Reminisce In the Twilight

Reminisce In the Twilight

Disclaimer: I do not, I repeat, do NOT own J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter Series” or their characters. As much as I would like to own it and make thousands of dollars, I don’t. But I do own the Original Characters in this fictional story, in other words, you steal them and I sue! Mwa ha ha ha ha! Ahem, sorry. I got carried away. But as I was saying, in short: Harry Potter = Not mine = Don’t sue. Thank You and enjoy.

Genre: Romance, Angst, Humor

Rating: Rated R for sexual innuendo, adult situations, rape, sex, language, violence and death in later chapters.

Summery: It’s Harry Potter’s Seventh Year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But like every other year at Hogwarts, it’s never normal. This time, He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named has hired a hit man by the name of Twilight Viper, and has sent him to kill Harry! Meanwhile, Professor Snape is not getting along with the new Muggles History and Literature teacher, who despises him for a reason beyond his knowledge, yet she claims he is responsible for one of her worst memories that has scarred her for life! Literally! Will either of them survive this year?


Chapter Two: A Kindling Coal


Platform 9 and 3/4s. As the steam dispersed and the hiss of the engine died, the vast crowd of thousands of Wizards and Witches piled into the cars of the Hogwarts Express. Among them, his black hair mixed with sweat from running just in time to make it to the train, was none other than the Boy-Who-Lived.

Harry Potter… Trinity of Courage.

As he pushed through the bustling crowd, his emerald green eyes traced his surroundings for his two best friends. He vigorously searched for a certain red-headed, freckle-face teen, and a brown-eyed, bushy-haired brunette. Harry ran through the cars, giving a quick glance into each compartment for any sign of his friends. Suddenly to his surprise a hand gripped his shoulder and pulled him roughly into a compartment as he gave out a yelp of distress. To Harry’s surprise, his eyes met with a pair of chocolate brown ones, framed with curly brown hair. Harry let out a sigh of relief and his heart rate went from pounding back to a calm, steady pace.

Hermione Granger… Trinity of Wisdom.

“You practically scared me to death, ‘Mione!” Harry informed her as the flushed look on his face quickly changed to a warm smile.
Hermione giggled, “I’m sorry, Harry, but I couldn’t help myself.”
Harry laughed, “Well, it’s good to see you again.”
“Good to see you too, Harry.” She smiled warmly.
“Hey Harry! Hey Hermione!” said a Red headed young man as he entered the compartment.

Ron Weasley… Trinity of Loyalty.

“Hey Ron!” Both Harry and Hermione said in unison.

Ron walked up to Hermione and gave her a hug, and then turned to Harry and they patted each other on the back. Harry smiled at his two best friends. They were once again the Trinity. Or the Golden Trio, as they were dubbed by one Greasy git, Potions Master. Either way, it was good to be together again.

“Good to see you again, Ron.” Harry smiled.
“Likewise, Mate.” Ron smiled back and took a seat, followed by Hermione who sat across from him, then Harry who sat beside Ron.

Suddenly they could feel a shift in movement, and they all watched as the scenery outside their window passed them by slowly then gained speed with each second. The train had begun its journey to Hogwarts. After a few moments, the three of them began to chat about what they did over the summer.

