Chapter Three
Alaina made her way back to her quarters, hoping that she would not meet anyone else on her way there. She counted her blessings that it had been dark enough outside that Snape didn't notice that the carefully applied layer of Glamours she wore was beginning to slip. As soon as she locked the door behind her, Alaina walked into her bathroom, grabbing her pajamas and towel from the bed. She quickly showered and washed her hair, leaving her face and neck for last. Alaina toweled off, and quickly dressed herself. She returned to her room, grabbed and pointed it at herself, whispering a finite incantateium. A maze of scars suddenly appeared, covering her face and body. Some were almost twenty years old, while others were more recent. The newest scars were acquisitions from her time as a Marine, including the ones on her face from being caught in an explosion. The oldest, which mapped a good portion of her body, were from her parent's reaction to learning that their daughter was a witch. Technically, Alaina was a half-blood, but her mother had divorced Alaina's wizard father when she was two. Ellen Mackenzie had remarried shortly before her daughter's fifth birthday.
Alaina had liked her stepfather at the beginning. However, when Alaina's magic had begun to manifest, the atmosphere grew decidedly chilly. Things took a brutal turn when, at the age of eleven, she had been contacted by the Salem institute. Todd and Ellen had decided that Alaina was either possessed or she had sold her soul to the devil, and they were determined that either way, she would be normal if they had to beat it out of her. By the time someone notified the authorities, the damage was done, and nothing could permanently remove the massive scarring that covered her body.
Alaina shook her head, pushing the depressing thoughts of her past to the back of her mind, and grabbed a book from her shelves. She needed to go into the muggle world to pick up a few things, and she was looking forward to a little time alone, exploring her new surroundings, and decided to leave after breakfast.
Severus Snape walked toward the Great Hall, frowning when he saw the Mackenzie woman talking to Albus and Minerva. Her attire was distinctly muggle in origin, and left little to the imagination. Blue jeans, a tee shirt, heavy-looking boots and a black leather jacket. Her brown hair was covered by a bandanna, and a helmet of some sort hung from her left hand. Snape followed the woman as she walked out of the great hall, pulled something from her pocket and stopped as soon as she reached the driveway. He watched as she tapped the tiny object with her wand, and his jaw dropped as it expanded into a rather large black motorcycle. Alaina smiled as she enlarged her bike. She quickly donned her helmet, cranked it up, and left Hogwarts in a cloud of dust.
It took Alaina a little over an hour before she arrived in Glasgow, and quickly found a decent clothing store. She decided that basic black slacks would be the best choice, paired with long sleeved, button-down shirts, and a combination of blazers and vests. Alaina added a new pair of boots, along with new socks. She also found a lingerie store, and decided to splurge a little on herself, buying several sets of frilly new undies. Once she left the store, she shrunk her bags and headed back toward the school.
Alaina stopped in Hogsmeade and purchased several new robes. She preferred the open front style, as they permitted more freedom of movement than traditional robes. She selected a dark red, medium blue, emerald green and black, as these were her favorite colors. Once she was done, she stepped outside and rode her bike back to the castle.
The next week passed in a blur, and before she knew it, it was the first of September. Alaina checked her watch after getting out of the shower, and realized she had an hour before the students arrived. Minerva and Albus told her that the impression she made tonight on the children would be the key factor in any interaction they had with her. Alaina applied a glamour on her face before walking to her closet and selecting her clothing for that evening. After a few minutes consideration, she selected a white shirt, black slacks, black vest and a black robe. She decided that since green, red and blue were Hogwarts house colors, she would be better served by not showing any preferences at the first meal. She quickly dressed, and made her way down to the Great Hall.
Alaina had barely gotten to her seat when the large doors opened and students began to file in. She remained seated, quietly observing as a large group of eleven year olds were brought in to be sorted. Once that was over, Albus rose and told everyone to tuck in.
Once dinner was finished, the plates quickly cleared, and Albus walked to the large podium in front of the head table.
"I am glad to see that everyone has enjoyed their meal, and I have a few start-of-term announcements to make. Our Caretaker, Mr. Filch has added a few more items to the list of contraband, specifically any Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes products. I am also happy to introduce you to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Staff Sergeant Alaina Mackenzie. Staff Sergeant Mackenzie is here on special assignment from the magical division of the United States Marine Corps as a personal favor to me. She is trained in many forms of self-defense and we are blessed to have her with us this year. She has also requested that you refer to her as Staff Sergeant, as she is uncomfortable being called Professor." Alaina stood until Albus finished the statement before sitting again as he continued.
"Next, all years are reminded that the Forbidden Forest is exactly that, forbidden. Finally, as I am sure that all of you are aware, Lord Voldemort has returned. I would like to as that all of you put aside your petty differences, and unite for the protection of our world. Goodnight everyone."
The students and staff began filing out, and Alaina made her way back to her quarters. Tomorrow was the first day of classed, and from what she was told, she was in for a ride.
The next morning was clear and bright. Alaina's first class was second year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, and it had gone rather smoothly. Her next class, however was one that nearly every one of her fellow staff members had warned her about- sixth year Gryffindors and Slytherins. She stood behind her desk as the students filed in and took their seats.
"Good morning. I hope that you all had a good summer. I have four rules for my class, and I think that it is best that I let you familiarize yourself with them right away. Number One- Respect. You will respect me and your fellow classmates. If I think that I hear the words git, prat, and etcetera in my presence, that will cost the speaker ten points. Mudblood will cost you twenty. Any questions?" No one moved a muscle, and Alaina nodded before continuing.
"Number two, Be prepared. I trust that everyone acquired the special clothing that was on this years supply list? If you didn't, I recommend that you rectify the situation before our next class. Third, I expect complete participation. I don't care if you are successful. As long as you make an honest effort in all aspects of this class, you will pass. Last but not least, I have been informed by both of your head of houses that we have celebrities and aristocrats in this class. Let me be perfectly clear, I DO NOT CARE. I am not concerned with any of that. I don't give a flip about who thinks they are special, or who thinks they can buy their way into a passing grade." Alaina looked at the class, noticing the response from both sides of the room. She continued her lecture, and at the end of the period, walked over to the door.
"I expect that all of you will have your shirts, pants and shoes for the next lesson. Class dismissed." With those words, Alaina watched as the students filed out, and she headed to lunch.
A/N Alaina vs Severus pt 2 in the next chapter when she has the sixth years again. Please review, as I am trying to not make Alaina a Mary Sue.