I finally have a computer of my own and no more excuses besides my three trouble makers. So without further or due, the chapter you all have been waiting for...
Severus's point of view
As Severus made his way out of the room he felt relief. He didn't need to look after her anymore as Albus would be able to protect her from now on. He saved her life and that should be enough. But he couldn't help but wonder at what she was hiding. Sometimes Severus enjoyed making it a game to find out people's secrets as it helped him pass the time and also a side of future blackmail. If she was going to be a professor here, it couldn't hurt to learn a few secrets she would rather him not know.
Making his way to his classroom to start teaching his insignificant first year griffindors and slytherins, he rounded the corner and thought about that feather in his pocket. he had been pondering what it could or couldn't mean for a while now, but could never put a finger on it. At the same time, it could just have fallen from the falcon as it wizzed by overhead. Severus looked at the clock and realized he would be exactly on time and decided to rush in and make a grand entrance.
Anastasia's point of view
Anastasia thought about what Severus had said about Albus keeping her safe at Hogwarts. Also the roof would be nice to have over her head and a paycheck couldn't hurt either. Deciding that this may be the best thing at the moment being as she didn't remember much except her own name, she made her way up to the sixth floor to speak with Albus. It wouldn't hurt to see what the position entailed.
Finally arriving at the statue that stood guard outside Albus's office. Suddenly she realized she didn't know the password as she never asked. She sat down on the floor to the right of the statue waiting for a professor she could ask or Albus himself to walk by. She sighed to herself, realizing this would be a rather long wait. She watched eagerly as many bustling students rushed by chattering merrily to their friends walking from class to class. The gentle chatter was quite soothing. It felt as if she wasn't alone, even though the reality of it was she didn't know anyone here, at least not really. She knew Severus saved her and that Poppy nursed her to health. That is all she really knew about anyone there.
She made a mental note to buy a cat. Also she noticed everyone carrying wands, but she didn't have one, making her start to wonder if she really belonged there at all. There had been quite a bit of crazy stuff happening and magic stuff at that, but did magic really exist or was it her concussion? did she have magic as well? So many questions crossed her mind that her memory lapse didn't seem to help answer. She sighed.
Anastasia wished she had her memory back, but at the same time, maybe it was a good thing that she didn't remember anything. Maybe her past wasn't something she was supposed to remember or it wasn't worth remembering. Maybe this was her chance to rewrite her story and her past. No one knew her and maybe that wasn't a bad thing. Maybe there was something she didn't want to remember anything. And besides, if she didn't know what she was missing what would be the harm in that?
Just then a rather short wizard walked by with a long white beard and eyebrows. "Excuse me, do you know the password to Albus's office?" The little wizard chuckled and smiled up at her.
"Of course my dear. Sherbert Lemon." As he said this the statue began to rotate and lift, revealing a staircase.
"Thank you..."
"Filius. and you are?"
"Anastasia."
"Pleasure to meet you. and your welcome by the way. Ill see you at dinner then?"
"Yes, of course." Anastasia nodded and made her way up the staircase and knocked softly on the door. Suddenly her heart hit her stomach as footsteps drew closer from behind the door. She didn't know why she was suddenly so nervous, but nervous she was. The door opened to an old man with a long scraggly silver beard and hair. He wore half moon glasses that made him look quite whimsical as his bright rosy cheeks beamed with a warm smile.
"I've been expecting you might visit. Come in, come in." He said with a warm raspy voice. It was clear he was much older than he seemed. He gestured her to come in with his hand outstretched. Anastasia followed him inside as he closed the door. "please sit." Anastasia made her way to a comfy looking armchair and Albus sat across from her. "I am Albus, headmaster here and you must be this Anastasia I have heard so much about. I take it Poppy has treated your wounds well?" Anastasia nodded. "Good, good. Have you made any progress as far as your memories or the position I have offered you?"
"Well, not my memories so much, but the position is intriguing. What did you have in mind?"
"Well, I am missing a care of magical creatures professor. Do you have much knowledge of them?"
"You mean like dragons and such?" Albus nodded. "I do know some things yes."
"Then the position is yours, if you will have it. Your hours wont be much as only fifth years and up can take the class, but the free time wouldn't be bad either."
"I'll take it. when do i start?"
"on thursday, so two days from today."
"Ok. thanks... but um... where should i sleep? And I need clothing and such."
"There is a room for you in the dungeons across from Severus's so he can keep an eye on you if you need anything, talk to him. I will arrange for a small start up bonus for you to go shopping with tomorrow morning. until then i have arranged for one of Minerva's robes to be set on your bed. I had a feeling you would say yes."
"Thank you." Anastasia got up to leave.
"Oh, I almost forgot." She looked back at him expectantly. "If you ever feel like you have any questions that you can't trust Severus with, you are always welcome here." Anastasia nodded and smiled before making her way down to the great hall.
