in life because of how delicate and lovely you were. Rowena, however, prided herself on her scars, her skills, her sharp wit, and her insusceptibility to harsh conditions. Bebe Juniper was proof that women didn't get ahead based on looks. Last Rowena heard, Bebe was working at some wizarding pub, serving wizards and witches alike firewhiskey and butterbeers in tankards. And she was even more ravishing than Lily Potter. At least, Sirius used to say so.
Giving a vicious "hmph!" to Snape, Rowena Apparated back to the House of Black, still rattled by a certain Slytherin's comments.
Rowena woke at six o'clock that morning, feeling aches throughout her body, and she drowsily made her way downstairs, and put some boiling water on the stove for her tea. She took a quick bath, feeling somewhat excited about the meeting she would have with Dumbledore later that day. She quietly inched into Remus's room, and into the closet, looking for some wizarding robes, since men's and women's were practically the same. She wanted to look professional for this. She left somewhat noisily, hearing a mumbled "Who's that?" from Remus, only for him to fall back into snoring.
She drank her tea quietly downstairs, thinking about what Dumbledore might have to say, then her thoughts changing to ones about Sirius. She smiled. He, indeed, was her reason for living. He made her life interesting, he made her life a life. Being in Nepal. . . that wasn't life to her. Hogwarts with Sirius was life. Living with Sirius and Remus in this damned house was life. She felt so alive when she was with them, they actually had fun, something they doubted they'd have when they were adults.
Rowena finally finished her cup of tea, shaking herself out of these reminiscent thoughts. She ran back up to her room, looking through the small black bag which held all her possessions. She found her paddle hair- brush, and started brushing through the thick, tangled locks which were a red-ish dark brown. Apart from looking a little tired she was ok. Her brown eyes looked like they had seen too much. All of a sudden she looked at her nose, noticing a piercing she had done after a few years in Nepal. Menakshi talked her into it. She smiled, finding a ruby stud nose ring in her bag. She put it on, smiling rebelliously at herself.
"This is youth, huh?", she thought jokingly.
Rowena looked back at the clock next to her mirror. Seven-thirty. Time was slow, for some reason.
She walked down softly, slowly, letting time pass her by, so that maybe it would be nine soon. She felt her wand in her pocket, everything was set. She sat on the couch, sighing to herself, feeling lonely, and perhaps a little sad. What if she had to see Snape on a daily basis? Would Sirius maintain his stubborn, angry behavior? Remus was no issue. He had a sensible head on his shoulders, unable to let childhood qualms and disagreements bother him.
Rowena glanced at the clock in the kitchen. Seven-forty. She heaved another sigh, and all of sudden noticed something on the stairs. Sirius was watching her, and not even in his Animagus form. She smirked at him, asking in mock delight,
"Would you like to sit down, Sirius?"
His eyes were as weary as an old screen door. He walked down to her and sat next to her, looking at her up and down.
"Dressing up for Snivellus?", he asked in a taunting manner.
"Actually, it's for Dumbledore, perhaps my taste is a tad older.", she retorted, upset that Sirius could act so childish.
Sirius smiled, noticing her tongue never suffered in Nepal.
"Why are you so immature, Sirius? Everyone else has left their Hogwarts teenage problems behind."
"Snape hasn't.", he replied defiantly.
"I don't see why you are shying away from the ability to be the better man. You always thought you were better, even when you were worse. You could be such an. . . ignorant git."
He rolled his eyes, still looking like he needed several more hours of sleep. And then he stared at her for a few moments, adding,
"I never knew you had a nose ring!"
She smiled, "Being perfect in Nepal annoyed me. Someone told me I should get one."
He grinned, "It suits you."
"Thanks." She laughed.
Rowena, unaware of what she was doing, ran her fingers through Sirius's jet black hair, absent mindedly trying to smooth out the kinks. He just looked at her, his face looking somewhat gaunt. Inwardly, she shivered. He ought to have taken better care of himself lately. Sure, he often looked happy, the circles under his eyes were vanishing, making him look much like he did years before.
"You need sleep. Go back to bed.", she said suddenly, sounding much like the mother Sirius never had. She had her hand on his cheek, the bones practically sticking out, his eyes drowsy. He smiled, placing his hand on top of hers, which was still on his cheek. They both smiled, suddenly aware that this had been a rare moment in which neither was being sarcastic or joking. This was natural.
