Bewitching the Mind and Ensnaring the Senses

CHAPTER ONE: Cherry Blossoms and Peaches

Severus:

I have become completely content with solidarity. People parting in the halls and leaving sneers in my wake are now common occurrence. But I don't make friends, I brew infallible potions that could rival those of the most seasoned potion masters. The Hogwarts express should be pulling in in roughly ten minutes and simply the thought of the vapid outpour of new bright eyed students makes my stomach churn. This year would be particularly strenuous. Harry Potter is already all the buzz among the staff and he's all but spoken to one wizard in his lifetime. I bet the bloody boy looks like James. The disgust of thinking I will be watching over him makes me wish James had let Sirius follow through with his bloody plan.

"Ah Severus, pacing, could it be you're for the first time nervous for the students arrival?"

I jumped but only because Albus seems to float leaving no indication he's entered the room.

"No headmaster I'm just anxious to get the feast over with."

"We're all anxious in some way Severus. Enjoy the night. Study the students and prepare for the year. See you at the feast" and with a wink from behind his crescent glasses he disappeared into the great hall. I pondered for a moment and then followed him in taking my seat next to Hagrid. The students poured in eager for the sorting ceremony. Eager to see what their fate will be. One student in particular caught my eye. She looked far too old to be a first year, 20, maybe even 21 yet she was with all of the first years. Her curly white blonde hair shaped her angular face and swept down just below her shoulders. Surprisingly she continued walking with Minerva. Albus stood up and shook her hand. She was petite with sharp features but soft, kind green eyes. She took a seat next to professor Flitwick as Albus approached the podium.

"Ahern -- just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I'd like to welcome the new Astronomy teacher, Professor Matsdoter" cheers erupted as the young blonde woman stood up and gave an awkward wave.

Matsdoter? The name seems so familiar but I can't quite pluck the memory.

"Professor Snape, I see you're the Potions Master. How fitting" she said in a thick British accent. Her voice was soft, almost a purr.

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted. The hall was bustling with house prefects ushering their new gains to their corridors.

"Yes. Do I know you?"

"Bloody hell how easily I've been forgotten. Well I know plenty of student pour through here and I was not the most remarkable with potions, unlike you. Ariana Matsdoter, Ravenclaw class of 1978."

She held out a small hand but I just looked unable to keep the sneer off my face. She was unbelievably beautiful but people are not my forte. She lowered it looking disappointed.

"Anyways, this is my first year teaching so they're giving me leeway and have assigned me to watch you conduct class for a week before I take on the task" she said with a bright smile.

"Well, I'm not one to argue with the Headmaster. You may sit in the corner and make no sound. Just observe."

Ariana:

Just like that he turned and swept his robe disappearing into the black. I don't know if its his self loathing or the brooding mysterious tone he speaks with but his aura is alluring.