Hi everyone. Did you all have a good Thanksgiving?

I promised I would update quickly to get through these 'Sev-free chapters'! Hopefully this one will entertain you. Sev in chapter seven, promise.

I'm still without my betareader, so please excuse any mistakes (and remember -my spelling is British!)

Chapter Six

Settling In

Hogwarts - 6th October

'Dear Liz,

I thought I would write to let you know I am still alive! This letter will have arrived a little unconventionally, I know (I assume the owl flew out of your fireplace - I hope you didn't freak), but it's the way they communicate here. Be sure to keep the owl so you can reply to me (perhaps you could give it a bit of bacon or something?).

Life has been so hectic, I've had no time to write until now. I now have thirty-two pupils to teach - twenty-nine for piano and three for clarinet and they are all very sweet. (The one good thing about teaching a complimentary subject is that the pupils want to be there. I don't have to deal with any disruptive students - and believe me, there are some disgusting little shits in the school. I've had trouble with some of them - but that's another story.) Elmedius, the Music master, has asked if I would help with the Christmas concert, which should be exciting. I'm hoping to persuade him to include some Muggle Christmas music - perhaps Slade or Wham! (jk).

Most of the staff are really nice. Sylvia, the Herbology teacher is fun, although her language shocks even me sometimes. Our quarters are quite close to each other, so we have spent a few evenings putting away a bottle of wine. Sometimes we are joined by Vincent Bellchambers, who started at the school the same time as me. He is the most outrageous gossip and has even surprised Sylvia with things she didn't know! He always comments on what I'm wearing (I'm the only member of staff who wears 'normal' clothes) and we've even been out shopping together. I'm pretty sure he's Bi.

There is a rather austere teacher, McGonagall, who I don't think entirely approves of my relationship with Severus. It also seems that whenever I get lost around the castle (a lot!), it's always her that finds me, so she thinks I'm a bit of an air-head.

Things are great with Severus. We don't see much of each other during the working week as we have to be in our own quarters in case the kids need us in the night (although Sylvia says the kids would rather die of a burst appendix than disturb Severus at night) - it's part of the deal, and probably a good thing. Although I miss him at night, I'm not ready to take it any further and I know with absolute certainty neither is he. He finds it quite difficult to have me around at weekends as it is - not because he doesn't want me there, but he's never shared his private time so intensely before. I'm learning when to make myself scarce (and that in itself is a 'getting to know you' kind of thing, isn't it) because I really want this to work.

So, for five days a week we virtually ignore each other, which was difficult to accept at first, but I'm getting used to it. It's just his way - he's a very private man and will never be demonstrative in public. But then comes the weekend and we close the door on the rest of the school and, oh boy! Liz, I know you didn't take to him when you met him, but I can honestly say I've never been happier. He's the best - you know what I mean?

Life has changed so much and I've got so much to tell you. I'm going to find out if I can meet up with you somehow. I'm sure there must be a way.

Enough about me. Tell me your news. How are you getting on with that Yoga class you started? And what's the action on the man-front? Tell me, tell me! You're my only contact with the outside world.

I miss you, and being able to talk on the phone whenever we want, and our Saturday shopping trips - and Starbucks, of course!

Write soon.

Love and kisses,

Andi

Two days later, the owl returned with Liz's reply. It zoomed down on the breakfast table and very cleverly managed to lodge the letter between her orange juice and plate. It still made her jump though. It was the first owl communication she'd ever received.

Eager to read the letter, but wanting to do so in private, she pocketed it and waited until the end of lessons.

Professor Sinistra was in the Staff Room when she entered. They nodded to each other, but didn't enter a conversation. Professor Sinistra was a woman of very few words. She always seemed to be thinking hard about something, or jotting down calculations - her mind elsewhere. Vincent had his theories about her, but had yet to come up with any evidence.

She settled down in an armchair, cup of tea by her side and opened Liz's letter.

London - 8th October

Dear Andi,

I now have owl shit all over my fireplace. I shall never feed it bacon again. AND it tried to peck me when I had trouble getting your letter off its leg. Send a friendlier bird next time, right?

I am SO sorry about my really bad behaviour when we last met. I was totally out of order, but honestly, I was so worried you were flying off to your doom. I can tell by your letter though, that you're OK. You sound happy.

Glad to hear one of us is getting thoroughly laid. The pickings are thin around here these days. That oily little jerk from Human Resources came on to me in the pub last Friday - again. I'm going to have him up for harassment if it happens again.

Or jump on him - I'm getting that desperate!

Everything is done and dusted with your flat. I got your deposit back and have put it into the building society like you asked. I kept your big floor cushion and the shower radio, I hope you don't mind.

Something spooky to tell you. The house-clearance men complained there was a weird feel to your flat, as though they were being watched. One of them was really freaked by it, and I must admit, I felt it too. Like eyes were watching us. I didn't want to be left on my own up there. It gave me the shivers. Your flat's always been so comfortable and friendly. Strange, huh? Still, it made them do the job quicker!

