The Great Hall was bustling with the clatter of plates, students whispered to friends and neighbors of the latest gossip of the school. It was the first day of school, and already the teens were behind on rumor season. But the main rumor going around was not that about a student or comrade, but rather a certain Potion's master odd behavior.
Severus shifted in his chair in a peculiar manner avoiding eye contact with anything or anyone. He growled to himself occasionally trying to get his mind on the job that had to be done. Every part of his soul didn't want to the Dark Lord's bidding, but in the end he didn't have a choice. That beast would find him and kill him at the slightest sign of betrayal. No, it was better to play it safe, no matter how hard the safe road might be. Slowly, Snape began listening to the voices of the many rumors that gather about him. Students practically yelled their thoughts at each other, with no regards to the fact that the particular teacher they gossiped about could hear them.
Why are they so careless? None of them are worthy of working in a place such as the ministry. The secrets would be out within minutes, Snape thought to himself angerly. After awhile, he tuned in to one certain conversation, shaking his head as he did so.
"He's just pissed because he didn't get the defense against dark arts job again," a third year boy said with a shake of his head.
"But he looks a lot tenser today. Snape's normally very good at hiding his emotions," his female companion said with a stubborn pout.
"Then let's go one step further," the boy said propping his elbow on the table and resting his chin in his palm. "He's pissed because a girl got the job instead of him."
"Hey," she said looking rather offended.
"Nothing personal, just taking a guess," and with that the two shrugged and went back to eating.
Severus couldn't help it, he let a dark chuckle pass his lips. Such stupid children, to think I'd be angered by something as trivial as a woman getting that job. Even though he knew exactly what most of them were saying, but he had no intention of correcting their theories. No, their thoughts of his jealously were much better tales then the actual bloody truth. With a cold gaze, Severus glared at the large wooden door that opened to the Great Hall, pushing every bit of loathing toward them, willing them deeply not to open for a certain women.
Suddenly the scraps food on the golden plates disappeared as Dumbledore stood up with his arms held wide. "Welcome, students!" Severus felt a groan start in his throat, but held it back. He really didn't want to listen to the speech at the moment, it would do nothing to improve his angered mood.
Dumbledore put his arms gently at his sides before continuing, "It's good to see that most of you came back for another year of mind stuffing after that long summer of clearing out the useful stuff." The professor nearly gagged, the Headmaster used the same line every year, over and over again. Sure, it had different words, but the meaning was always the same.
The great wizard gave a kind grin as he scanned the room, "I just have a few announcements I'd like to share with you all before you head to bed. First years should note that the forest that borders this school is forbidden to all students. Our older students would do well to remember that as well."
He glanced around and his eyes fell on Harry for a moment, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously. Actually, Severus did the same thing, except he put all his anger and frustration into his gaze. Luckily, Harry didn't notice.
"We also have a new teacher this year who will be taking Moody's place as defense against the dark arts teacher. She's a highly trained witch that you would all do well not messing around with."
For some reason he gave a slight chuckle at this, "Professor Tara Borrail."
Snape's eyes narrowed as the Great Hall doors swung open, the booming sound they made as they hit the wall boomed inside his ears and echoed in his mind. Tara walked into the room, a cocky air seemed surround her presence, but for moment she stopped. Her eyes fell on Severus and the oddest thing happened. She smiled at him. It was an odd smile, not one full of happiness, or sorrow, it was knowing smile that made the Potion's master freeze up. His heart beat was raging almost angrily in his chest, but as soon as the smile disappeared the feeling left. She gave him a wink before continuing on her way to the podium. Students looked at each other surprised, trying to figure out what had just happened between the two teachers. Some more rumors began up, but they were hushed, as if being the most valuable pieces of information. But two words came to Severus's ears. Former lover. He scoffed at the thought of such a thing. He had never met this woman in his life, so why she had winked at him was beyond his comprehension. It was a simple wink, the students are just jumping to conclusions again, Snape thought to himself slouching into his seat.
Tara was a beautiful women. Her hair was silver, like a waterfall of stars that ran the length of her back. Her eyes were golden like the keen eyes of an eagle. Her pale skin was like that of a goddess, that some of the boys couldn't help but ponder on how soft it was. Her best feature was her mouth. It fit her face perfectly, such soft red lips, that always had a tint of a smile on them.
Dumbledore chuckled as Tara stood beside him, a happy glint shined in his sky blue eyes. He leaned down, whispering softly into her ears. Tara smiled as she nodded for him to continue. "Now students, it is late. Find your assigned head boy or head girl and go to your rooms. You have a long day ahead of you all."
The students started standing up when Professor Borrail held up a hand to stop them, "Hold up. I have one thing to say before you all go."
The students stopped and looked to their new professor with something like contempt. They all wanted to go to bed. She put her hands on the podium with a look of disdain clear on her face. She bent her head, but what she said was still clear and it left a forbidding feel in the students that night, "I know of what happened last year and I will do all in my power to prevent such a happening from occurring again. Even… if stopping such a thing will cost me my life. Good night, students."
The students were now wide awake, staring at this new figure in their lives with fearful eyes. For a moment, they all just stood there, but the head students spoke up and they all left the room with dread seeping in their hearts.
"That was a bold comment," Dumbledore said putting a hand on her shoulder. "Even if you are from the Ministry."
"But it is the truth," she whispered softly. She sighed as she stood up straight to walk out the teacher's way. For a moment she stopped and turned to look at Severus, a keen spark went off in her eyes.
"Severus Snape, I presume," she said calmly, a smug tone in her voice.
"Yes," he said without even looking up at her. Her pursed his lips as he responded, shifting his head, so he wouldn't have to look at her at all.
A chuckle passed her lips as she shook her head, "I'll have my eye on you potion's master."
She walked off, leaving Severus to his thoughts. For a moment, he looked confused, but slowly a serpent like smile came to his pale lips. "Oh no my dear… It'll be I watching you."