A/N: Thanks to Stee and PonyLuvrGirl for reviewing!
Disclaimer: Yes, Rowena is the creation my mind has brought forth, but that's about it.
Rowena woke that morning, knowing it was two weeks prior to the day she would first see her students. This day was the day she would go to Hogwarts and start planning her classes with Snape. She was now a teacher, and liked the title for some odd reason. She remembered the night before, when Sirius told her he was glad she got the position, disappointed that she was leaving, and furious that Snape got to work with her. It was yesterday she and Remus went to Diagon Alley.
First, Rowena sped to Gringotts, withdrawing some Galleons and Sickles from her vault. She went to buy some robes from Madame Malkins(A/N: I think that's the name), as she would need them on a regular basis for class, and bought some for Remus as well. She remembered him protesting, but she was sick of seeing his robes all patched and worn out. She looked through Flourish and Blott's for the textbooks she wanted to use, as she was very serious about what her students would be using as a guide to better their defense. She chose two volumes: "In Depth with the Dark Arts" by Cordelia V. Perniculous and "The Strength of Defensive Magic" by Ralph M. Thoreau, both of which she felt were necessary in these times. She needed to choose quickly, as supply lists would be sent a week later to all students.
Towards the end of her shopping trip, she noticed displayed in the windows was the new album by the Weird Sisters. Remus was staring at her.
"You're not going to buy that, are you? Honestly, Tonks will probably sing your praises!"
Rowena laughed and walked into the store, Remus staring at her the whole time. She walked out with the album in her possession. She knew she would need some rock to get her through the idea of teaching. Perhaps, that would be the only thing to keep her sane. She would be working with Severus for hours on end, and, as much as she respected the man, it would be a stressful situation.
Remembering she couldn't think of yesterday for much longer, Rowena sped downstairs, taking her shower hastily, and donning some burgundy robes. She checked to see if she looked ok in the mirror, yet found herself not caring in the slightest.
Rowena quickly hugged Remus and Sirius, unsure of when she would see them again. These two weeks before classes started were essential for organization and planning, and she knew it was unlikely that she could even step out of the school for a minute.
Rowena Apparated to the grassy field she went to with Severus a while ago. She walked briskly through the dewy morning grass, watching the sun rise in a leisurely manner. Finally, she entered her beloved school, inhaling all the familiarities, exhaling her doubts and fears. The former Gryffindor chaser found herself searching frantically for the dungeon in which Potions was the subject. Finally, she found Snape, lazily glancing at his pocket watch.
"The time, Severus?", Rowena asked.
Snape jerked up, looked at her, and relaxed.
"Don't startle me, Rowena. It's eight-thirty. Just in time.", Severus answered quietly.
"I suppose you want to start planning, Severus?"
"Indeed. I've already set a lesson plan for the first through fifth years. I am sure you have been considering what to teach for your N.E.W.T. class."
"Well, yes. I thought we would go over the basic curses, you know, Stunning Spells and Disarming Charms, and the like."
Snape scoffed, "Yes, that would be lovely, if you wanted to insult your student's intelligence and capability, though perhaps only MY students have intelligence and capability."
Rowena couldn't help but glare at him. She asked his help because the knowledge that she was uncomfortable with teaching was obvious. She didn't need him throwing it in her face.
"Look, Severus, we can't teach them the Dark Arts, and all we need to do is prepare them for their N.E.W.T.'s. All the students have been missed a lot of basic curses and spells because of Umbridge's teaching, or lack thereof. So, I have to fill them in!"
Snape looked disinterested.
"Rowena, we are both aware of Potter's little 'class' last year. My Slytherins definitely don't need to go over basics, because I see them practice all the time in their common room. We can't waste time with 'basics'. As for the Dark Arts, don't you think it's about time they had some sort of idea of what the Dark Arts are about? We don't need to teach them how, but what they consist of."
And so it went. The grim Potions professor and the new Dark Arts teacher argued constantly over the lesson plans and on what was necessary. Their self-control of sensibility wore thin. Both were quite glad when the first day of school had come. They, however, ate their dinner before the students arrived and stayed for the Sorting ceremony and Dumbledore's opening speech only.
Rowena sat on the staff table while Dumbledore went off on his own little discourse. She refused to listen until her name had been mentioned.
"And with us this year as your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Rowena Flintwood."
Rowena gave a nonchalant smile to all the students who applauded her and scoured the student tables looking for a certain Sixth year. She finally eyed Harry, who smiled at her, and she grinned back at him. Perhaps the one thing she liked about teaching was her extra lessons with him. Remus was right; teaching would've been a lot better without Snape directing her. She sighed, looking towards Snape, who nodded. They still had some things to finish up.
