Chapter Four

First Day of Teaching, First Day of a New Life

A/N: So, this chapter is a little shorter than the first few chapters, but I felt that the contents of this chapter was more necessary than a longer length. I hope everyone agrees.

Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OC's.

~ oOo ~

"Good morning students!"

"Good morning Professor Warrington."

It was ten o'clock in the morning as Aurora walked through the aisle of one of her new classroom, she turned around as she reached the front and observed those who were in her class. There were familiar faces she recognized from the feast the night before and smiled when she noticed Harry Potter was in her first class of the year. Taking a deep breath, she told herself that it was now or never to begin her career as a Professor at Hogwarts.

"So how is everyone doing on their first day of school?" A few students mumbled a reply which caused Aurora to laugh out loud as the students stared up in awe at her reaction. "Oh, come on, it's early in the morning on your first day at Hogwarts. So…" Looking around the room, she pointed to a student in the back with blonde hair. "What's your name and what was your first class?"

The Hufflepuff female responded, "Hannah Abbott and I had Herbology before this."

"Alright! Herbology is great, you'll love it! And…" Pointing near a student near the front with red hair who sat next to Harry, she asked again. "Same to you. Name and class before this?"

"Uh…Ron Weasley, and I had Transfiguration."

"Oh, Transfiguration, one of my favorite classes when I was at Hogwarts. But, I digress. We will have time throughout the year to discuss other matters outside those of what we will learn within this class." Walking around the desk that stood in front of the students, she faced the students and began mentioning what they would learn throughout the year.

"Let us begin with this question: by raise of hands, who in here was raised within the Muggle community, whether you are Muggle-born or a mix between the two worlds?" About two-thirds of the class raised their hands as Aurora clasped hers in front of her chest. "Alright, and I'm assuming the rest of you were raised within the Wizarding community? Please raise your hands." The remaining numbers did. "Alright, who here can tell me why I asked such a question on the first day of school?" A young, female Gryffindor student raised her hand. "Yes, Ms…?"

"Hermione Granger, Professor. You asked such a question because this class will revolve around Muggle culture and you most likely wanted to see the ratio of those who have been around Muggle culture and those who may not have."

"Exactly Ms. Granger, five points for Gryffindor." The Gryffindor students within the class smiled as their house received points for the end of the year. "Now, for those who aren't aware, there is a Muggle Studies course that is taught by Professor Burbage; however, that particular class focuses on the technology and what it's like to live a day-to-day life as a Muggle. In this class, I am going to be teaching you Muggle History and how their community has thrived without the ability to use magic." The students who were raised with Muggles throughout their life were saying ooo's and aaa's, until one particular student raised his voice.

"And what's the point in all of this?"

Raising an eyebrow, Aurora turned her attention to the student and pondered why the individual would say such a thing. "Hm, Mr. Malfoy, is it?" The blonde Slytherin nodded. "Let me ask you this…have you questioned any of your other teachers why they are teaching you the subject of their classes?" He shook his head, but Aurora could tell that he was fuming on the inside. "Though, as I have stated, it is the first day of school, but please note that I will not tolerate behavior such as yours within this classroom. We are here to learn the ways of the Muggle community that encompasses the Wizarding World. The purpose of this class is to teach everyone in this room humility and respect for those that do not have the ability to use magic, such as yourselves."

"This is such a waste of time," Draco stated towards his friends Crabbe and Goyle.

"Mr. Malfoy!" As he sat at the front corner of the class, Aurora walked towards his desk, standing stalk-still looking down upon his face. "If you have something to say about this class, then you may speak with me afterwards, or speak with Professor Dumbledore to state your opinions. For the next year, you will find yourself in this classroom every Monday and Wednesday at ten o'clock in the morning." Narrowing her eyes, she stated, with a wide grin on her face, "My classroom, my rules."

