Chapter 1: The Circle Game
"Bound by nothing, not a single angle. It never ends, but begins again."
~ Anonymous
Another beginning, as summer faded into the first days of autumn. Always amidst our own unseeing world thrived the wizarding world, where floods of potentials and possibilities exist. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was often the first step to a young witch or wizards education; however, the school needed to be recalled with a sense of order after the chaos of its previous year. After losing another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for the fifth year in a row, it was up to the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, to restore the school to its former state after the disaster of Professor Umbridge. Dumbledore, arguably the best headmaster the school had ever seen, had things running smoothly again in no time at all; but week after week passed with no word about a new teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Seven days before the start of the next term, a staff meeting was finally called to reveal the name of Hogwart's newest teacher in residence.
"I would first like to say how pleased I am to be welcoming you all back for another year at Hogwarts. As you know, the last year was challenging, to say the least and I was concerned that I wouldn't be returning as your headmaster." Albus Dumbledore glanced around the staff room table over his half-moon spectacles, eyes twinkling as always. Professor McGonagall and Madame Sprout grinned as they exchanged glances, then turned their attention back to the headmaster.
"As you also know," Dumbledore continued, "there is much anticipation about the postof Defense Against the Dark Arts, a post which was once again left vacant at the end of term." Professor Severus Snape, the Potions Master, looked even paler than usual as he shifted in his chair. His black eyes glinted, a look of suppressed eagerness spreading over his face at the coming announcement. "I am sure the last Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will not soon be forgotten. And I am quite sure our next teacher will be remembered, as she is revered as one of the best of our time. I assure you this individual is more than qualified, and has proven a renowned ability performing defensive techniques." Snape's head was pounding. By the sound of it, this new teacher was exceedingly more apt at teaching the subject than some of the past. Dumbledore could very well be talking about him. "This person has worked at our own Ministry of Magic as an Auror for over seven years, and has most recently been on hiatus. I assure you I have received only the highest praises for Sam O'Malley, and I believe we are lucky to have this addition to our school." At this Snape's eyes widened and a knot tightened in his throat. However, no one else at the staff table seem to have noticed; they were all murmuring with bemused approval at the sound of Dumbledore's choice.
Dumbledore's gaze turned perceptively to Severus Snape, as he cleared his throat. "With all due respect, headmaster," Snape said, turning an unpleasant shade of green, "I believe consistency is key with a subject of this nature, and especially now what Hogwarts needs is stability. How are we to believe this man will be any different?" Everyone in the room was now looking at Snape, expecting this all along, but also pondering the valid point he made. It was no secret that Snape had been interested in the job for a number of years, and was continually denied the opportunity for whatever reason; but the disjointed teaching of the subject was surely not in the student's best interest.
"I know you are disappointed, Severus. And no doubt you have reservations, I completely understand. But as you have before, I must ask you to trust me again."
Snape turned his gaze downward so that his curtains of black hair covered the scowl on his face. At that moment, everyone turned at the sound of footsteps approaching the staff room door. Dumbledore smiled. "And without further ado, I give you Professor Samantha O'Malley." Just as Snape registered that name, the oak doors to the staff room swung open. A thin witch with long, reddish-blonde hair and dressed in a black traveling cloak walked in, wearing black stiletto heals that clacked musically against the stone tiles. With a roguish smile she walked up to the headmaster, setting down a suitcase displaying a gold crest. "Albus Dumbledore," she said, "it has been far too long."
Dumbledore rose and graciously took her hand in a gesture of welcome. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Professor." Sam bowed her head, then said with a small laugh, "an honor to meet you at last, headmaster. And I must say," she lowered her voice dramatically, "I find your famous trading card quite intriguing. I also enjoy chamber music and ten-pin bowling." She winked, as Dumbledore and the majority of the staff chuckled. "Please, call me Albus," the headmaster said, as he conjured her a chair.
