Summary: There is a new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. She's talented, beautiful, and the most talented Auror of the century. Harry and Ron have a crush on her. Hermione and Ginny are jealous and decide to play matchmaker. Who can they set her up with? Severus Snape. A love/hate relationship.
Disclaimer: We do not own Harry Potter. Or Severus Snape. Or any other of the fine characters of Mrs. Rowling's series. We do however, own Victoria Cole.
: Chapter 1:
"Lemon drops, Anyone?"
Bright sun shone through the windows in Hogwarts. It was generally a beautiful day, though seeing Snape walk by, one could hardly tell. He sulked through the hallways with even more sulk than usual. He'd been turned down for the Defense against the Dark Arts position again, and it seemed as though he would take it out on anyone who crossed his path.
"Finnegan, your tie is askew. Ten points." His lips curled downwards with disgust as he made his way towards his office in the dungeons of Hogwarts. What is Albus up to? He can't possibly think there is a better candidate to take on the challenge of Professor to the Dark Arts.
He stormed down the winding corridor, black robes billowing behind him. Pansy Parkinson toddled up the stone stairs, chasing after Draco Malfoy as he made his way to the Great Hall. "Hello Professor," he groaned in annoyance, running quickly past as Pansy franticly followed a few steps behind. Snape held out a hand and stopped Pansy in her tracks. She meeped in surprise, stumbling backwards.
"Ms. Parkinson. Please refrain from your childish antics. You are embarrassing yourself and the rest of my house," he drawled. She nodded quickly, "Y-yes Professor." Not even those in his own house were safe from his mockery today.
He continued towards the classroom and made a sharp turn, curving into his room. Suddenly, a sly, grim grin appeared across his lips. He grabbed numerous bottles from his shelves and placed them hard on his desk. He would give his students the hardest potion yet, something not even Granger could accomplish. How sweet the look upon her mudblood face would be when not even she could figure it out.
Snape's day had finally begun to improve, though it was still early. As he rummaged through his potion books for a good recipe, Professor McGonagall slid through the doorway with her normal brisk step. Her lips were pursed, and gave a small cough to announce herself.
"What brings you to the dark depths of Hogwarts, Minerva?" He looked up to see McGonagall's tight face loosen to speak.
"The ministry's posted the new regulations as you might recall. But Dumbledore sees fit to tell us the new accommodations being made. You know how these things work." Unfortunately, all too well.
"Fine, when does he plan on telling us about these new accommodations?" Snape looked up to see a stiff Minerva as she replied.
"He's asked us to come at once. The new accommodations are being made by the new Dark Arts professor." Snape froze. Not only does this new professor fill the Dark Arts position, he had the audacity to call a meeting! No doubt to dangle the position in front of me! That infuriating, filthy...
"Severus? Shall we get going?" Snape looked up, and gave a swift nod. He wouldn't let this new professor get to him, and based on Dumbledore's past Dark Arts professors, he had to have a weak spot. Snape and McGonagall left the dark room and stagnant air behind for Dumbledore's office.
Most of the other professors had already taken their seats around the long table by the time they arrived. Filch stood, twitching a bit, in the corner, while Mrs. Norris faithfully stalked about around his feet. Dumbledore himself sat at one end of the table, cheerfully passing around a small tin bowl. "Lemon drops anyone?"
Nearly everyone refused, but that didn't stop Dumbledore from popping another one into his mouth. Snape and McGonagall had been the last to arrive, so Dumbledore began his long ranting explanation of the conditions the ministry had imposed.
"The ministry is absolutely ridiculous if it thinks a few charms and loyal allies will prevent Voldemort's return. That is why, I have brought an auror to Hogwarts."
At the mere mention of an auror, the room filled with chatter. Dumbledore cleared his throat, and the room went silent. It all makes sense now, Snape thought to himself.
"Without further ado, it's my pleasure to introduce to you, Ms. Victoria Cole." Everyone followed Dumbledore's arm as it spun to a stop in front of a hooded individual. She brought down the hood to reveal long locks of auburn that contrasted with her piercing blue eyes. Her fair skin was luminescent against the violet tinted black robes, and she had the attention of every man in the room.
"Good morning," she surveyed the table and smiled momentarily, acquainting herself with each face. After a moment, her gaze met Snape's, and the gleam left her eyes. Suddenly her tone was full of purpose and gravity. "I understand that it is my duty to announce the ministry's new regulations, Albus?"
"Please, go on my dear." Dumbledore had a new fondness in his tone, almost fatherly. Victoria smiled a little before continuing. "The ministry has declared a state of high emergency. The Dark Lord is as strong as ever, and it won't be long until he strikes here at Hogwarts. What I am proposing is a little, unconventional." Her pause allowed Snape to strike, harsh and venomous.
"Not to worry Ms. Cole. Here at Hogwarts, our best defense is Albus Dumbledore. We'll have no need for your…'unconventional methods.'"
A light whisper darted around the room. "He's right..." "Unconventional..." Victoria inhaled deeply and pursed her lips.
"Please, Severus. Let Victoria explain her methods." Albus threw a dark glance in Snape's direction, though his tone showed no sign of ill-will. Snape took the look as it was, and let Victoria continue her explanation.
She cleared her throat, "That aside Professor-" she paused, smiling, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?"
Snape answered bitterly, out of formality. "Severus Snape. Potions Master," And would-be Defense against the Dark Arts teacher if it weren't for you…
"Ah yes…" she said to herself, casually taking her seat at the head of the table. "Professor Snape. I've heard of you, of course…in my type of work," she glared a warning from across the table.
Snape was the one who inhaled deeply this time. Even lower whispers traveled around the room, but Snape heard every word of it. Victoria, clearly self satisfied, continued with her announcement.
"Right, this unconventional method would involve the students. I realize the negative consequences of teaching them such strong spells, but in their defense, they'll need them. I would like to teach the students Occlumency and Legilimens. Perhaps a few of the finite incantations." A wave of conversation began after this announcement. Snape could feel Victoria's strong gaze boring through him. She was searching for a strong reaction, either with or against her announcement, preferably against it.
As if the students would take to such advanced magic. It had been hard enough attempting to teach Potter Occlumency. If the 'Boy Wonder' couldn't catch on, how could you expect any of the others to?
Victoria shot Snape a grim smile, as if she could hear every word he had said.
She couldn't be...
"Silence!" Dumbledore now stood. Snape lost his fixed stare with Victoria and focused on Dumbledore. The room fell silent, and Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"Clearly, this is not an individual task." Dumbledore's eyes roamed over the entire room, pausing at Snape.
He wouldn't... "Which is why--" Oh bloody hell, He would… "--I have assigned Severus Snape the honorable opportunity to help with the matter."
Every teacher in the room froze, all of them standing except for Victoria and Snape. They looked, perplexed, at the two wizards who remained in their seats. Each wore a scowl that viciously rivaled the other. Victoria gaped at Dumbledore, bemused. Snape crossed his arms and closed his eyes, exhaling. What a bloody brilliant year this is turning out to be…