Once the feast had started, both she and Snape left at the same time, and Rowena couldn't help noticing that the students were under the impression that they went to go snog in the broom closet. Rowena immediately shivered.
She followed Snape to the dungeon, wondering how many more rows they would have before they finished. So, they sorted out schedules, finally came to a compromise that Rowena would start with the basics on the first day, and then delve into defensive and offensive curses along with the history of Voldemort, on Dumbledore's permission.
Suddenly, someone opened the door.
Harry.
"W-what's up, Harry?", Rowena said, almost jumping out of her chair. She could feel Snape's disgust.
"Um, Professor Flintwood? I kinda wanted to talk to Professor Snape. You know, in private?"
Snape replied coolly, "Whatever infantile thing you want to say to me, Potter, you may say in front of her."
Harry glanced warily at Rowena, who nodded at him. She had a feeling he was going to do the very thing she thought best.
"Sir, I wanted to apologize for. . . you know."
"Potter, I really don't want to hear this."
"Sir! Sorry, but I really need to say this, and I've been thinking over the summer. I understand why you were so upset that day, sir. Remus and Sirius said that-
"Potter! I told you not to tell anyone!", Snape hissed.
"Oh, honestly, Severus! They WERE there.", Rowena added in quickly.
"Sir, just let me say everything, then you can throw me out if you want. Look, Sirius and Remus claimed it was immaturity. But that's stupid. I know that it isn't an excuse. My dad was a git to you, and I apologize for that. And I want you to know, that if I were in my dad's position, I wouldn't have done that to you. Yeah, I have rows with Malfoy, but he's an equal and he deserves it, the prat. I know you like him and his dad and all, but whatever. That day I saw. . . you know, I think I know what you were talking about when you said my dad was what he was. You didn't do anything wrong, though I don't like what you called my mom. Professor, I'm not my dad, and we got off on the wrong foot. You're a really. . .good teacher and I just thought we could. . .start over. I'm sorry for invading your privacy and blaming you for Sirius's. . .death."
Rowena looked at Harry. His emerald eyes were blazing with curiosity. His face looked a little anxious, behind his nerve. He was pale. Snape, however, looked calm, yet slightly surprised.
"This is no apology, Potter, this is a confession. You must have gone on for days. First off, I am not so fond of Draco Malfoy and have a deep dislike for his father. His father is a coward, to be honest, and Malfoy is much like him. If I take Malfoy's side, it's because of my position as Head of Slytherin, not anything else. As for your father, he was indeed arrogant, as were his friends. In retrospect, perhaps it was just as well for you to see your father in a more unbiased light. It is possible that I saw in you your father and never saw what you were. You must admit, however, that you have a heavy disregard for rules and guidelines. Your mother. . . I was so young and unaware of what my words were. Indeed, it is no excuse. And don't lie about my performance as a teacher, Potter. You clearly have loathed me since your first year, this has no effect. How would it help if I forgave you, Potter? Peace of mind?"
"No. . . no, sir. I only wanted to say sorry, and give justification for it.", Harry was shifting, clearly uncomfortable.
"Well. . . Potter, you want a fresh start. You are in my N.E.W.T. class, Merlin knows why or how. We must reach some sort of understanding, I imagine. Never think we have anything akin to friendship, Potter, or anything of trust."
Harry thrust his hand out for Snape to shake, and Snape gingerly complied.
Rowena felt her heart leap.
Harry retreated for the door, then stopped a few feet from the door.
"Sir?", Harry said softly
"What is it, Potter?", Snape asked icily.
Harry drew in slow breath.
"You never owed my dad anything."
Snape just looked at Harry.
"You're excused, Potter. McGonagall will be wondering where you are."
Harry left silently, no longer so tense.
Rowena smiled at Snape, who looked at her as though she had gone mad.
"What?!", Severus snapped.
"Oh, nothing. It's just. . . so refreshing to see the second greatest Gryffindor-Slytherin union of the century."
"Quiet, Rowena!"
She laughed while Severus sneered at her.
~**************************~
Rowena woke that morning before the sun did. She felt the nervous feeling in her stomach and very well heard a little nasty voice say, "You're not a teacher!". Ignoring these signs, she slipped into some black robes.
She ran down to the Great Hall, grabbing some porridge and eating it as quickly as she could, noticing it was seven o'clock, and that in two hours time she would be saying the sentence, "Hello. I am Professor Flintwood."