It seemed Snape was paying little attention, however, entranced for a moment by the beauty and grace of the witch before him. She had to be in her late twenties. Suddenly the disappointment he felt seemed like ages ago. He tried to look vaguely disinterested as O'Malley unfurled her traveling cloak with a flick of her hand, revealing a fitted black sweater and long scarlet red skirt. Snape couldn't help but notice how O'Malley's long hair framed her face, how it moved as if by an invisible whisper. As Dumbledore and the rest of the staff were engrossed in conversation, Snape had time to recover and remind himself not to become a victim to his senses and think realistically. He also began to realize that this rather fragile looking witch was the reason he would be stuck teaching the tedious job of Potions for at least another year. He raised an eyebrow in a look of disdain, and waited to see a sign of the merit Dumbledore saw in the new professor besides her obvious physical beauty.
As if on cue, Sam opened her briefcase efficiently and addressed the curious audience in a lively, and professional tone of voice. "Well then, first things first. My name is Samantha O'Malley. I'm proud to be in your company, teaching at one of the finest wizarding school in the world." She quickly glanced at Professor Flitwick with her stunning blue eyes, making him blush slightly. "It is to my knowledge that the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts has had a somewhat interesting history in recent years, and the teaching has been fragmented to say the least. Therefore, I suspect you must have certain questions of my qualifications. As for the particular question of my staying longer than one school year, I suppose that judgment rests with the headmaster. But I can say, that although this will be my first actual teaching experience, I assure you my the material for my class will be rooted in the knowledge that I have from firsthand experience; it is that device which I believe to be the best of all instructors. I intend to prove myself to you, perhaps in time even earning your respect. It is your approval and the student's grades that will decide my fate at this school, and I intend to give you more than my best. Thank you."
Dumbledore smiled as the staff applauded enthusiastically, seeming deeply impressed, all save for one; Snape frowned as he was deeply in thought, eyes to the ground. Sam O'Malley's competency almost sealed his fate as Hogwart's Potions master. On one hand her intellect made her all the more alluring. But on the other hand her confidence was almost sickening. O'Malley didn't wear a look of hardship. She won her audience with ease, with a persona that Snape could only look upon with incredulity. She walked in like a minor celebrity, without a single suspecting glance or ill judgment. Snape was determined not to fawn all over O'Malley like everyone else, concluding she was no more special or important and deserved to be treated as such. Everything about her made him suspicious at once. No one had a flawless past, after all.
At the conclusion of the speech the teachers rose and began to chatter in murmured voices, as O'Malley followed Dumbledore around making introductions. McGonagall had a look of admiration on her face after exchanging introductions with the new teacher. "You're reputation precedes you, Sam," she said readily. "It is wonderful to see you back at Hogwarts, and looking quite well I might add." O'Malley shifted her eyes shyly towards the ground.
"Thank you, Professor. My success can only be attributed to being taught by the best. I might extend your latter compliment to you as well," she added with a wink.
"Do call me Minerva. Really Sam, we are colleagues now," McGonagall said lightly.
"As you wish, Minerva."
As Snape turned to leave, musing over what he had overheard McGonagall say, he heard Dumbledore's cheerful voice behind him. "Leaving so soon, Severus? I had rather hoped to introduce Sam to you in person."
Snape stopped and turned around slowly, forcing a weak grin on his face. He'd had quite enough for one day, and was eager to simply leave the obnoxious staff meeting. But O'Malley seemed oblivious to his discomfort, and ignored his look of complete disinterest. "A pleasure to meet you, Professor Snape," she said intently. She reached down and took his hand in a firm handshake, gazing intently at him with blue ocean eyes.
Snape maintained a cool demeanor, despite being a little shocked that she so boldly shook his hand. He bowed slightly, saying, "likewise." O'Malley released her hand first, and Snape noticed the sizeable, almost translucent ring on her right hand. It was beautiful and unusual, with multi-colored striations that seemed to be ever moving inside of it. Snape also noticed, for a brief moment, a slightly calculating scrutiny in O'Malley's eyes. He felt oddly unsettled, like there was something almost foreboding about the way she gazed at him.
Before he had a chance to think about it too much, though, Dumbledore said, "Time for you to settle in. Professor McGonagall will show you to your new office."
"Thank you, Albus. Your kindness is most appreciated." McGonagall walked over to them, after having a word with Madame Hooch about a new Quidditch schedule for Gryffindor house. "This way to your new office, Sam," she said warmly.
"Thank you, Minerva," she said softly, as she picked up her suitcase with the gold crest. "True to form, as always, thinking ahead to the next season of Quidditch."
