Distractions
A/N: Please review. I'm never sure of whether the story is headed in a good direction or whether it's even worth continuing. I need some more input!
********
"Severus," Dumbledore said quickly as Snape was about to leave the table. "A word?" He said simply.
Snape stopped in mid-stride and gave his friend an irritated glance much like that of a cat after pulling it's tail. Dumbledore disappeared for a moment and returned with the new Professor following closely behind him.
"I don't believe you two have been properly introduced." Dumbledore said with the familiar twinkle in his eye. He smiled when they said nothing and continued. "Severus, this is Ms. Ariadne Rowan. Our new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, as I'm sure you know. Ms. Rowan, this is Professor Severus Snape, the potion's master at Hogwarts." Dumbledore finished with a smile.
"I'm actually somewhat of a fan," Ariadne said while they shook hands. "I've read your articles in 'Potion's Published' and I have to say they were top notch, quite interesting actually."
Snape looked disdainfully at her and replied, "You could not possibly wish to grasp the concept which is potion making. The article wasn't written for squealing little girls who weasel their way through other people's lives." He said coldly.
She was completely taken aback. She could not believe that the man, whom she would have called her role model, was acting like a complete child.
"I admit I know nothing near to what you kn-"
"Precisely, now if you'll excuse me, I have work to attend to." He said. Although on first glance, his countenance was relaxed and collected, if you looked closely, you could see the strain lines in his face from holding back his ferocity.
He stormed out of the Great Hall, robes billowing. Dumbledore and Ariadne stared after him and then turned to face one another. Dumbledore said cheekily, "I suspect a hint of territorial claiming and perhaps, some jealously along with...other mixed feelings."
Ariadne didn't quite catch what he had said. "Pardon?"
"Hmm? Oh, nothing. I'm deeply sorry for that. He has wanted your job for so long and treats most of our Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers the same way. Don't you worry, our other Professors are much more...out-going." He said, not wanting to give Snape a worse image than he had already pinned on himself.
"Now my dear, I'm quite sorry but I must bid you ado." He said and dashed away. He headed towards Professor McGonagall with purpose in his stride.
"Minerva? I have a favour to ask of you." He said and waited for her to stop and turn around.
"Anything Albus. What is it you that you would like me to do?" She said in her warm Scottish brogue.
"I'll ask first that you join me in my office, as what I have to ask of you is not meant for other ears."
"Certainly." She replied and followed him as they headed towards his office. They walked through the doors of the Great Hall, around many corners, past all the wonderful Halloween décor and finally were facing the front of the familiar stone gargoyle statue that marked Dumbledore's office entrance. It had been transfigured, by Professor McGonagall in fact, to resemble something slightly more gruesome and terrifying for Halloween. Dumbledore uttered the password mindlessly and they both headed up to his office in silence.
They sat down almost in perfect unison and just as Dumbledore was about to begin Fawkes flew down in front of him. Dumbledore smiled and patted his friend gently; he was molting again. Fawkes cooed at him and Dumbledore realized that he had forgotten that he had brought Minerva there for a reason.
"Minerva," Dumbledore said as he lowered his head and looked up at her through his half-moon spectacles. "I brought you here to ask your opinion of something."
"I'm assuming this has something to with the Order." She said smiling slightly. She had a hunch of what was about to take place.
"Actually yes. I was pondering over the idea of making Professor Rowan our newest addition." He said. Dumbledore had more than pondered over and Minerva knew that as well but said nothing of it.
"I've also been thinking over it and I think it would be wise to recruit as many allies as we can" She replied.
"Ah, I thought you'd say that. The only problem is that she was rather sketchy over her past. I was wondering if you could try and find out some things just to make sure we can trust her."
"I suppose that's the best way to go." Dumbledore smiled at her gratefully.
********
The students soon learned of their new Professor and agreed that she was not only beautiful but also very talented in the Defense Against the Dark Arts. She was very easily the best teacher they had had yet. Snape was completely aware this and thus made sure that he made things as hard for her as he possibly could. She seemed not to mind in the slightest though, this bothered him even more. She knew what the situation was and felt bad for Snape but thought that he was acting rather childish and therefore chose to ignore him.
Ariadne was rather intrigued by the school. She had not attended school in Britain but in Italy. She had lived in Britain when she was a child but her family had moved just before her eleventh birthday. She was always sorry that she wasn't able to stay in Britain and see if any of her old friends had received the letter.
