As quickly as the last week of holidays came, it went. Soon enough Snape
was back in his office the night before school started for the students.
His new ingredients sat on shelves in his dungeon classroom and his lesson
plans were tucked away in his desk drawer. He was just tidying up and
putting personal things away safely so that detention-bound students
wouldn't find or tamper with them when there was a knock on his wooden
door.
What now? He opens the door to reveal Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster, and a woman of about twenty-five whom Snape had never seen before. She had ebony wavy hair down to her waist and jet black eyes.
"Severus, may I present to you the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Miss Rebecca Bitters."
No you may not.
"This is Professor Severus Snape, the Potions Master."
"Pleasure." Severus utters in a way that shows it is nothing like a pleasure.
Rebecca holds out her hand which Snape reluctantly takes.
"Same here." There is an undercurrent in her voice that shows it is not a pleasure for her either. Professor Dumbledore, however, doesn't catch their scowls.
"Well we must be off. More professors to meet."
Snape and Bitters both nod curtly and Dumbledore leads the new teacher back down the corridor.
Grr. A new teacher indeed. Like I need to meet her. I'm not going to be close friends with her. What a waste of time and breath. Snape goes back to staking his shelves. He doesn't want to admit to himself that a woman got the job over him. It is too embarrassing for him to stand.
Soon the time comes to go to bed. The last child-free night for a whole year. That Potter better not save the day again. Just like his father, too self-absorbed, thinking he's so clever. Blowing out the candles by his four- poster bed, Severus climbs under the sheets. His sleep is not restful, he tosses and turns all night. Images of students floated through his dreams. Vision of Slytherin, his school house, losing the House Cup again for the fifth year in a row. The fact that he had lost the teaching position to an incapable woman of inexperienced years drifted across his mind. No, he does not sleep easy.
The hours come and go slowly. Since sleep remedies never help Severus, he doesn't use them. Eventually the sun rises and shines through the stone arch window opposite Snape's bed. He warily gets up knowing that this day would not be pleasant, especially after his restless night. During the day of September 1st, before the students arrive, the teachers have various staff meetings and conferences. They discuss lessons, events, future students, and numerous other subjects. Snape sees most of the teachers who all look equally relaxed and ready to sink into the hustle of the year. Miss Bitters, however, does not seem happy to be there. Her face is set in a tight frown. The only person who looks more annoyed than her is Snape.
You know, you'd think that you'd look a little appreciative when you've just been given a decent job.
Of course, all the teachers are too busy to notice other's attitudes. Yet, Snape is too tired to concentrate on Dumbledore's instructions. They were second nature to him now anyway.
And so the day continues until the sun sets beyond the horizon and the sounds of noisy children echo up the stairs from the entrance hall.
Time to face the music.
Snape joins the other teachers heading into the Great Hall. Taking his place at the staff table, he waits for the hall to fill up with the returning students.
Soon all the house tables are filled and McGonagall leaves to fetch the 1st year students for the sorting. Two minutes later the great oak doors open and about 50 new scared looking kids walk in. One by one they are sorted into their various houses. Snape's mind wanders and he gazes blankly at the hall.
At least I don't have to teach them until tomorrow. He thought. I'm just going to enjoy the feast. In fact, I don't believe I've eaten much for the last week.
Once the sorting is over, the headmaster stands up and gives his announcements and then it is finally time for the feast. The empty plates fill up with food before the students' eyes. Snape, quite famished, loads his plate and fills his goblet. On his right side is Professor Sinistra, the astronomy teacher, and on his left is, most grievously, the new DADA teacher. Miss. Bitters looks upon the students with what seems detestation. Snape finds himself wondering what she'd be like. How she would fare with the students and teachers. At the moment she is talking to Professor McGonagall on her other side.
At least she has the decency to leave me alone.
At that moment she turns in her seat to look at Snape.
Spoke too soon. Snape thinks angrily.
"Tell me professor, what is your opinion of the students?"
"Frankly they are irritating, never follow directions, and wouldn't know the difference between a bat and a slug if it bit them." Snape sneers as he says this. Normally he wouldn't tell teachers this but she is new and seems different from the other teachers somehow.
"I thought as much." She goes back to her food in silence. Snape is very relieved that he doesn't have to talk to her.
Soon enough dinner is over and it is time for bed. Before they can depart, however, Dumbledore stands up and asks for silence.