"Always. Someone has to see to it that Slytherin doesn't win the Quidditch Cup at least."
As the conversation drowned away, Snape turned to Dumbledore with a look of apprehension on his face. "Headmaster, I have deep concerns about this woman. There is something suspicious about her. I can't quite place what it might be, but something is telling me that she cannot be trusted."
But Dumbledore calmly said, "You have nothing to fear, Severus. I trust Sam O'Malley as much as necessary, and she does not pose a threat to this school. I must ask you not to judge her, or weigh my decision so prematurely." Snape looked down his hooked-nose with disappointment, switching his weight from one foot to the other. "Severus, I want you to know this choice has nothing to do with a short-coming on your part. You have proven your loyalty to me, and this school for more than long enough to have my trust. This must come as small consolation to you, I know."
Snape looked at Dumbledore with arms folded. "If there is anyone I trust, headmaster, it's you. Of course you have my cooperation." Dumbledore smiled. "See you at dinner then, Severus." Snape said nothing, but managed the bare traces of a smile as he turned and walked back to his office in the dungeons.
* * * * * * *
Later that evening Snape arrived in the Great Hall, only to see O'Malley already there in the seat next to his. Snape silently cursed himself for forgetting, and hoped he could get through dinner with minimal discussion. Fortunately for Snape, O'Malley was deeply engaged in conversation with Professor Flitwick, and felt his presence was barely noticed. Snape sat down silently and waited impatiently for dinner to begin. Flitwick was clearly charmed by O'Malley, asking her all sorts of questions about her work as an Auror. "So your studies here paid off! Most definitely lived up to your predecessor, Rowena Ravenclaw! With your grades in my class, I always knew you'd be going places." Snape found it intriguing that she was an alumni of Hogwarts, a Ravenclaw no less.
"You are too kind, sir," answered O'Malley humbly.
"Tell me Sam, what charms have you found most useful in your battles against dark wizards?"
"Well Professor, I did learn--"
"Oh oh! Never mind that, did I tell you? A few years ago some students managed to defeat a fully grown mountain troll using a simple levitation charm! So proud of them, naturally, even though they broke a number of school rules in the process." Snape rolled his eyes.
"Well Professor," O'Malley said, in a serious voice, "Potter and Weasley shouldn't have flouted the school rules like that, even if the outcome was a desirable one." Snape turned his head around, at this unexpected opinion.
"They were lucky to have been successful, but they could have been harmed," she continued with an insistent tone. "Do you believe that sort of behavior should be encouraged or praised?"
"Well, no, not exactly," squeaked Professor Flitwick, avoiding O'Malley's inquiring eyes. "And how did you know it was Potter and Weasley?"
O'Malley smiled. "I do my research. And I'm just trying to make a point, Professor. Really, they shouldn't have been there in the first place if I understand the situation correctly," she continued.
Snape found himself mildly impressed by O'Malley's assertions, though he wouldn't have admitted it. Then, out of the blue, O'Malley said, "Do you have anything to add, Professor Snape?"
Snape snapped back to the present, and said, "Excuse me?"
"You've been listening to the conversation ever since you sat down, sir, so I'm offering you a chance to interject. Well?" she smiled mischievously.
"No, nothing to add. You seemed to have covered it," Snape replied, suddenly irritated. O'Malley nodded her head faintly with a look that said, "I thought not."
Just then, dinner was served. Flitwick turned gratefully to talk to McGonagall, while Sinistra of the Astronomy department, with a flirtatious laugh, turned to talk to her neighbor. After a few uncomfortable moments, O'Malley broke the silence.
"This will be your fifteenth year as Potions master, correct?" Snape didn't like the fact that she seemed to already know a fairly detailed account of everyone's personal history.
"Yes, that's correct," he simply said.
"A noble discipline, that," she said quietly.
"Yes."
"I feel fortunate to be teaching what I consider to be a noble subject myself."
"Indeed."
"Are you always this remote, Professor, or is this my lucky evening?"
"Why not at all, Professor," said Snape smoothly. "But why should we engage in conversation when you seem to know everything about me, and I know nothing of you?"
She closed her eyes in a look of feigned concentration, then replied silkily, "You know, you're right. Since I know you more than half as well as you would like and you know me less than half as well as you could, by all means ask me what you will.