The students here were wonderful and much better behaved than she remembered being. Many showed a passion, like her, for the Defense Against the Dark Arts. One of these students in particular was Harry Potter. She of course had heard of him but she had not expected such a kind-hearted and easy-going young man. His friends were wonderful as well. She particularly enjoyed teaching all of the Gryffindor students only because the other houses just weren't as enthusiastic. Slytherin for example, seemed the worst for obeying rules. Most appeared to be spoiled brats but she went on trying to gain their respect anyways. She had never expected to grow bonds such as the ones she had, not only such a short time, but with any student at all. Her last teaching posts had not gone so successfully. Luckily Dumbledore was able to look past that.
Severus Snape however, was not. He had been doing some research of his own. He discovered just how unsuccessfully her last teaching posts had been and decided to keep it to himself for the moment. A feeling of satisfaction seeped into him as he uncovered the information and for the next few days, he wore a smug little smirk. He was not entirely sure how he was going to use this information, but he knew that in time it would prove most useful.
********
"Mr. Longbottom, I don't think it's possible for the human mind to forget something as elementary as this."
Hermione nudged Neville's arm to reassure him and smiled at him encouragingly.
"Now Mr. Longbottom, can you please recite to me the EXACT instructions."
"Y...yes sir." He picked up his paper and began to read the instructions he had copied earlier. "First, bring the water to a boil. Then chop the Sortal leaves finely into near shreds. Then, you add them to the boiling water and let simmer - "
Hermione lowered her head.
"Are you aware that you have forgotten something?" Seeing no response he continued, "You must add two drops of Eel's blood first, then STIR in the Sortal leaves slowly and gradually bring to a simmer." He paused. "You have forgotten the very heart of the potion. Without it, the boiled Sortal leaves become extremely dangerous. That is the precise reason that I must now not only order a new cauldron, but also have the desk repaired! This potion is extremely important for you to learn," He smiled an evil grin, "Do it again in front of the class. Come to the front here and use this cauldron." He said handing him a clean and undamaged pitch cauldron. Neville's face seamed to match the white of his eyes. He walked to the front and took the cauldron from Snape while silently praying for nothing to go wrong. He was in the process of adding two drops of Eel's blood when, to Neville's relief, Snape and rest of the class' attention was drawn to the door. There was a light tapping coming from the other side. The class knew that this sound meant trouble; nobody interrupted Snape's lessons.
Snape walked towards the door and opened it a sliver. "Hello Professor Snape. I was wondering if I could watch the remainder of the lesson." Professor Rowan said sweetly.
Snape, stunned by this out of the ordinary interruption was even more flabbergasted by the request made by Professor Rowan. He merely nodded and opened the door wider. He walked back to the front of the room and announced that Professor Rowan would be joining them for the remainder of the lesson.
"That's enough Mr. Longbottom, you seem to have grasped the concept...somewhat. You may return to your seat." Neville heaved a sigh of relief and almost flew back to his seat next to Hermione.
"I will demonstrate the proper way to create this potion and," He stopped talking as he looked up at Professor Rowan. He hadn't paid any attention to her before, but now he noticed her like a beacon. She was wearing a short skirt letting her gorgeous, smooth, long legs show and not only that, but a tight and sheer top that made him gulp. He could almost see the outline of, well everything. It was mesmerizing. Soon though he realized what he was doing and scolded himself silently. He shook his head and continued, "You will be tested on this tomorrow." He said, his voice quivering just slightly. He began making the potion and the class watched wide eyed as he chopped the Sortal leaves expertly and then proceeded to add them to the boiling water, forgetting the Eel's blood entirely and burning a whole through the bottom of his obviously prized and expensive cauldron and part of his desk.
Professor Rowan was near to soiling herself at his reaction. At first she thought he didn't care but then when he had stared at her in that longing way with his eyes glazed over, she knew exactly what he had been thinking.
Snape could not believe what he had just done. Like always though, his temper got the better of him, "You, this is your doing! Do you have any idea what you have done? Get out of my classroom!" Snape bellowed. The class was used to Snape's regular anger but not this insane fury. They jumped at each syllable and emphasis he made on his words and were completely and utterly grateful when they realized that the class was over. They all but trampled each other to get out.