"Before you all run off to sleep off this marvelous feast there is someone I'd like to introduce. Our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year is Miss. Rebecca Bitters. I'd like you to make her feel welcome and I'm sure you'll enjoy her classes."
Rebecca stands up and the hall fills with the noise of scattered applause. Murmurs drift through the hall.
"Look, she's dressed in black."
"Look at her black hair."
"Goodness, she looks like Snape."
"She's even got the same expression on her face as Snape does."
"Yeah, like she's smelled dog poo."
"I hope she's not as mean."
"She looks very mean though."
The comments die away as Dumbledore starts to talk again.
"Well, off you go now and sleep well."
The Great Hall empties quickly and the teachers follow suit.
****
Twelve hours later Snape is seated at his mahogany desk in the Potions classroom waiting for the despicable children to enter. His first class of the year would start in less than ten minutes.
As the last of the students took their seats Snape stands up and gazes menacingly at them for, what seems to the new children, an hour.
"For those of you who know me you will remember that I don't take to jokes, mistakes, rudeness, or disruption very kindly. As long as you are in my classroom you will follow directions and try not to act like the idiots I've had to teach before." Snape spoke slowly so as not to allow anyone to miss what he had to say. "Potions is an extremely difficult and important branch of magic. It is not to be taken lightly. Anyone found playing with the potions or turning this classroom upside down will be given detention immediately." As Snape sneers at the students one by one, he pauses at his favorite student, Draco Malfoy. Malfoy belongs to Snape's house and truly appreciates the exact art of potion making. His sneer turns into a half- smirk. "I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death." Here Snape pauses to let these words sink in. He tells this to his students every year. To be honest, he quite likes watching their expressions as they realize how advanced their professor is. At least he hopes that is what they are thinking. "Now, open your textbooks to page five. Today we are going over the ingredients of a healing potion."
Meanwhile, three floors above the dungeon, Miss Bitters is teaching her first class.
"Morning class. As you know this is my first day here. I would appreciate it if you pay attention and make an effort to stay on task. This year I will be teaching you how to recognize various creatures and how to block dark spells. If you can handle it."
The students start muttering to each other as Professor Bitters turns her back to write on the board.
"Gosh, she really does sound bitter."
The famous Harry Potter turns to his friend, Ron. "Great. It's enough having one Snape, now we've got two."
"Yeah, it's like she's his twin sister or something." Ron agrees.
"Shh you two. You're going to get us in trouble." Harry's other friend, Hermione, scolds.
"Ex-cuse me." Professor Bitters turns around and glares straight at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "Did I ask you a question?"
"No m'aam." Hermione replies politely.
"Did I give you permission to speak?"
"No professor." Ron admits.
"Then be quiet. All of you." With that she takes in the whole class who instantly start writing down the information on the board into their notebooks.
****
Once the bell rings at noon the students flock to the Great Hall for lunch. Being their first day, there is much to discuss.
"It's my first day and I already lost Gyffindor five points!" Sniffled a mousy looking boy named Neville.
"Let me guess. Snape, right?" Dean Thomas looks across the table at poor Neville.
"Yes. Who else?"
Neville is always getting in trouble, mainly for breaking things or mixing potions wrong.
"It's alright Neville. We've already lost ten points for Gryffindor house." Comforted Fred, one of Ron's many older brothers.
"Yeah, I mean how're we supposed to know that McGonaglls glasses would bite her nose? I mean it's not like we were aiming for her!" CHimed in George, Fred's twin.
"What do you think of Bitters, George?" Asked Harry.
"Haven't had her yet. What's she like?"
"Bitter." Ron spat. "I mean how're we supposed to cope with all the homework we got?"
"Wait til you have Potions. I think Snape got run over during the holidays."
"Yeah, right Fred. He really loads it on. And, if possible, he's worse than last year." Agrees George.
"You know I think we should cheer him up. Waddya think George?"
"Definitely. A cheering charm would work nicely."
During lunch only a handful of teachers eat in the Great Hall. Most choose to eat in their offices where they can prepare for afternoon classes. Both Snape and Bitters have their lunch brought to their rooms. And both enjoy the peace and quiet in which they could relax.
How wonderful. Potter's in my next class. Snape remembers suddenly. This thought instantly makes him lose his appetite and he doesn't finish his meal. Potter ,Potter, How I HATE that name.
