Author's Note: Sorry this has taken a while to come out, I've been a very busy bee! Anyway, hope you enjoy!
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Chapter 3 – The Welcome Feast
Her daily audit of the castle would have been an enormous bore if it wasn't for Remus who kept her company. She found him an absolute delight to talk to and was only sorry she hadn't got to know him more during her school days. His optimistic view on life was so refreshing, and even though he was a werewolf it didn't stop him appreciating the fact that he was still alive. Melora couldn't help feeling that much of this bravado was put on, and that maybe he was hiding his real feeling about life deep inside. But he was still funny, charming and a she knew that he'd be a great friend to her in this coming year. She explained to him what she would be required to do over the year, and they bounced ideas off each other on the Duelling Club which would be taking place in the first week of October. Melora thought how Remus was a great asset to the school, and is ten times more qualified than that idiot Gilderoy Lockhart that taught last year. Honestly, she could never see why Dumbledore agreed to appoint him in the first place.
"Seriously, he came to the Ministry asking for an Auror position" she laughed, almost crying with mirth. "And he couldn't even perform the basic tests! He fell over his own robes running from the Boggart we had used to attack him."
"What was his worst fear?" Remus joked, his eyebrow raised slightly. "That all his hair products were stolen?!"
With that last comment they burst out laughing. Wiping the tears from her eyes they preceded to the dungeons, they part of the castle due its daily inspection. Melora felt butterflies flit around her stomach; she wondered how Severus would be with her after she turned down his offer to escort her round the castle. She knocked lightly on the door and entered his office. He was sitting at his desk, a mountain of paper piled high in front of him. He looked round and when he saw who had disturbed him, his lips curled slightly.
"Hello Severus, I am sorry to disturb you but I need to inspect your quarters" She said, feeling her cheeks flush slightly.
"I do not think that will be necessary Miss Conner." He replied sharply.
Melora sighed, so he had returned to calling her Miss Conner again. He must be angry at her for something, though she could not think of anything she had done wrong.
"Severus, these inspections are very necessary indeed" She said, striding towards him leaving Remus standing quietly in the doorway. "The Ministry, and the Headmaster, insist that all areas of the castle are inspected on a daily basis for any signs of intrusion."
Severus threw down his quill and rose from his seat.
"I wonder why they would send the former lover of a convict to the castle!" He spat, making Melora to take a step backwards to avoid getting spat in the face. "Or did u eagerly ask for the position? Did you wish to find Black and run away together?"
Melora stared at him incredulously; he had only just apologised for losing his temper with her when she first arrived, and now here he was doing it again.
"Severus! How dare you bring Sirius into this!" she snapped. "Yeah we dated, but he's betrayed me as well as Remus, so why on earth would I want to help him back in the castle? And as for you, I know Black was horrible to you at school but I cannot see why you would bear a grudge for so long."
Severus fell silent; he seemed too incensed to speak. Melora gave him once last look, and swept from his office with Remus. Severus fell back onto his chair and covered his face with his hands. Why, why was it that every time they were in the same room together they always seemed to have a confrontation? She was such a strong woman, and unlike many other he had met along the way did not bend to his every need. She stood up to him and didn't care what she said to him, and it was this he found so engaging about her. His feelings for her were growing by the hour; he couldn't believe he asked to accompany her on her inspection of the castle. It was as if his lips on their own accord, and he wasn't surprised when she turned him down in favour of Remus. I mean, who would want a bitter old man for company? He reached into his desk drawer and removed a heavy black book; underneath there was a small picture. The woman in the picture had long red hair and eyes that shined and sparkled beyond anything, even though the picture was black and white. As he watched the woman wave and smile at him from the photo frame, he felt a prickly feeling in the corner of his eyes. He felt such confusion and had no one to talk to, so instead his feeling built up inside up and made him even more depressed than normal. He made sure that the one thing positive in his life had been driven away; he had hurt Lily so badly that she couldn't stand to look at him. And now he seemed to be doing the same with Melora; she lit up the room and his heart every time he saw her.