Severus's point of view
Severus sat down in his chair in the great hall for dinner. His stomach was particularly empty due to him missing lunch. He gathered some mashed potatoes and chicken on his plate. Right before he was about to take a bite he noticed Anastasia walking down the row of tables. He took a bite and followed her with his eye until she sat down beside him. Even with Minerva's robes around her they were quite baggy and overgrown. She would have to go robe shopping soon, he thought to himself.
"Evening." He managed to say without a tinge of sarcasm which was odd, even for him.
"Evening." Her soft voice sent a sudden chill down his spine and made his baby hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
"So, did you take Albus's offer?"
"Indeed I did. I hear i have you to thank for finding me, so, thank you." Severus could feel his collar becoming heated. He wasn't expecting her to live let alone gratitude for saving her life.
"Well, just try not to almost get yourself killed anymore, alright?" Anastasia giggled a bit, almost like a melody which didn't help Severus one bit. It made him a bit annoyed.
"Did i say something funny?" her smile fell. Severus felt a small pang of guilt but didn't let it show. He couldn't, no, he wouldn't ever let his emotions cloud his judgment ever again. It only has ever led to heartbreak and pain, neither of which he wanted to experience again.
"no... sorry... i didn't mean..." She stuttered. it was almost amusing to see her so uncomfortable. Severus couldn't wait suddenly to find out what she has been hiding and exploit her weaknesses for personal gain. thinking of such things made his pants feel snug. Power often made him feel aroused. Severus took a bite and began chewing to prolong her awkwardness. it was undeniably satisfying.
"no harm done i guess." Severus replied with nothing but a shrug and his words dripping in sarcasm. His usual drawl a bit thicker than usual mostly to his own satire. he took another bite, hoping to create an awkward silence, you know, the kind that prevents relationships. Anastasia looked down at her own plate and began eating as well. Awkward silence achieved.
Anastasia's point of view
Anastasia glanced at Severus between bites when she was absolutely sure he wasn't looking. She wasn't quite sure if it was her or he wasn't up to talking, but she really wanted to get to know the one who saved her. If it weren't for him carrying her back to hogwarts, she wouldn't be alive. He seemed a bit dark though, but it was ok. She didn't know much about herself either so who knows, maybe she had a dark streak as well. she didn't even know why she was in the forest in the first place. It could have literally been for anything. guess only time will tell she thought.
She stood up now quite full and smiled at Severus before brushing off the loosely fitting robes that Minerva has lent her. It was hard to tell what shape she was underneath with how loose they fitted, but it made her look too thin because of the extra slack. Anastasia turned and made her way out of the room and down to the dungeons to find her rooms.
Of course she got lost as she had never been to the dungeons before, or at least not that she remembered. So she followed the twists and turns of all the passageways and was disappointed when she came to dead end after dead end. She was just about to give up when she rounded another turn and was met nose to nose with Severus.
"Lost are we?" He asked with a sneer. It was almost as if he was enjoying it slightly. Anastasia backed up slightly and slowly. She wasn't sure why but for some reason being alone with him left her uneasy. Her voice faltered to a low whisper.
"Um... maybe?" Severus's face wound into a crooked smirk.
"Would you like some help or are you going to just back up against a wall?" Anastasia backed up again, this time her back against the stone wall. Severus stepped closer only a breaths distance away with his lips almost tickling her ear. "Do I make you... uncomfortable?" he whispered. Anastasia felt a shiver go down her spine, making her quiver slightly. Severus smirked.
"No... I... Uh... Just sleepy is all." She started to regain her resolve. Severus backed away slightly.
"Follow." His directions were simple enough. Follow. Okay I can do that, she thought. Severus walked down the hall she had just been at and took a right. She followed him at what she felt was a safe distance if she needed to escape for some reason. She didn't know why she felt so uncomfortable alone with him, especially since he saved her life, why would he hurt her? Severus stopped short causing her to bump into him.
"ssss..s.. sorry..." She stuttered, clearly nervous. This seemed to entertain Severus.
"Well, just be careful. If i keep having to save you i may have to start charging." Anastasia didn't like the way that sounded, but again, he may be kidding. You never know with people. "Here's your door. I suspect you will need cloths of your own soon." Severus tugged gently on one of the sleeves causing the robes she borrowed from Minerva to slip off her shoulder and reveal the top of her small breast. She quickly attempted to cover herself with her hand. "Shame to hide such... beauty." He breathed on her ear. "I would suggest locking your door. You never know who or what may come to your door in the night. sweet dreams." His voice was dripping in sarcasm. His thick drawl made her weak but at the same time was he suggesting he couldn't control himself? Or was he joking. No matter, she would lock her doors as he suggested.
"Night." She said softly as she entered her rooms and locked the door behind her. She lay down into her bed and turned out the light, attempting to get warm. there was a fireplace burning at the foot of her bed casting a dancing light across the walls. She had a bookshelf with an armchair and sofa and a green and silver rung in front of her couch with a snake on it. She fell asleep thinking of the strange man who saved her but may yet be her downfall.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and if you did please review. new reviews and encouraging feedback really help motivate me to finish a story or add new chapters. Please be patient with me as well as i am writing 3 or 4 stories at once at the moment. Thank you.
To be continued...