The other students within the classed laughed as Draco smirked; turning her attention to the rest of the class, Aurora clearly stated, "I am not here to change any pre-judgments you may have had, so please don't feel as if I am seeking to alter your opinion. But think about this." Removing her wand from her robes, Aurora turned and flicked her wand across the empty space between her and the far end of the room. Images appeared of infamous sculptures, such as Michelangelo's David, and Ancient Roman frescos; famous painters, such as Raphael and Edgar Degas; as well as national landmarks, with the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China.

All the images she conjured lay across the empty space for all the students to see. Turning to face her class, she could see that they were all intrigued but what she was displaying; even Draco seemed impressed as he looked upon the different sculptures. Walking back down the aisle towards the end of the classroom, Aurora's words echoed as the students focused on the images. "In this class, we will look at literature, art, monuments, tools, history and even individuals within history who have crossed between the Muggle and the Wizarding world." Several students turned to look at her in confusion as she smiled in return. "Yes, you heard what I said. There have been many different witches and wizards of the past who have crossed the boundaries between our different worlds; Merlin being the most infamous, I believe." Several students gasped and the witch had to chuckle at their display. "But, this class is for learning. Any questions you may have, please feel free to ask. If there is anything you wish to learn, I can see if we have time within the year to uncover the mysteries of what you seek."

Through her speech, the images at the front of the class changed, altering between Ancient, Medieval, and Modern times. She smiled at some of the places she had been and, in that moment, greatly appreciated the opportunity Albus has granted her. Smiling, she opened her mouth to speak, when she heard a familiar calling from one of the overhead windows. Stretching out her arm, Sapphire gently landed as she folded her wings, curling her small, scaly body around her owner's neck. Walking back towards the front, Aurora turned to her class once more, feeling that she had now had their attention. Waving her wand once more, the images behind her disappeared and several "awww's" could be heard. "Does anyone have any questions?"

"I do." To her surprise, Harry Potter raised his hand. Nodding her head, she granted him the ability to speak. "If I may, Professor, how is it that you acquired a dragon?"

Not expecting such an answer, she raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Actually, I had the same question." Ron slightly raised his hand as well as he spoke. "My brother Charlie works in Romania with dragons and he once told me that it's prohibited to personally own a dragon."

"Well Mr. Weasley, your brother Charlie was correct; due to the rapid extinction of the dragon population several hundred years ago, the Ministry of Magic – and the entire Wizarding World at that – opted that dragons were a magical breed that was to be studied in order to bring their population numbers up." Taking a seat on the edge of her desk, Aurora slightly nudged Sapphire who opened her bright blue eyes, walked down Aurora's arm and settled on the wooden desk next to her.

"But how is it that you even have one?" Draco spoke, and Aurora was content on the inside that he, at least, was participating in the discussion and not bashing it.

"Well, several years after I graduated from Hogwarts, I was invited to spend some time in Romania working directly with dragons. And yes, Mr. Weasley, I worked alongside your brother for some time."

Smiling, Ron's only response was "Wicked."

Chuckling, Aurora continued, "It was several months after I arrived that we found a dragon's nest with the eggs already hatched; except one dragon was left behind." Looking down at her companion, Aurora gently petted Sapphire on the back of her scaly head. "That was when I found Sapphire, who immediately was attached to me and wouldn't leave my side. She was smaller than any other baby dragon we had seen, and in the time that I've been with her, she's only increased in size just a little; and that's simply from gaining weight as she had none on her. As she was still young, we slowly tried to incorporate her into another nest of the same breed, but, as we suspected, the mother wouldn't take her. She never ate on her own unless I fed her; none of the other specialists could feed her or simply be around her. If she wasn't with me, Sapphire would cry and attack anyone who came near. I spoke with Charlie about keeping her as my companion and we soon owled Cornelius Fudge asking for permission."

"And he simply agreed? Just like that?" A student from the back asked.

"There were a few conditions I had to agree to if I was to keep her with me and bring her back home. In a nutshell, the Minister agreed that by allowing me to keep Sapphire, I was saving a dragon; if we had left her in Romania, by chance, she may not have survived. But after a few years, the Minister realized that Sapphire wasn't a threat to anyone. I receive an owl and, every once in a while, in which I have to bring Sapphire down to the Ministry to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures to complete a simple evaluation."

