What Lies Within the Shadows [SEVERUS SNAPE]

Writing on the Walls-02

I woke to the soft, golden light of dawn streaming through the high, arched windows of my quarters. Today was the day I dreaded most: my first day working at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a place I used to adore. I pushed aside the luxurious ruby-red covers and swung my legs out of bed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Luna yawned as I left my bed, rolling onto her back and ready to fall back asleep.

I dressed carefully, choosing a dark, witchy dress that flowed elegantly around me. The dress had slits up the sides, revealing glimpses of my thighs as I moved, giving me an air of mystery and power. I secured my wand in a thigh holster, feeling its familiar weight against my skin, a comforting presence as I prepared to face the day.

After a final check in the mirror, I took a deep breath. Today was a new beginning, but the past would inevitably linger in the shadows. I stroked Luna's head softly, watching her begin to wake up, her scales shimmering in the morning light.

"Come on, Luna," I spoke to her, feeling a mix of determination and trepidation as I opened the door and stepped out into the corridors of Hogwarts. The dragon was quick to follow me, the sound of her claws hitting the tile echoing. The castle was waking up, students and staff alike bustling about, the air filled with the familiar scents of parchment and magic.

As I made my way through the halls, memories of my time as a student flooded back, both sweet and bitter. I squared my shoulders, reminding myself that I was here to teach, to guide the next generation of witches and wizards, and perhaps to find some closure for myself.

The day ahead would be challenging, but I was ready to face it, one step at a time.

My stature and aura remained cold and judgmental as I walked, students keeping their distance from me. It was kind of an ego boost. I walked into my designated classroom, my eyes glancing to see Professor Lockhart already in the classroom, humming to himself. I remained quiet as I placed my belongings onto my desk. I sat down, the man still unaware of my presence as I glanced at the journals on my desk. A red journal, one marked with the Gryffindor's lion embroidered in the seams, caught my eye, making me smile slightly. I took the book into my hands, opening it to admire the old doodles and pass-around notes from years ago between me and an old friend.

A yelp interrupted my thoughts, making me look over, my smile quickly disappearing.

"How long have you been here?" Lockhart asked, causing me to raise a brow.

"A while, Mister Lickhurt," I replied, my tone flat.

"It's Lockhart," he corrected, his face flushing with irritation.

"Right. That." I put the journal away, leaning back in my chair as I observed him. He seemed flustered, his usual confidence slightly shaken by my presence. It was almost amusing.

"Ready for the first day?" he asked, trying to regain his composure.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I responded, keeping my tone neutral. "Let's just hope the students are up to the challenge."

Lockhart nodded, though it was clear he was more concerned about his own image than the students' readiness. As the class began to fill with students, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as I waited for a group to appear.

As if on cue, a boy with familiar messy black hair walked into the room alongside a ginger-haired boy and a brunette girl. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the trio—Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. The Boy Who Lived and his closest friends had finally made their entrance.

Harry's green eyes met mine briefly before he glanced away, clearly unsure of what to make of me. Ron and Hermione followed his lead, taking their seats and whispering to each other.