“So, how was your summer Harry?” Ron asked.
“It was okay, I guess. How was your summer, Ron?” Harry asked.
“Oh it was okay. Hermione and her folks took us to a Muggle Amusement Park.” Ron told him.
“Which one?” Harry asked, turned to Hermione.
“Alton Towers, in Alton, Staffordshire.” Hermione told him.
“Oh I’ve heard of that p. Ho. How was it?” Harry looked back over to Ron.
“The place was nuts! I’ve never seen so many Muggles in my life!” Ron told him, “The place was littered with Muggle contraptions and entertainment! It was amazing! I’ve never seen such things in my life! I could hardly believe something made by Muggles could be so entertaining and nauseating at the same time!”
“Nauseating?” Harry asked with a questionable look.
“He got sick on the Oblivion. It’s a roller coaster.” Hermione giggled, “I was surprised how he could turn poor Ginny’s bright red hair such an interesting shade of green.”
“Poor Ginny.” Harry shook his head.
“Poor Ginny?! Poor me! You should have seen! Her and Mum practically torn me limb from limb and shouted as loud as a thousand Howlers!” Ron said in his defense.
“A Thousand Howlers you say?” Harry’s eyebrows rose, and his lip twitched as he tried to suppress a laugh.
“Yeah, but it wasn’t as bad as what Fred and George got!” Ron told him, “They were on the ride called the ‘Good-screw’-”
“‘Cork-screw’, Ron.” Hermione corrected him in her know-it-all tone.
“Right, anyway, they wanted to make the ride go faster. So like the trouble makers they are they use magic to speed up the ride to at least MACH 3! Muggles were screaming and one of the children let go of his candy apple and it a cow in the ‘Petting Zoo’ like a…um, what’s that phrase again?” Ron looked to Hermione.
“‘Hit straight on like a Bullet-train?’” Hermione suggested.
“Yeah I think that was the one. But yeah, they got the yelling of their lives!” Ron told him.
“Sounds like a pretty interesting day.” Harry commented.
“Interesting indeed. You should have seen them react to a cell phone! Mr. Weasley thought it was some kind of Mechanical animal attacking my face and blew it up with his wand!” Hermione said in exasperation, “You’d think he of all people would know better.”
“Speaking of the Weasley Clan, where’s Ginny?” Harry asked.
“Oh, she’s helping Neville look for Trevor. Apparently he lost him once again.” Ron informed him.
“Uh oh, you think we should help?” Harry asked.

Before anyone could answer a lean young man entered their compartment with two muscle bound lackeys on either side of him. The three of them dressed in black and green uniforms. They were Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle.

“Well, well, look what we have here, boys. It’s seems Potter has lived to see another year.” Malfoy smirked.
“Sod off, Malfoy.” Ron glared at the blonde Slytherin.
“Well if it isn’t Weasel. What’s wrong Weasel? You’re parents haven’t exchanged your old run down house for a cardboard box yet? No worries. I’m sure the box would be a big improvement.” Malfoy laughed.
“Why you-” Ron began to stand up.
“Ron! Let it go!” Hermione grabbed Ron’s arm and pulled him down back into his seat.
“What’s the matter, Mudblood? Don’t think you’re Weasel boyfriend has a chance at taking me on? Stupid Mudblood, let the men tend to business. So sit down and shut up!” Malfoy sneered at her.
“You shut up, Ferret-face! Don’t you have anything better to do, than pester us?” Harry glared.
“Why, no. I made time in my busy schedule to put you three at the top of my list.” Malfoy grinned evilly, “Now, don’t you all feel special?”
“Yeah, real special.” Hermione rolled her eyes.
“I thought I told you to shut up, Mudblood!” Malfoy told her.
“Fuck off, Malfoy or I’ll-” Ron started.
“Or you’ll what, Weasel? As you can see, we out muscle you. So take it like a man!” Malfoy snarled.
“Bastard.” Hermione snarled under her breath.

Suddenly Neville ran into the compartment, doubled over and his hands reaching out to the floor.

“H-Hurry! Someone catch him! Catch Trevor!” Neville cried as he ran around the room, chasing a small green toad.

They all watched as Trevor led Neville around the compartment in complete circles, until finally it hopped over to Malfoy. Malfoy stepped back and tried to jump out of the way, but was too slow as Trevor hopped onto his shoe and up his pant leg!

“Oh Merlin! Get that filthy thing away from me! Get it out! Get it out! GET IT OUT!” Malfoy panicked.

Harry, Ron and Hermione laughed as they watched Malfoy hop around kicking his legs trying to get rid of the toad out of his pants. The mere thought of it had them in stitches.

“Don’t just stand there you fools! HELP ME!” Malfoy shouted to no one particular, as long as someone helped him.
“Alright Malfoy, I’ll help you.” Hermione said with a giggle.

Hermione pulled out her wand.

“Diffendo!” Hermione pointed her wand to his trousers.

Everyone in the room watched. Nothing happened.

Draco glared as he continued to hop around, “Stupid Mudblood, can’t even perform a simple spe-”

Suddenly before Draco could finish his sentence the seams on his trousers began to loosen and split causing the material to fall to the floor. The Trio gasped as they witnessed Draco was wearing boxers in the Gryffindor colors! Everyone in the room except Crabbe, Goyle and Malfoy burst into laughter as Trevor hopped out of the leg of Malfoy’s “Gryffindor-ish” boxers.