Standing from her desk, she held her wand once more as she cleared her throat. "Alright, we've spent enough time discussing topics aside from the course. You are more than welcome to come and see me if you wish to know more about Sapphire, but for right now, let us discuss the homework you are going to complete for the next class meeting." She was met with groans from all the students, but the witch only smiled in retrospect.

Oh, is it good to be back within this school.

~ oOo ~

At the feast that night, Aurora spent her time speaking with other Professors around her to question how her first day was with her students. She was so excited to speak with both her old Professors and those who were new that she explained that she was overly happy and it had been a great day. Her first Muggle History course and the one that followed in the afternoon went fairly well, and the students in her Medicinal Potions course seemed eager to learn, especially since a few of her students stated that they were considering entering the Medical field after leaving Hogwarts.

Sitting in her seat on the first day of school, Aurora felt that she was finally in a position in her life where she was meant to be.

Of course, she was thrilled to have had the opportunity to work as a Mediwtich all the way to apprenticing within America's Wizarding School. She'd had many opportunities within her time after Hogwarts to explore what she wanted to do, and although she loved what she had done, working with Potions and teaching students was her passion. It had only been one day, but the female knew that she needed to thank Albus again for this opportunity because she knew she was going to have a great year. Aurora wasn't sure about the students, but she knew she would!

The feast went by smoothly and Aurora filled her stomach with food that tasted divine, and by the end of the night, she had stuffed herself with several cookies and other sweets. Before she knew it, Albus wished the students and staff to have a wonderful evening; the students filed out the doors to the Great Hall after the other and Aurora decided that it was better to wait until they all left before she made her exit. Once she decided to leave, she wished the rest of the staff a goodnight, as she, herself, headed to her personal quarters. As she made her way down towards the dungeons, Aurora stopped and turned just as she had descended into the depths of the ancient castle.

"Can I help you, Severus?"

Smirking, the Potions Master crossed his arms across his chest, his deep voice softly echoing across the stone walls. "And why must you think you can help me, Aurora?"

"Because you're following me."

"Hmph. You do remember that my quarters are down in this direction too, yes?"

"Of course I do, Severus, how could I forget?"

Taking a few steps until he was standing in front of her, Severus turned in her direction, a smirk still plastered across his face. "You tell me, Aurora. I find it hard you could forget seeing as you were in Gryffindor; that would be disappointing if you did."

Chuckling, Aurora softly swatted her hand against his shoulder and swore that a small, innocent smile formed on in his lips. "Ugh! Why do you keep bringing our Houses into this? I swear!" Looking straight into his eyes, Aurora thought really hard to think of a comeback, but nothing came to mind. Feeling a warmness crawl across her cheeks, she turned her head towards the side and muttered, "Damn you, stop being such an ass. Though for you, that part comes pretty easy." Her statement made Aurora laugh as she continued down her path towards her quarters with Severus in tow.

"How does a shot of fire whiskey sound?"

Turning her head to the side to look at Severus, who was staring blankly ahead, his façade blank of all emotions, and asked, "Are you asking me to join you for another drink?"

"I heard you describe your first day as being good, but after the day I've head, I could use a drink."

Smiling at the small notion, Aurora could feel the familiar flutter of her heart; though her mind cautioned her to be wary of the feelings that suddenly engulfed her being, her heart was screaming at her to "go with the flow" and see where this would lead. Nodding her head, the witch couldn't help as a sincere smile graced her features and she responded with, "That sounds fantastic, Severus." Grunting in response, it didn't take the two long before they reached the portrait guarding the wizard's private quarters. Mentally stating the password, Severus allowed Aurora to enter first, and once she was in the room she remembered from the night before, she stood stalk still, not sure where it was appropriate for her to take a seat. As the portrait closed, Severus noticed that she continued to stand and narrowed his eyes. "Well…?"