So the rumors are true. Thought Bitters. That Harry Potter does think he's so wonderful. Someone needs to teach him a lesson. I wonder how Snape deals with him.
What now? He opens the door to reveal Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster, and a woman of about twenty-five whom Snape had never seen before. She had ebony wavy hair down to her waist and jet black eyes.
"Severus, may I present to you the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Miss Rebecca Bitters."
No you may not.
"This is Professor Severus Snape, the Potions Master."
"Pleasure." Severus utters in a way that shows it is nothing like a pleasure.
Rebecca holds out her hand which Snape reluctantly takes.
"Same here." There is an undercurrent in her voice that shows it is not a pleasure for her either. Professor Dumbledore, however, doesn't catch their scowls.
"Well we must be off. More professors to meet."
Snape and Bitters both nod curtly and Dumbledore leads the new teacher back down the corridor.
Grr. A new teacher indeed. Like I need to meet her. I'm not going to be close friends with her. What a waste of time and breath. Snape goes back to staking his shelves. He doesn't want to admit to himself that a woman got the job over him. It is too embarrassing for him to stand.
Soon the time comes to go to bed. The last child-free night for a whole year. That Potter better not save the day again. Just like his father, too self-absorbed, thinking he's so clever. Blowing out the candles by his four- poster bed, Severus climbs under the sheets. His sleep is not restful, he tosses and turns all night. Images of students floated through his dreams. Vision of Slytherin, his school house, losing the House Cup again for the fifth year in a row. The fact that he had lost the teaching position to an incapable woman of inexperienced years drifted across his mind. No, he does not sleep easy.
The hours come and go slowly. Since sleep remedies never help Severus, he doesn't use them. Eventually the sun rises and shines through the stone arch window opposite Snape's bed. He warily gets up knowing that this day would not be pleasant, especially after his restless night. During the day of September 1st, before the students arrive, the teachers have various staff meetings and conferences. They discuss lessons, events, future students, and numerous other subjects. Snape sees most of the teachers who all look equally relaxed and ready to sink into the hustle of the year. Miss Bitters, however, does not seem happy to be there. Her face is set in a tight frown. The only person who looks more annoyed than her is Snape.
You know, you'd think that you'd look a little appreciative when you've just been given a decent job.
Of course, all the teachers are too busy to notice other's attitudes. Yet, Snape is too tired to concentrate on Dumbledore's instructions. They were second nature to him now anyway.
And so the day continues until the sun sets beyond the horizon and the sounds of noisy children echo up the stairs from the entrance hall.
Time to face the music.
Snape joins the other teachers heading into the Great Hall. Taking his place at the staff table, he waits for the hall to fill up with the returning students.
Soon all the house tables are filled and McGonagall leaves to fetch the 1st year students for the sorting. Two minutes later the great oak doors open and about 50 new scared looking kids walk in. One by one they are sorted into their various houses. Snape's mind wanders and he gazes blankly at the hall.
At least I don't have to teach them until tomorrow. He thought. I'm just going to enjoy the feast. In fact, I don't believe I've eaten much for the last week.
Once the sorting is over, the headmaster stands up and gives his announcements and then it is finally time for the feast. The empty plates fill up with food before the students' eyes. Snape, quite famished, loads his plate and fills his goblet. On his right side is Professor Sinistra, the astronomy teacher, and on his left is, most grievously, the new DADA teacher. Miss. Bitters looks upon the students with what seems detestation. Snape finds himself wondering what she'd be like. How she would fare with the students and teachers. At the moment she is talking to Professor McGonagall on her other side.
At least she has the decency to leave me alone.
At that moment she turns in her seat to look at Snape.
Spoke too soon. Snape thinks angrily.
"Tell me professor, what is your opinion of the students?"
"Frankly they are irritating, never follow directions, and wouldn't know the difference between a bat and a slug if it bit them." Snape sneers as he says this. Normally he wouldn't tell teachers this but she is new and seems different from the other teachers somehow.
"I thought as much." She goes back to her food in silence. Snape is very relieved that he doesn't have to talk to her.
Soon enough dinner is over and it is time for bed. Before they can depart, however, Dumbledore stands up and asks for silence.
"Before you all run off to sleep off this marvelous feast there is someone I'd like to introduce. Our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year is Miss. Rebecca Bitters. I'd like you to make her feel welcome and I'm sure you'll enjoy her classes."