Malfoy’s face was aflame with rage, “You’ll pay for this, Mudblood!”

With that Draco ran out of the compartment covering his Gryffindor-ish boxers with his hands, and Crabbe and Goyle following behind holding the remaining material of his trousers. Neville quickly snatched up poor Trevor into his arms.

“Thanks for helping me get Trevor back, guys.” Neville smiled at the Trio.
“It was nothing, Neville.” Hermione said between giggles.
“Yeah, it was our plee.” e.” Ron laughed.

Just as soon as they all recovered from laughing the lunch trolley came by and entered their compartment baring goodies and sandwiches. They asked Neville to stay and have lunch with them, and he gladly agreed. A few hours later they were visited by some other friends, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. The boys chattered away about Quidditch while Hermione buried herself in a book ignoring their chatter. If she had to hear one more thing about Quidditch her ears would fall off for sure. Several hours later after their friends left and they had dressed into their uniforms, the train stopped and they had arrived at Hogsmeade station.

“Oi! Harry!” a voice called out as the Trio exited the station.
“Hello, Hagrid!” Harry smiled and waved to the half-giant.

Hagrid was a good friend of Harry’s. He was the one who took him to Diagon Alley to buy his school supplies on his birthday. He was also the Care of Magical Creatures Professor, one of the most interesting of Harry’s classes.

“I’ll see ye at the Castle!” Hagrid called to him and waved back and headed towards the boats.

Every year, the first years would ride the boats to Hogwarts, no matter what the weather was like. It rained one year, and little Dennis Creevy, “Harry’s Number One Fan” Colin Creevy’s little brother, fell into the lake. Good Ole Hagrid, bless his heart of gold, let the boy wear his mole-skin coat to keep him warm.

Harry gave Hagrid one last wave and headed towards the carriages. Harry, Ron and Hermione shared their carriage with Neville. The three of them discussed things, to Hermione’s relief, besides Quidditch.

“H-hey, have you guys heard about the recent m-murders over the summer?” Neville asked in a stutter.
“Yeah. My dad says the Ministry is all in a huff about it. The Daily Prophet is having a field day, he says.” Ron told him.
“Recent murders?” Harry asked in confusion.
“Yeah, take a look.” Neville took an issue of the Daily Prophet out of one of his bags and handed it to Harry.

On the front page showed a group of Medi-Wizards huddled in the middle of a street and various Aurors investigating the area.

Harry read the headline out loud, “‘TV Strikes Again’.”

Harry looked up at Ron and Neville and raised an eyebrow.

“How is Television murdering people?” Harry asked.
“Not Television, Harry, read the article.” Hermione told him, “T anare are the initials of the person behind the murders.”
“Oh.” Harry nodded.
“They say he calls himself, ‘Twilight Viper’.” said Ron.
“How to they know that?” Harry asked.
“Dad says it’s because at every crime scene where they find the victims, some where in the area, close to the body, he carves his name.” Ron told him, “Witnesses say he’s a thin man in black and carries a long thin dagger. But no one has seen his face! He’s killed five wizards over the summer! The Ministry is wondering if he works for You-Know-Who or is just trying to get some publicity of his own.”
“Wow.” Harry looked back at the Daily Prophet in his hands.
“I hope he doesn’t come anywhere near Hogwarts.” Neville thought aloud.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The rest of the trip was in silence until the carriage stopped in front of the castle doors. As Harry stepped out of the carriage and raised his head. He took a moment to take in the beautiful site of Hogwarts Castle. For the next ten months, this was home. Harry smiled with pride. The Trio, and Neville, walked through the large wooden doors and followed the others to the Great Hall.

~*~*~*~

Meanwhile Professor Remus Lupin placed the last of a pile of blouses into a dresser drawer, letting out a sigh of accomplishment.

“All done! Need any help with anything else?” Professor Lupin turned to the brunette woman who was arranging various books of both Wizard and Muggle authors onto a black tinted wooden shelf.