Snape paused for only a moment, silently noting O'Malley's use of language. "So," he started, "you worked at the Ministry of Magic for seven years--"
"Very good," she said with a wink. "Now I know that you pay attention at staff meetings even when you're looking at the floor."
"As I was trying to say before the interruption," Snape continued cooly, "what would make you quit such a career? Not everyone would abandon such an honorable post to take up teaching."
"I can tell you that I didn't desert my former career, Professor; I merely fulfilled the objectives I had before I became an Auror in the first place. I cannot, however, answer your question as to what those objectives were. My apologies, but that is my business."
"Perhaps a more elementary question, like where you're originally from?"
"I have lived in London, among Muggles for most of my life."
"So you are Muggle-born then?" Snape asked calmly, in response to the vague answer.
"That was rather slippery of you, Professor Snape. The blood in my veins does not concern you, as your blood does not concern me. And you will soon find out that I am rarely trapped in the game of wits, so it is pointless for you to try a trick like that again."
Snape was slightly taken aback, his pallid face going a shade lighter than normal. O'Malley smirked, waiting for his reply. "Then I'll be sure to be more careful to please you from now on," he said sarcastically, his lip curling into a sneer.
"That would be grand, thank you," O'Malley replied with a grin. "Ah, well I'll be needing to get back to my office. It's really a much better office than I expected. Goodnight, Professor Snape."
"Goodnight, Professor O'Malley," Snape muttered under his breath as she left. The table was now almost empty, as a disgruntled Snape thought about how much he detested this new teacher. How dare she rub his nose in that job. Someone ought to teach her to mind her place. Snape was also particularly annoyed that O'Malley was so nebulous about her history. Snape didn't publicize his past, but he certainly didn't hide from it or make excuses. He would, after all, be a hypocrite if he pretended that it didn't exist. Snape was beginning to think she was also a bit of a coward. The worst kind of witch was one who kept up a pretense, sidestepping her past because it might potentially damage a perfect image. It was true Snape didn't always agree with some of his other colleagues, but he had a degree of respect for them all the same because they were straightforward. At least he wouldn't have to deal with O'Malley any more often than absolutely necessary.
"Bound by nothing, not a single angle. It never ends, but begins again."
~ Anonymous
Another beginning, as summer faded into the first days of autumn. Always amidst our own unseeing world thrived the wizarding world, where floods of potentials and possibilities exist. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was often the first step to a young witch or wizards education; however, the school needed to be recalled with a sense of order after the chaos of its previous year. After losing another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for the fifth year in a row, it was up to the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, to restore the school to its former state after the disaster of Professor Umbridge. Dumbledore, arguably the best headmaster the school had ever seen, had things running smoothly again in no time at all; but week after week passed with no word about a new teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Seven days before the start of the next term, a staff meeting was finally called to reveal the name of Hogwart's newest teacher in residence.
"I would first like to say how pleased I am to be welcoming you all back for another year at Hogwarts. As you know, the last year was challenging, to say the least and I was concerned that I wouldn't be returning as your headmaster." Albus Dumbledore glanced around the staff room table over his half-moon spectacles, eyes twinkling as always. Professor McGonagall and Madame Sprout grinned as they exchanged glances, then turned their attention back to the headmaster.
"As you also know," Dumbledore continued, "there is much anticipation about the postof Defense Against the Dark Arts, a post which was once again left vacant at the end of term." Professor Severus Snape, the Potions Master, looked even paler than usual as he shifted in his chair. His black eyes glinted, a look of suppressed eagerness spreading over his face at the coming announcement. "I am sure the last Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will not soon be forgotten. And I am quite sure our next teacher will be remembered, as she is revered as one of the best of our time. I assure you this individual is more than qualified, and has proven a renowned ability performing defensive techniques." Snape's head was pounding. By the sound of it, this new teacher was exceedingly more apt at teaching the subject than some of the past. Dumbledore could very well be talking about him. "This person has worked at our own Ministry of Magic as an Auror for over seven years, and has most recently been on hiatus. I assure you I have received only the highest praises for Sam O'Malley, and I believe we are lucky to have this addition to our school." At this Snape's eyes widened and a knot tightened in his throat. However, no one else at the staff table seem to have noticed; they were all murmuring with bemused approval at the sound of Dumbledore's choice.
