My Teacher, Oliver

Chapter One- New Experiences

Oliver Wood POV:

I knock politely on the office to my head of house. Professor McGonagall answers promptly, "Ah, Wood do come in," She ushers me inside and into a seat. Dusty bookshelves line the walls of the well lit office. McGonagall may be a perfectionist but she's always busy and doesn't have the time to maintain her office. She takes a seat by her desks and looks across to me, " It has come to my attention that you, in your final year at Hogwarts, would like to have the experience of teaching. As such, there is only one remaining position for student teachers remaining..."

"Potions!  That's the furthest you could get from coaching; which you're already great at, What were you thinking?" George questions. " It's something And any experience is better than none at all." "But with Snape!  Bloody hell are you in a fix,  Spect he wants an assistant to do all the work for him." "Either way it's already settled, I'm not going to back out on McGonagall, I respect her to much." Fred chuckles from behind George, " I respect the old lady too, but not enough to associate with Snape The Snake." I roll my eyes slightly and sever the communication spell.

After a small lunch on Friday, McGonagall reminds me to visit Snapes' office before classes begin for the year (Seventh year students arrive a week before lowerclassman). The dungeons are darker than usual and a thick layer of grime coats every surface. After battling through the dank corridor, the grimiest opponent is yet to be faced. As soon as my hand touches the door, it bursts open with a audible 'Pop ' and hits me hard. Blood begins to flow from my nose before Snape collides with me. "Wood What the devil were you doing loitering outside my door?" He notices the blood on my face and raises his wand to staunch the bleeding. "Thank you," I falter momentarily," I was told to consult you about your assistant teacher position." A look of annoyance dominates his exspression. "Ah that, do follow me, we can walk and talk." Snape sets off at a rapid pace. "Any assistant of mine, must be prepared to take over my class at a moments notice. I am a very busy man and with the anticipated security problems of this year it is quite likely that the headmaster will have need of me. As such, you are expected to be present in all afternoon classes and available in mornings just in case. I understand that some of your own classes will need to be attended certain days of the week and that you are very involved in our sports here. I will avoid calling upon you during these times." He stops suddenly and turns to face me, "Mr Wood, I will do my very best to respect your time as you respect me. With a student as responsible as you aiding me, life has potential to become easier," His black eyes darken, "Or harder. I hope that you will find yourself gaining knowledge, you are competent after all."

With that, the Slytherin head of house turns on his heel and stalks away. An invitation of following was in no way suggested. I shake my head in confusion. That went surprisingly well.  Even Snape thinks I'm responsible and competent. I laugh to myself and set off for the Gryffindor common room. As soon as I see my red draped bed, I flop down onto it before picking up a book with a worn cover and dog eared pages. My first copy of Quidditch Through the ages. A gift from my half-blooded Mother when I was six. I'm about to scan it's pages once again when a solid black owl flies in through the window. It perches on a dresser and I relieve it of it's message.

Mr. Wood, You will find my course plans in the Gryffindor common room tomorrow morning. I will not need your services the first two weeks of classes, this will give you time to plan this integration into your schedule and review the courses, focusing on the fifth year. This grade has been selected for you to become a primary teacher within a month. P.S. I plan to be able to grade work myself, although you will be in charge of performance grading for the fifth year students.

Professor Snape Potions Master