She was adorned in white cotton, low V-neck robes with red cuffs and collar lined with gold and buttoned up at the center. The bottom of the robes had slits on either side that rose to the bottom of the hips, revealing the bottom of the medieval style red silk dress she wore underneath. He noted in his mind that the corset-bodice of her outfit underneath her robes supported the shape of her waistline, hips, and accented the cleavage of her breasts that was shown by the low V neck of the robes. He smiled to himself. The young girl he knew from his school days had transformed into an attractive, yet distant young woman. Her smiling was only a façade to hide her distant and miserable look she had all week. He knew it wasn’t just the work of getting ready for classes, or him telling her Sirius’s story from when he was framed by Peter to when he fell through the Mysterious veil in the Department of Myster He He knew one Professor Snape was adding to her problems. He noticed them glare at each other in the hallways, and scowling at each other when ever they locked gaze at the Staff Table during meals. And she always told him the same thing, “I rather not talk about it”, which only added to her façade. But some how, he knew, there had to be more to it.

She turned to him after placing the last book in place, “Oh no, I couldn’t possibly ask anymore of you, Remus. You’ve been such a help already.” She said, smiling warmly at him.
“You sure, Nyaru?” He asked.
“Yes. Unless you want to sort knickers and other unmentionables, I think I can handle the rest myself.” She said with a small laugh.
“Heh, if you say so. Though, I wouldn’t mind.” Remus laughed, giving her a wink.

She laughed and playfully punched in the arm. The two of them crossed over into the living area and sat down into a pair of plush chairs, facing each other. Remus scanned the room with his eyes. The place was colored in a deep blood red color. The furniture was black with the occasional gold trim, embroiders or tassels. The selected gave the room quite an exciting mood. He remembered that red was her favorite color.

“I want to thank you again for offering to help me unpack, and settle in. You won’t believe the week I’ve had, preparing for lessons and such.” Nyaru smiled.
“No problem. It was my pleasure.” Remus grinned.
“So what have you been doing all this time?” Nyaru asked, “I assume you’ve taught here before with your extensive tour of the place.”
“Yes, I have. It was some time ago.” He told her.
Nyaru let out a satisfied sigh, “I never thought I’d see this place again… I remember all the good times I had here as a young witch.”
“Ahh, yes. You were quite the trouble maker, if I remember.” Lupin smirked.
“Guilty as charged.” Nyaru laughed, “But not as much as a trouble maker compared to you, Peter, James and Sirius.”

Lupin’s expression changed drastically at the mention of Sirius’s name. Nyaru quickly caught on, and her expression changed as well.

“I’m sorry, Remus.” Nyaru lowered her eyes.
“It’s alright.” Remus gave a small, yet forced, smile, “You… You do believe me that he was innocent right?”
“Yes, of course. After hearing your story three times in the past week... But I knew, even before you told me, that Sirius would never do that to Lily and James. …Not for all the power in the world You-Know-Who could offer.” Nyaru said as she rose from her seat and stared into the empty fireplace.
“You know… I never did finish my story…” Remus told her.
“Oh?” Nyaru turned her head to look at him.
“I never mentioned who caused his fall into the mysterious veil…” Remus said with a serious expression.
“That’s true… May I ask why you left out such a detail? Did you think I would foolishly seek them out and take revenge?” Nyaru raised an eyebrow.
“No, though that wasn’t a reason I considered at the time, but the reason I didn’t tell you is that it would be an awful shock to you and may upset you.” Remus told her as he stood up and crossed the room to stand at her side.
Nyaru turned to him with eyes almost fully glazed with tears and her brows furrowed, “Remus,” she said in a low whisper, “who was it?”
“His own cousin… Bellatrix Lestrange.” Remus told her.

He watched as her eyes shot wide open and she stepped away from him.

“Don’t lie to me, Remus, it isn’t funny.” Nyaru frowned.
“I do not lie to you, Nyaru.” Remus frowned as well.

Nyaru turned away from him for a moment, then, turned back to him with a deep rage flashing in her eyes.

“Bella would never do that! Not the Bella I knew! She’d never do that to her own cousin!” Nyaru snarled.
“But that’s exactly the point… the Bellatrix you KNEW.” Remus said as he placed his hands on her shoulders, “Over the years she changed from the girl you went to school with to a dark, shameless supporter of You-Know-Who! I’m sure you heard about her being thrown in Azkaban for torturing the Longbottoms?”
“…” Nyaru couldn’t bring herself to speak.
“Exactly.” Remus said and led her back to the plush chairs and sat her down.

