A/N: I hope you all like my story! Please R/R!
Severus Snape awoke slowly and opened his deep blue eyes. He groaned as he began to gradually lift himself out of bed. He slid his dark, silk bed covers off his lean body, stretched wearily and headed towards the lavatory. Despite the fact that the dungeons are always dark, at this time in the morning it was particularly dim. Large dark shapes danced along the walls as he walked and were exaggerated more so when he lit the candles in his chambers with a quick incantation. He reached his washroom and was met by a gloomy looking man in the mirror. Although, like always, pleased with his physical shape, (which not many knew of), he was displeased with many other aspects of himself. He had deep creases in his face from years of being over-tired and over-worked, and of course the horrid dark mark branded into his forearm. He quickly brushed these thoughts away as he ran a hot and pleasantly foamy bubble bath, quite contrary to what would normally be associated with his persona. He of course would vehemently deny any such reference to this particular tendency. After all, his appearance in the eyes of others, that is, his rigid, greasy, cruel disposition was essential to his entire being. He had tried being the way he truly was and is around other people, but was only ridiculed and made a fool of, which he would never forget.
He climbed into the steamy pool of bubbly water and sank into relaxation. He loved to wake up and clear his mind of pestering thoughts as well as relax his body before starting the day. It seemed to put a good start on everything.
After a short time, Severus reluctantly got out of the bathtub and let the water empty slowly down the drain. He tied a robe around himself after drying his body carefully with a generously sized towel. He walked back outside into his bedroom and strode over to his closet. He swung the large door open and shivered as the swinging doors caused cold air to brush across him. He gazed into his closet and was alarmed to see that one of his sets of robes was missing. He wasn't entirely sure how to deal with the situation considering he wasn't one for misplacing his items. He knew of every item he possessed was, how much of it he had and where it was kept. That is the way it had always been for him. So he just stared for several long moments until he decided to get dressed and speak to Dumbledore over the matter. Just as he was finishing combing his hair, he heard the familiar tapping of an owl's beak at the window. He let the owl inside and snatched the letter up immediately.
Dear Severus:
I've been trying to reach you the last little while, but have been unable to by any other means than this. I request a meeting as soon as you are available this morning. It will be brief.
-Albus Dumbledore
The letter was scrawled in haste and Severus had recognized the old wizard's handwriting as soon as he had opened the letter. Since he was finished he decided he might as well go straight away to see Albus and then he could ask about his missing robes.
********
"Sweet Tart Severus?" Albus offered knowing the answer.
"No thank you Albus. I really think we should just get down to business. I have other matters to attend to today."
Albus withheld the desire to grin. He knew Severus probably better than anyone else and he could see when Severus was putting on an act and now was definitely one of those times. Severus pretended to want to leave as soon as possible as well as criticize Albus over many things but under it all, Albus knew that he and Severus held a magical bond. That bond of course being a long a trust filled friendship. "Ah yes Severus, you are quite right." He said putting the candies down. Albus stared at him a moment longer.
"Well, what is it?" Severus replied impatiently.
"Oh! These days it's hard for my mind not to wander. No matter. I called you here to inform you of some very important and if I may, exciting news. My dear Severus, after all these years, I'm requesting that you fill the position of the Defense Against the Dark Arts department." Albus paused a moment for effect and for his own personal enjoyment in unfamiliar look on Severus' face. Albus had not known him to look shocked and now he looked not only shocked, but also filled with complete and utter joy, another emotion not commonly seen on the former potions master.
Severus quickly brushed his astonishment aside for a look of nonchalance and replied coolly, "But Albus, who will teach potions?"
"Not to worry Severus. I have a replacement on hand. A fellow by the name of Alton Vaughn."
"Are you sure about this Albus? I mean I've been teaching here for Merlin knows how long, everyone knows how much I want this job and this is the first time that you've offered. Why now?"
"Well, Severus, it's quite simple. There seems to be nobody interested in filling the position this year. It's rumored to be cursed." Albus replied, looking at him with that familiar twinkle in his eyes. "Well, if you have other matters to attend to and more preparations in hand then you best be off."