All of a sudden Rowena heard a restless rapping knock at the door. She jerked her hand away from Sirius, who looked highly displeased, from the scowl upon his face. Rowena glanced at the kitchen clock, which clearly read nine o'clock.
She heard Sirius mutter under his breath,
"Damned bloody Slytherins! Never let you have a moment!"
She smiled to herself. He actually cared that what little time they had spent together was being interrupted.
"Go to sleep, please?", she desperately whispered to him.
Sirius nodded, whispering back, "Don't let him take advantage of you!"
She gave him an encouraging grin.
Sirius ran up the stairs into her room, while Rowena walked towards the door, waiting until her friend shut the door of his room. She opened the front door, finding Snape looking at her with. . . some look she could not decipher.
"Severus.", she said, nodding to him.
"Rowena.", he said, nodding back.
She took the somewhat peevish professor into the house.
"We shall Apparate. Then, we will walk the rest of the way.", Severus said in a mechanical sort of voice.
They both turned their wand toward themselves, muttering incantations under their breath. Suddenly both of them were in a grassy field, a mile away from Hogwarts. They walked for a few minutes in silence, until Rowena looked to Severus, who was looking quite pensive. The sunlight was glinting warmly in his black eyes, which happened to have silver facets.
"What are you thinking about, Severus?", Rowena asked in bored curiosity.
"Why should it concern you at all? Gryffindor mentality. . . that curiosity is a helpful thing. . .", Severus lashed back.
Rowena refused to answer. Indeed, he still seemed bitter about his schooling days, just as Sirius had predicted.
"If you must know, I was absolutely puzzled at how you can live with a werewolf with no spine.", Severus said, his voice slightly less abrasive.
Rowena felt irate at this. How could he insult Remus, the one who treated him with civility and integrity? Just because Remus wasn't argumentative over every little thing, did not make him someone who could not stand up for himself.
"Well, if you MUST know, Severus, I find it better than living with a permanently apathetic, bitter, favoritist Slytherin Potions teacher.", Rowena answered coolly.
She looked at Severus, feeling pleased to put him in his place, for he did not say anything else. However, she could see a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"At least he has some sense of humor.", Rowena thought to herself.
~*************************~
Before Rowena knew it, they were in Dumbledore's office. Rowena looked to his desk, glancing at Fawkes in his golden cage, lovely in his red plumage. Dumbledore himself looked a lot better. His silver hair was not scraggly and unkempt like it was the night a few weeks ago, his eyes had the cheery spark she was used to. She smiled. If Dumbledore was improving, the rest of the wizards and witches would too.
Dumbledore smiled kindly at her and Snape.
"Please sit down, Severus, Rowena."
They heeded Dumbledore, and sat down in the two chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk.
"Rowena, perhaps you are not aware why have called you here today."
"No, Professor. Though it is good to see you. You look much more at ease."
Snape looked revolted. Rowena refused to notice.
"Thank you. I am improving. Now, I find it a challenge to hire a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher each year. I do remember how well you did in your Dark Arts O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s, Rowena, and how naturally the curriculum came to you. You had even better scores than James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black."
Rowena distinctly heard a snort from Snape.
"Professor, you aren't suggesting that I would be good for the position?", she asked, horrified.
"Indeed, Albus, I have always been qualified for it! I have applied every year, and you never seemed to be aware that I am more suitable than many. . . others you have chosen.", Snape eagerly voiced.
Dumbledore sighed, placing his thumb and forefinger on the bridge of his nose.
"Severus. . .we have talked about this before. You are a suitable Potions teacher, and that is a position that befits you. Rowena, you often demonstrated for the other pupils in class your hexes, curses, and such. Do not tell me you are unable to teach and that you are nervous around others. Since you are back in England, why would you not take the position?"
Rowena looked down, feeling Snape's and Dumbledore's eyes upon her being. Dumbledore had always been kind to her in school, and when she got in trouble, he managed to help her out. He had sent her straight to Sirius when she was in pain from his alleged death, instead of letting her believe the benevolent lie, which might have been for the better. He was fair to her, her whole life, and he talked to her when she had childhood problems as well. The least she could do was help him out this one time. It was her duty.