"I'm so sorry, my darling" He choked; staring at the picture and letting tears fall freely down his pale cheeks.
It was then he made a vow to himself, he would not drive the one person who gave him hope out of his life. He knew that she would never have the same feelings for him as he held for her, but he would rather have her as a friend than as an enemy. He couldn't stand not speaking to her or seeing her, so he would make sure that he wouldn't lose his temper with Melora again. Taking a deep breath, he returned the photo to his drawer. Realising that he had been crying he wiped the tears hastily from his cheeks and composed himself. The Welcome Feast would be starting soon, so he decided to head down to the Great Hall early; dreading the return of hundreds of chatty students.
Severus' latest outburst couldn't have come at a worst time. The Welcome Feast was about to begin and Melora was seething; yet again she had felt the brunt of his temper without having actually done something to anger him. She remembered him as some what of a recluse at school, a loner who didn't seem to want to speak to anyone; well, anyone except Lily. His eyes lit up every time she entered the room, and despite Lily's protests, Melora knew full well that his interest in her was slightly more than platonic. Maybe seeing her again reminded him of Lily, hers and James' deaths affected everyone who ever knew them, and she wouldn't be surprised if he was angry at her for bringing back painful memories. Whatever his reasons for disliking her and despite her growing feelings for him, she decided to steer extremely clear of him unless she really had to see him. Taking a deep breath she entered the Great Hall where hundreds of students were gathered around the four house tables; the first years were being escorted by Hagrid along the lake. She felt hundreds of eyes turn to her as she walked to the staff table and sat herself in her now regular seat beside Severus, who had quite conveniently turned his attention to the floor.
Melora smiled broadly at the curious students before her; it seemed such a long time ago that she was sitting on the Gryffindor table with Sirius, James and Lily talking and laughing with the rest of the school. Adulthood hit her like a brick wall, she remembered clearly her Auror training and being told by Alastor Moody that chasing a Death Eater could well result in either of their deaths. Up until that point she had always thought of being an Auror as fun and exciting, it came as such a shock to her that death was a likely result of anyone of her missions, be it hers or her target. Severus was only her second Death Eater target since she finished her training, she naïve and inexperienced and knew nothing about the inner workings of Voldemort's circle. When she finally tracked down Severus…
"Give up Snape!" She yelled into the darkness of the woods. "You're surrounded by twenty Death Eaters, that's twenty against one! Place your wand on the ground and come forward with your hands on your head!"
Melora heard nothing but silence in the seconds that followed, Snape wasn't going to give up without a fight. She proceeded cautiously forward, motioning for her fellow Auror's the cover her. She blinked furiously to try and adjust her eyes to the darkness in which she had walked into.
"Lumos" She whispered to the tip of her wand, which produced a beam of white light to illuminate her path. "Severus, there is no use hiding. We know you're there and we're going to catch you, make it easier on yourself and come out!" She said, clutching her wand tighter and trying to keep her wits about her.
Hearing a slight rustle to her left she froze; she knew it wasn't the wind moving the leaves. Trying to remain calm, she slowly turned and pointed her wand in the direction of the noise. A shadow moved, and before he could escape for the second time, she yelled…
"STUPEFY!!"
A low moan and thump came from in the bushes; Melora lowered her wand and walked forwards into the trees. There, on the ground in a heap of black robes was Severus Snape. Crouching down beside him she saw that he had hit his head on rock as he hit the ground; a slow trickle of blood ran down his forehead. His eyes opened slowly and widened slightly when he saw who he captor was. Melora felt a shiver run through her entire body, and some welled up within her that she had never felt before for any Death Eater; pity. Pulling herself together she cleared the blood away with a flick of her wand and conjured hand cuffs and bound Severus' arms.
"Severus Snape, you are under arrest for accessory to the murders of Lily and James Potter and for Death Eater activities. You do not have to remain silent but what you say may be used against you." She spat, pointing her wand at his heart and urging him to move forwards.
Severus' face broke out into panic.