Severus rose from his chair and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered, "One more thing Albus, some of my robes have gone missing from my closet."
"What did they look like?" Albus said and then chuckled in amusement. He knew very well that Severus Snape owned only black robes of the same type."
"Yes, very amusing Albus. Unlike you I find this to be a serious offense. I'd like matters to dealt with immediately."
"As you wish Severus."
With that, Snape left Dumbledore's office and with his robes billowing, headed back down towards the dungeons.
********
Although he didn't look it, Snape was brimming with immaculate joy. It had been his dream for as long as he could remember to be the DADA professor. Each time Dumbledore revealed to him that he had not been chosen for the job, small piece of himself was chipped away, a small yet significant piece of his heart. Perhaps that's why he had grown ever colder and more distant from the outside world as the years progressed. He's always attributed it to Voldemort, but perhaps there were other factors at fault. Perhaps, he thought o himself, things will change now that the pieces have been restored.
As the days before the new years were growing ever shorter, Harry, Ron and Hermione met in Diagon Alley to purchase their effects for the new school year.
"I need some new robes again. Mum's not going to be happy 'bout that. I hate second-hand robes. Why do have to keep bloody growing. You'd think I'd be done by now for Merlin's sake." Ron said, now prominently taller than the other two.
"Oh quit complaining. Besides, there's nothing wrong with second-hand robes." Hermione replied.
"Well, where to first? I say we head over to Flourish and Blotts. Looks like we're getting a different set of DADA textbooks this year. And new potions one's as well. I wonder what that's about." Harry said.
"Maybe they sacked that old..."
"Well, well, well, you three together...again. Very surprising. Snape said sarcastically.
"Professor Snape! What...I've never seen you here before. I always assumed you sent out for your things."
"Yes, well, I didn't have time to order the things I needed for this year. I should also like to know why you take it that you can pry into my business whenever you feel like it. If you'll excuse me, I don't have time to spend idly chatting and wasting time in the middle of the street. Excuse me." Snape said storming away, which was customary for him.
"Well that was odd." Hermione said.
"What?" Harry and Ron asked in unison.
"Did you see what he was carrying?"
"Obviously not Hermione, just spill it." Ron said.
Hermione glared at him for a second and then replied, "He was carrying a small cage with a black sheet over it. I wonder what on earth it is."
"It's probably a new best friend for bloody git." Ron said grinning at his joke.
"Well, he said he was picking things up for school, right?" Harry said.
"That's right Harry! I wonder what on earth we're doing in Potions this year." Hermione said thoughtfully. Her brow was furrowed in thought and she stared questioningly at Harry for a moment longer. "This doesn't fit. He must've been lying. I mean it wouldn't be unlike him anyways."
"Well, we'll soon find out. He was right though, we better stop wasting time and get moving."
********
By the end of the afternoon, they had all bought all the things they needed for school and were sitting in Ron's bedroom at the 'Burrow'. Ron was complaining about his robes again, and Hermione was proudly displaying her new quills.
"Oh Ron, stop being childish. You're just saying that because you hate buying everything second-hand." Hermione said with a tinge of annoyance in her voice.
"I'm not making it up. It's itchy all over and it doesn't fit right. It's loose at the top and tight at the bottom." Ron replied defensively.
"He's right 'Mione. It does look kind of funny." Harry said smirking.
"See! Harry agrees with me."
"Oh Harry, stop it! It looks fine Ron! Honestly Harry I don't know why you do that. You know how he'll react. He'll get all worked up over and decide he'd rather wear his old robes or something silly like that."
Harry smiled as Hermione said this. She was completely right. "I....don't know what you mean..." He replied with a smirk painted across his face. He was trying, rather unsuccessfully, to it conceal with one of his new textbooks."
