Chapter 38:
I summon afternoon tea to my office, preferring to stay there to organize my lesson plans. Remus thoughtfully left me very detailed instructions as to what progress all his classes had made.
The N.E.W.T.-level students are the most difficult to plan for, so I begin with the first years. They will continue to be easily impressed by various dark creatures and basic myths and legends. This method of teaching will work up through the third years. After that I'm afraid I'll have to use a bit more creativity.
I am sucking on the end of a sugar quill, attempting to look lost in thought when a soft rap is heard on my door. "Come in." I intone.
Minerva enters, robes swishing. She comes to a halt a few feet from my desk. I stand automatically, a sign of respect, and gesture for her to sit. She does, quite elegantly, and fixes me with a stern look.
Capping my real quill, and placing the confectionary creation reluctantly to the side, I turn my attention to her. "What may I help you with, Minerva?"
"Where is Severus?" she asks immediately.
My eyes widen. "I have no idea."
She does not answer, but cocks her head to side in a very cat-like gesture.
"I am being truthful, Minerva. There was a note from Severus for me this morning when I returned. I have no idea of his whereabouts. I assumed you and Albus did." I say.
She stares a moment longer, then shifts in her seat. "Albus said you would know. He's hiding something."
"Obviously." I say, immediately regretting it.
She narrows her eyes and mouth, but continues on. "Did he say when he'd be back?"
"Not precisely. Minerva, why don't you ask Albus again, now that you know he's not telling the truth?" I ask, feeling irritated about my lack of knowledge about my own husband.
"I will." She rises. On her way out the door, she turns and looks at me. "Thank you for choosing him, Bena. Remus has friends to support him. Severus has only you."
She spins and exits. So that is the reason for her visit. Well, even a disguised compliment from Minerva is still a well-earned compliment. Humming lightly to myself, I recommence with lesson plans.
Without my notice, the sun has sunk low, almost dipping below the hills, just visible from my window. I look up only when a soft rap is heard on my door. Raising my eyes, a smile crosses my face before my voice finds myself.
I stand and practically fly across the room to my husband's arms. He allows a short embrace, and then schools his features back to their stern setting. "It is time for dinner. Have you spoken with the headmaster?"
I nod. "Very well. May I escort you downstairs?" he asks, offering me his arm. I now recall why he is so subdued. I have promised myself to the Dark Lord. I am rather surprised at how quickly I forgot. I am about to question him if he occasionally lets slip the mask caused by this forced duplicity when the sound of the students assaults my ears.
"Merlin, Severus! Are they always this noisy?" I curse, bringing my hands up to my ears.
He gently pries them down. "No. High spirits are always at play after students return from holiday, though I can attest they are never quiet enough. I should tell you-all the staff will be meeting in Dumbledore's office after the feast this evening. And the Orders will be meeting after that. It will be a late night."
We part ways three steps before reaching the main doors to the Great Hall. Severus motions for me to walk in alone. He opts for entering through the side door. I watch him thoughtfully, before making my own hopefully quiet entrance.
The hall is filled to bursting with students. Every seat is taken, except for those where people have vacated to greet friends from other houses. Everyone is talking full voice, several calling out 'hullos' across the expanse. I nod to the trio of Gryffindors, who then turn to explain my presence to their housemates. I notice a few glares moments later, but shrug it off.
Following the cues from my uncle and Severus, I take the empty chair next to Hagrid, who greets me enthusiastically. I cannot resist smiling as he takes my mug and fills it to brimming with butterbeer. He immediately launches in to a recount of his day, filled with close calls with his creatures, preparing for the first day of classes.
The noise swells as students finally stop entering the hall. Albus stands up and a great hush fills the hall. Every eye, even the Slytherins are upon him. A few take the moment of silence to look over the teachers' table. They notice me and begin whispering to one another.
Uncle gives a brief speech welcoming them all back, glad to see them after the holidays, especially holidays lived in such dangerous times. He then introduces me.
Explaining I am to replace Professor Lupin meets with an almost equally divided reaction. Many look heartbroken and send nasty looks my way. The other half does not automatically approve, I discern from the cautious looks my way, but the nods do buoy me up a little.
The food appears and we tuck in marvelously. I shall never tire of the rich feasts of Hogwarts. Soon enough, the students are sent in their way and we teachers retire to the headmaster's office. Albus reiterates the threats facing students in this time of war and tells his staff to be as helpful and courteous to me as possible. Most who were not present over the holidays still recognize me. There are a few raised eyebrows, but most are quite warm and welcoming.
As we rise to shuffle out of the office, Albus calls us back. "I'm afraid I forgot to make one final announcement of change. As Professors Snape and Hummel are married, they will, of course, be sharing quarters. While this will be common knowledge among the staff, I think, for reasons obvious, that it should not be widely circulated among the students. Do I make myself clear?"
Minerva, Sybll, Pomona and Poppy all give one another knowing glances. The others stare on in mute horror. Severus and I hang our heads in embarrassment. Firmly, though meekly, I take Severus' proffered arm and exit the office, wishing I had the backbone to leave proud. Ah well. There will be a time for that soon enough.