"M-Melora please, I didn't do anything to Lily and James I swear! I didn't know what the information meant when I gave it to the Dark Lord!" He shrieked, his whole body shaking. "You have to believe me, I would never hurt Lily! Please don't do this!"
"Shut up Severus, or I'll do it for you!" She growled, throwing him forwards with a flick of her wand. "Got him" she added to a tall dark haired Auror as they exited the bush "make sure he's high security"
The Auror nodded and disapparated with Severus by his side. Justice had been done, she though, or had it? …
Severus had always been fascinated by the Dark Arts, even in his Hogwarts days, but a fascination was not the same a belief that their uses were just. Even though he seemed the Death Eater type, Melora questioned her assignment as she didn't think that Severus was capable of things he was charged with. This was shown in court when Albus Dumbledore stood up and defended his former pupil, resulting in the charges being dropped. Now, after twelve years the guilt of capturing an innocent man intensified, she could see that he was simply a broken man; however deep down he may hide it. She glanced sideways at Severus to see him staring directly in front of him; she leant over and spoke softly into his ear.
"I am going to pretend that little out burst earlier did not happen," she whispered, feeling his body go rigid the closer she got. "I cannot say that I was not hurt by your comments, but I understand why you said them and I hope we can go the next week without ripping each other a new one. So, I am calling a truce."
She held out her hand for him to shake, expecting him to turn her offer down.
"As you wish Miss Conner," he replied, taking her hand and shaking it firmly. "I think it is appropriate for us to behave as professionally as possible under the circumstances."
Melora smiled and returned to facing the chattering crowd of students. She couldn't ignore the spark that flew between them as they shook hands; it made her whole body tingle. She couldn't tell if he felt it too, for he was so used to hiding his feelings that she would never know what he truly felt. Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair, ensuring silence from everyone, he was a man that simply radiated wisdom and power, and Melora respected him beyond anyone.
"I think now it is time to expand our school! It is time for the sorting" He exclaimed, beaming at the students before him.
At that moment, the doors to the Great Hall opened and fifty pale and frightened looking eleven year olds walked towards the staff table. Melora remembered what an exciting time her first year was, and couldn't wait to begin her teaching duties. Professor McGonagall, a formidable by thoroughly pleasant Transfiguration teacher stepped forward holding and ageing hat in one hand and a roll of parchment in another.
"When I place the Sorting Hat on your head, you will be sorted into your houses." She proclaimed, glancing at the parchment and reading off the first name. "Akeroyd, Anne"
A shy looking blonde haired girl stepped forwards and McGonagall placed the sorting hat on her head, and after a minute or two is shouted "HUFFLEPUFF!"
The sorting carried on for ten minutes or so, with "Frost, Derik" becoming the newest member to Gryffindor. Melora scanned the Great Hall for Harry, for he must have started Hogwarts by now as he would be thirteen years old at least. She was eager to meet him, from what Dumbledore had told her he was the spitting image of his father but the mannerisms of Lily. However he didn't seem to be here and Melora thought if he was anything like his Dad he was out somewhere getting into trouble. Melora couldn't help but giggle slightly; even now she still couldn't believe that they got away with most of the trouble they caused. Just as the sorting ended and Professor Flitwick ran from the Great Hall to return the Sorting Hat to Dumbledore's office, Melora caught sight of two students entering the hall looking slightly disappointed. The girl had long, bushy brown hair and an air of authority about her. The boy beside her had jet black hair, moon shaped glasses and shocking green eyes. Harry Potter indeed looked a lot like his father, but he carried himself just like his mother would have. At least Lily and James were still alive within Harry.
Melora noticed that Severus was also staring at Harry, but not with the curiosity and delight like Melora, but more like he'd just seen his worst enemy enter the room; it was a look of pure loathing. She rolled her eyes; Harry seemed to remind Severus forcefully of James. And she knew better than anyone how he hated being reminded of his past. Harry and his friend sat on the Gryffindor table next to a boy with shocking red hair, they were about to engage in conversation when Dumbledore rose from his chair once more.