This how things often were with them and they each didn't mind a bit. Although, now with the war growing ever more dangerous and news of Voldemort coming more often, there was a hidden tinge of fear and nervousness. Everyone had it and it was felt mostly when rooms went silent or conversations ended. It was hard not to feel this way. Things were looking up though. The Order apparently had some really good leads and they were making a lot of progress.
"I can't believe summer's over." Hermione remarked to fill the uneasy silence.
"I can. I've been praying for tomorrow the whole summer." Harry replied greatfully.
The conversation continued on this way for most of the night, until they finally decided to go to get some rest for the big day ahead of them.
********
They awoke with a start as Hedwig began screeching with a noise similar to nails on a chalk board.
"Shut it Hedwig!" Harry groaned. He opened his eyes and realized that Hedwig was only signaling for them to wake up. It was rather silly that he'd forgotten that he had school today, considering it was the first and one of the most enjoyable days. "Ron! RON!"
"Whaaaaaaat? What is it?" Ron said trying to open his eyes.
"It's time to get up mate. School, remember?"
"Yeah, yeah. Next time I say we get mum to wake us. By the way," he said sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Have you got any idea who's teaching DADA this year?"
"Me? How would I know? Your dad works for the ministry for Merlin's sake!" Harry said as he began dressing.
Ron got out of bed, which seemed extremely difficult for him, stretched and began to dress. "Dad says he hasn't got any word of it yet. I thought maybe you heard from Remus or..."
"Sorry Ron, haven't heard anything." Harry said as he finished dressing and began to attempt to tame his hair that he now referred to as "The Beast".
They both headed down stairs towards the kitchen. Hermoine and the rest of the family was there already starting on breakfast.
"Good-morning boys! Here sit down now. I fetch you some breakfast." Mrs. Weasley said emphatically.
Harry and Ron sat down next to each other and ate ravenously as their breakfast was brought to them. As soon as everyone was finished eating and getting ready, they proceeded to load the car, which was once again magically altered to fit everything.
They reached the platform with no worries or problems, the four waved goodbye to Mrs. and Mr. Weasley and they took their places on the train to Hogwarts.
********
Severus Snape awoke slowly and opened his deep blue eyes. He groaned as he began to gradually lift himself out of bed. He slid his dark, silk bed covers off his lean body, stretched wearily and headed towards the lavatory. Despite the fact that the dungeons are always dark, at this time in the morning it was particularly dim. Large dark shapes danced along the walls as he walked and were exaggerated more so when he lit the candles in his chambers with a quick incantation. He reached his washroom and was met by a gloomy looking man in the mirror. Although, like always, pleased with his physical shape, (which not many knew of), he was displeased with many other aspects of himself. He had deep creases in his face from years of being over-tired and over-worked, and of course the horrid dark mark branded into his forearm. He quickly brushed these thoughts away as he ran a hot and pleasantly foamy bubble bath, quite contrary to what would normally be associated with his persona. He of course would vehemently deny any such reference to this particular tendency. After all, his appearance in the eyes of others, that is, his rigid, greasy, cruel disposition was essential to his entire being. He had tried being the way he truly was and is around other people, but was only ridiculed and made a fool of, which he would never forget.
He climbed into the steamy pool of bubbly water and sank into relaxation. He loved to wake up and clear his mind of pestering thoughts as well as relax his body before starting the day. It seemed to put a good start on everything.
After a short time, Severus reluctantly got out of the bathtub and let the water empty slowly down the drain. He tied a robe around himself after drying his body carefully with a generously sized towel. He walked back outside into his bedroom and strode over to his closet. He swung the large door open and shivered as the swinging doors caused cold air to brush across him. He gazed into his closet and was alarmed to see that one of his sets of robes was missing. He wasn't entirely sure how to deal with the situation considering he wasn't one for misplacing his items. He knew of every item he possessed was, how much of it he had and where it was kept. That is the way it had always been for him. So he just stared for several long moments until he decided to get dressed and speak to Dumbledore over the matter. Just as he was finishing combing his hair, he heard the familiar tapping of an owl's beak at the window. He let the owl inside and snatched the letter up immediately.