Remus reached into his pocket and pulled out a long bar of chocolate in a gold wrapping. He opened the wrapping, broke off a small piece and handed it to Nyaru.

e, ee, eat it.” Remus said softly with a warm smile.
Nyaru, though she looked like she was on the verge of tears, returned his smile and accepted the chocolate, “You and you’re chocolate, Remus.” She let out a soft chuckle, “It’s your cure for everything.”

Remus merely smiled as he settled down in the chair he sat in before. There was a period of silence as Remus watched her as she slowly ate the piece of chocolate, seeing her face change expressions as she thought to herself. But in the end, sorrow took over once more.

“You were right…” Nyaru finally broke the silence, “…this has upset me and has shocked me greatly. But, I’m glad that you told me…”
“Are you alright?” Lupin asked, “Maybe I should have I told you another time…”
“No, I’m okay. It has been a stressing week, getting ready and all, but I rather hear it now than any other time.” Nyaru sighed.
“I guess it would be, seeing as it’s you’re first time teaching here.” Lupin nodde“And“Andseverusisnthelping.” Nyaru murmured and cleared her throat.
“What was that?” Remus asked.
“Nothing.” Nyaru said quickly.
“It was something about Snape, wasn’t it?” Lupin smirked.
“Maybe.” Nyaru said with an unreadable expression.

Lupin let out a chuckled and shook his head. And so Lupin was to kindle the coal once again.

“What’s going on between you two?” Lupin asked with a lop-sided grin, “You two have been glaring and snarling at each other since you got here.”
“I rather not talk about it.” Nyaru said, digging her nails into the plush chair.
“Nyaru, you can trust me. Could you at least tell me?” Lupin asked.

Nyaru’s eyes flashed as they spotted the grandfather clock in the corner and her façade returned.

“…Oh look, it’s already time for dinner. The students should be arriving any minute now.” Nyaru changed the subject.
“Ahh, so it is.” Lupin said with a sigh, “But you still haven’t answered my question.”
“…I rather not talk about it…” Nyaru sighed.
“Alright, ght,ght, I respect that.” Remus nodded and stood up from his chair and offered his arm to her, “Shall we head down to the Great Hall?” he asked with a charming smile.
Nyaru couldn’t help but smile as well, “Certainly.” She replied as she stood up and linked her arm with his.

Lupin gave her one last grin and led her out the door.

~*~*~*~

“Hey guys! Over here!” Dean Thomas shouted to Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville from across the Great Hall.

They turned to their attention to him as he motioned them to sit near him, Seamus, Parvati and Lavender. The four of them crossed the room, ignoring the glares they received from Draco and the other Slytherins. They took their seats and exchanged their hellos with Parvati and Lavender.

“Wow! Look at this spread!” Ron said with his mouth watering.
“No kidding! The House elves have out done themselves this time!” Seamus said, licking his lips.
“I hope the First Years get here soon! I’m so hungry I could eat a Chinese Fireball Dragon!” Dean nodded, eyeing the vast spread of food.

Harry let out a chuckle and looked down at the food that was spread before them. Mouth watering dishes of Chicken, Ham and Rump Roast decorated with parsley and surrounded by soups and gorgeous salads. In front of each plate was a glass of fresh pumpkin juice that seemed to sparkle under the candle light. Plus there were at least three types of pudding! Harry swallowed the gathering salvia in his mouth. Everything thing looked and smelled utterly delicious. If the First Years didn’t hurry, Harry was afraid he’d explode into a feeding frenzy and start before everyone else.

“Hey, Harry! Isn’t that Professor Lupin?” Hermione tugged on Harry’s robes.
“Who’s that dame with him?” Seamus asked to no one in particular.

Harry’s head shot up immediately at the mention of Lupin’s name. Harry watched as Lupin and a woman Harry had never seen before approached the staff table. Lupin led the woman two a pair of seats between Professor Snape and Professor Sprout. Lupin pulled out the chair beside Professor Sprout for the woman to sit in, then after she was seated he sat between her and Professor Snape. Harry took a long look at the woman. She was quite attractive in his opinion. Her long bronze hair gently framed her face and reached the small of her back. Her icy blue eyes sparkled and her smile was charming as he held a conversation with Lupin. Harry soon found out he wasn’t the only one who noticed this woman.

“Wow! Look at her!” Ron exclaimed, “Isn’t she a looker or what?”
Neville nodded, “Y-yeah, she must be a new teacher or something.”
“She can teach me a lesson anytime.” Seamus winked at the other guys as they all let out a laugh.

