Author notes: Sorry its taking so long to post new chapters, but my computer has been down... I've been doing all this from my phone. So her it is! A new chapter. Hope you enjoy.~Deimos Lestrange

The morning came quicker than Severus expected. He groaned, opening his eyes. The fire he started last night was smoldering in the fire place. The only light was the coals glowing. "Lumos." Severus spoke to his wand. Light flooded the empty space, he wish he shouldn't have done. The empty room only reminded him of how hollow he had became in a nights time. Harry was the only light in his life, a light which he would do anything to keep burning and guiding him through the darkness.

Severus made his way to the lavatory. It was small, but big enough for him. He lit the candles along the wall, the dim light was just enough to see his own reflection... The only problem was he didn't recognize the man staring back at him. He had the same greasy black hair, hook nose, and empty onyx eyes... so why was this man so different than him? He stood in front of the mirror for several moments before tears trickled down his face. He had to change. He was too soft. If he were to go through with his he needed to become heartless. The Dark Lord would be able to see right through him. He took one last look at the man behind the mirror and shattered the image. He was no longer Severus Snape the boy who lost his one true love, he was Severus Snape the heartless Potions master.

He dressed differently that morning, trading his jeans for black slacks, his sweaters for black robes, and finally tying the image together with a cape... Maybe the cape was a bit too much, but he thought it reinforced the image of a cold heartless creature. He walked to the Great Hall, stopping before the double wide doors. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and put on a smirk that would become his trade mark. He pushed the doors open staring straight ahead. Severus could feel the room go silent and feel the eyes falling upon him, continuing ahead he glared at Albus Dumbledore. A man he hated almost as much as Voldemort.

He took a seat beside the headmaster, staring out into the sea of students. Albus rose from his seat, "Silence." He projected his voice out into the great hall. Unnecessary as most of the students were stunned speechless. "This year we welcome a new teacher to our growing ranks here at Hogwarts. As you all know Professor Victor had to take personal leave after a prank sent him to St. Mungos psych ward." A few students snickered. Severus shot them a warning glance and the laughter stopped abruptly. "This year we welcome Severus Snape. He will be filling in for Victor as Potions Master." Severus stood tall. The other teachers clapped in a welcoming manner. He bowed slightly, taking his permanent seat as Albus Dumbledore's right hand man.

Severus left breakfast early to make it to his class room before the students arrived. He sat behind his desk, looking around the room. He flicked his wand toward the windows shutting them. The dimmer the better, he thought. With another flick of the wrist he lit candles around room creating a feeling of uneasiness.

The first class of the day was first years, a mix of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. This should be easy he thought. One by one students filed in quietly, taking their seats. Some huddled together in a corner talking in hushed tones. Severus glared and immediately the murmurs subsided. He stood in front of the desk, his bat like appearance casted a shawod behind him. He crossed his arms across his chest.

"I am Professor Severus Snape. I'm not your best friend. I am not going to take it easy on you just because you are first years, you will not get away with unruly behavior in my class. Punishment shall be dealt to those who ignore my rules or disobey. Questions?" He looked around the room, one Ravenclaw boy had his hand raised. "Good. Moving on." The boy took his hand down and frowned.

Severus opened a potions book and leafed through. He began to write page numbers. "Take out parchment, and begin to copy the notes from these pages. Due by the end of the period. Failure to do so will result in loss of house points." The class groaned, but copied the notes. Severus thought the first clasd had went well.