I summon afternoon tea to my office, preferring to stay there to organize my lesson plans. Remus thoughtfully left me very detailed instructions as to what progress all his classes had made.
The N.E.W.T.-level students are the most difficult to plan for, so I begin with the first years. They will continue to be easily impressed by various dark creatures and basic myths and legends. This method of teaching will work up through the third years. After that I'm afraid I'll have to use a bit more creativity.
I am sucking on the end of a sugar quill, attempting to look lost in thought when a soft rap is heard on my door. "Come in." I intone.
Minerva enters, robes swishing. She comes to a halt a few feet from my desk. I stand automatically, a sign of respect, and gesture for her to sit. She does, quite elegantly, and fixes me with a stern look.
Capping my real quill, and placing the confectionary creation reluctantly to the side, I turn my attention to her. "What may I help you with, Minerva?"
"Where is Severus?" she asks immediately.
My eyes widen. "I have no idea."
She does not answer, but cocks her head to side in a very cat-like gesture.
"I am being truthful, Minerva. There was a note from Severus for me this morning when I returned. I have no idea of his whereabouts. I assumed you and Albus did." I say.
She stares a moment longer, then shifts in her seat. "Albus said you would know. He's hiding something."
"Obviously." I say, immediately regretting it.
She narrows her eyes and mouth, but continues on. "Did he say when he'd be back?"
"Not precisely. Minerva, why don't you ask Albus again, now that you know he's not telling the truth?" I ask, feeling irritated about my lack of knowledge about my own husband.
"I will." She rises. On her way out the door, she turns and looks at me. "Thank you for choosing him, Bena. Remus has friends to support him. Severus has only you."
She spins and exits. So that is the reason for her visit. Well, even a disguised compliment from Minerva is still a well-earned compliment. Humming lightly to myself, I recommence with lesson plans.
Without my notice, the sun has sunk low, almost dipping below the hills, just visible from my window. I look up only when a soft rap is heard on my door. Raising my eyes, a smile crosses my face before my voice finds myself.
I stand and practically fly across the room to my husband's arms. He allows a short embrace, and then schools his features back to their stern setting. "It is time for dinner. Have you spoken with the headmaster?"
I nod. "Very well. May I escort you downstairs?" he asks, offering me his arm. I now recall why he is so subdued. I have promised myself to the Dark Lord. I am rather surprised at how quickly I forgot. I am about to question him if he occasionally lets slip the mask caused by this forced duplicity when the sound of the students assaults my ears.
"Merlin, Severus! Are they always this noisy?" I curse, bringing my hands up to my ears.
He gently pries them down. "No. High spirits are always at play after students return from holiday, though I can attest they are never quiet enough. I should tell you-all the staff will be meeting in Dumbledore's office after the feast this evening. And the Orders will be meeting after that. It will be a late night."
We part ways three steps before reaching the main doors to the Great Hall. Severus motions for me to walk in alone. He opts for entering through the side door. I watch him thoughtfully, before making my own hopefully quiet entrance.
The hall is filled to bursting with students. Every seat is taken, except for those where people have vacated to greet friends from other houses. Everyone is talking full voice, several calling out 'hullos' across the expanse. I nod to the trio of Gryffindors, who then turn to explain my presence to their housemates. I notice a few glares moments later, but shrug it off.
Following the cues from my uncle and Severus, I take the empty chair next to Hagrid, who greets me enthusiastically. I cannot resist smiling as he takes my mug and fills it to brimming with butterbeer. He immediately launches in to a recount of his day, filled with close calls with his creatures, preparing for the first day of classes.
The noise swells as students finally stop entering the hall. Albus stands up and a great hush fills the hall. Every eye, even the Slytherins are upon him. A few take the moment of silence to look over the teachers' table. They notice me and begin whispering to one another.
Uncle gives a brief speech welcoming them all back, glad to see them after the holidays, especially holidays lived in such dangerous times. He then introduces me.
Explaining I am to replace Professor Lupin meets with an almost equally divided reaction. Many look heartbroken and send nasty looks my way. The other half does not automatically approve, I discern from the cautious looks my way, but the nods do buoy me up a little.
The food appears and we tuck in marvelously. I shall never tire of the rich feasts of Hogwarts. Soon enough, the students are sent in their way and we teachers retire to the headmaster's office. Albus reiterates the threats facing students in this time of war and tells his staff to be as helpful and courteous to me as possible. Most who were not present over the holidays still recognize me. There are a few raised eyebrows, but most are quite warm and welcoming.
As we rise to shuffle out of the office, Albus calls us back. "I'm afraid I forgot to make one final announcement of change. As Professors Snape and Hummel are married, they will, of course, be sharing quarters. While this will be common knowledge among the staff, I think, for reasons obvious, that it should not be widely circulated among the students. Do I make myself clear?"
Minerva, Sybll, Pomona and Poppy all give one another knowing glances. The others stare on in mute horror. Severus and I hang our heads in embarrassment. Firmly, though meekly, I take Severus' proffered arm and exit the office, wishing I had the backbone to leave proud. Ah well. There will be a time for that soon enough.