****I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters…I merely play around with them for my own enjoyment ***
Ok, so I've gotten a few comments about how Snape is OOC…I know. My thought on this is that for the most part, during the reign of Voldemort, he had to play the part of the cold Death Eater. Personally, I don't think he's truly that cold. Yes, he's closed off and hides his emotions, but I don't think he's a truly bad person.
Anyway, I'm sorry I've taken awhile to update, I've been busy with classes this week and I had a job interview at a really good school district. It went well and I'll find out in about a week if I get a second interview with the superintendent...so keep your fingers crossed for me!
Also, I'm working on another story, it's a Twilight one with Paul/OC and I'll start posting it soon.
So, I hope you all like this chapter!
I sat at the Head Table between Severus and Hermione. I couldn't help but glance at my ring. It was truly beautiful. Severus caught me looking at it and gave me a tiny smile and held my hand below the table, his thumb running over the ring.
Once the sorting was finished, Professor McGonagall stood to make announcements before the feast began.
"Hello everyone and welcome to what I sincerely hope will be a wonderful year. As you can see, there are a few new faces at the Head Table. Before I introduce them, I want to make you aware of some changes in the curriculum," she began.
"First of all, all students with a wizarding background will be required to take Muggle Studies every year." This was interrupted by loud groans coming mostly from the Slytherin table to which McGonagall sent a glare that quickly shut them up. "Likewise, students of a Muggle background will be required to take Wizarding Studies every year. Many of the prejudices between Muggle-born students and those of a pure blood background are born of ignorance and it is my hope as well as the Ministry of Magic's hope that knowledge about each other from an early age in school will help put a stop to them," McGonagall said.
The students seemed to agree with that assessment and nodded.
"Also, to further expose you to culture, there will be music classes. There will be a Music History/Appreciation class for each level that is required as well as electives of Music Theory and Composition as well as choir and optional voice lessons," Professor McGonagall added. As she said this, there were murmurs among the students.
"Now, let me introduce you to the new staff. We have: Harry Potter teaching flying, Hermione Granger teaching Muggle Studies, Draco Malfoy teaching Potions, Parvati Patil teaching Divination, Charlie Weasley teaching Care of Magical Creatures, Susan Bones teaching Wizarding Studies, and Elle Billette teaching Music. I expect all of you to treat each and every Professor with respect. Let me also make it perfectly clear that all true Death Eaters are either dead or in prison. The staff and I will not tolerate any accusations," she noted.
"In further business, there will be a New Years' Ball this year for years four through seven. More information will be given later. As always, the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden. Now, please enjoy your meal," Professor McGonagall finished.
With dinner finished, I went back to my rooms while Severus went to check on his Slytherins. A couple hours later, I opened my portrait door to let him in.
"I hope you don't mind that I stopped by," he said.
"Of course not. You're welcome here at any time. You'll be living here soon, anyway," I smiled up at him.
"Indeed."
We spent time just talking and enjoying being with each other until I yawned.
"I'm exhausted. I should probably get to sleep," I started. I took a moment to collect myself before continuing. "You're more than welcome to stay over tonight if you would like," I finished shyly.
He smirked a bit as he responded. "As much as I would love to, I must get down to my chambers and make myself available to my House in case they need anything tonight. I will stop by in the morning to escort you to breakfast, though, if that is agreeable," he told me.
"I would like that," I said with a small smile. I understood that he needed to be available to the Slytherins but I couldn't help but feel a small bit of disappointment.
As promised, Severus was patiently waiting to escort me to breakfast the next morning as I stepped out of the portrait hole.
"Shall we?" he inquired as he offered his arm to me.
"We shall," I smiled up at him, taking his proffered arm.
As we walked into the Great Hall, conversations seemed to stop all around. I could feel Severus tense and I squeezed his arm to comfort him. He looked down at me and gave me a small nod before continuing our way up to the Head Table.
Once we got sat down, Professor McGonagall stood to make an announcement.
"Good morning. As you can see, the Ministry's new Marriage Law has affected some of our staff. In a few weeks, Professor Granger and Professor Malfoy, Professor Billette and Professor Snape, and Professor Potter and Professor Patil will all be married, respectively. Please be respectful of their privacy as they abide by the Ministry's laws. That is all. Enjoy your breakfast," she said.
I placed my hand on Severus' knee in a show of comfort and support as I ate my breakfast and was rewarded with his tense posture relaxing a bit. The rest of breakfast went off without a hitch and soon it was time for our first classes of the term.
Severus held my hand on his knee and squeezed it before speaking, "Good luck with your classes, Elle."
"Thank you," I told him as we both stood to leave for our classes.
The first day of classes went well and the following weeks passed by quickly. Before I knew it, it was the week before my wedding. I felt truly ready to marry Severus and was excited to take that step with him.