Oh, and there was a letter from the police. They've towed your car away. Someone reported it abandoned up by some castle ruins. They need a hundred quid before they'll let you have it back. What do you want me to do?

Bumped into John the other week. He asked after you. I told him you'd met someone and had moved away. Did I do right?

Yoga is fine, except I've discovered it's not a good idea to eat a salad before classes. There is little fart control when you have your ankles up around your ears!

Your bloody owl is pecking at my curtains, so I'm going to sign off now and hope I can get this letter attached to its leg without it biting me again.

I'm so glad to hear you're OK and, yes please, try to meet up at some time. I miss my best friend, too.

Happy birthday for the 23rd!

Hugs,

Liz.

Ps - what's with the purple ink?'

Andi smiled as she rolled up the letter.

"Oh, someone's had good news."

She looked up as Vincent perched on the edge of her armchair. "From my friend Liz."

"The shopping diva?"

Andi giggled. "Yes. Kind of brings it home how quickly and easily I gave up my old life."

"Why, how quick was it?"

"About...a week, actually."

"Oooh, that is quick. How exciting - love at first sight." Andi went pink. "Don't look at me like that, Andrea Carver. It's as plain as the nose on your face."

"Vincent!" she hissed, glancing nervously over at Sinistra, but she was deep in calculation.

"No need to worry, you have your privacy charm." He went to the tea trolley and began pouring. "One thing puzzles me though - how is it you didn't know you were a witch until now?"

"I'm not sure the smattering of magic I know makes me a witch," she said. "I think I'm just a Muggle with magic in my genes."

"So who in your family was a witch or wizard?" he said, returning to her chair and sitting on the arm again.

"My grandfather."

"And you didn't know about him? Who is he? Do tell. It's not Albus, is it?" he said, scandalized.

"No it isn't!" She gave him a playful slap just as the Staff Room door opened and Severus entered, followed by Sylvia and Professor McGonagall.

She saw Severus' eyes flicking quickly between her and Vincent and immediately felt guilty.

"Oh, I've had a shitting arse-hole of a week - give me alcohol and oblivion...or at least tea and a dozen chocolate digestives." Sylvia headed for the trolley.

"And that'll be ten sickles in the box, Sylvia," said Professor McGonagall as she too made for the trolley.

Soon they were joined by Professors Flitwick and Timberly, Dickie Hooch and Madam Pince.

"Hagrid never comes up here?" said Andi.

"No. He prefers his own hut. He'd break the armchairs, anyway."

"Sinistra, are you going to eat that biscuit, or can I have it?" said Sylvia. "Oh, that reminds me..." She went to the pocket on her robes and brought out a box. "Andrea, this is for you." She grinned as she held it out to Andi.

"Me? What is it?" Andi took the box and saw that it apparently contained a chocolate frog.

Sylvia was laughing so hard, everyone fell silent and turned to look.

"Ooohhh, I haven't enjoyed myself so much for a long time," she said. "Picture this. A group of seventh year boys hanging around outside the greenhouse, waiting for lessons to start. She glanced around the room, to ensure she'd caught everyone's attention. "They didn't know I was all ready inside. I notice their voices are raised. Apparently one of them has got hold of a supply of chocolate frogs but is refusing to share. 'I'm not giving you one,' he says. Then clear as a bell, he says with a growl 'but I tell you something, I wouldn't mind giving Professor Carver one!'"

Andi gasped and put her hands over her face. The laughter of the others loud in her ears.

"There's more..." spluttered Sylvia. "I start walking to the door, but stop by the Mandrakes when I hear, 'Right behind you in the queue, mate' and 'yeah, wouldn't mind her blowing MY clarinet'"

"Sylvia, stop!" cried Andi, wanting to fall through the floor with embarrassment.

"So, I open the door - scared the crap out of the bastards! I give them my sweetest smile and say 'If you would really like to give Professor Carver one, hand it over and I'll pass it on to her.' Sylvia collapsed back in her chair, as the room continued to laugh.

Andi suddenly realised the chocolate frog was on her lap, gave a disgusted scream andswept it on tothe floor.

"You cow, Sylvia," she spluttered as she began to join in the laughter. "You deliberately waited until everyone was here to hear that, didn't you?"

"Too bloody right, I did."

Helena Oe - I don't play the piano, but friends and family are musicians, so I pick it up from them.

Intelligent Witch - You know, I DID think of a chapter along those lines, but I really believe Snape would never agree.

Thousandl - Thank you. We're back on track with Snape next chapter.

May Luna - Sev returns in full force next chapter.

Josie and Topps - Thank you so much for reviewing. Stick with me, it gets quite interesting soon.

FemmeLoki - I think poor Andi might get used to taking points, at least from Slytherins.