Always

Chapter 1: Never

It is another year at Hogwarts. The old students have left and the new students were ready to run through Platform 9 ¾ and to start their journeys. The professors seemed to be preparing for the new year in their own different ways. One in particular, however, had the same routine that seemed to work like an old clock. He woke up at 5 am, and he moved his large, cold hand around the brown dresser for his wand. He grabbed it and with a flick of his wrist, the clock stopped its annoying beeps. He mumbled deeply to himself, casting a simple spell to allow his towel to appear in front of him. He stood up and his robes also floated towards him. He took them from the air and walked swiftly to the showers. He did not take long showers. He looked around him, before very slowly taking off his nightgown. He stepped into the shower, and closed the curtain behind him. He turned the shower to warm, never hot. Even the warm water could not pierce the cold heart he possessed. He grabbed the shampoo and ran it through his long black hair. He stayed quite still as he washed his hair and his large hands were able to get the job done quickly. After only 15 minutes, he was out of the shower and he dried himself off with his towel. He then pulled his wand out of the pocket of his robe, and his clothes were placed upon him. He walked back to his quarters and he combed his semi-wet hair with a thin comb. He mumbled some more words as he walked into his socks and his dark shoes. He then polished his wand and placed it into his robes inside pocket. Staring darkly into the mirror, he exhaled as he slowly turned around and he walked out of his quarters and locked it with a key. He walked down the empty halls of Hogwarts. This was his favorite morning. No students to irritate him and he did not have to endure their loud voices that echoed in the halls. He stood very stern and proud as he walked into the Great Hall where the other professors were. Minerva McGonagall was the new Headmaster at Hogwarts in replace of the late Albus Dumbledore, and she gently looked over her shoulder seeing the male professor walking towards her. She softly said in a firm tone, "Severus."

"Minerva." The deep voice of Severus Snape said to her with a slow nod of respect. "And a good morning to you as well." She joked as she smirked to him. A large and burly man walked over and smiled. "Isn't it a grand ol' day? This' the Sorting Ceremony and a brand new year' at Hogwarts!" He smiled. Of course this was Hagrid, and he hoped that maybe this was the year that Snape was going to smile. Everyone always hoped this but it was hope that was lost each and every year. Snape snarled lowly as he said in his bitter tone "Can we get started on this meeting? We are wasting time."

"Oh hush Severus. You should not be so cross this morning and scare your new Slytherins away." Minerva smiled as she looked at Dumbledore's old chair and sighed deeply. "It will never be the same." She said. Filius Flitwick walked beside her and gently looked up at her saddened face. "He will live on in memory." He spoke as he looked at Snape. He knew Snape killed him but for good reason. If he had not died, Draco's life would have fallen into Voldemort's hands. It took a few years until Snape was forgiven for some but some things never change. Snape watched as Minerva sat down in the chair and she started the meeting with the many professors in the room. The meeting was very long and in Snape's eyes, it was not worth his time. "To conclude, we do have a new professor coming to Hogwarts this year. She should be here momentarily. She has a strong resume, and she will be a wonderful addition to our staff." Minerva said. "And what subject will she be teaching?" Flitwick asked sitting on top of a few books to match his height to everyone else in their seats. "She had offered to teach a new class here at Hogwarts, and I did agree to it.......cooking." She spoke and if Snape had an actual heart, he would have laughed in mockery.

"That is preposterous." He said slowly as he shook his head. "I would like to hear your opinion......Severus." Minerva said as she stared at him. "I don't." Flitwick whispered under his breath, scratching his head and looking down. "Minerva, a cooking class? That does not require the magic of any kind that will be used for an actual purpose. It is idiotic. Every class at Hogwarts strives to teach our students the powers of magic for purpose, NOT for mere cooking." He said as he crossed his arms. Minerva nodded. "Whether you like the idea or not, Severus, she is coming to teach this class and I am personally excited to see what it will entail." She said. "Me too!" Hagrid said. "I do also." Flitwick spoke up. Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch coach, was sitting on the table and smiled. "As am I." She smiled. Snape let out an annoyed and long groan as he held his head. He was already hating today, and the students had not arrived yet. He shouldn't have woken up. Too late now.