********
For the first time, Snape was forced to sit next to Ariadne. He had arrived late for dinner, most unusual for him. Ariadne made no comment of course though. He was grateful for this. He had completely lost it earlier on and was not sure how she was going to react it. The situation had just become 10 times more awkward. He, like normal said nothing to her throughout the course of the meal and wouldn't have been able to even try to insult her because she was avidly discussing her childhood with Professor McGonagall. She was turned to face her and seemed particularly interested in Minerva's past as well. Snape knew better than to just look past this, Dumbledore was behind it.
Sure enough, after dinner, Dumbledore requested that he escort miss Rowan to the meeting tomorrow night. He was to arrive promptly at her door at 8:00. Snape felt that it was too soon for her to join and that they should learn more about her but Dumbledore strongly disagreed.
Something itched at the back of his mind and later on that night he remembered what it was. He smirked in the dark of his room and slept peacefully as a plan formed in his mind.
********
"Good evening Professor Rowan." Snape said nonchalantly. It was the nicest thing he had said to her yet.
She smiled at him pleasantly and asked him to wait a moment longer. She invited him to come in and sit down, but he refused. She emerged from her room after a few minutes, closed her door behind her and locked it.
"So Professor, how long have you been in this...organization?"
"I don't think it's quite appropriate that we discuss it in the open." He said coldly.
She merely nodded and continued to follow his lead. They reached the doors and headed outside. It was much colder than Ariadne had anticipated and she shivered uncontrollably as soon as they stepped outside. Snape noticed this and wrapped his cloak around her shoulders.
Ariadne was more than surprised. She uttered simply, "Thank you." Snape grunted in reply.
They reached the edge of the grounds, past Hagrid's hut and outside of a large wooden gate. It looked very old and was intricately carved with Hogwarts' symbols.
"Now, you'll have to grab onto me just incase." Snape said. "We're to apparate to the building but because you don't know where it is, you must listen to what I say carefully." She nodded in reply and latched onto his arm obediently. Snape muttered an incantation and they were suddenly in front of the familiar row of houses. Snape led her to where they needed to be and entered the great, dilapidated building.
********
Next Chapter: Snape carries out his plan, but it does it work the way he hopes??
A/N: Please review. I'm never sure of whether the story is headed in a good direction or whether it's even worth continuing. I need some more input!
********
"Severus," Dumbledore said quickly as Snape was about to leave the table. "A word?" He said simply.
Snape stopped in mid-stride and gave his friend an irritated glance much like that of a cat after pulling it's tail. Dumbledore disappeared for a moment and returned with the new Professor following closely behind him.
"I don't believe you two have been properly introduced." Dumbledore said with the familiar twinkle in his eye. He smiled when they said nothing and continued. "Severus, this is Ms. Ariadne Rowan. Our new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, as I'm sure you know. Ms. Rowan, this is Professor Severus Snape, the potion's master at Hogwarts." Dumbledore finished with a smile.
"I'm actually somewhat of a fan," Ariadne said while they shook hands. "I've read your articles in 'Potion's Published' and I have to say they were top notch, quite interesting actually."
Snape looked disdainfully at her and replied, "You could not possibly wish to grasp the concept which is potion making. The article wasn't written for squealing little girls who weasel their way through other people's lives." He said coldly.
She was completely taken aback. She could not believe that the man, whom she would have called her role model, was acting like a complete child.
"I admit I know nothing near to what you kn-"
"Precisely, now if you'll excuse me, I have work to attend to." He said. Although on first glance, his countenance was relaxed and collected, if you looked closely, you could see the strain lines in his face from holding back his ferocity.
He stormed out of the Great Hall, robes billowing. Dumbledore and Ariadne stared after him and then turned to face one another. Dumbledore said cheekily, "I suspect a hint of territorial claiming and perhaps, some jealously along with...other mixed feelings."
Ariadne didn't quite catch what he had said. "Pardon?"
"Hmm? Oh, nothing. I'm deeply sorry for that. He has wanted your job for so long and treats most of our Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers the same way. Don't you worry, our other Professors are much more...out-going." He said, not wanting to give Snape a worse image than he had already pinned on himself.
"Now my dear, I'm quite sorry but I must bid you ado." He said and dashed away. He headed towards Professor McGonagall with purpose in his stride.
"Minerva? I have a favour to ask of you." He said and waited for her to stop and turn around.