Rowena grabbed her briefcase, clutching it like it was her life. She ran to her classroom, finding her name in golden lettering on the door. It felt quite permanent. She walked in, sniffing the musky room. She noticed a door to a large office, undoubtedly her large office. She rested her briefcase on her desk, sighing. What was she doing here? She was no teacher, she was a rebel, a trouble maker in her time. Sure, a brilliant student, but she hated rules. She didn't want to administer the rules. But Rowena had no time for second thoughts.
Suddenly a barrage of first years, no doubt Gryffindors, stampeded into the classroom. Rowena inched towards the wall, feeling a sudden surge of claustrophobia. Luckily, it passed, as the eager children sat down in their desks. She flashed them an anxious grin.
"Hi. I'm Professor Flintwood. I realize this class has increased importance, due to the recent events in the wizarding world. I hope I can help you protect yourself in your future and that I might start your curiosity in this class. Your first year is very important, for students from wizarding families as well as muggle families."
Rowena, on Snape's recommendation, started them off with doxies and pixies. Of course, this turned out to be mayhem. Their was a motley of screaming first years, running from one desk to another, while Rowena ran around the classroom, freezing the doxies and pixies, throwing them in bucket.
"Good thinking, Snape!", she said under her breath, cursing slightly.
Finally, Rowena finished.
"Everyone, it's alright to come out from under your desks! They're gone!"
The students cautiously sat in their seats after creeping out from under the desks.
Rowena grimaced.
"That went. . .rather well."
The students stared at her, as though she just came from St. Mungo's.
"Just practice your Freezing curses tonight. Perhaps we'll just freeze inanimate objects tomorrow."
Once the students left her class, Rowena collapsed into her chair and banged her head on her desk, feeling the sweat on her brow. Teaching was hard, and suddenly she respected Snape as a teacher, no matter how merciless he was.
Suddenly, her next class entered. Rowena straightened herself up. She looked at her schedule.
"Fifth years. And Slytherins.", she thought, "Goody."
She walked in front of her desk, eyeing every student fiercely, making sure they wouldn't make the mistake of undermining her. They all looked at her back, some smirking, others grim. Rowena gave the standard speech, except adding a part about O.W.L.'s coming up. She taught them according to Snape's orders, and she noticed he was right about something: Slytherins were a pleasure to teach, for there was barely any teaching involved. They knew their stuff and it impressed her. She also noticed that many of the male students grinned at her and stared, while the girls were revolted. Rowena was highly bothered by it. The class finished on a high note: the Slytherins didn't hate her.
She passed through a few more classes, some smooth, others quite hectic. Suddenly, it was time for lunch, and Rowena very much wanted it. But she really didn't want to go the Great Hall, for she had seen enough students for one day. If the Marauders were her students, she would scream bloody murder.
Rowena sank into her chair, not for the first time that day, and heard someone enter the room. It was Minerva.
"How are you, Rowena?", Minerva asked with a small smile.
"Teaching is hell, but otherwise. . . I'm alright."
"Story of my life, Rowena.", Minerva sighed.
Flitwick entered quickly.
"How is our new professor?"
"Alright. . . I suppose. How do you manage being so cheery?"
"Charms is a delight to teach!", Flitwick squeaked.
"Indeed.", Rowena said morosely.
Both McGonagall and Flitwick left.
Snape came in several minutes later, with a plate of food.
"Already hate them, do you?", Severus asked, smirking and sounding smug.
"Shut it, Snape. The first years couldn't handle your doxies and pixies!"
"Ah, but those were Gryffindors."
"Slytherin second years couldn't either.", Rowena replied coldly, pleased to see Snape's shocked face.
"I brought you some food, if you wanted.", Snape said, handing her the plate.
"Thanks, Severus.", she said, forking the chicken.
Snape left quite quickly.
Lunch was over much too early. She had her N.E.W.T. class coming up, and noticed that her class was a select one. A smile crept upon Rowena's face; she was pleased at the confidence these students had. She was also glad it was a mixed-House class. They were Sixth years. Still moldable. She noticed Harry, Ron, and Hermione were in the group, but not to her surprise. Harry's class last year definitely helped some students get into the N.E.W.T. class.
Rowena started calling roll once all the students settled in.
"Abbott, Hannah"
"Brown, Lavender"
A few more names.
"Finnigan, Seamus"
"Granger, Hermione"
A few more names.
"Longbottom, Neville"
She looked up and smiled at the timid student. She highly respected his parents.
"Macmillan, Ernie"
"Malfoy, Draco"
For some reason, Rowena looked over her list and smiled at a handsome student with blond hair and gray eyes. She could tell he took after Narcissa. The young man grinned back. Sure, Lucius Malfoy was a git. But his son had something totally different about him for some unknown reason.
