AN:This takes place during Harry's fifth year. Sirius is not gone, but the order will more than likely be revealed.

"Mother, really!" Minerva stopped and stared at her daughter as the young woman placed her fists on her hips. A defiant look graced her young features. She had no idea how much like her mother she looked at that moment. She glared at the older woman knowing full well it would do her no good. Her mother was more stubborn than anyone she knew.

"Don't take that tone with me, Bridget," Minerva warned her. She glared back at her daughter. How could the girl think of doing such a thing when she had so much better potential!

"Fine! I am sure father will be more reasonable. He is the one that offered me the…"

"He did what?!" Minerva shrieked. She had thought the governors had been the ones to approach her daughter.

"Well, yes, he told me the school needed a new teacher and that I was perfect for the job."

"And he also knows that Severus is going to flip when he again did not get the position." Minerva sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I cannot change your mind, I am sure?" She knew there was no point fighting any longer. Her daughter was a true product of her parents.

"No, Mother. I am going to take the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Father and I have been over all the arrangements. Remus Lupin is suppose to assist, should I need, as he will be staying at the castle this term."

"When I get my hands on that man…" Bridget rolled her eyes at that. She highly doubted her mother would do a thing to her father.

"Yes, Mum, whatever you say. I'm going to go see to my classroom and setting up the curriculums for the students." She waved her mother off and left the room. She smiled sweetly as she passed Headmaster Dumbledore in the hall. "She is very upset with you. I would be careful."

"What is she upset about now?" He looked perplexed.

"She does not think it appropriate for me to work here."

"Why ever not?" He sounded shocked.

"Albus Dumbledore, I have a crow to pick with you!!" Minerva came out of the room behind her daughter.

"Good luck! You are going to need it!" She grinned, waving as she quickly got away from ground zero.

Bridget continued through the halls until she made it to her classroom. She spent several hours going over past notes from the previous professors and what she felt the students should know. Her work was interrupted when someone entered the room. She looked up, not very surprised to see Severus Snape standing in the doorway.

"So, you are the young woman taking over this class." He walked into the room slowly but not without his usual dark, billowing effect.

"Professor Snape, I presume." She motioned to a seat and sat herself back more comfortably behind her desk. "I have heard about your wish to teach this class, and would like to say upfront that I was offered the job. I did not come in here and take it from you as I am sure you wish to believe. So, if for some reason you have it in your head to make my life miserable, I warn you in advance to find some other way to waste your time." She eyed him coolly. Again, she looked much like her mother, though the resemblance did not quite register on Severus.

"I am aware you did not apply for the position. However, that does not change the fact of which sides of this desk we sit."

"If you really have a such a problem with the arrangements, I can always teach potions and you this course. However, I must warn you I am no potion master like you." She leaned forward on the desk. "You are a master of your work. Why do you want to leave that to someone else? I know I would want my child, had I one, taught by the best. You may be the best for this job, but I know for certain you are the best for the one you already hold."

Snape was silent as her words traveled through his mind. He had to admit part of what she said was the truth. He frowned as he eyed her, failing to notice the arrival of Remus Lupin behind him. "Perhaps I am more qualified than you for the position which I hold. However, that does not change the fact that I am also deserving of the one you hold. Another potions master could easily be found to…"

Bridget fought the urge to roll her eyes. She nodded to him. "If that is the way you feel, take it up with the headmaster and board of governors. I can do nothing for your problem." She leaned back and pulled open a drawer of her desk, removing a small jar of lemon drops. She took one then offered it to him. "Lemon drop?" He gave her a look that was purely comical to her. She chuckled and motioned to Remus. "Lemon drop, Mr. Lupin?"

Severus spun around, standing as he did. "What are you doing here?" His voice was very acidic.

"Nice to see you as well, Severus. I am staying in the castle this term. Added security I am told, or something. The headmaster was rambling as he explained it to me." He shrugged and moved forward. "And, no, thank you. The headmaster has already gave me some."