No body noticed Hermione rolling her eyes. Boys, she thought in her head, Always thinking with their crotches and not their heads. Hermione shook her head and began to make conversation with Lavender and Parvati. Harry continued to watch Lupin and the new Professor. Lupin soon felt Harry’s gaze and turned to meet Harry’s gaze. Lupin gave him a grin and waved. Harry returned the greeting with a nod and an even bigger grin. As Lupin turned back to carry on his conversation with the new Professor, Harry felt a tug on the back of his robes. Harry turned away from the staff table to meet the gaze of a young girl with vibrant red hair.

“H-Hello Harry.” Young Ginny Weasley smiled as she took the seat next to Harry.
“Oh, Hello Ginny. You look nice today.” Harry smiled warmly.
“Th-thank you.” Ginny stammered and blushed deeply, looking away from him in embarrassment.

Harry was about to ask her why she was blushing when suddenly the First Years began piling into the Great Hall led by Hagrid, who made his way to the Staff Table. The entire school watched as Professor McGonagall crossed to the center of the Great Hall and placed a three-legged stool on the stone floor before the First Years. On top of the stool was an extremely filthy, age worn, patched up wizard’s hat. Everyone stared at the incredibly wore out hat in silence. Suddenly the tear close to the brim of the hat opened like a mouth and the hat broke into song with its baritone voice:

“Welcome one, welcome all,
Welcome to Hogwarts\' Great Hall.
Come, First years, gather round.
Let me tell the tale of how Hogwarts was found.
Godric, Helga, Rowena and Salazar,
Hogwarts\' Founders is who they are.
They used certain characteristics to sort each kid,
In their minds the attributes hid.
But who to sort the kids when they were long dead?
And so Godric Gryffindor took me off his head.
So don\'t be afraid, don\'t be shy,
Place me on you head, give it a try.
To be in a house takes all kinds,
All I need to do is look into your minds.
Loyal and true, never one to bluff,
You belong in Hufflepuff.
Clever and witty is what I saw,
You\'re most definitely a Ravenclaw.
Craft, cunning and a sly grin,
You surely are a Slytherin.
Courage and Bravery is what you adore,
You must be a Gryffindor…”

As the sorting hat droned on about the tales of the founders and the characteristics required being in each house, the Trio and the rest of the Seventh year Gryffindors were in hush discussion.

“That is the most embarrassing thing a first year can experience.” Ron shook his head, “His songs get queerer with each year.”
“You’d think with all that spare time he has he could come up with something decent.” Harry let out a hushed laugh.
“Heh, could you imagine the Sorting Hat raping?” Dean snickered, and then tried to imitate the Sorting Hat’s voice in a raping as hushed as he could, “‘Yo, yo, yo, I’m the Sorting Hat ya’ll! From the H to the A to the T, MC! Skip the Founders story, ‘cause it’s the dulls. Now shut yer traps first years and place me on yer skulls!’”

The group of Seventh years snickered wildly at Dean’s impression. They received some odd looks from the other tables but turned their attention back to McGonagall as she began to read out names.

“Banning, Braden.” McGonagall called out.

A young boy walked up to the stool and sat down and watched nervously as McGonagall placed the hat upon his head. The hat mumbled to itself then finally shouted:

“Gryffindor!”

The Gryffindors stood up and clapped as they welcomed the thin boy with long chestnut hair. McGonagall smiled after the young boy then returned to her list.

“Chan, Alice.”
“Slytherin!”

The Slytherins clapped and welcomed the Asian girl to their table. Meanwhile Seamus elbowed Harry and drew his attention away from the sorting.

“Hey, Harry, check it out.” Seamus whispered and pointed towards the staff table.

Harry looked in the direction he was pointing. Seamus was pointing to the area where Lupin and the new teacher had taken their seats. Lupin was leaning back in his seat immersed in watching the sorting.

“Drake, Wayne.”
“Ravenclaw!”

Lupin smiled and clapped wholeheartedly. Harry smiled as well. He knew Lupin had been a Ravenclaw himself.

“So? Lupin is watching the sorting.” Harry looked back at Seamus.

“Jones, Allyson.”
“Gryffindor!”

Harry got up and clapped. Seamus leaned forward across the table, still clapping, and whispered in Harry’s ear.