"Anything Albus. What is it you that you would like me to do?" She said in her warm Scottish brogue.
"I'll ask first that you join me in my office, as what I have to ask of you is not meant for other ears."
"Certainly." She replied and followed him as they headed towards his office. They walked through the doors of the Great Hall, around many corners, past all the wonderful Halloween décor and finally were facing the front of the familiar stone gargoyle statue that marked Dumbledore's office entrance. It had been transfigured, by Professor McGonagall in fact, to resemble something slightly more gruesome and terrifying for Halloween. Dumbledore uttered the password mindlessly and they both headed up to his office in silence.
They sat down almost in perfect unison and just as Dumbledore was about to begin Fawkes flew down in front of him. Dumbledore smiled and patted his friend gently; he was molting again. Fawkes cooed at him and Dumbledore realized that he had forgotten that he had brought Minerva there for a reason.
"Minerva," Dumbledore said as he lowered his head and looked up at her through his half-moon spectacles. "I brought you here to ask your opinion of something."
"I'm assuming this has something to with the Order." She said smiling slightly. She had a hunch of what was about to take place.
"Actually yes. I was pondering over the idea of making Professor Rowan our newest addition." He said. Dumbledore had more than pondered over and Minerva knew that as well but said nothing of it.
"I've also been thinking over it and I think it would be wise to recruit as many allies as we can" She replied.
"Ah, I thought you'd say that. The only problem is that she was rather sketchy over her past. I was wondering if you could try and find out some things just to make sure we can trust her."
"I suppose that's the best way to go." Dumbledore smiled at her gratefully.
********
The students soon learned of their new Professor and agreed that she was not only beautiful but also very talented in the Defense Against the Dark Arts. She was very easily the best teacher they had had yet. Snape was completely aware this and thus made sure that he made things as hard for her as he possibly could. She seemed not to mind in the slightest though, this bothered him even more. She knew what the situation was and felt bad for Snape but thought that he was acting rather childish and therefore chose to ignore him.
Ariadne was rather intrigued by the school. She had not attended school in Britain but in Italy. She had lived in Britain when she was a child but her family had moved just before her eleventh birthday. She was always sorry that she wasn't able to stay in Britain and see if any of her old friends had received the letter.
The students here were wonderful and much better behaved than she remembered being. Many showed a passion, like her, for the Defense Against the Dark Arts. One of these students in particular was Harry Potter. She of course had heard of him but she had not expected such a kind-hearted and easy-going young man. His friends were wonderful as well. She particularly enjoyed teaching all of the Gryffindor students only because the other houses just weren't as enthusiastic. Slytherin for example, seemed the worst for obeying rules. Most appeared to be spoiled brats but she went on trying to gain their respect anyways. She had never expected to grow bonds such as the ones she had, not only such a short time, but with any student at all. Her last teaching posts had not gone so successfully. Luckily Dumbledore was able to look past that.
Severus Snape however, was not. He had been doing some research of his own. He discovered just how unsuccessfully her last teaching posts had been and decided to keep it to himself for the moment. A feeling of satisfaction seeped into him as he uncovered the information and for the next few days, he wore a smug little smirk. He was not entirely sure how he was going to use this information, but he knew that in time it would prove most useful.
********
"Mr. Longbottom, I don't think it's possible for the human mind to forget something as elementary as this."
Hermione nudged Neville's arm to reassure him and smiled at him encouragingly.
"Now Mr. Longbottom, can you please recite to me the EXACT instructions."
"Y...yes sir." He picked up his paper and began to read the instructions he had copied earlier. "First, bring the water to a boil. Then chop the Sortal leaves finely into near shreds. Then, you add them to the boiling water and let simmer - "
Hermione lowered her head.
"Are you aware that you have forgotten something?" Seeing no response he continued, "You must add two drops of Eel's blood first, then STIR in the Sortal leaves slowly and gradually bring to a simmer." He paused. "You have forgotten the very heart of the potion. Without it, the boiled Sortal leaves become extremely dangerous. That is the precise reason that I must now not only order a new cauldron, but also have the desk repaired! This potion is extremely important for you to learn," He smiled an evil grin, "Do it again in front of the class. Come to the front here and use this cauldron." He said handing him a clean and undamaged pitch cauldron. Neville's face seamed to match the white of his eyes. He walked to the front and took the cauldron from Snape while silently praying for nothing to go wrong. He was in the process of adding two drops of Eel's blood when, to Neville's relief, Snape and rest of the class' attention was drawn to the door. There was a light tapping coming from the other side. The class knew that this sound meant trouble; nobody interrupted Snape's lessons.