"Parkinson, Pansy"
The girl totally disgusted Rowena. She was hanging over Draco like some common. . .well, one gets the idea. This reminded Rowena strongly of Sirius and Bebe, but Rowena laughed it off in her head.
"Patil, Padama"
"Patil, Parvati"
"Twins. Wonderful.", Rowena thought.
"Potter, Harry"
Rowena looked up again. She gave Harry a quick smile, and he did the same.
A few more names.
"Thomas, Dean"
"Weasely, Ronald"
"That's all, I believe. I'm pleased to have a small, select group of great students."
The students smiled at her, looking pleased.
Rowena proceeded to quiz them on basic curses, and they were very easy to teach. They had obviously gone over these curses heavily for their O.W.L.'s. Draco even managed to do the curses while giving her the very look that disturbed her so, his eyes glittering. Harry was upset at this also, judging by the warning looks he gave Rowena, reminding her strongly of Sirius.
At last, it was time for her next class. After all the students left, Harry stayed behind and went up to Rowena.
"You're doing a great job, Professor Flintwood. Best ever since Remus was here."
Rowena smiled at Harry.
"Thanks, I needed that."
Harry left quite swiftly, leaving Rowena to deal with Seventh year N.E.W.T. students. Among them was Head Girl, Cho Chang, which made Rowena's happiness with teaching plummet.
Cho kept complaining,
"I can't do this stupid curse! It's soooo hard!"
Rowena was so tempted to slap the girl, or say something Snape would, but resisted.
Finally, the end of Rowena's first day had come. She ate her dinner quickly, wanting so badly to talk to Remus and ask him how he managed the exhaustion. She pummeled onto her bed, knowing there was no way she would wake before the sun rose. She started to dream. . .
*It was the day of Lily and James's wedding. Rowena was forced into being Lily's maid of honor, since she was really the only friend Lily had. And Lily wanted to laugh at Rowena dancing with Sirius, who happened to be the best man. Over the years, Rowena and Lily became very close, telling each other secrets and confiding. Rowena had to wear a light lilac dress, which she hated. She was eyeing herself in the mirror, wanting badly just to wear a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Lily forced her to wear her hair up, and to wear makeup, both ideas revolting Rowena.
Rowena was in her room at the Enchantress's Eye, one of the most fancy hotels of the wizarding world. All of a sudden, Sirius came in, wearing an unlikely three-piece suit. He grinned at Rowena, and she felt her heart beat somewhat rapidly. Lily kept telling Rowena that she was totally "fancying" Sirius, and the statement bothered her to no end. Lily also said that Sirius was "crazy" for Rowena, which Rowena, secretly, enjoyed hearing.
"I hate this dress.", Rowena said through clenched teeth.
"I'm not crazy about the color, but you manage to make it look. . . lovely.", Sirius said boldly.
Rowena felt her face burning, as well as seeing it in the mirror.
"Well, at least it doesn't have a slit.", Rowena said in a monotone.
"I can fix that!", Sirius said jokingly. He pulled out his wand, muttered a few words, and there was a slit all the way up to Rowena's upper thigh, practically showing her entire leg.
"SIRIUS! HOW DARE YOU!", Rowena yelled, without even thinking.
Sirius just laughed.
"It looks pretty good, actually. Give it some time.", Sirius chortled.
"Fix it, NOW!", Rowena screamed at the top of her lungs, not caring who heard.
"What if I don't?", Sirius asked teasingly.
Rowena tackled him on the bed, slapping his face. But Sirius could only laugh.
"Finally, you tackle me! Do you know how long I've been waiting?"
"I HATE YOU, SIRIUS BLACK! Get OUT!"
"Fine, fine, I'll fix the slit. However, if you didn't notice, your wand's on the chair. You didn't need me to fix it. You didn't need to work THIS hard, nor yell this much."
Rowena blushed a deep scarlet, getting off of Sirius. She sat down on the chair, unable to even touch her wand. She was so embarrassed. Now, he was fully aware that he wasn't just an old chum to her.
"Nobody thinks straight when they're angry, love."
She looked up at Sirius. He just gave her a small smile. He was blushing, too. He pointed at her dress, uttering a "Reparo!" with mock sadness, watching the dress sew itself up seamlessly. He left silently.
Rowena wanted so badly to just grab him by the arm and tell him how she felt. But it seemed so silly to do that. It was like a stupid, schoolyard romance and Rowena would hate to be a part of it.
"Someday.", she thought, "Someday I'll know." *
A/N: Yeah, some really fluffy, sappy stuff for you guys at the end of the chapter. Sorry about that if it disgusted you. Anyway, I'm having some second thoughts about continuing it, 'cause it doesn't seem like many people are reading it. What do you think?
