Shake it, Bake it, Brew it

Sorting Things Out

Last Time:

Cache leaned over and whispered, "Be honest, do I look that bad?" He said quietly as the entire hall erupted with whispers and chatter ... Severus snorted in amusement, but didn't respond ...

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As she stood with the new first years, who were momentarily forgotten in favor of the gossip, Ginny pouted at the sad announcement. She had hoped to meet her brothers' friend. Though Ron claimed to be Harry's best friend he seemed to know very little as far as actual facts about the 'Boy Who Lived' as a person. Fred and George had much more to say and only ever said nice things about Harry, but this sickness sounded really serious.

(Maybe I can help somehow.) She thought, but then frowned as she looked at her brother, Ron, who looked both confused and angry as he tried to talk to an equally confused Hermione. (Why do they seem so surprised? Weren't they keeping in touch with Harry?) The youngest Weasley wondered and something else was off. When she spotted her older twin brothers she noticed that they were both casting suspicious looks at Ron and Hermione. Did they suspect something? If so what? Ron may not be a well informed friend or one with good intentions, but why hurt Harry? Her thoughts were interrupted as the headmaster raised his hands for silence ...

"Now everyone calm down." Dumbledore said and everyone quieted down. "We will all wish Harry well and a speedy recovery, but let's get back to the other announcements. I'm sure you all noticed the two new face at the staff table. The young man next to Professor Snape is Cache and he will be assisting in the potions class as well as in the infirmary. He will also be visiting the DADA, Herbology, Charms and flying classes in case immediate medical attention is needed."

Cache subtly twitched in irritation and gave the growling kneazles curled up at his feet where they were out of view of the students a few calming pets, (Well that's definitely a form of payback if I ever saw one.) He thought dryly. Originally Cache was only supposed to help in the potion classes where Severus needed a second pair of eyes and help Poppy, but to visit other classes on top of it. Well he had his work cut out for him that's for sure and Severus and Poppy couldn't say otherwise because they had to pretend to be loyal to Dumbledore. It was still clear they were not happy. However, Cache wasn't too annoyed by this move. How could he be when the old fool basically just gave him permission to wander the school unsupervised?

Dumbledore had the nerve to send Cache a kind grandfatherly smile before turning back to the students, "I'm sure many of you don't need me to tell you who this man is, but I shall nonetheless. Taking the spot for this years DADA instructor in none other than Gilderoy Lockhart!" Dumbledore announced and cheering erupted from the students. The fraud stood up eagerly lapping up all the attention.

Cache scoffed, "What a ham ..." He paused as he looked at Severus or more specifically the potion master's neck where he noticed a bruise peeking out from under the collar. "Would you like me to heal your neck before people start questioning the belief that you don't have a sex life?"

A faint pink tinted Severus's cheeks as he mentally cursed the vampire landlord for dragging him into a farewell make out session before he flooed to Hogwarts, "Very well." He said trying to not sound embarrassed, but it came a bit harsh and that gave him away. Cache chuckled as he pretended to lean over and whisper something in Severus's ear. As he did so he carefully used a healing spell with his wand to make the bruise fade away. Once it was gone Cache sat down and pursed his lips to keep from teasing Severus, but he could tell the potion master knew about his amusement. Severus was glaring at his apprentice, after all ...

The conversation went unheard for the loud cheering continued and it went on until finally Dumbledore called for silence, "With that out of the way let's move onto the sorting!"