Looking around nervously, Aurora responded, "I…wasn't sure where I could sit."

"Just choose something to your liking." Severus' words sounded bitter and cold, his tone appearing out of nowhere and he internally battered against himself for doing do. With eyes slightly widened, Aurora merely nodded and proceeded to occupy one of the armchairs, allowing the warmth of the fire to ease into her bones, unknowing that she had been cold. She could hear Severus in the small kitchen, clinking the glasses as he was looking for the alcohol. The man appeared a few moments later and gave a small, clear glass to Aurora, and took a seat in the spare armchair. Leaning forward, Severus held the bottle of fire whiskey towards Aurora who smiled as her glass filled to the brim; Severus followed suit before setting the bottle on the small coffee table.

Twirling the glass in her fingers, Aurora had to ask. "So…what happened today that is making you want to drink?"

Groaning, Severus rubbed his brow, eyes downcast, ignoring the way Aurora was studying his façade. Leaning his head backwards, Severus downed his glass in one swing, the sting of the alcohol was a soothing sensation as he focused on the acidic aftertaste. Looking up in Aurora's direction, the wizard grimaced as he remembered the reason he invited the witch to his quarters. "It is only the first day, and already these students are getting under my skin."

Barely taking a sip, she asked, "I see; do tell."

"There's one student in my First Year Potions that will case some difficulties; I'm assuming he's in one of your courses: Harry Potter."

Aurora's confusion was evident on her face as she cocked her head; but then it dawned on her. Harry Potter – the child who had survived an attack from Voldemort. He was known all across the Wizarding World as surviving the Killing Curse and defeating the menacing Voldemort in his place. But, was it because of the child? Or his parents? Looking back, Harry was the son of James Potter, the Gryffindor who bullied Severus throughout the time Aurora was at Hogwarts; and that of Lily Evans, the Gryffindor who knew Severus since they started school.

Lily Evans – the individual who Severus loved more than anything in this world; more than potions; more than Aurora.

The witch cast her head to the side, her chest suddenly tight as she saw the red-headed female from her past. She had never been friends with Lily nor enemies; there were times their paths had crossed and they had assisted each other with assignments, despite their age difference. Aurora had never hated Lily, but there was something deep inside the female that disliked the older witch.

Catching Severus' eyes, Aurora was careful with her next statement. "Is it Harry that will cause you trouble? Or is it the fact that his parents are…?"

"Don't say it!" Standing, Severus stood over Aurora as she scrunched slightly his sudden outburst. Slamming the glass on the table, Severus walked over to the fire, placing a tense hand on the brick mantle of the fireplace and stared into the pits of the wood burning to a crisp. Aurora stared back at the man who clearly was remembering his past; a past Aurora wished he never had.

Damnit! I hate feeling petty about this…

Not knowing what to do, Aurora slowly stood and walked towards the fireplace, gently laying a hand on the man's shoulder. Severus instantly tensed, his head slowly turned towards the side but his eyes didn't meet hers. Aurora's soft voice wavered over the crackle of the fire. "Severus…" The wizard didn't say anything, causing the witch to release a tense sigh. She did not like this topic for personal reasons, and she was hoping the Severus knew that as well. But, despite everything she was feeling, Aurora hated to see Severus so upset about being reminded of the person he loved and the person who constantly bullied him.

"Listen to me, Severus. I may not exactly understand what you felt today seeing the boy in your class, but that's just it, he's a boy…"

"A boy who looks exactly like his father!" Severus roared, turning quickly to stand in front of Aurora; he expected her face to hold some form of fear, not a beautiful smile as she stared straight into his eyes. Stop looking at me like that Aurora…you have no idea what it does to me. I don't deserve that stare with what I've done.

"Severus…"

"Don't…just – don't, Aurora."