Snape walked towards the door and opened it a sliver. "Hello Professor Snape. I was wondering if I could watch the remainder of the lesson." Professor Rowan said sweetly.
Snape, stunned by this out of the ordinary interruption was even more flabbergasted by the request made by Professor Rowan. He merely nodded and opened the door wider. He walked back to the front of the room and announced that Professor Rowan would be joining them for the remainder of the lesson.
"That's enough Mr. Longbottom, you seem to have grasped the concept...somewhat. You may return to your seat." Neville heaved a sigh of relief and almost flew back to his seat next to Hermione.
"I will demonstrate the proper way to create this potion and," He stopped talking as he looked up at Professor Rowan. He hadn't paid any attention to her before, but now he noticed her like a beacon. She was wearing a short skirt letting her gorgeous, smooth, long legs show and not only that, but a tight and sheer top that made him gulp. He could almost see the outline of, well everything. It was mesmerizing. Soon though he realized what he was doing and scolded himself silently. He shook his head and continued, "You will be tested on this tomorrow." He said, his voice quivering just slightly. He began making the potion and the class watched wide eyed as he chopped the Sortal leaves expertly and then proceeded to add them to the boiling water, forgetting the Eel's blood entirely and burning a whole through the bottom of his obviously prized and expensive cauldron and part of his desk.
Professor Rowan was near to soiling herself at his reaction. At first she thought he didn't care but then when he had stared at her in that longing way with his eyes glazed over, she knew exactly what he had been thinking.
Snape could not believe what he had just done. Like always though, his temper got the better of him, "You, this is your doing! Do you have any idea what you have done? Get out of my classroom!" Snape bellowed. The class was used to Snape's regular anger but not this insane fury. They jumped at each syllable and emphasis he made on his words and were completely and utterly grateful when they realized that the class was over. They all but trampled each other to get out.
********
For the first time, Snape was forced to sit next to Ariadne. He had arrived late for dinner, most unusual for him. Ariadne made no comment of course though. He was grateful for this. He had completely lost it earlier on and was not sure how she was going to react it. The situation had just become 10 times more awkward. He, like normal said nothing to her throughout the course of the meal and wouldn't have been able to even try to insult her because she was avidly discussing her childhood with Professor McGonagall. She was turned to face her and seemed particularly interested in Minerva's past as well. Snape knew better than to just look past this, Dumbledore was behind it.
Sure enough, after dinner, Dumbledore requested that he escort miss Rowan to the meeting tomorrow night. He was to arrive promptly at her door at 8:00. Snape felt that it was too soon for her to join and that they should learn more about her but Dumbledore strongly disagreed.
Something itched at the back of his mind and later on that night he remembered what it was. He smirked in the dark of his room and slept peacefully as a plan formed in his mind.
********
"Good evening Professor Rowan." Snape said nonchalantly. It was the nicest thing he had said to her yet.
She smiled at him pleasantly and asked him to wait a moment longer. She invited him to come in and sit down, but he refused. She emerged from her room after a few minutes, closed her door behind her and locked it.
"So Professor, how long have you been in this...organization?"
"I don't think it's quite appropriate that we discuss it in the open." He said coldly.
She merely nodded and continued to follow his lead. They reached the doors and headed outside. It was much colder than Ariadne had anticipated and she shivered uncontrollably as soon as they stepped outside. Snape noticed this and wrapped his cloak around her shoulders.
Ariadne was more than surprised. She uttered simply, "Thank you." Snape grunted in reply.
They reached the edge of the grounds, past Hagrid's hut and outside of a large wooden gate. It looked very old and was intricately carved with Hogwarts' symbols.
"Now, you'll have to grab onto me just incase." Snape said. "We're to apparate to the building but because you don't know where it is, you must listen to what I say carefully." She nodded in reply and latched onto his arm obediently. Snape muttered an incantation and they were suddenly in front of the familiar row of houses. Snape led her to where they needed to be and entered the great, dilapidated building.
********
Next Chapter: Snape carries out his plan, but it does it work the way he hopes??