Dumbledore's gaze turned perceptively to Severus Snape, as he cleared his throat. "With all due respect, headmaster," Snape said, turning an unpleasant shade of green, "I believe consistency is key with a subject of this nature, and especially now what Hogwarts needs is stability. How are we to believe this man will be any different?" Everyone in the room was now looking at Snape, expecting this all along, but also pondering the valid point he made. It was no secret that Snape had been interested in the job for a number of years, and was continually denied the opportunity for whatever reason; but the disjointed teaching of the subject was surely not in the student's best interest.
"I know you are disappointed, Severus. And no doubt you have reservations, I completely understand. But as you have before, I must ask you to trust me again."
Snape turned his gaze downward so that his curtains of black hair covered the scowl on his face. At that moment, everyone turned at the sound of footsteps approaching the staff room door. Dumbledore smiled. "And without further ado, I give you Professor Samantha O'Malley." Just as Snape registered that name, the oak doors to the staff room swung open. A thin witch with long, reddish-blonde hair and dressed in a black traveling cloak walked in, wearing black stiletto heals that clacked musically against the stone tiles. With a roguish smile she walked up to the headmaster, setting down a suitcase displaying a gold crest. "Albus Dumbledore," she said, "it has been far too long."
Dumbledore rose and graciously took her hand in a gesture of welcome. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Professor." Sam bowed her head, then said with a small laugh, "an honor to meet you at last, headmaster. And I must say," she lowered her voice dramatically, "I find your famous trading card quite intriguing. I also enjoy chamber music and ten-pin bowling." She winked, as Dumbledore and the majority of the staff chuckled. "Please, call me Albus," the headmaster said, as he conjured her a chair.
It seemed Snape was paying little attention, however, entranced for a moment by the beauty and grace of the witch before him. She had to be in her late twenties. Suddenly the disappointment he felt seemed like ages ago. He tried to look vaguely disinterested as O'Malley unfurled her traveling cloak with a flick of her hand, revealing a fitted black sweater and long scarlet red skirt. Snape couldn't help but notice how O'Malley's long hair framed her face, how it moved as if by an invisible whisper. As Dumbledore and the rest of the staff were engrossed in conversation, Snape had time to recover and remind himself not to become a victim to his senses and think realistically. He also began to realize that this rather fragile looking witch was the reason he would be stuck teaching the tedious job of Potions for at least another year. He raised an eyebrow in a look of disdain, and waited to see a sign of the merit Dumbledore saw in the new professor besides her obvious physical beauty.
As if on cue, Sam opened her briefcase efficiently and addressed the curious audience in a lively, and professional tone of voice. "Well then, first things first. My name is Samantha O'Malley. I'm proud to be in your company, teaching at one of the finest wizarding school in the world." She quickly glanced at Professor Flitwick with her stunning blue eyes, making him blush slightly. "It is to my knowledge that the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts has had a somewhat interesting history in recent years, and the teaching has been fragmented to say the least. Therefore, I suspect you must have certain questions of my qualifications. As for the particular question of my staying longer than one school year, I suppose that judgment rests with the headmaster. But I can say, that although this will be my first actual teaching experience, I assure you my the material for my class will be rooted in the knowledge that I have from firsthand experience; it is that device which I believe to be the best of all instructors. I intend to prove myself to you, perhaps in time even earning your respect. It is your approval and the student's grades that will decide my fate at this school, and I intend to give you more than my best. Thank you."
Dumbledore smiled as the staff applauded enthusiastically, seeming deeply impressed, all save for one; Snape frowned as he was deeply in thought, eyes to the ground. Sam O'Malley's competency almost sealed his fate as Hogwart's Potions master. On one hand her intellect made her all the more alluring. But on the other hand her confidence was almost sickening. O'Malley didn't wear a look of hardship. She won her audience with ease, with a persona that Snape could only look upon with incredulity. She walked in like a minor celebrity, without a single suspecting glance or ill judgment. Snape was determined not to fawn all over O'Malley like everyone else, concluding she was no more special or important and deserved to be treated as such. Everything about her made him suspicious at once. No one had a flawless past, after all.