Disclaimer: Yes, Rowena is the creation my mind has brought forth, but that's about it.
Rowena woke that morning, knowing it was two weeks prior to the day she would first see her students. This day was the day she would go to Hogwarts and start planning her classes with Snape. She was now a teacher, and liked the title for some odd reason. She remembered the night before, when Sirius told her he was glad she got the position, disappointed that she was leaving, and furious that Snape got to work with her. It was yesterday she and Remus went to Diagon Alley.
First, Rowena sped to Gringotts, withdrawing some Galleons and Sickles from her vault. She went to buy some robes from Madame Malkins(A/N: I think that's the name), as she would need them on a regular basis for class, and bought some for Remus as well. She remembered him protesting, but she was sick of seeing his robes all patched and worn out. She looked through Flourish and Blott's for the textbooks she wanted to use, as she was very serious about what her students would be using as a guide to better their defense. She chose two volumes: "In Depth with the Dark Arts" by Cordelia V. Perniculous and "The Strength of Defensive Magic" by Ralph M. Thoreau, both of which she felt were necessary in these times. She needed to choose quickly, as supply lists would be sent a week later to all students.
Towards the end of her shopping trip, she noticed displayed in the windows was the new album by the Weird Sisters. Remus was staring at her.
"You're not going to buy that, are you? Honestly, Tonks will probably sing your praises!"
Rowena laughed and walked into the store, Remus staring at her the whole time. She walked out with the album in her possession. She knew she would need some rock to get her through the idea of teaching. Perhaps, that would be the only thing to keep her sane. She would be working with Severus for hours on end, and, as much as she respected the man, it would be a stressful situation.
Remembering she couldn't think of yesterday for much longer, Rowena sped downstairs, taking her shower hastily, and donning some burgundy robes. She checked to see if she looked ok in the mirror, yet found herself not caring in the slightest.
Rowena quickly hugged Remus and Sirius, unsure of when she would see them again. These two weeks before classes started were essential for organization and planning, and she knew it was unlikely that she could even step out of the school for a minute.
Rowena Apparated to the grassy field she went to with Severus a while ago. She walked briskly through the dewy morning grass, watching the sun rise in a leisurely manner. Finally, she entered her beloved school, inhaling all the familiarities, exhaling her doubts and fears. The former Gryffindor chaser found herself searching frantically for the dungeon in which Potions was the subject. Finally, she found Snape, lazily glancing at his pocket watch.
"The time, Severus?", Rowena asked.
Snape jerked up, looked at her, and relaxed.
"Don't startle me, Rowena. It's eight-thirty. Just in time.", Severus answered quietly.
"I suppose you want to start planning, Severus?"
"Indeed. I've already set a lesson plan for the first through fifth years. I am sure you have been considering what to teach for your N.E.W.T. class."
"Well, yes. I thought we would go over the basic curses, you know, Stunning Spells and Disarming Charms, and the like."
Snape scoffed, "Yes, that would be lovely, if you wanted to insult your student's intelligence and capability, though perhaps only MY students have intelligence and capability."
Rowena couldn't help but glare at him. She asked his help because the knowledge that she was uncomfortable with teaching was obvious. She didn't need him throwing it in her face.
"Look, Severus, we can't teach them the Dark Arts, and all we need to do is prepare them for their N.E.W.T.'s. All the students have been missed a lot of basic curses and spells because of Umbridge's teaching, or lack thereof. So, I have to fill them in!"
Snape looked disinterested.
"Rowena, we are both aware of Potter's little 'class' last year. My Slytherins definitely don't need to go over basics, because I see them practice all the time in their common room. We can't waste time with 'basics'. As for the Dark Arts, don't you think it's about time they had some sort of idea of what the Dark Arts are about? We don't need to teach them how, but what they consist of."
And so it went. The grim Potions professor and the new Dark Arts teacher argued constantly over the lesson plans and on what was necessary. Their self-control of sensibility wore thin. Both were quite glad when the first day of school had come. They, however, ate their dinner before the students arrived and stayed for the Sorting ceremony and Dumbledore's opening speech only.
Rowena sat on the staff table while Dumbledore went off on his own little discourse. She refused to listen until her name had been mentioned.
"And with us this year as your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Rowena Flintwood."
Rowena gave a nonchalant smile to all the students who applauded her and scoured the student tables looking for a certain Sixth year. She finally eyed Harry, who smiled at her, and she grinned back at him. Perhaps the one thing she liked about teaching was her extra lessons with him. Remus was right; teaching would've been a lot better without Snape directing her. She sighed, looking towards Snape, who nodded. They still had some things to finish up.
