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 followed along behind the small crowd of staff members who were all dispersing themselves to their designated seats whilst I was not aware of where I should sit. I caught Remus' gaze as I wandered almost hopelessly around the other side of the staff table and I watched as he nodded into the direction of the only vacant seat, which when my gaze met with it, I realised that it just so happened to be placed next to Potions Master, Professor Snape. I looked back to Lupin for reassurance, but he was preoccupied with sitting himself down in his own seat. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what would be most likely a continued introductory conversation with the gothic looking man. Nodding my head in assurance, I lifted my head, holding it up high, to express my confidence in this not so confident moment before continuing to walk graciously towards my seat, the heals of my boots click, click, clacking along the stone platform as I stepped.
I placed my hand upon the back of the wooden chair that was pushed under my place at the table. I pulled it out slowly, the legs of the chair making a slight scratching sound along the floor as I did so before having a enough space to slide myself between my own chair and Professor Snape's, lifting my skirt before finally sitting down and tucking myself in. I could feel Snape's eyes peering at me through his thick black hair that covered the side of his face as he kept his head facing firmly forwards. This made me feel a somewhat uneasy, but I did my best to ignore it until I could tell his observation had ceased and the students filed themselves into the great hall and seated themselves at the tables which stretched the entire length of the room. The noise of that arose as the room filled with young students, chattering amongst their friends was something I hadn't heard since my time at my muggle high school in London. I did indeed have some great friends myself whilst at school but having entered the wizarding world I had to alienate every single one of them, for they must not have ever known about my 'abilities'. This caused me to experience a moment of quiet and sorrowful reflection, but it was a moment that did not last too long as I felt Snape's eyes upon my once again, and my mind centred back into the room, and this time, instead of completely avoiding his glances, I lifted my head and turned myself in my chair so that I could meet him at a more comfortable juncture. I plastered a smile upon my lips which cased some small dimples to arouse themselves upon my cheeks. Snape was still facing forwards but when I smiled, he turned his face ever so slightly into my direction, and I finally got a glimpse of his eyes in almost the same level as mine. But this moment was quickly interrupted by Dumbledore's bellowing voice, that bounced back off of the thick walls of The Great Hall and back into he centre of the room, the sound of which, making both myself and Professor Snape snap ourselves out of our quick glance at each other and back out upon Dumbledore and the congregated students that were now all seated upon the long wooden tables. Dumbledore was standing behind a large, intricately designed golden podium, where he rose his arms in a gesture which instantly silenced the chatter of the students in attendance. "Good evening children." Dumbledore began. "It really is lovely to welcome you all back into the walls of Hogwarts. As you are all familiar, as your headmaster, I like to make some announcements before we delve into our feast, so if you would indulge me for a few minutes that would be appreciated." He carried on as I watched, seated at the table behind him. "I would like to remind you, that the forbidden forest is strictly out of bounds to all students, as well as the third floor, corridor on the right-hand side." Dumbledore went on, announcing various restrictions and so on and so forth. Meanwhile, as the bearded man continued, I took a few sips from the drink that was placed upon the polished wooden surface in front of me, and upon inspection I discovered it to be fire whiskey. Something I had not thus far in my wizarding world experience, indulged myself in. The unexpected burn from the amber liquid hit the back of my throat unexpectedly and I struggled to stifle a choke, my cheeks flushing red as I did my upmost to hold it in, and eventually the offending twinge in the back of my throat retreated.
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"I would also like to introduce you to our newest staff member... Professor Turpin, who joins us as the newly appointed Potions Assistant, who will be working with Professor Snape." Dumbledore announced suddenly. I had barely finished stifling my choking fit before my introduction was made and so I hastily stood up to make myself known to the students. However, I neglected to push my chair back first and so upon standing I foisted myself firmly into the wooden table, which forced the surface to jolt forwards and to my dismay, I watched as Snape's glass of what I believed to be port, or sherry or something of similar description tippled and tumbled onto its side and spilt across the polished wooden surface. My eyes widened as this unfortunate event unfolded before me, by my serious lack of judgement. I didn't think I quick has the strength to push this table forwards a millimetre but clearly, I was mistaken. I made to pick up his tumbled glass which had by this point, already expelled its entire contents onto the table. As my hands reached forwards, Snape's large hand briskly foist itself before me, halting my progress to try and amend the situation in its tracks. The dark-haired man, efficiently slid his long, black wand out from his sleeve, with he opposite hand and held it over the liquid which was now beginning to make its way to the edge of the table, threatening to drip down onto the floor, and worse, onto Snape's cloak. "Alchodisparo!" Snape chanted abruptly, and I watched as the liquid instantly evaporated, as if the oak table had somehow consumed it. "I- Professor I am so sorry!" I finally let out apologetically "Idiot girl..." Snape snapped, thankfully quite quietly, or at least that's how it sounded to me, as the sound of the students giggling and gasping at the situation that I had just managed to arouse through my clumsiness rang through the room. That remark, 'Idiot Girl' from the man, that is essentially my boss in this place. The man who is mean to teach me and lead me onto great things had regarded me with such little care, and respect might I add. That remark sunk to the pit of my stomach like a stone sinking to the bottom of a murky river and slowly I sat myself back down, my cheeks flushed with the embarrassment. "Alright, settle down children settle down... Now finally, I would also like to announce that Hogwarts School, this year has been chosen to host, a legendary event. The Triwizard Tournament. Three schools from across the globe compete in a series of tasks, Three, extremely dangerous tasks..." Dumbledore went on, appeasing the students with a distraction, despite it being a statement he was due to announce despite my mishap, but I was thankful for the moment in which he chose to speak. I slouched back into my chair, peering out of the corner of my eye at the rigid Professor Snape. How dare he! How dare he refer to me with such disrespect. I tried my best to hold my tongue, especially in front of the students, but my new enrolment into Gryffindor house clearly was an accurate placement as my tolerance was very easy to break. "I am not an idiot..." I stated firmly, my face still turned forwards as to not make kit obvious to the students that I and Snape were speaking to one another as Dumbledore introduce this... Triwizard Tournament... whatever that was. As I spoke, I felt Snape's head turn ever so slightly in my direction before that low voice grumbled with a slow, but well-timed response. "...We will see about that... Turpin." I bit my tongue, I wanted to bite back but just as I was ready to open my mouth to utter a reply the large wooden doors to the great hall swung open with a loud shunt and the witches and wizards from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute filed into the hall, each with their own, well-rehearsed lavish display. I tried my best to watch these young witches and wizards in awe, but inside I felt quite defeated by Snapes remarks to me. Already I had left a sour taste upon the man's tongue and I certainly felt the same about him in this moment. I know I am better than this and I know I can rise to occasion. One small clumsy mistake cannot begrudge me of a lifetime of resilience and determination. I will prove Snape wrong. Whatever it takes.
