Chapter 2: First classes
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the enchanted windows of Ava quarters, casting a pale green glow across the room. She stirred awake, her mind already buzzing with the responsibilities of the day ahead. After tidying up and fastening her robes, she took a deep breath and made her way toward the Great Hall.
The castle was alive in the morning light. The portraits greeted her as she passed, their occupants whispering among themselves about the new professor. The moving staircases groaned and shifted, their shadows stretching across the walls. Ava's boots echoed softly in the expansive corridors, and as she descended into the heart of the castle, the scent of fresh bread and bacon wafted toward her.
The Great Hall was a comforting sight, its ceiling enchanted to reflect the pale morning sky. The four long house tables were slowly filling with students, their chatter growing as the minutes passed. At the staff table, a few professors were already seated, sipping tea and exchanging morning pleasantries.
"Professor Blackthorn," a soft, warm voice greeted as Ava approached. She then saw already sat at the table, a tall woman with an easy grace about her, as though she belonged to the very air and earth itself. Esme Alderwood's chestnut hair, threaded with the faintest hints of sunlit gold, was tied loosely into a thick braid that fell over one shoulder, wisps escaping to frame her face. Her kind smile radiated a calm, quiet confidence, her dark brown eyes holding the sort of warmth that made even strangers feel immediately at ease.
Esme's robes, practical and a touch worn at the hems, bore faint marks of her work—traces of soot, scratches of dirt, and the occasional thread pulled loose from a magical creature's claw. Yet none of it diminished her appearance. Instead, it gave her an earthy, approachable charm, as though she had walked straight from the forest itself into the hall.
A faint, nearly imperceptible scar traced her jawline—a souvenir, perhaps, from years spent wrangling magical creatures—and yet it only seemed to add to her quiet mystique. Her voice carried that same soft power, unhurried but certain, like the gentle flow of a river.
"It's wonderful to have you here," Esme continued. Her smile lingering just a touch longer than necessary. There was an ease about her, a playful spark in her eyes that seemed to soften even the grandeur of the Great Hall. For a fleeting moment, Ava felt that Hogwarts might be warmer and more welcoming than she had initially believed.
"Professor Alderwood," Ava replied with a faint, polite smile, taking the seat beside her. "Thank you. It's good to be back."
Esme tilted her head slightly, her dark brown eyes sparkling with curiosity—and something else Ava couldn't quite name. "Back, you say? So you were a student here."
"Years ago," Ava said simply, though her tone held a quiet fondness as she glanced briefly around the hall.
Esme let out a soft, melodic chuckle, leaning just slightly closer. "How interesting. I was here too, though a bit less mysterious, I imagine. Hufflepuff, through and through." She gestured toward her chest lightly as if to prove her point.
Ava raised a brow faintly, intrigued despite herself. "Hufflepuff suits you."
Esme's lips curved into a slow, teasing smile, the glint in her dark brown eyes sharpening just slightly. "Slytherin, weren't you?"
Ava inclined her head, her composure as steady as ever. "Correct."
"Of course you were," Esme replied with a soft laugh, her tone dripping with playful intrigue. "The poise, the mystery…" She leaned in just slightly, her voice lowering as though sharing a secret. "Slytherins always do know how to make an impression."
Ava raised a brow, though she said nothing, watching Esme with quiet caution.
Esme rested her chin in her hand, her smile widening. "You know, it's rather fitting. Hufflepuffs are always said to bring the warmth." She tilted her head, her gaze lingering just a moment too long. "And Slytherins… well, you bring the allure. Quite the combination, don't you think?"
Ava's dark eyes narrowed faintly, though there was no real sharpness to her reply. "Is this how you make all your introductions, Professor Alderwood?"
Esme chuckled, clearly delighted by the retort. "Only with those I find interesting, Professor Blackthorn."
Ava blinked at the words, her dark eyes narrowing ever so slightly, though there was no sharpness in her tone. "Is that so?"
Esme chuckled, resting her chin lazily on her hand as she watched Ava with interest. "Don't worry, Professor, I mean it as a compliment. I'm quite fond of a little charm—so long as it's accompanied by good company."
Before Ava could formulate a reply, Headmaster Stonemire rose at the center of the staff table to begin his welcome speech, and Esme straightened up, offering Ava a wink before turning her attention forward.
