The Infatuations And Disenchantments of Loving A Snake (Severus Snape)

39 | Job Hunting

"I knew you were going to come and see me sooner or later. But I am afraid I cannot help you."

Her breath caught in her throat. She was not expecting him to tell her this. "I know I left, but I had a good and relevant reason. I wasn't ready to come back before but I am now." She feverishly tried to reason with the old man.

Albus looked down his nose to where she stood. He was very fond of the woman she had grown up to be, but somethings he just couldn't do for friends. "I am sorry, but I've already filled your position. Charity Burbage has been teaching Muggle Studies in your place and quite well, may I add." Ana's eyes were wide. How could this be happening?

"This may be bold to say, but I feel it is the truth. I am the best muggle studies professor Hogwarts has seen in years. I know she can't be anywhere near my level of dedication, passion and caring." Albus smiled amused at her words. She had begun babbling as she always did when she was flustered. He always found it entertaining when she did so. "Miss Tate" he said calmly and she scoffed how he no longer called her Professor.

Albus caught on quickly but did not correct himself. After all, she no longer was a professor there. "If I were to give you your job back, what would I tell Professor Burbage? I can't just toss her out in the street now can I? She started only a few months ago, but had proven herself during that time." He explained trying to get her to understand, he had to give her a fair shot.

Ana huffed, "I know what you could tell her, she can shove her wand up her ass on her way out" she grumbled under her breath.

Albus may have been old, but his senses were still in tact. "Now Miss Tate, I know you two have quarreled the past couple days, but there is no need for any hostility." He said with a twinkle in his eye. "I cannot have anymore childish behavior which was shown so poorly the other night" he scolded and suddenly she felt like a child getting sent to the headmasters office again.

Brushing off her embarrassment Ana spoke again. "Tell me, Albus, if your significant other worked here, and there was a staff member who diluted themselves into believing they were in love with said partner; trying to touch them, flirt, and push you out of the picture every chance they got. Would you just let it slide, or would you do everything in your power to get rid of them?" Her arms were crossed and her right brow was raised as she waited for his answer.

"I suppose, I would want them gone and far away from the castle." Albus said in thought as he stroked his beard. "Exactly. She had moved into my territory and is pinning for Severus and-" Albus cut her off by holding up a hand before she could go into a second tirade. "You have forgotten one key point, Miss Tate." Albus told her matter of factly. "What's that?" She asked wearily "Severus is in love with you. You are not someone he would so easily give up for some ditsy woman. You are his beginning and his end. You brought him back to life."

Ana's heart swelled and her cheeks reddened. He did have a point. "That doesn't change the fact that I need a job" she sighed changing the subject now embarrassed. "You could work as Severus' assistant" Albus suggusted as he wracked his brain, thinking of anything he could offer her. "No, he'd hate that... but I have a proposition" she finally thought of something that may work.

"I'm all ears" Albus clasped his hands together.
"Let charity keep the job, however she teaches fifth through seventh years. While I teach first through fourth, or vice versa. It's a win, win. She keeps her job, I get my job back." Ana bit her lip in anticipation. Albus thought about this. It was a brilliant idea, but he still was not sold on the idea.

"I admire your way of thinking, Miss Tate. I'll take your proposition, and raise you one." He started and Ana was intrigued. Maybe he had a better option. "Charity keeps her job, and teaches Muggle Studies. However, I hire you back as advanced Muggle studies, astronomy, ancient ruins and Defense against the dark arts professor. That way both your schedules will be full and it takes some of the burden off the other professors."