The Mirror Has Two Faces
Chapter 3
"They are forever in our hearts and our memories. We can never forget them and what they died to give to all of us. Thank you all for coming." Headmaster Severus Snape then bowed his head in silence as people began to converse.
Alexi stood in the rear of the dispersing group at the memorial. Silent tears fell from her eyes and she wiped at them absently.
"Lurking in the shadows, Professor Morrocan?"
Alexi nearly yelped in surprise at the voice in her ear.
"Headmaster....you startled me."
"Obviously."
She chose to ignore his comment.
"I merely didn't feel like expressing my emotions in front of everyone else."
He nodded silently and stood with her a moment watching the few who remained leave their flowers and remembrances.
"You were very close to the late Professor Dumbledore, were you not?"
Silence followed her question. She turned her head towards him to see if he had heard her.
"Severus?"
He shook himself.
"Hmm? Yes. He was like a father to me. Did you know him?"
She nodded.
"I met him before. He was a very kind and wise man. He always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye."
Her eyes began to mist and it was her turn to shake herself.
"Well, good evening Headmaster. I think it's time I retired for the evening."
He inclined his head as she turned and walked away.
She almost made it to her rooms before she began to cry.
The next day was less ominous and the students were excited about the newly announced talent contest. After performing her morning regimen, Alexi had resigned herself to the library for a few hours. She had decided to skip breakfast. After some light morning reading, she readied herself for her classes. Remus had decided to place the sign up sheets outside her door and she was surprised to see so many names already on the try out list, as well as a line leading to it.
"Well, Im very glad you are all so eager to volunteer! There will be more time after classes today to sign up, but for now I think you all have your own classes to attend." she spoke quickly as she entered her classroom.
The students outside her door began to disperse and she began to teach her class.
That night at dinner, she told Remus about all the students who had already signed up.
"It looks like most people are going to be singing. It'll be a regular Pop Idol, Hogwarts style!"
Lupin laughed.
"Simon Cowley, eat your heart out! It's hard to believe that man is a wizard."he said smiling.
Alexi smiled as well.
She leaned in to whisper to him.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was related to our dear headmaster."
Lupin chuckled.
"They'd be perfect siblings."
"Except that Severus is much better looking."
She quickly put a hand over her mouth.
"So, do I detect a little attraction to Severus Alexi?"
"I said he was attractive. That doesn't mean I'm attracted to him."
He pinned her with a look that said "don't try to fool me."
"Ok, so maybe he is a little sexy."
Another look.
"Ok, so he's very sexy. Ok and maybe I'm a little attracted to him. BUT he is definitely NOT interested in me."
As he got up to leave he leaned down and whispered to her.
"That's just what he wants you to think. You never know until you try."
She watched him leave before sneaking a glance at the middle of the table where Snape sat.
Sirus would kill her if he knew what she was thinking.
"You, and that greasy git! Ha! Not in a thousand years...." he would say. She shook her head before getting up herself.