Dear Severus:
I've been trying to reach you the last little while, but have been unable to by any other means than this. I request a meeting as soon as you are available this morning. It will be brief.
-Albus Dumbledore
The letter was scrawled in haste and Severus had recognized the old wizard's handwriting as soon as he had opened the letter. Since he was finished he decided he might as well go straight away to see Albus and then he could ask about his missing robes.
********
"Sweet Tart Severus?" Albus offered knowing the answer.
"No thank you Albus. I really think we should just get down to business. I have other matters to attend to today."
Albus withheld the desire to grin. He knew Severus probably better than anyone else and he could see when Severus was putting on an act and now was definitely one of those times. Severus pretended to want to leave as soon as possible as well as criticize Albus over many things but under it all, Albus knew that he and Severus held a magical bond. That bond of course being a long a trust filled friendship. "Ah yes Severus, you are quite right." He said putting the candies down. Albus stared at him a moment longer.
"Well, what is it?" Severus replied impatiently.
"Oh! These days it's hard for my mind not to wander. No matter. I called you here to inform you of some very important and if I may, exciting news. My dear Severus, after all these years, I'm requesting that you fill the position of the Defense Against the Dark Arts department." Albus paused a moment for effect and for his own personal enjoyment in unfamiliar look on Severus' face. Albus had not known him to look shocked and now he looked not only shocked, but also filled with complete and utter joy, another emotion not commonly seen on the former potions master.
Severus quickly brushed his astonishment aside for a look of nonchalance and replied coolly, "But Albus, who will teach potions?"
"Not to worry Severus. I have a replacement on hand. A fellow by the name of Alton Vaughn."
"Are you sure about this Albus? I mean I've been teaching here for Merlin knows how long, everyone knows how much I want this job and this is the first time that you've offered. Why now?"
"Well, Severus, it's quite simple. There seems to be nobody interested in filling the position this year. It's rumored to be cursed." Albus replied, looking at him with that familiar twinkle in his eyes. "Well, if you have other matters to attend to and more preparations in hand then you best be off."
Severus rose from his chair and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered, "One more thing Albus, some of my robes have gone missing from my closet."
"What did they look like?" Albus said and then chuckled in amusement. He knew very well that Severus Snape owned only black robes of the same type."
"Yes, very amusing Albus. Unlike you I find this to be a serious offense. I'd like matters to dealt with immediately."
"As you wish Severus."
With that, Snape left Dumbledore's office and with his robes billowing, headed back down towards the dungeons.
********
Although he didn't look it, Snape was brimming with immaculate joy. It had been his dream for as long as he could remember to be the DADA professor. Each time Dumbledore revealed to him that he had not been chosen for the job, small piece of himself was chipped away, a small yet significant piece of his heart. Perhaps that's why he had grown ever colder and more distant from the outside world as the years progressed. He's always attributed it to Voldemort, but perhaps there were other factors at fault. Perhaps, he thought o himself, things will change now that the pieces have been restored.
As the days before the new years were growing ever shorter, Harry, Ron and Hermione met in Diagon Alley to purchase their effects for the new school year.
"I need some new robes again. Mum's not going to be happy 'bout that. I hate second-hand robes. Why do have to keep bloody growing. You'd think I'd be done by now for Merlin's sake." Ron said, now prominently taller than the other two.
"Oh quit complaining. Besides, there's nothing wrong with second-hand robes." Hermione replied.
"Well, where to first? I say we head over to Flourish and Blotts. Looks like we're getting a different set of DADA textbooks this year. And new potions one's as well. I wonder what that's about." Harry said.
"Maybe they sacked that old..."
"Well, well, well, you three together...again. Very surprising. Snape said sarcastically.
"Professor Snape! What...I've never seen you here before. I always assumed you sent out for your things."
"Yes, well, I didn't have time to order the things I needed for this year. I should also like to know why you take it that you can pry into my business whenever you feel like it. If you'll excuse me, I don't have time to spend idly chatting and wasting time in the middle of the street. Excuse me." Snape said storming away, which was customary for him.