She smiled. "Yes, he has a taste for them." She stood, not liking them towering over her. "Now, if you gentlemen have a purpose for being?" She looked at them both. "The students arrive tomorrow and I must finish my plans." Severus said nothing as he left the room. He had said what he wanted to say. "I have a bad feeling…"

"Don't let Snape bother you. He doesn't like any of the DADA teachers. He'll dislike you more with me assisting you." He watched as she snorted and sat. "I came to see if you would need me this week."

She thought a moment. "No, I made sure to plan around the moon." She smiled as he looked away. "It is nothing to be ashamed of, Mr. Lupin. You can not help what you have become."

"Not everyone sees things that way." He looked back toward her.

"Not everyone is as heartless as a Slytherin either. Next week, however, I may require some assistance. However, the first day of classes I would like you to drop by during the fifth year class. I have a feeling your presence will be most noted by those students."

He nodded. Yes, Harry was a fifth year as was the prince of Slytherin, Draco Malfoy. If any problems would arise, they would likely be started by that set of students. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Goodnight, Mr. Lupin." He smiled and left her alone. She sighed and picked her quill up. She still had work to do before retiring for the night.

Albus Dumbledore was not surprised when Severus graced him with a visit the next day shortly before lunch. He sat and quietly listened to the potion master rant about Bridget. Severus had been at it for near twenty minutes. A clip knock at his door interrupted the other man. Minerva stuck her head in. "Albus, everything is ready. The train has left the station and should be here on time."

"Come in." He motioned her inside. "Wait a moment while Severus finishes." He looked at Snape. "By all means, Severus, continue."

Snape looked between them. "I have said more than enough."

"Yes, you have. However, there is little I can do. The students will arrive tonight and start classes tomorrow."

"I do not like this. I also want to know why Remus Lupin is here."

"He needed a place and we can use all the experienced witches and wizards we can get. Voldemort is gaining more power. The school must have all we can gather to protect it."

"I am aware of that, but I do not see what Lupin can do to help."

"He is staying, Severus. The parents have been notified, so do not fret so. As to Bridget…"

Minerva broke in. "She is teaching her course, against her mother's wishes I might add. You may as well face the facts. When it is time for you to have that course, I am sure it will be yours." She eyed him coolly. He got the impression she was going to fight tooth and nail for the girl. He narrowed his gaze. The resemblance was not lost on him this time.

"You, I presume, are her mother?"

"Yes." Severus nodded turned to the door. He had said all he could. He would leave the two alone, as he was sure they wished. They watched him go, Minerva turning to Albus. "Well, this was not unforeseen."

"No. I knew he would not be happy about either choice. He will get used to it in time, I hope." She snorted. She highly doubted he would.

Bridget sat between Remus and Severus at the banquet that evening. She and Remus talked amicably, annoying Severus. She tried a few times to include the dreary man but had failed. Remus told her to just give him time, that he treated everyone that way. Severus had glared good and long at that, causing the werewolf to grin back. Bridget had taken to ignoring Severus after that. She would give attention where wanted, not where it would be thrown back in her face.

The students entered, sitting murmuring amongst one another. Bridget had never cared much for the sorting. She did not see why they had to all witness the damn thing. So, her attention was on the other students. Her ear listened for anything interesting the hat might say, but she doubted there would be anything. She located Harry Potter out of the crowd. Her father had a soft spot for the boy. She could point out all the Weasleys as well. Draco looked so like his father, he was easy to pinpoint, as were his left and right hands Crabbe and Goyle. She quickly guessed who were the Quidditch players, the brainy students, and slackers. The year was going to be interesting, she was certain.

After the last first year took her seat, Albus stood and made his usual speech about Filch's list, the forest and whatnot. Then, they ate. Bridget continued to talk quietly with Remus, and occasionally Albus and Minerva. Soon, the students were ushered to their dorms and the teachers left to prepare for the classes the next morning. Remus walked Bridget to her door.

"I'll see you first class tomorrow."

"Yes, thank you for the pleasant conversation. Had I been stuck by Snape alone, I would have dried up with boredom." She smiled as he chuckled. "Tomorrow. Goodnight, Mr. Lupin."

"Goodnight, Miss McGonagall." He bowed slightly and left down the hall. She spared him on last glance before slipping inside her room. She needed all the rest she could get to get through the next day, she was sure.