The Princess and The Half Blood Prince

The Creepy Professor

As I sent the boys on their way I had a sinking feeling this was the last time it would be the five of us. The world was changing around us. Nothing would be the same after the year was done.

I let out a deep sigh. Stranger bent down to place his head under my hand. Some times I forgot how large he was. On all fours he stood a foot or better taller than her. At only five feet she could almost saddle the dog like a horse.
"What am I going to do with them, Stranger?" His red eyes bore into her, but he made no reply.
"Well let's get the two of you packed up. We'll be flooing our way to Hogsmead." I unfolded a large black cloth. To the untrained eye it looked like a small blanket, but it was a magical room for easy travel. This one had three rooms. The main room where I brewed all my potions and two smaller rooms for storage. Everything I needed for Hogwarts was already stashed neatly inside. All that was left was my hounds.

I hated floo travel, but Hogsmead was to far to aparate to. Green flame surrounded me. Thirty seconds later I landed face first into the chest of Severus Snape.

His dark eyes felt like daggers as he glared down at me. I hadn't expected him to be so tall.

I flushed, "My apologies Sir."

I stood straightening my skirt. The little tavern, who's name I'd suddenly forgotten, was mostly empty. A few stragglers dotted it, but none of them paid any mind to the person who just came in from the fire place.

"You must be the transfer. Professor Dumbledor has sent me to fetch you." His eyes were still sharp, but his voice was softer than I expected.
"Thank you. I'm Ira Greyson" I reached my hand out.

He looked at my hand, to my face, then back again. "Professor Severus Snape. You may call me Professor Snape." His tone was flat, but his voice melted over me like warm honey.

"Miss Greyson!" An all to familiar voice called from across the room.
"Professor Ricker." My eyes flashed red.
Snape raised a brow, but didn't say anything.
"What coincidence. Visiting Hogsmead before you head back to school?"
"No." I fixed my stalking Professor with a glare that could curdle milk.
"No?" He looked confused. "Well what am I to do without my best student?"
"I suggest you start learning how to brew the potions you're supposed to be teaching. I won't be there to teach your class for you this year." I gave him my sweetest smile.
He had the nerve to laugh, "Haha yes well. You know what they say experience is the best teacher."
"Of that I have no doubt Professor." I wrapped my arm around Professor Snape's and held on to his bicep.

Snape looked at me, but again said nothing. He also didn't fail to notice the jealousy that painted its self across the American professor's face. Her eyes were red again. More importantly he saw the beginnings of fangs as she gave Ricker a deadly sweet smile.

"If that's all. I'm afraid we have places to be. Headmaster Dumbledor still needs to finalize a few things for me before classes begin."
"Perhaps I could come with you?" His blue eyes twinkled with hope.

Snape looked like he wanted to strangle the man. Honestly I felt the same.

Instead though. "That's a very poor idea. With the state of country right now. You know who being back and all, I think it's best you return to your school Professor Ricker. It would be a shame if the America's great potions master were to go missing." Sarcasm sugared with her most flirtatious smile.
"Ahh yes. Not a bad point, but Dumbledor and I go way back. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I popped in for a short visit." Completely oblivious.

"One day Professor you'll have to tell me how much my father is paying you to spy on me." I gave a smile that showed my fangs, eyes blazing with rage.
"I...I can assure you... I can assure you Miss Greyson I haven't a clue what you mean." He stuttered

"If you're going to lie. Might I suggest putting more effort into."

I tightened my grip on Severus' arm for no other reason than to not reach out and knock this creeper piece of shit on his ass. Mr Ricker was one of those stereotypical attractive men. Blonde hair, blue eyes, perfect skin, thinks he's gods gift to women. Most importantly not accustomed to being told no by anyone for any reason. Especially not those of the opposite gender. All the girls and most the women teachers, plus a few of the males all fawned over him. This naturally gave him a superiority complex.

Severus stepped between us as Ricker had began to reach out to touch me, "I do believe the young lady has given you your answer. Now weather you are a complete idiot or just to far up on your own ego to understand basic English I cannot tell you. What I can tell you however is that you are to return to America immediately. Under the current circumstances we are not allowing any visitors at Hogwarts for any reason." Severus Snape's gaze could have frozen over hell in that moment.

With that Severus lead me to the door. We walked along in silence. Him noting the moment my eyes faded back to green. Me noting the toned muscle beneath his robes.

I muttered several unlady like Latin phrases. Snape's lip twitched. Almost a smile.
"Watch your langue. Speaking like that will get you detention."
"Most people don't take the time to learn Latin. Interesting." I gave him a true smile.
"I find it useful," was the only explanation he offered.

Silence fell again. I don't mind it. Outside of our small group I had never been very vocal. Not even as a small child. Silence just seemed to be part of who I am.

"He's still following us." I didn't need to turn around. I could feel his gaze lingering on me.  "Apparently he thinks breaking his arm last year was foreplay."

Severus turned with deadly accuracy. "Stupify!" A blast came from his wand. Professor Ricker hit the ground out cold.

"Thank you Professor."
"How long has this been going on?"
"Since he was hired my first year. I told the headmaster, but he insisted I was over reading things. And that the school couldn't possibly find a better potions teacher."
"I taught our potions class for the last two years. He wouldn't know horns weed from a screaming mandrake."
"I see. Well he will no longer be an issue for you." His promise sounded sincere.

"You're well versed in potions?"
"Well enough," I shrugged. "I found some old potions books in my father's library as a girl and just started brewing. Now I make most of my own healing draughts, sleep potions, and what not." I cut myself off  realizing he probably only asked out of politeness.
"That's quite impressive for someone of your age."
I blushed, "Thank you Professor. That means a lot coming from you. Your reputation as a potions master is legendary even in the states."

A sadness seemed to fall over him. I wondered what I said wrong. We said nothing else on our way. I glanced up occasionally. Trying to gauge his mood. He really was handsome. Not in the stereotypical way the Ricker was, but there was just something I found pleasing about how his features all aligned.