Sighing, the witch ran a hand through her hair and walked towards the table, filing both their glasses with more fire whiskey. Handing one to the stubborn wizard, she smiled in his direction before saying, "Look, I get it. Whether you believe me or not. Trust me…" In a smaller voice she added, "I know what it's like to…lose someone you love."

Raising his head, Severus' eyes found hers. The wizard could see into the depths of her blue irises and for a second he believed that she empathized with him. But he hardened his exterior as he drank the new alcoholic contents in his glass, allowing the burning sensation to bring a calmness to his shot nerves. His glass was retrieved from his hand as Aurora placed both his and hers – which was now empty as well – on top of the mantle. Grasping his shoulders, she tuned his stubborn form to face her directly.

"You need to listen to me. What happened in the past, yes, is in the past; and nothing can change it. When you look at Harry, you see a mixture of James and Lily – "

"Aurora…" Severus warned.

"But give the boy a chance! Do you think he asked for the life he was given? Do you think he wanted his parents to be murdered by the man who turned and tried to kill him?" Severus looked back towards the fire before he felt a pair of soft hands clasping his cheeks, forcing him to look back in his original direction. "Severus…do you remember several weeks ago when we were in the Leaky Cauldron and we tried to talk about our past?" She slowly slid her hands off his cheeks as he nodded, a slight pink appearing across the skin. "Look, you got me thinking. I've had a hard time being around you because…well, you know." Aurora shied her head away as her own cheeks were turning red.

"Yes, I know, Aurora."

"But," she swallowed the lump that appeared in her throat, not knowing what words to say until they past her lips. "I'm working on getting past the hardened feelings I still have." Growling, Aurora thrust her hands in her hair and walked off. Wrapping her arms around herself. "The point of what I'm attempting to say is this: Harry is the child of Lily and James, but he's not them. Please don't treat him as such, he is his own individual person and deserves to be treated as such."

Eyes widening, Severus watching as Aurora refused to look at him. During their entire conversation, he knew the reasons behind her words; but there was a section of his heart that refused to believe and accept its meaning. Grabbing the bridge of his nose, Severus knew deep down that he was being petty and this entire ordeal was folly. It was very difficult see Harry in his class earlier that morning. He knew the child would enter Hogwarts this year, but was not expecting to see a mini-James in his place; the situation threw Severus twenty years into the past when he was being bullied and no one came to his rescue.

Well, there was that time Aurora punched James in the nose on my behalf. Chuckling to himself as the memory past through his mind, Severus had to wonder who was there more for him as a child and a teenager? Aurora or Lily?

Without realizing, the wizard had taken a step forward and placed a callused hand on Aurora's shoulder. Her body turned towards him, her eyes glistening with small pools of tears in the corners of her eyes. He didn't know what to do; never had a moment occurred such as this with Lily. With Aurora, he felt…he felt…?

What the hell did he feel?

"Thank you, Aurora. Your – you…it really helped."

Smiling, she placed her hand over his and said, "What're friends for, Severus?" Standing up on her toes, she leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek; the sensation lasted long enough to spark a heat straight through Aurora's body down towards the depths of her inner woman. Pulling back, the witch stood stock still as the realization of her actions. Braving herself, she lifted her gaze to see Severus copying the same facial expression as she.

Opening her mouth to say something, Aurora couldn't find the words to express her current situation. "I…I'll – well, I'll…just be g-going then, alright? It was nice to spend this time with you, Severus, so I'll see you in the morning for breakfast? Ok, alright, well, goodnight!"

Before the wizard could even mutter a reply, Aurora hightailed out of his personal quarters and nearly ran towards her own, the portrait opening as she neared and closed once she was inside. The witch leaned against the portrait door, head in her hands as she slid towards the stone floor. Groaning, Aurora couldn't help the giddiness that occupied both her brain and her heart. She had no idea what had overcome her sense to do such a random gesture! Raising her head, Aurora was able to identify another realization that struck her like a train.

"I'm still in love with Severus."

~ oOo ~

Well, ladies and gents, let me know what you think and I will see you next time!

Chocobocolina :3