Severus Snape stalked through the halls with purpose, his black robes billowing menacingly. As he rounded a corner, he nearly ran over Professor Sprout, who dropped the seeds she had been carrying. "Excuse me, Pomona!" He clipped, and without a second thought, he continued on his way to the Headmaster's office, leaving the good professor to gather her seeds on her own. Upon reaching the stone gargoyle, he sneered as he gave the password, "Acid Pops." The Headmaster, who was, of course, already waiting patiently for his arrival, was sitting behind his desk contentedly sucking on a lemon drop.
"Ah, Severus. Thank you for coming. Sit down, dear boy, sit down." Albus smiled, his clear blue eyes twinkling as ever. "Could I offer you a lemon drop, Severus?" He gestured to his candy dish. "Or perhaps a spot of tea?"
"No, thank you, Headmaster." Severus replied as he took a seat across from the headmaster. "I've got several things to do to prepare for the start of term, Headmaster, so if you don't mind…"
"Of course, Severus. Although, I regret to say, I must add to them." The Headmaster paused, as if to be certain that Severus would not begin an angry tirade, but the young professor merely glared and motioned that he continue. "I have hired a Defense professor for the upcoming term."
"And how exactly does this affect my duties, Headmaster?" Severus interrupted impatiently. He still had not finished his lesson plans and there were a few other last minute preparations that still had to be made. He did not have time for the Headmaster's usual dallying.
"I was getting to that, dear boy. I have appointed Remus Lupin to the position. Owing to his … condition, shall we say, I willneeduse of your potions skills in brewing the Wolfsbane Potion for him every month."
"You…I… WHAT! How could you hire him, Headmaster!" Severus exploded. "Of all the people, Headmaster! Lupin? You know our history!"
The Headmaster eyed Severus over his half-moon glasses, and his voice was stern when he replied, "I do, Severus. However, I had no other choice. No one else replied to my advertisement for the position. And Severus, no mention to the students is to be made about Mr. Lupin's condition. I do hope that is clear." Severus nodded tersely. "Very well. Now. Will you brew the potion for him, or will I have to send off for it each month?"
Severus sighed wearily. "I will brew the potion, Headmaster." Of course he would brew the potion. Although he would love nothing more than to never have to see Remus Lupin again, he knew what the transformations were like for the man and would not wish him to suffer needlessly. Andconsideringthat he was one of the only potions masters with sufficient skills to brew the delicate Wolfsbane Potion… "Is that all, Headmaster?"
Albus Dumbledore nodded his head, "Yes, Severus, that is all. Thank you." With a last parting glance, Severus quickly left the Headmaster's office and headed back to his quarters. Extra preparations would have to be made if he were to brew the Wolfsbane Potion.
New Scene
Remus Lupin sat alone in the Leaky Cauldron, nursing a glass of Ogden's Best Fire-whiskey. He stared into the amber liquid, reflecting on his earlier meeting with the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. He had replied to Dumbledore's advertisement for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, although he wasn't quite sure why. He needed the work, but he had been certain that the Headmaster had dozens of other appointments for the position lined up already. After all, the start of term was only four weeks away. However, when he arrived in the Headmaster's office, he was greeted warmly and immediately offered the position. Dumbledore had explained the great need for a Defense professor and Remus could not turn him down. However, as he sat in the Leaky Cauldron, he pondered his decision. Severus would be at Hogwarts.
Remus Lupin had not seen his husband Severus Snape in roughly ten years. He still remembered vividly the night he left, accusing Severus of betraying the Order of the Phoenix for Lord Voldemort. As the years went by, Remus became more certain that Severus had not, in fact, betrayed them, but for years Severus was unreachable. Nobody knew where he was. When he had rejoined the wizarding word, he was no longer the man Remus had known. He had closed into himself and locked away his emotions deep within his self. So deep, in fact, that it was not certain they could ever emerge. Not that Remus had known this. Headmaster Dumbledore had told him of the changes in Severus. Remus knew that he had lost his husband forever.
And now, for the first time in ten years, they would meet again. Working in close proximity for ten months, Remus knew they would eventually cross paths. Not to mention that Severus would have to brew the Wolfsbane Potion for him every month. No, it would be impossible for the two to never meet. Only Remus wasn't sure how he felt about facing Severus for the first time. He was nervous about seeing the other man again, that was certain. He mulled over his predicament as he sipped his fire-whiskey. Finishing the glass, he made a decision. He would go and talk to the man. Yes, that's what he would do. First thing tomorrow. With this new conviction in mind, Remus paid his tab and apparated to his dingy flat.