The New Professor

Chapter One

AN: This story does not have Snape as a Death Eater. He still loved Lily, but he didn't go to such extreme measures to try and protect her.

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(Guinevere's POV:)

I entered the castle for the first time in three months. Starting off toward the Great Hall at the back of the crowd, I watched the massive doors slide open. When I managed to make my way into the Hall, I found that the only group of empty seats at the Ravenclaw table were at the very front, nearest the professors' table.

Brushing my long brown hair out of my face, I scanned the raised table, and noticed a familiar face was missing. Where was Professor Slughorn?

"Guinevere!" I spun around as I heard my name. When I spotted a flash of blonde hair dodging other students, I let out a tiny giggle. My best friend finally made it to my side, and plopped down on the bench.

"Hello, Clara," I greeted. "How was your summer?" She laughed cheerily at that.

"You know everything that happened, Gwen. I sent you an owl twice a week." I smiled, and then motioned at the line of professors.

"Do you know what happened to Professor Slughorn? All of the seats are filled, but he isn't there," I explained as Clara followed my gesture.

Before she could respond, Dumbledore stood and called for silence.

"Welcome, everyone, to a new year here at Hogwarts. I trust that you all studied very hard over the summer," he said with a straight face and a serious tone, but joined in the laughter as it rang through the air.

"Before we begin our feast, let us move on to welcome our new first years, and begin the Sorting ceremony." He seated himself, and Professor McGonagall carried forward the Hat and stool.

I waited quietly during the ceremony, anxious to hear about the absence of my favorite professor. As I glanced around the Hall in distraction, my eyes locked with a dark pair in front of me.

He must have been new. There was no way he could be more than a few years out of school. His hair was long and greasy, but it seemed to suit him. I could tell he had had a broken nose before, because his nose was hooked. He was still watching me, and his eyes seemed as endless pits.

I blushed, and glanced away, embarrassed for making eye contact with a stranger.

When Dumbledore stepped forward once more, I tuned back into my surroundings.

"One last announcement before I leave you to your food. Upon the retirement of Professor Slughorn, I am happy to introduce you all to our new Potions professor, Severus Snape. This is his first year teaching, so I expect you older students to help him adjust.

"Enjoy the food, and have a wonderful year." The plates in front of us piled themselves with delicacies, and the room was filled with students eating and starting conversations.

I watched Clara take food from every plate or bowl within arm's reach, and her eyes widened when they glanced at my plate.

"Gwen," she started as soon as her mouth was empty. "Is that all you're eating?" Lowering my gaze, I stared at the little scoop of potatoes and the tiny slab of steak.

"You've known for years now that I don't eat as much as most people. At least I'm eating healthy."

We finished eating, and then chatted about what our schedule might be, since we completed our OWLs last year. I had my heart set on becoming a Healer, so I knew what classes I would be taking. Clara, on the other hand, wanted to be a professional Quidditch player, so she had chosen the same classes as me, hoping I could help her on homework.