Chap. 2
"And here is the Great Hall where we eat." Severus said, finishing the tour of Hogwarts with the Great Hall. "Students should be arriving soon." He looked at her. She was smiling and seemed to be taking in everything around her. "This place is amazing, I know I'm going to love it here." Michaela said. The doors behind them opened, Dumbledore leading the teachers in. "Hello there Michaela, I hope that you enjoy teaching here this year. I assume Severus gave you the full tour of Hogwarts?" Dumbledore said smiling at Michaela. "Yes sir, I cannot wait to start teaching. This is a dream come true, thank you so much Albus." Michaela said as she hugged Dumbledore. "You're very welcome, we are glad to have you." Dumbledore smiled "Now come on everyone the students will be in here soon. Let's get to our table." Dumbledore lead the teachers up to the table at the head of the Great Hall. Michaela smiled at Severus and they both headed up to their seats.
"Hufflepuff!" The sorting hat shouted. The last of the first years were sorted and it was time for the introduction of the new teacher. Dumbledore stood in front of the whole school with a welcoming smile "We are glad to have all of you here with us this year and I'd like to introduce the new defense against the dark arts teacher and the newest member to our staff, Professor Michaela Hemfree!" Michaela stood up from her seat, smiled, waved, and sat back down. She leaned over to Severus and whispered, "That wasn't too awkward was it?" Severus leaning in whispered "Not at all, you were perfect." realizing what he said was awkward he tried to say something else "I mean you were amazing- I mean uh." Michaela giggled "I must have real talent standing up and waving, huh?" Severus face was all red. Why can't I think straight, I can't even put words together correctly. That strangely familiar feeling was still in his chest, still lingering and not seeming to go away. What is happening? it's almost like- no. never. Severus thought, Always.
Severus smiled, dinner had been over for almost an hour and Michaela and him had been talking the entire time. She seems like she's actually enjoying my company, how odd. Most are repulsed by just looking at me let alone spending time with me. Weird. "Severus, do you mind walking me to my room? I haven't a clue where it is but Dumbledore sent my stuff up there and I need to unpack." Michaela said biting her lip. Severus noted her biting her lip, why was she nervous? "Of course, I don't mind at all." With that the two got up from the table and headed for the teachers wing.
The whole way up Michaela talked and Severus listened. She talked about her life back in America, her family, her friends, her school. Severus enjoyed listening to her talk, the way she talked with her accent and the passion she had for life was beautiful. They approached the door to her room. "Here it is, your wand will unlock it." Severus said. The two were facing each other outside the door. "Thank you for everything you've done for me today Severus, it means a lot." and with that, Michaela wrapped her arms around Severus, stunning him with a hug. Her hair in his face he could smell a sweet mix of honey and roses. He hugged her back. He was in shock. They pulled away and with a smile she said goodnight and disappeared behind the door. It took him 10 minutes to realize he was still standing outside her door. What is happening to me? Severus thought, I should go to Albus about this. The strange feeling inside swelling even more than before.
Severus went straight to Dumbledore, hoping he wasn't asleep. I must figure out why I am feeling this way. Maybe I have wizards flu. Dumbledore was sitting at his desk reading The Daily Prophet through his crescent moon glasses. "I knew you'd show up here, Severus." said Dumbledore without even glancing up. "What's wrong with me sir? why am i feeling this..feeling?" Albus put down the paper and stood up, walking over to Severus. "I saw the way you look at her." Albus said, folding his hands. "Sir, what are you saying?" Severus said with panic in his voice. "You like her, maybe even love her." Dumbledore smiled, showing his teeth. Severus seemed to break into a nervous sweat. "But sir- Lily- I cannot love someone else- Always.. always.." Severus trailed off, hanging his head, obviously overwhelmed with emotion. Albus put his hands on Severus' shoulder, causing him to look up. "Do not be afraid of love. I know you love Lily but I think it's time to move on. You will always care about her, but don't shut out feelings for someone else." Severus realized he was right. A piece of his heart would always belong to Lily. It's time to move on.