Beyond the Dark mark

☆ Chapter one ☆

~~~~~~~~~~~~~☆DISCLAIMER☆~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I only own Lillian Black and the plot. JK ROWLING owns the rest in the Harry Potter series.
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As the start of term approached, I was aware that the beginning of each school year at Hogwarts was marked by certain traditions, and this one would be no different. Dumbledore, ever the master of ceremony, paused after his opening remarks, allowing the anticipation in the Great Hall to build. When he finally spoke again, his voice carried the weight of introduction.

"I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Lillian Black."

All eyes turned towards me as Dumbledore gestured in my direction. Rising from my seat with composed grace, I inclined my head slightly towards the sea of students. The hall buzzed with whispers as they assessed the new addition to their staff.

"Professor Black comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of Defence Against the Dark Arts," Dumbledore continued, his tone growing more serious. There was a gravity in his words that underscored the importance of the subject I was to teach. "Her expertise will no doubt be invaluable in preparing you all to face the challenges that lie ahead."

As he spoke, I could feel his gaze sweep across the room, settling on the students with an intensity that left no doubt about the significance of what he was saying. In these uncertain times, the study of Defence was indeed more crucial than ever, and I knew that Dumbledore's words were not just a formality, but a call to readiness.

"I trust that you will all show Professor Black the same respect and curiosity that you have afforded her predecessors," he urged, "and I encourage you to take full advantage of the wisdom she has to offer."

I nodded once more, my expression calm and collected, aware of the subtle authority I projected. There was much I had yet to reveal about myself and my connection to the magical world, but for now, I allowed the moment to settle.

Dumbledore's smile returned, lighter now, as he shifted the mood in the room. "And with that, I wish you all a successful and enlightening year ahead. Let the feast begin!"

With a wave of his hand, the tables in the Great Hall suddenly overflowed with a magnificent spread of food, capturing the students' attention as the evening's formalities gave way to the year's first feast.

He leaned in slightly closer to me, his voice turning into a low, sarcastic, velvety whisper.

"Oh, but why not? You look rather adorable in my cape, darling. It suits you so very well."

"Fuck off, Severus. Don't call me that." My voice is filled with frustration.

He chuckled again, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, but where's the fun in that? You know you secretly like it when I call you darling. It's okay, you can admit it."

"Snivellus. I said drop it."

His eyes widened in mock disbelief, a smirk playing on his lips. He leaned even closer, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. "Oh, now that's just rude. Snivellus, really? You wound me, darling. You know damn well you can do better than that."

"Oh, is Snivellus upset? Oh no! Did I upset his feewings?" I say in a babyish tone, knowing he hates when I call him that. Back in first and second year, we were friends until the Marauders turned me against him, telling me he had a pathetic crush on Lily. I thought he liked me, so I was just an upset child.

Snape's jaw tensed as my words hit a nerve. He despised that damn nickname, and hearing me use that babyish tone only fueled his anger. His features hardened, his usual stern expression turning even more severe. "You think you're so clever with that ridiculous nickname, don't you? Acting so smug and childish, thinking you can get away with it. Well, I won't stand for it. I have no feelings to be hurt, so spare me your mockery."