When a new muggle born professor finds herself working alongside Severus Snape at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry an unexpected turn of events see's her life change forever, and not in a way she ever expected.
I had always found long train journeys to be unexpectedly relaxing. Reading through some potions textbooks to make absolutely sure that I was prepared to take on this new venture as the new potion's assistant at Hogwarts. I spent the rest of the train journey either relaxing in contemplating thought as I stared out of the window, watching as the scenery changed and the light of the day slowly fade into a dark blue haze or I was acquainting myself with Remus Lupin. I had found him already to be someone I could very easily speak to and feel very comfortable around, not trying to get ahead of myself in my thinking but I could very clearly see that he and I would most likely form some sort of friendship throughout my coming time at Hogwarts.
The old burgundy steam train slowly pulled into Hogsmeade station, coming to a steady halt. It was 6 o'clock now and we had been seated on this train for what had just gone 7 hours and everyone from what I could tell was eager to vacate the mechanical vessel that had brought us all here safely to stretch their legs. Professor Lupin and I both gathered our belongings and with silent struggles with the weight, we walked together out onto the platform where Lupin lead me along with the students who were all now adorned in their school robes, towards the carriages which from what I was aware, were what we were going to be lead to Hogwarts in. I was somewhat confused by the lack of horses pulling at the front of the carriage, but I had to recollect that I was most certainly not living in a muggle world anymore. Those bustling streets of London were hundreds of miles away and the simplistic busy lives of the people that resided there were now mere recollections within my currently slightly overwhelmed mind. I was incredibly nervous for my new venture but above all else I was beyond ecstatic to finally be living out the life that my parents had so avidly swayed me away from.
The carriages, one by one rolled up just outside the huge ancient castle, who's light shone through the many small glass windows like something out of a post-impressionist painting by Vincent van Gogh. They flickered and gleamed on the rippling water of the Black Lake below as the last of the days light faded out into the distance in a pink and purple ombre upon the horizon. This place was one of the most beautiful sights my eyes had ever beheld, and I couldn't help but stare at it admirably upon my approach within the carriage. I could feel Remus gazing at me during the journey as I did this, but I was so mesmerized by the beauty of this place that I never removed them from the view.
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As our carriage came to a halt I finally removed my gaze and hopped myself out of the carriage, turning back to collect my possessions to be met by Lupin blocking me from doing so. "no no, they will be taken to your quarters for you Professor, no need to struggle with them up the copious number of stairs." Lupin explained with an all-knowing smirk to which I nodded and stepped back from him and the carriage, turning my attention back to the castle, the lights being emitted from the candle light within, sparkling within my iris' as I gazed up in awe. I heard Lupin jump himself down from the carriage behind me, his landing being announced audibly as his feet hit the gravelled ground beneath him. "It's very beautiful isn't it..." He muttered as he joined me by my side as we both gazed up at the incredible architecture. "yes, incredibly beautiful..." I muttered in response briefly removing my gaze for a second to glance at Remus who was still looking up at the building before turning my own gaze back to it once again. "You know, even through studying here and now teaching here for years, it never fails to take my breath away." Lupin remarks in a soft and calming tone, staring up at it for a few more moments before removing his gaze and turning to me with a clap of his hands. "Right, come now Professor Turpin, let us go straight to the Great Hall. As I have been made aware, you do not yet know your house, it's time to get you sorted." Lupin remarked excitedly, he seemed more excited than me. "Sorted? But I am a Professor, surely I don't need to know which house I'm in..." I questioned the proposal, to which Lupin simply smiled, leaning in closer to me, manoeuvring towards my ear, with his hands now shoved deep into his jacket pockets. "It's far more than just a house Marietta." He muttered in almost a whisper before moving back from me and turning away. "Come now, first the sorting, and then your introduction to the students at the feast." Lupin directed as he began to stride forwards. I shook my head briefly at the sudden wave of new information that was laid upon me, before lifting the front of my skirt and hurriedly following on behind him, trying my best not to trip over the sheer weight of the fabric of my chosen outfit, eventually catching up with Remus, walking along side him as he lead me into the castle and towards the Great Hall.