"Well that was odd." Hermione said.
"What?" Harry and Ron asked in unison.
"Did you see what he was carrying?"
"Obviously not Hermione, just spill it." Ron said.
Hermione glared at him for a second and then replied, "He was carrying a small cage with a black sheet over it. I wonder what on earth it is."
"It's probably a new best friend for bloody git." Ron said grinning at his joke.
"Well, he said he was picking things up for school, right?" Harry said.
"That's right Harry! I wonder what on earth we're doing in Potions this year." Hermione said thoughtfully. Her brow was furrowed in thought and she stared questioningly at Harry for a moment longer. "This doesn't fit. He must've been lying. I mean it wouldn't be unlike him anyways."
"Well, we'll soon find out. He was right though, we better stop wasting time and get moving."
********
By the end of the afternoon, they had all bought all the things they needed for school and were sitting in Ron's bedroom at the 'Burrow'. Ron was complaining about his robes again, and Hermione was proudly displaying her new quills.
"Oh Ron, stop being childish. You're just saying that because you hate buying everything second-hand." Hermione said with a tinge of annoyance in her voice.
"I'm not making it up. It's itchy all over and it doesn't fit right. It's loose at the top and tight at the bottom." Ron replied defensively.
"He's right 'Mione. It does look kind of funny." Harry said smirking.
"See! Harry agrees with me."
"Oh Harry, stop it! It looks fine Ron! Honestly Harry I don't know why you do that. You know how he'll react. He'll get all worked up over and decide he'd rather wear his old robes or something silly like that."
Harry smiled as Hermione said this. She was completely right. "I....don't know what you mean..." He replied with a smirk painted across his face. He was trying, rather unsuccessfully, to it conceal with one of his new textbooks."
This how things often were with them and they each didn't mind a bit. Although, now with the war growing ever more dangerous and news of Voldemort coming more often, there was a hidden tinge of fear and nervousness. Everyone had it and it was felt mostly when rooms went silent or conversations ended. It was hard not to feel this way. Things were looking up though. The Order apparently had some really good leads and they were making a lot of progress.
"I can't believe summer's over." Hermione remarked to fill the uneasy silence.
"I can. I've been praying for tomorrow the whole summer." Harry replied greatfully.
The conversation continued on this way for most of the night, until they finally decided to go to get some rest for the big day ahead of them.
********
They awoke with a start as Hedwig began screeching with a noise similar to nails on a chalk board.
"Shut it Hedwig!" Harry groaned. He opened his eyes and realized that Hedwig was only signaling for them to wake up. It was rather silly that he'd forgotten that he had school today, considering it was the first and one of the most enjoyable days. "Ron! RON!"
"Whaaaaaaat? What is it?" Ron said trying to open his eyes.
"It's time to get up mate. School, remember?"
"Yeah, yeah. Next time I say we get mum to wake us. By the way," he said sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Have you got any idea who's teaching DADA this year?"
"Me? How would I know? Your dad works for the ministry for Merlin's sake!" Harry said as he began dressing.
Ron got out of bed, which seemed extremely difficult for him, stretched and began to dress. "Dad says he hasn't got any word of it yet. I thought maybe you heard from Remus or..."
"Sorry Ron, haven't heard anything." Harry said as he finished dressing and began to attempt to tame his hair that he now referred to as "The Beast".
They both headed down stairs towards the kitchen. Hermoine and the rest of the family was there already starting on breakfast.
"Good-morning boys! Here sit down now. I fetch you some breakfast." Mrs. Weasley said emphatically.
Harry and Ron sat down next to each other and ate ravenously as their breakfast was brought to them. As soon as everyone was finished eating and getting ready, they proceeded to load the car, which was once again magically altered to fit everything.
They reached the platform with no worries or problems, the four waved goodbye to Mrs. and Mr. Weasley and they took their places on the train to Hogwarts.
********