Rebecca stands up and the hall fills with the noise of scattered applause. Murmurs drift through the hall.
"Look, she's dressed in black."
"Look at her black hair."
"Goodness, she looks like Snape."
"She's even got the same expression on her face as Snape does."
"Yeah, like she's smelled dog poo."
"I hope she's not as mean."
"She looks very mean though."
The comments die away as Dumbledore starts to talk again.
"Well, off you go now and sleep well."
The Great Hall empties quickly and the teachers follow suit.
****
Twelve hours later Snape is seated at his mahogany desk in the Potions classroom waiting for the despicable children to enter. His first class of the year would start in less than ten minutes.
As the last of the students took their seats Snape stands up and gazes menacingly at them for, what seems to the new children, an hour.
"For those of you who know me you will remember that I don't take to jokes, mistakes, rudeness, or disruption very kindly. As long as you are in my classroom you will follow directions and try not to act like the idiots I've had to teach before." Snape spoke slowly so as not to allow anyone to miss what he had to say. "Potions is an extremely difficult and important branch of magic. It is not to be taken lightly. Anyone found playing with the potions or turning this classroom upside down will be given detention immediately." As Snape sneers at the students one by one, he pauses at his favorite student, Draco Malfoy. Malfoy belongs to Snape's house and truly appreciates the exact art of potion making. His sneer turns into a half- smirk. "I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death." Here Snape pauses to let these words sink in. He tells this to his students every year. To be honest, he quite likes watching their expressions as they realize how advanced their professor is. At least he hopes that is what they are thinking. "Now, open your textbooks to page five. Today we are going over the ingredients of a healing potion."
Meanwhile, three floors above the dungeon, Miss Bitters is teaching her first class.
"Morning class. As you know this is my first day here. I would appreciate it if you pay attention and make an effort to stay on task. This year I will be teaching you how to recognize various creatures and how to block dark spells. If you can handle it."
The students start muttering to each other as Professor Bitters turns her back to write on the board.
"Gosh, she really does sound bitter."
The famous Harry Potter turns to his friend, Ron. "Great. It's enough having one Snape, now we've got two."
"Yeah, it's like she's his twin sister or something." Ron agrees.
"Shh you two. You're going to get us in trouble." Harry's other friend, Hermione, scolds.
"Ex-cuse me." Professor Bitters turns around and glares straight at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "Did I ask you a question?"
"No m'aam." Hermione replies politely.
"Did I give you permission to speak?"
"No professor." Ron admits.
"Then be quiet. All of you." With that she takes in the whole class who instantly start writing down the information on the board into their notebooks.
****
Once the bell rings at noon the students flock to the Great Hall for lunch. Being their first day, there is much to discuss.
"It's my first day and I already lost Gyffindor five points!" Sniffled a mousy looking boy named Neville.
"Let me guess. Snape, right?" Dean Thomas looks across the table at poor Neville.
"Yes. Who else?"
Neville is always getting in trouble, mainly for breaking things or mixing potions wrong.
"It's alright Neville. We've already lost ten points for Gryffindor house." Comforted Fred, one of Ron's many older brothers.
"Yeah, I mean how're we supposed to know that McGonaglls glasses would bite her nose? I mean it's not like we were aiming for her!" CHimed in George, Fred's twin.
"What do you think of Bitters, George?" Asked Harry.
"Haven't had her yet. What's she like?"
"Bitter." Ron spat. "I mean how're we supposed to cope with all the homework we got?"
"Wait til you have Potions. I think Snape got run over during the holidays."
"Yeah, right Fred. He really loads it on. And, if possible, he's worse than last year." Agrees George.
"You know I think we should cheer him up. Waddya think George?"
"Definitely. A cheering charm would work nicely."
During lunch only a handful of teachers eat in the Great Hall. Most choose to eat in their offices where they can prepare for afternoon classes. Both Snape and Bitters have their lunch brought to their rooms. And both enjoy the peace and quiet in which they could relax.
How wonderful. Potter's in my next class. Snape remembers suddenly. This thought instantly makes him lose his appetite and he doesn't finish his meal. Potter ,Potter, How I HATE that name.
So the rumors are true. Thought Bitters. That Harry Potter does think he's so wonderful. Someone needs to teach him a lesson. I wonder how Snape deals with him.