Intolerable Man [SnapexOC]

11. The first class

Monday morning arrived quicker than Lana had hoped it would. Groaning as she rolled out of her bed, Lana made it safely to the floor. As she stood a wave of nausea washed over her, and for what seemed like the millionth time, she vowed never to drink again. Lana stumbled toward her wardrobe and ripped out its contents. After quite the deliberation, she settled on a black silk blouse with long bellowing sleeves, and a floor length black skirt. This was in no way Lana's personal style, but she figured it would be a good bet to blend in with her mentor, skirt and all. "All I need now is the cape" she thought to herself and smirked.

Still feeling slightly hungover, she made her way towards the potions classroom. The damp, mildew smell that resonated in the dungeons made Lana's stomach turn. The foul smell mixed with the anxiety of seeing Severus created a deadly cocktail. The two hadn't spoken since his little fit in Hogsmead. Lana wasn't sure what to expect from him this morning, but she figured it couldn't be good.

Upon her arrival she found a completely empty classroom. She checked her wrist watch, then scanned the room again. She was late, only by a few minutes, but the students should have been there.

In the middle of Lana's miniature panic attack, Severus strolled in from a back room. Lana felt like she was transported back to her student self, and she was terrified. Severus furrowed his brows at her rigid stature.

"You didn't get the memo?" he said, slightly amused.

Lana merely shook her head.

"Hmpf. Breakfast ran late." he said as he made his way back toward the room he had emerged from a second ago.

Lana let out a shaky breath.

"That would have been nice to know." she called to him as he walked away from her. Of course he ignored her and continued on his way. The two spent the rest of their late morning setting up for class.

Lana saw many familiar faces among Severus' students. Many of which were her own former classmates, a few years back. This was extremely comforting, and made her feel better about her new position. She experienced very little to no hazing, which could have been expected given who's class they were in. A few dirty looks from some Slytherins was all she could really complain about. Lana was confident in her new place.

As for her relationship with Severus, It was almost as if nothing had even happened the night of the first task. Lana fought with her inner dialogue for a moment, questioning why this man was so difficult and confusing.

The transition into her former assistant role was pretty seamless. Lana and Severus got on great, and we're able to work together to teach their students. No bickering, no sly comments, only cooperation. This came as a great surprise.

After the fourth years cleared the room Severus made his way toward Lana. He pulled her aside and got close to her, breathing on her neck a moment before whispering in her ear.

"I need your help."

Lana's eyes grew wide. Never in the nine or so years Lana had known him, did she know him to ask for help so easily. Lana knew it had to be fairly important.

"Yes?" her voice was full of uncertainty.

"The Yule Ball." was all he said at first, which confused Lana terribly. "We have to teach the children to dance." his lip flicked upward into a smirk.

Lana blinked a few times, making sure she was absorbing what he just said correctly.

"You need my help, with dancing?"

"Yes. Why do you sound surprised Miss Darcy?" he said slyly.

This is when Lana realised he did it on purpose. Pulling her aside in such a secretive, almost urgent manor. He knew the effect he had on her, and was going to use it to his advantage.