Once the feast had started, both she and Snape left at the same time, and Rowena couldn't help noticing that the students were under the impression that they went to go snog in the broom closet. Rowena immediately shivered.
She followed Snape to the dungeon, wondering how many more rows they would have before they finished. So, they sorted out schedules, finally came to a compromise that Rowena would start with the basics on the first day, and then delve into defensive and offensive curses along with the history of Voldemort, on Dumbledore's permission.
Suddenly, someone opened the door.
Harry.
"W-what's up, Harry?", Rowena said, almost jumping out of her chair. She could feel Snape's disgust.
"Um, Professor Flintwood? I kinda wanted to talk to Professor Snape. You know, in private?"
Snape replied coolly, "Whatever infantile thing you want to say to me, Potter, you may say in front of her."
Harry glanced warily at Rowena, who nodded at him. She had a feeling he was going to do the very thing she thought best.
"Sir, I wanted to apologize for. . . you know."
"Potter, I really don't want to hear this."
"Sir! Sorry, but I really need to say this, and I've been thinking over the summer. I understand why you were so upset that day, sir. Remus and Sirius said that-
"Potter! I told you not to tell anyone!", Snape hissed.
"Oh, honestly, Severus! They WERE there.", Rowena added in quickly.
"Sir, just let me say everything, then you can throw me out if you want. Look, Sirius and Remus claimed it was immaturity. But that's stupid. I know that it isn't an excuse. My dad was a git to you, and I apologize for that. And I want you to know, that if I were in my dad's position, I wouldn't have done that to you. Yeah, I have rows with Malfoy, but he's an equal and he deserves it, the prat. I know you like him and his dad and all, but whatever. That day I saw. . . you know, I think I know what you were talking about when you said my dad was what he was. You didn't do anything wrong, though I don't like what you called my mom. Professor, I'm not my dad, and we got off on the wrong foot. You're a really. . .good teacher and I just thought we could. . .start over. I'm sorry for invading your privacy and blaming you for Sirius's. . .death."
Rowena looked at Harry. His emerald eyes were blazing with curiosity. His face looked a little anxious, behind his nerve. He was pale. Snape, however, looked calm, yet slightly surprised.
"This is no apology, Potter, this is a confession. You must have gone on for days. First off, I am not so fond of Draco Malfoy and have a deep dislike for his father. His father is a coward, to be honest, and Malfoy is much like him. If I take Malfoy's side, it's because of my position as Head of Slytherin, not anything else. As for your father, he was indeed arrogant, as were his friends. In retrospect, perhaps it was just as well for you to see your father in a more unbiased light. It is possible that I saw in you your father and never saw what you were. You must admit, however, that you have a heavy disregard for rules and guidelines. Your mother. . . I was so young and unaware of what my words were. Indeed, it is no excuse. And don't lie about my performance as a teacher, Potter. You clearly have loathed me since your first year, this has no effect. How would it help if I forgave you, Potter? Peace of mind?"
"No. . . no, sir. I only wanted to say sorry, and give justification for it.", Harry was shifting, clearly uncomfortable.
"Well. . . Potter, you want a fresh start. You are in my N.E.W.T. class, Merlin knows why or how. We must reach some sort of understanding, I imagine. Never think we have anything akin to friendship, Potter, or anything of trust."
Harry thrust his hand out for Snape to shake, and Snape gingerly complied.
Rowena felt her heart leap.
Harry retreated for the door, then stopped a few feet from the door.
"Sir?", Harry said softly
"What is it, Potter?", Snape asked icily.
Harry drew in slow breath.
"You never owed my dad anything."
Snape just looked at Harry.
"You're excused, Potter. McGonagall will be wondering where you are."
Harry left silently, no longer so tense.
Rowena smiled at Snape, who looked at her as though she had gone mad.
"What?!", Severus snapped.
"Oh, nothing. It's just. . . so refreshing to see the second greatest Gryffindor-Slytherin union of the century."
"Quiet, Rowena!"
She laughed while Severus sneered at her.
~**************************~
Rowena woke that morning before the sun did. She felt the nervous feeling in her stomach and very well heard a little nasty voice say, "You're not a teacher!". Ignoring these signs, she slipped into some black robes.
She ran down to the Great Hall, grabbing some porridge and eating it as quickly as she could, noticing it was seven o'clock, and that in two hours time she would be saying the sentence, "Hello. I am Professor Flintwood."