Ava remained still, her mind catching briefly on that look—playful, deliberate. For someone who exuded such calm energy, Esme Alderwood clearly had a way of keeping others on their toes.
From across the table, another professor caught Ava's eye—Juniper Merriweather. The Herbology professor was engaged in conversation with Professor Bramble, but her gaze flicked to Ava now and then. Her fiery red hair seemed to catch every bit of the morning sunlight streaming through the enchanted ceiling, and her green eyes gleamed with a liveliness that contrasted sharply with Ava's composed stillness.
For a moment, Ava found herself captivated by the vibrant warmth Juniper seemed to carry effortlessly. But she quickly averted her gaze once their eyes met, brushing the thought aside.
The morning passed swiftly, and soon Ava stood in her classroom. The stone walls were lined with shelves of ancient alchemical tools and weathered tomes, and rows of cauldrons gleamed under the enchanted lamps.
Her first lesson was with the seventh-year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. As the students filed in, their chatter died down under Ava's sharp gaze. She introduced herself, her tone firm but not unkind.
"Alchemy is not a subject for the faint-hearted," she began, her voice cutting through the silence. "It is a discipline that demands focus, precision, and respect. Those who cannot meet these standards will not succeed here."
The students straightened in their seats, their curiosity piqued by her no-nonsense approach. By the end of the lesson, a few Gryffindors looked slightly pale, but most of the students left the classroom with newfound respect for their enigmatic professor.
As Ava made her way to her next class, she navigated the busy halls with precise steps, dodging clusters of chattering students. She had just reached the staircase leading to the fourth floor when a familiar voice called out, bright and clear.
"Professor Blackthorn! Good morning again!"
Ava paused and turned, finding Professor Merriweather weaving gracefully through a group of first-years to meet her. Juniper's usual warmth radiated from her smile, her green eyes bright with easy cheer.
"How's your first day going so far?" Juniper asked, her tone light and genuine.
Ava straightened, smoothing her expression to something more composed. "It's going well, thank you," she replied, though her glance flickered to the clock mounted above the archway. "I'm due for my next class soon, though."
Juniper picked up on the subtle note of urgency and stepped back slightly, her smile softening into something more understanding. "I won't keep you, then. Just wanted to check in—make sure you're surviving your first day."
Ava allowed the corner of her mouth to lift faintly—an almost imperceptible smile, but a smile nonetheless. "I appreciate that, Professor Merriweather."
Juniper's eyes lingered on Ava for a moment, as if searching for something more in her words, before she nodded brightly. "Of course. I'll let you go. Have a good class, Professor Blackthorn."
"Thank you. You as well."
Ava inclined her head politely before turning to continue up the staircase. The sound of Juniper's voice and the warmth of her easy presence stayed with her longer than Ava expected, though she quickly redirected her focus to her lesson.
Juniper watched her disappear into the crowd of students, her smile fading slightly as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She's polite, sure, Juniper thought with a quiet sigh, but it's like talking to a locked door.
Still, she shook her head and smiled faintly to herself, determined not to give up just yet.
By the time dinner arrived, the Great Hall was lively once more. The ceiling mirrored the vibrant hues of twilight, and the students filled the house tables with laughter and conversation. Ava, seated near the center of the staff table, took her place with quiet composure.
"How was your first day, Professor Blackthorn?" Headmaster Stonemire asked, his tone warm but curious.
"It went well," Ava replied, her lips curling into a faint smile. "The students were attentive."
As she spoke, a small group of Slytherin students approached the staff table. A confident seventh-year boy with a prefect badge on his chest stepped forward.
"Professor Blackthorn," he said respectfully. "Welcome to Slytherin. We're glad to have you as our new Head of House."
The boy's words were met with murmurs of agreement from his companions. Ava's demeanor shifted slightly, her usually guarded expression softening as she addressed them.
"Thank you," she said warmly. "I'm looking forward to working with all of you."
From across the table, Juniper watched the interaction with quiet interest. For the first time, she saw a glimpse of warmth in Ava—a subtle but genuine connection between her and the students. It was unexpected, but it made Juniper smile. She didn't entirely understand why she felt drawn to Ava, but as she watched the reserved professor engage with the Slytherins, she knew one thing for certain: she wasn't ready to give up on trying to get closer.