Serafina waked into the Kings Cross station dressed in light blue jeans, a pink halter top, pink sneakers and here now long hair swept back. The top showed off the blue western dragon tattoo that was on her right shoulder, and several people looked at it as she passed. She made her way over and stepped on through the barrier. She looked round platform 9 ¾ with a smile it was September the first and she had her place booked on the Hogwarts Express. Most of her stuff was at the school but it was now tradition for all new teachers to travel on the train. Sitting on top of her luggage sat her black with silver spots female Kneazle, who watched the going on with interest. A long white line of fur down her left foreleg made her stand out; Serafina had a similar mark down her left leg. Her large eagle owl Cierra hooted to other owls and people soon became aware that she was the new DADA teacher.
Finding a compartment she sat down with the Knealze on her knee and Cierra on the set opposite.
"So Vespera (evening star) what do you think of the train?"
"It's nice," replied the Kneazle flicking her tail.
Then there came a knock on the door and three faces pocked round.
"Please Professor can we sit her everywhere else is full?" asked a plump girl with ginger hair.
"Of course you can".
With the girl came another girl with blond hair followed by a boy with gypsy coloured shin with black hair. Seeing Vespera they sat way from her a little scared.
"Oh don't worries about her she wont hurt you".
"We've never seen one before that's all Professor Hagrid hasn't covered them yet," said the boy.
"Yeh he says we'll be doing them this year for our OWL'S" said the blond.
"First of all tell me your names, I'm Professor Nightshade, this is Verspera and Cierra".
"I'm Tom Ellis a Griffindor," said the boy.
"I'm Rachel Nox also Griffindor" said the ginger haired girl.
"I'm Emma Pasmore a Ravenclaw we all went to primary school together," said the blond.
"Well it's nice to meet you all I look forward to having you in my class".
When the lunch trolley came round all three looked at Serafina as she asked Vespera if she wanted anything. Finally they neared Hoqwarts all changing into their ropes, with Serafina swapping her muggle dress for a pale blue fitted robe with black heeled shoes. Arriving at Hogsmade there was the normal chaos of getting off and into boats.
"Professor, Vespera" came a shout.
Looking round with Vespera rapped round her neck like a fury scarf Serafina saw Hagrid above the crowed she waved. Reaching the carriages she was greeted by the thestrals. Reaching the castle she was surprised to see Severus waiting for her then lead her into the Great Hall. She sat an watched as the sorting took placing (thinking back to when she had sat there). Then Dumbledor stood up and the chatter stopped.
"Welcome back to a new year at Hogwarts this year will me my last as Headmaster I will be retiring at the end of the year. Now as you all know last year Professor Moody went back to his retirement. I would like to introduce you to Professor Serafina Nightshade, she happens to be a now ex-auror please make her feel welcome. Now the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to all, now tuck in".
With that food appeared and all the chatter re-started with many of the staff discussing their summer holidays. Glancing to the Slytherin table she noticed that some of the older students were watching her and some shot hateful glares at her. Seeing this Severus muttered.
"If they cause any problems then they will have ME to deal with. You've overcome all that".
"He's right an they know it many know your story that can't be helped but, since the wars end" said Minerva.
"Many have kept a low profile the war helped; many of their relatives are in Azkaban. As you helped to put them there they will resent you, but time will heal that. Do not forget the others students will thank you" Albus said placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Thank it s just with my history, your right the past has to die".
Reaching her room on the 5th floor a few hours later Serafina smiled as Severus kissed her, one hand stroking her breasts as they both giggled. The sound of feet alerted them and Severus then walked away whistling, Serafina got into bed with Verspera curled up next to her and Cierra at the end.