"Professor, I suppose I can take the position. . . that is, on one condition, if it can be done."
"Yes?", Dumbledore inquired sagely.
"Well,", she looked to Snape, who bored into her eyes, "I request that Severus help me with the curriculum and such, for I am not experienced yet with such duties. That is, if you don't mind, Severus."
Snape's cold eyes became elated and he looked like he could almost embrace her.
"I will help you, Rowena."
"Very well then.", said a serene Dumbledore, "I cannot see why not."
They were all silent for a short while.
"Well, Severus, if you don't mind, I would like a few words with Rowena. You may leave."
As Snape turned to go, Dumbledore suddenly added,
"Thank you for escorting Rowena to Hogwarts, Severus, though I didn't ask it of you. It was a kind gesture."
Rowena quickly turned her head towards Snape, who looked away, his face flushing. She grinned.
Dumbledore and Rowena did not speak until they heard Snape shut the door. Dumbledore quickly did a Soundproofing Spell, much like the ones used at Order meetings. Finally, Dumbledore started.
"Rowena, the significant reason I wanted you as the Dark Arts teacher is that, well, I trust Harry with you. He will need extra training, as he knows about the Prophecy. I will handle the Occlumency lessons, as Severus is very private, no doubt."
"Indeed, Professor."
"So, how is Sirius? And Remus? And you?"
Rowena smiled, "We're all fine. I think it's good we're all together."
"Is that so? Wonderful!"
"It really gave me a jolt seeing him there, Professor. It's saddening that the one who needs him the most can't know he's here."
Dumbledore nodded gravely, "It is a tough time for Harry. Such trials fill our lives, Rowena, and we must deal with them."
Rowena sighed, feeling cold and alone.
"I don't know how I'll stand not seeing them every day. I will miss them desperately."
"Since you are not a Head of House, Rowena, you are allowed to go on weekends if you'd like."
"Yes. I suppose. By the way, has Remus been making his own potion to, you know, because the full moon is coming up. . ."
"Actually, no. Severus makes him the potion and sends it in batches before the night of the full moon."
"That's good. Well, Professor, anything else?"
"Rowena, I know this will be hard, but try not to get too attached to Sirius. He is very spontaneous. He had luck with him at the Department of Mysteries."
Rowena's heart sank, "Yes, Professor."
"You may call me Albus, as you are officially part of the staff. Make sure to attend the Order meetings. We have a different location each week, for I find it much safer and better that way. You will need to be here two weeks prior to the first day of school. Perhaps you should go to the Burrow, the Weasleys' home, to meet Harry, as you will give him extra teaching. Best to have made his acquaintance so he will be more comfortable. I will send you a letter with Severus to inform you of when to see Harry."
"Alright. . . Albus."
Dumbledore smiled. Rowena was left to smile back, feeling insecure about meeting the "Boy who Lived". What kind of person would he be? How would she comfort him about Sirius?
"I will see you at the next Order meeting, Rowena."
"Goodbye, Albus."
She left his office immediately, running out of Hogwarts Castle, towards the green field she had Apparated to earlier. However, right when she started the incantations for Apparating, Snape ran up to her with a flask of this smoking greenish-brown liquid. He handed her the container carefully. She gave him a questioning look.
"For Lupin. The full moon is tonight."
She smirked, "Another kind gesture. First, you escort me here like a gentleman. Now, you're giving me a potion for someone you despise, knowing it will only do him good."
Snape sneered in a shrewd manner.
"I wouldn't want him to attack that pretty little head of yours in his werewolf form. It's gotten you so far. I am only being civil."
Her face was sour, though she didn't realize it. These were the times she loathed being a woman. Men were always under the impression that you would get ahead in life because of how delicate and lovely you were. Rowena, however, prided herself on her scars, her skills, her sharp wit, and her insusceptibility to harsh conditions. Bebe Juniper was proof that women didn't get ahead based on looks. Last Rowena heard, Bebe was working at some wizarding pub, serving wizards and witches alike firewhiskey and butterbeers in tankards. And she was even more ravishing than Lily Potter. At least, Sirius used to say so.
Giving a vicious "hmph!" to Snape, Rowena Apparated back to the House of Black, still rattled by a certain Slytherin's comments.