Rowena grabbed her briefcase, clutching it like it was her life. She ran to her classroom, finding her name in golden lettering on the door. It felt quite permanent. She walked in, sniffing the musky room. She noticed a door to a large office, undoubtedly her large office. She rested her briefcase on her desk, sighing. What was she doing here? She was no teacher, she was a rebel, a trouble maker in her time. Sure, a brilliant student, but she hated rules. She didn't want to administer the rules. But Rowena had no time for second thoughts.
Suddenly a barrage of first years, no doubt Gryffindors, stampeded into the classroom. Rowena inched towards the wall, feeling a sudden surge of claustrophobia. Luckily, it passed, as the eager children sat down in their desks. She flashed them an anxious grin.
"Hi. I'm Professor Flintwood. I realize this class has increased importance, due to the recent events in the wizarding world. I hope I can help you protect yourself in your future and that I might start your curiosity in this class. Your first year is very important, for students from wizarding families as well as muggle families."
Rowena, on Snape's recommendation, started them off with doxies and pixies. Of course, this turned out to be mayhem. Their was a motley of screaming first years, running from one desk to another, while Rowena ran around the classroom, freezing the doxies and pixies, throwing them in bucket.
"Good thinking, Snape!", she said under her breath, cursing slightly.
Finally, Rowena finished.
"Everyone, it's alright to come out from under your desks! They're gone!"
The students cautiously sat in their seats after creeping out from under the desks.
Rowena grimaced.
"That went. . .rather well."
The students stared at her, as though she just came from St. Mungo's.
"Just practice your Freezing curses tonight. Perhaps we'll just freeze inanimate objects tomorrow."
Once the students left her class, Rowena collapsed into her chair and banged her head on her desk, feeling the sweat on her brow. Teaching was hard, and suddenly she respected Snape as a teacher, no matter how merciless he was.
Suddenly, her next class entered. Rowena straightened herself up. She looked at her schedule.
"Fifth years. And Slytherins.", she thought, "Goody."
She walked in front of her desk, eyeing every student fiercely, making sure they wouldn't make the mistake of undermining her. They all looked at her back, some smirking, others grim. Rowena gave the standard speech, except adding a part about O.W.L.'s coming up. She taught them according to Snape's orders, and she noticed he was right about something: Slytherins were a pleasure to teach, for there was barely any teaching involved. They knew their stuff and it impressed her. She also noticed that many of the male students grinned at her and stared, while the girls were revolted. Rowena was highly bothered by it. The class finished on a high note: the Slytherins didn't hate her.
She passed through a few more classes, some smooth, others quite hectic. Suddenly, it was time for lunch, and Rowena very much wanted it. But she really didn't want to go the Great Hall, for she had seen enough students for one day. If the Marauders were her students, she would scream bloody murder.
Rowena sank into her chair, not for the first time that day, and heard someone enter the room. It was Minerva.
"How are you, Rowena?", Minerva asked with a small smile.
"Teaching is hell, but otherwise. . . I'm alright."
"Story of my life, Rowena.", Minerva sighed.
Flitwick entered quickly.
"How is our new professor?"
"Alright. . . I suppose. How do you manage being so cheery?"
"Charms is a delight to teach!", Flitwick squeaked.
"Indeed.", Rowena said morosely.
Both McGonagall and Flitwick left.
Snape came in several minutes later, with a plate of food.
"Already hate them, do you?", Severus asked, smirking and sounding smug.
"Shut it, Snape. The first years couldn't handle your doxies and pixies!"
"Ah, but those were Gryffindors."
"Slytherin second years couldn't either.", Rowena replied coldly, pleased to see Snape's shocked face.
"I brought you some food, if you wanted.", Snape said, handing her the plate.
"Thanks, Severus.", she said, forking the chicken.
Snape left quite quickly.
Lunch was over much too early. She had her N.E.W.T. class coming up, and noticed that her class was a select one. A smile crept upon Rowena's face; she was pleased at the confidence these students had. She was also glad it was a mixed-House class. They were Sixth years. Still moldable. She noticed Harry, Ron, and Hermione were in the group, but not to her surprise. Harry's class last year definitely helped some students get into the N.E.W.T. class.
Rowena started calling roll once all the students settled in.
"Abbott, Hannah"
"Brown, Lavender"
A few more names.
"Finnigan, Seamus"
"Granger, Hermione"
A few more names.
"Longbottom, Neville"
She looked up and smiled at the timid student. She highly respected his parents.
"Macmillan, Ernie"
"Malfoy, Draco"
For some reason, Rowena looked over her list and smiled at a handsome student with blond hair and gray eyes. She could tell he took after Narcissa. The young man grinned back. Sure, Lucius Malfoy was a git. But his son had something totally different about him for some unknown reason.