"Welcome!" said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling behind his half moon glasses. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Before we start our delectable feast, I have a few start of term notices to say to you all. One of them is very serious so I will need your complete attention …"
Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, the school is presently in the company of the Dementors of Azkaban." He paused, a slight look of disgust on his face "They are stationed at every entrance to the school, and I must make perfectly clear to you all that none of you should leave the school without permission. It is not the nature of a Dementor to understand excuses, so I am therefore warning you all to give them no reason to harm you."
Dumbledore paused, and Melora saw hundreds of frightened and concerned faces staring back at the staff table. She had never agreed with placing hundreds of terrifying Dementors round the school, but Fudge was insistent. Black had already escaped the Dementors once, what is there to say that he won't do it again?
"On a lighter note," Dumbledore continued. "We have three new additions to the Hogwarts staff this year.
Firstly, Professor Lupin, who has consented to fill the post the Defence against the Dark Arts teacher."
There was some quiet applause for Professor Lupin; only a small group of Gryffindor's seemed to be clapping the loudest. Remus had to go home for part of the day to retrieve some belongings, and had to return on the Hogwarts Express so Melora gathered he had met them in one of the compartments.
"Our second new appointment is going to be assisting Professor Lupin in his Defence against the Dark Arts classes, and has also agreed to pick up where Professor Lockhart left off and start a duelling club." Dumbledore continued over a rather enthusiastic out burst of whispering. "Please welcome, Melora Conner."
Melora smiled as the students applauded, so glanced at Harry who seemed to be quite excited at the prospect of a duelling club. When the applause died down, Dumbledore continued with a slight smile on his face.
"As for our final new appointment," he said making the last of the chatter fade, "I am sorry to inform you that Professor Kettleburn, our resident Care of Magical Creatures teacher, has retired in order to spend time with his remaining limbs. I am delighted to announce that none other than Rubeus Hagrid has agreed to fill the post, along with his present duties."
The applause for Hagrid was tumultuous, particularly at the Gryffindor table where Melora saw Harry grinning broadly and clapping harder than most. Melora turned to Hagrid who had turned ruby red and was staring at his hands with an enormous grin on his face. Hagrid's applause took at least a minute to die down, with Harry and his friends being the last to stop clapping.
"Well I think that everything," said Dumbledore. "Let the feast begin!"
The golden plates before then filled suddenly with the most delicious looking food, and Melora who suddenly found herself to be ravenous, helped herself to everything within her reach. The food was better than she remembered, she turned to face Severus once more and found that he was hardly touching his food. Frowning, she placed her knife and fork on the side of her plate.
"Didn't your Mother ever tell you not to play with your food?" She smirked, though hoping her comment didn't result in another out burst.
"No she didn't," he replied coldly.
"Oh come now Severus, I was only joking." Melora chuckled, meeting Severus' eyes.
"Well I would rather you didn't" He said, pushing his half eaten plate away from him.
Melora sighed and turned back to her own dinner; classes started tomorrow so she wouldn't have time to worry about Severus' bitter attitude, for she would hardly see him apart from breakfasts and dinners. At the same time, that thought made her a little sad. Even though he was immensely intimidating and cold, she found him mysterious not to mention handsome. If only he would smile, just once, it would take years off him. Severus left the table in a hurry, whilst Melora remained behind chatting to Professor Flitwick. Harry and his two friends came up to the staff table not long after to congratulate Hagrid who seemed to be overcome with emotion. Melora smiled as Harry's gaze turned to her, he smiled warmly back.
"I see you're very pleased for Hagrid, oh sorry, Professor Hagrid." Melora grinned.
"Yeah we are he deserves it." Harry replied warmly.
"As long as he doesn't bring a dragon to the class I'm pleased for him." Said Harry's red haired friend darkly, his eyes brows raised slightly.
"Ah now that would be interesting!" Exclaimed Melora, "now I think it is high time you three ran back to your dormitories! See you in class."
"Yes Professor." Said Harry, and they disappeared out of the Great Hall.
Author's Note: Hope you liked! Bit long isn't it? I got a little carried away, hehe.
Peace xx