At the conclusion of the speech the teachers rose and began to chatter in murmured voices, as O'Malley followed Dumbledore around making introductions. McGonagall had a look of admiration on her face after exchanging introductions with the new teacher. "You're reputation precedes you, Sam," she said readily. "It is wonderful to see you back at Hogwarts, and looking quite well I might add." O'Malley shifted her eyes shyly towards the ground.
"Thank you, Professor. My success can only be attributed to being taught by the best. I might extend your latter compliment to you as well," she added with a wink.
"Do call me Minerva. Really Sam, we are colleagues now," McGonagall said lightly.
"As you wish, Minerva."
As Snape turned to leave, musing over what he had overheard McGonagall say, he heard Dumbledore's cheerful voice behind him. "Leaving so soon, Severus? I had rather hoped to introduce Sam to you in person."
Snape stopped and turned around slowly, forcing a weak grin on his face. He'd had quite enough for one day, and was eager to simply leave the obnoxious staff meeting. But O'Malley seemed oblivious to his discomfort, and ignored his look of complete disinterest. "A pleasure to meet you, Professor Snape," she said intently. She reached down and took his hand in a firm handshake, gazing intently at him with blue ocean eyes.
Snape maintained a cool demeanor, despite being a little shocked that she so boldly shook his hand. He bowed slightly, saying, "likewise." O'Malley released her hand first, and Snape noticed the sizeable, almost translucent ring on her right hand. It was beautiful and unusual, with multi-colored striations that seemed to be ever moving inside of it. Snape also noticed, for a brief moment, a slightly calculating scrutiny in O'Malley's eyes. He felt oddly unsettled, like there was something almost foreboding about the way she gazed at him.
Before he had a chance to think about it too much, though, Dumbledore said, "Time for you to settle in. Professor McGonagall will show you to your new office."
"Thank you, Albus. Your kindness is most appreciated." McGonagall walked over to them, after having a word with Madame Hooch about a new Quidditch schedule for Gryffindor house. "This way to your new office, Sam," she said warmly.
"Thank you, Minerva," she said softly, as she picked up her suitcase with the gold crest. "True to form, as always, thinking ahead to the next season of Quidditch."
"Always. Someone has to see to it that Slytherin doesn't win the Quidditch Cup at least."
As the conversation drowned away, Snape turned to Dumbledore with a look of apprehension on his face. "Headmaster, I have deep concerns about this woman. There is something suspicious about her. I can't quite place what it might be, but something is telling me that she cannot be trusted."
But Dumbledore calmly said, "You have nothing to fear, Severus. I trust Sam O'Malley as much as necessary, and she does not pose a threat to this school. I must ask you not to judge her, or weigh my decision so prematurely." Snape looked down his hooked-nose with disappointment, switching his weight from one foot to the other. "Severus, I want you to know this choice has nothing to do with a short-coming on your part. You have proven your loyalty to me, and this school for more than long enough to have my trust. This must come as small consolation to you, I know."
Snape looked at Dumbledore with arms folded. "If there is anyone I trust, headmaster, it's you. Of course you have my cooperation." Dumbledore smiled. "See you at dinner then, Severus." Snape said nothing, but managed the bare traces of a smile as he turned and walked back to his office in the dungeons.
* * * * * * *
Later that evening Snape arrived in the Great Hall, only to see O'Malley already there in the seat next to his. Snape silently cursed himself for forgetting, and hoped he could get through dinner with minimal discussion. Fortunately for Snape, O'Malley was deeply engaged in conversation with Professor Flitwick, and felt his presence was barely noticed. Snape sat down silently and waited impatiently for dinner to begin. Flitwick was clearly charmed by O'Malley, asking her all sorts of questions about her work as an Auror. "So your studies here paid off! Most definitely lived up to your predecessor, Rowena Ravenclaw! With your grades in my class, I always knew you'd be going places." Snape found it intriguing that she was an alumni of Hogwarts, a Ravenclaw no less.
"You are too kind, sir," answered O'Malley humbly.
"Tell me Sam, what charms have you found most useful in your battles against dark wizards?"
"Well Professor, I did learn--"
"Oh oh! Never mind that, did I tell you? A few years ago some students managed to defeat a fully grown mountain troll using a simple levitation charm! So proud of them, naturally, even though they broke a number of school rules in the process." Snape rolled his eyes.
