The Secrets We Share | Severus Snape

1 | Encounter

  Death eaters this, Death eaters that. That's all the media talks about in the post. If they're lucky there's an occasional article in the back of the paper talking about the latest case closed. Not that Madelyn ever really cared about the exposure, but the death eaters were so quiet as of late so why bother writing about them? Of course that's not to say they aren't an issue, but the rampant wizard that nearly took out her entire squad wasn't talked about nearly as much. There wasn't much to talk about any more though. He was taken care of.

She set the newspaper down and closed her eyes, more for resting them than sleeping. Typically she would've preferred to apparate or get there via broom, however between her most recent injuries still healing and Dumbledore insisting she take the train there wasn't much wiggle room. The low humming coming from the Hogwart's express was almost enough to lull her into an unexpected slumber. That was until the door slid open. Madelyn's eyes slowly opened to see a tall man, dark eyes bore into hers as he pressed his lips into a fine line.

"You're too old to be a student." He deadpanned.

"Gee thanks. A good afternoon would have sufficed, but alright.." Her mumbles were ignored as this mystery man looked down the aisle, it looked like he was trying to see if another compartment was open. Madelyn had chosen the one in the far back to avoid any unneeded interaction, it looks like her plan didn't go so well.

With a reluctant sigh the man walked into the compartment, sitting in the seat across from her.

"You're Pierce then. The new Muggle Studies teacher." Seriously what was up with this guy? Madelyn assumed that he was also a fellow teacher, she didn't expect him to be so straightforward. Then again, she didn't really mind it.

"Yes. Apart from the professors that taught me during my years at Hogwarts, I'm afraid Minerva hasn't told me much about the staff. This job wasn't exactly expected."

The man nodded curtly, "Severus Snape. Potion's master." Madelyn couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her.

"Something funny? Pierce?" Snape questioned, an eyebrow raised.

"Oh it's nothing in particular. I've just always found that title so formal. Your name sounds familiar though, we must have gone to Hogwarts around the same time." The potion's professor narrowed his eyes at this comment, opting to reply with a huff of annoyance.

"I don't remember you."

Yet again, so straightforward.

"You're not much of a small talker eh?" Madelyn wasn't sure what to make of this Severus Snape character just yet, but maybe she could get some extra juicy details from Minerva.

"I'm afraid trivial conversations don't particularly interest me." Madelyn rolled her eyes, at this rate she might as well be talking to a brick wall.

When Minerva offered her this job Madelyn still had fresh bandages on, trying to get the nightmarish images out of her head. The older woman was worried about her she knew that. Madelyn could tell by the frantic way Minerva entered St Mungo's, chastising her for getting so hurt while also making sure she was ok. It felt so motherly.

In the end there were two casualties. Her team of five was dwindled down to three. They were put on leave to heal and had to clear a psych test before going back on duty. The ministry was quick to sweep everything under the rug. It angered her to no end. It was as if their lives were taken in vain, no recognition, nothing, swept under the rug as if they were nothing more than a pawn that had to be sacrificed. At this point she wasn't sure if she was more pissed off at the ministry or the wizard that did this.

Minerva had been there to console her, it was the one time she couldn't hold it in any longer. Exhausted both mentally and physically, she clung onto the witch. Begging for it all to be a nightmare. That's when the offer was brought up. A safe haven, a place where she can recover while still working to keep her mind off of current events. A place where she could still help. Minerva knew her better than most. The witch knew Madelyn would go insane if she had to go home and spend months recovering. And off duty at that. Since Madelyn was an Auror she spent a decent amount of time in the muggle world, not to mention she had lived there for many years. Muggle studies would be the perfect subject to teach.

The three of them were told to take a year off before they could go back to field work. And even then, after the year ends if they didn't pass the psych exam. Let's just say it'll be a long time before they see another case file.

That's how she's here now. Talking with a professor who looked like he walked straight out of a black hole.

"I'll put you out of your misery then. For now. It's nice to meet you Severus." With that Madelyn extended her arm, awaiting for a handshake.

The reluctancy on his face was easily readable, practically audible, but she had a pleased smile on her face when he did return the gesture.

This will be an interesting year.