"Parkinson, Pansy"
The girl totally disgusted Rowena. She was hanging over Draco like some common. . .well, one gets the idea. This reminded Rowena strongly of Sirius and Bebe, but Rowena laughed it off in her head.
"Patil, Padama"
"Patil, Parvati"
"Twins. Wonderful.", Rowena thought.
"Potter, Harry"
Rowena looked up again. She gave Harry a quick smile, and he did the same.
A few more names.
"Thomas, Dean"
"Weasely, Ronald"
"That's all, I believe. I'm pleased to have a small, select group of great students."
The students smiled at her, looking pleased.
Rowena proceeded to quiz them on basic curses, and they were very easy to teach. They had obviously gone over these curses heavily for their O.W.L.'s. Draco even managed to do the curses while giving her the very look that disturbed her so, his eyes glittering. Harry was upset at this also, judging by the warning looks he gave Rowena, reminding her strongly of Sirius.
At last, it was time for her next class. After all the students left, Harry stayed behind and went up to Rowena.
"You're doing a great job, Professor Flintwood. Best ever since Remus was here."
Rowena smiled at Harry.
"Thanks, I needed that."
Harry left quite swiftly, leaving Rowena to deal with Seventh year N.E.W.T. students. Among them was Head Girl, Cho Chang, which made Rowena's happiness with teaching plummet.
Cho kept complaining,
"I can't do this stupid curse! It's soooo hard!"
Rowena was so tempted to slap the girl, or say something Snape would, but resisted.
Finally, the end of Rowena's first day had come. She ate her dinner quickly, wanting so badly to talk to Remus and ask him how he managed the exhaustion. She pummeled onto her bed, knowing there was no way she would wake before the sun rose. She started to dream. . .
*It was the day of Lily and James's wedding. Rowena was forced into being Lily's maid of honor, since she was really the only friend Lily had. And Lily wanted to laugh at Rowena dancing with Sirius, who happened to be the best man. Over the years, Rowena and Lily became very close, telling each other secrets and confiding. Rowena had to wear a light lilac dress, which she hated. She was eyeing herself in the mirror, wanting badly just to wear a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Lily forced her to wear her hair up, and to wear makeup, both ideas revolting Rowena.
Rowena was in her room at the Enchantress's Eye, one of the most fancy hotels of the wizarding world. All of a sudden, Sirius came in, wearing an unlikely three-piece suit. He grinned at Rowena, and she felt her heart beat somewhat rapidly. Lily kept telling Rowena that she was totally "fancying" Sirius, and the statement bothered her to no end. Lily also said that Sirius was "crazy" for Rowena, which Rowena, secretly, enjoyed hearing.
"I hate this dress.", Rowena said through clenched teeth.
"I'm not crazy about the color, but you manage to make it look. . . lovely.", Sirius said boldly.
Rowena felt her face burning, as well as seeing it in the mirror.
"Well, at least it doesn't have a slit.", Rowena said in a monotone.
"I can fix that!", Sirius said jokingly. He pulled out his wand, muttered a few words, and there was a slit all the way up to Rowena's upper thigh, practically showing her entire leg.
"SIRIUS! HOW DARE YOU!", Rowena yelled, without even thinking.
Sirius just laughed.
"It looks pretty good, actually. Give it some time.", Sirius chortled.
"Fix it, NOW!", Rowena screamed at the top of her lungs, not caring who heard.
"What if I don't?", Sirius asked teasingly.
Rowena tackled him on the bed, slapping his face. But Sirius could only laugh.
"Finally, you tackle me! Do you know how long I've been waiting?"
"I HATE YOU, SIRIUS BLACK! Get OUT!"
"Fine, fine, I'll fix the slit. However, if you didn't notice, your wand's on the chair. You didn't need me to fix it. You didn't need to work THIS hard, nor yell this much."
Rowena blushed a deep scarlet, getting off of Sirius. She sat down on the chair, unable to even touch her wand. She was so embarrassed. Now, he was fully aware that he wasn't just an old chum to her.
"Nobody thinks straight when they're angry, love."
She looked up at Sirius. He just gave her a small smile. He was blushing, too. He pointed at her dress, uttering a "Reparo!" with mock sadness, watching the dress sew itself up seamlessly. He left silently.
Rowena wanted so badly to just grab him by the arm and tell him how she felt. But it seemed so silly to do that. It was like a stupid, schoolyard romance and Rowena would hate to be a part of it.
"Someday.", she thought, "Someday I'll know." *
A/N: Yeah, some really fluffy, sappy stuff for you guys at the end of the chapter. Sorry about that if it disgusted you. Anyway, I'm having some second thoughts about continuing it, 'cause it doesn't seem like many people are reading it. What do you think?