"Well Professor," O'Malley said, in a serious voice, "Potter and Weasley shouldn't have flouted the school rules like that, even if the outcome was a desirable one." Snape turned his head around, at this unexpected opinion.
"They were lucky to have been successful, but they could have been harmed," she continued with an insistent tone. "Do you believe that sort of behavior should be encouraged or praised?"
"Well, no, not exactly," squeaked Professor Flitwick, avoiding O'Malley's inquiring eyes. "And how did you know it was Potter and Weasley?"
O'Malley smiled. "I do my research. And I'm just trying to make a point, Professor. Really, they shouldn't have been there in the first place if I understand the situation correctly," she continued.
Snape found himself mildly impressed by O'Malley's assertions, though he wouldn't have admitted it. Then, out of the blue, O'Malley said, "Do you have anything to add, Professor Snape?"
Snape snapped back to the present, and said, "Excuse me?"
"You've been listening to the conversation ever since you sat down, sir, so I'm offering you a chance to interject. Well?" she smiled mischievously.
"No, nothing to add. You seemed to have covered it," Snape replied, suddenly irritated. O'Malley nodded her head faintly with a look that said, "I thought not."
Just then, dinner was served. Flitwick turned gratefully to talk to McGonagall, while Sinistra of the Astronomy department, with a flirtatious laugh, turned to talk to her neighbor. After a few uncomfortable moments, O'Malley broke the silence.
"This will be your fifteenth year as Potions master, correct?" Snape didn't like the fact that she seemed to already know a fairly detailed account of everyone's personal history.
"Yes, that's correct," he simply said.
"A noble discipline, that," she said quietly.
"Yes."
"I feel fortunate to be teaching what I consider to be a noble subject myself."
"Indeed."
"Are you always this remote, Professor, or is this my lucky evening?"
"Why not at all, Professor," said Snape smoothly. "But why should we engage in conversation when you seem to know everything about me, and I know nothing of you?"
She closed her eyes in a look of feigned concentration, then replied silkily, "You know, you're right. Since I know you more than half as well as you would like and you know me less than half as well as you could, by all means ask me what you will.
Snape paused for only a moment, silently noting O'Malley's use of language. "So," he started, "you worked at the Ministry of Magic for seven years--"
"Very good," she said with a wink. "Now I know that you pay attention at staff meetings even when you're looking at the floor."
"As I was trying to say before the interruption," Snape continued cooly, "what would make you quit such a career? Not everyone would abandon such an honorable post to take up teaching."
"I can tell you that I didn't desert my former career, Professor; I merely fulfilled the objectives I had before I became an Auror in the first place. I cannot, however, answer your question as to what those objectives were. My apologies, but that is my business."
"Perhaps a more elementary question, like where you're originally from?"
"I have lived in London, among Muggles for most of my life."
"So you are Muggle-born then?" Snape asked calmly, in response to the vague answer.
"That was rather slippery of you, Professor Snape. The blood in my veins does not concern you, as your blood does not concern me. And you will soon find out that I am rarely trapped in the game of wits, so it is pointless for you to try a trick like that again."
Snape was slightly taken aback, his pallid face going a shade lighter than normal. O'Malley smirked, waiting for his reply. "Then I'll be sure to be more careful to please you from now on," he said sarcastically, his lip curling into a sneer.
"That would be grand, thank you," O'Malley replied with a grin. "Ah, well I'll be needing to get back to my office. It's really a much better office than I expected. Goodnight, Professor Snape."
"Goodnight, Professor O'Malley," Snape muttered under his breath as she left. The table was now almost empty, as a disgruntled Snape thought about how much he detested this new teacher. How dare she rub his nose in that job. Someone ought to teach her to mind her place. Snape was also particularly annoyed that O'Malley was so nebulous about her history. Snape didn't publicize his past, but he certainly didn't hide from it or make excuses. He would, after all, be a hypocrite if he pretended that it didn't exist. Snape was beginning to think she was also a bit of a coward. The worst kind of witch was one who kept up a pretense, sidestepping her past because it might potentially damage a perfect image. It was true Snape didn't always agree with some of his other colleagues, but he had a degree of respect for them all the same because they were straightforward. At least he wouldn't have to deal with O'Malley any more often than absolutely necessary.