“Not him, you dolt! Check out the new Professor and Snape!” Seamus hissed.

Harry sat down once the applause died and looked back to the Staff Table. The New Professor had her arms folded and was glaring past Lupin to Professor Snape, who mirrored her position. Their eyes in a dead lock and a cold sneer on their faces. Their glares where so intense, Harry could have swore he saw electricity shooting out from between them. Began to wonder why they were glaring at each other so. Well, he knew Snape never really liked anyone, not even some of his fellow teachers. But why would this new teacher hate him? Besides the fact that Snape was greasy, hooked nosed, bastard in his opinion. But still, Harry found it quite odd.

“Nugglewood, Sean.”
“Slytherin!”

Harry shook out of his trance and turned back to Seamus who was smirking.

“Those two have been like that since the Sorting began. They just met each others gaze and started having, what it looks like, a contest to see who can sneer more sinisterly.” Seamus laughed, “Though I think Snape is winning, because she’s too cute to look sinister.”

Harry shook his head at Seamus and watched as the sorting continued.

“Patterson, Carleigh.”
“Hufflepuff!”
“Pearson, Cody.”
“Gryffindor!”
“Pencer, David.”
“Slytherin!”

Ron’s stomach ached with hunger. It seemed like forever since he had lunch on the train and hours since the sorting had begun. His stomach growled like a tiger. Curse those first years, having to be sorted right before dinner. ‘Damn you, first years, being a bloody waste of our valuable eating time!’ He shouted mentally. His eyes began to wander around the room. Suddenly, he spotted something that perked his interest.

“Raddley, Bartholomew.”
“Ravenclaw!”

Ron turned to Hermione and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and mouthed, ‘What?’ Ron pointed to the Staff Table. The two of them looked up to see Snape whispering angrily at the new professor and watched as she hissed something back with an equally angered expression. Whatever they were talking about, it was plain to see she wanted no part of it. They watched as this pattern continued as sorting went on.

“Schmidt, James.”
“Hufflepuff!”
“Smith, Melissa.”
“Ravenclaw!”

Suddenly the new professor hissed something to Professor Snape, gave a smug look and turned away. Snape’s jaw dropped and he gaped like a fish out of water, a rare sight for anyone to see. Whatever she had said to him, Snape looked absolutely enraged beyond compare. Ron and Hermione exchanged looks, then immediately turned to Harry and tugged on his robes.

“Oi! Harry!” Ron whispered.
Harry looked to Ron and Hermione who were turned in their seats to face him, “What is it?”
“Look.” Hermione told him and pointed to the Staff Table.

Harry looked up once more to see the new teacher was now smiling having a hushed discussion with Professor Sprout while Snape was glaring daggers at her from his seat.

“What do you think he’s worked up about?” Hermione whispered.
“I don’t know. They were both glaring at each other earlier.” Harry told her.
“Well good on her! It’s about time one of these teachers stood up to his snarky-ness!” Ron stated.

Hermione and Harry nodded. There was no love lost between the Trio and their Potions Master. The cold blooded overgrown bat was cruel in the classroom and a complete git outside of it. They turned back to the sorting to witness the last first year to be sorted.

“Zakara, Bridgett.”
“Ravenclaw!”

As Bridgett took her seat at the Ravenclaw table, McGonagall swooped over to the hat and stool and carried them away. The echo of hungry bellies could be heard as every student at once seized their forks and knifes and turned to the Staff Table. Professor Dumbledore stood up from his seat and held his arms out wide in welcome.

“Hello and Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am glad to see plenty of new faces and plenty of old ones.” Dumbledore smiled at the vast crowd of students, “Before we ‘dig in’, I would like us to extend a welcome and a welcome back to two additions to our staff for this year. For those who do not know or do not remember, I would like us all to welcome back Professor Lupin.”

Everyone placed their cutlery down and applauded as Professor Lupin stood up and waved. Harry, Ron and Hermione were clapping the hardest.

“Professor Lupin shall be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts like he did when he last taught here.” Dumbledore explained as Lupin took his seat, “Also, I would like to welcome a fairly new member of our staff, Professor Infinity.”

The woman who sat between Professor Sprout and Professor Lupin stood, waving gracefully and smiling warmly as the students gave her a welcoming applause.

“She will be teaching a new course that is required to be taken by all sixth and seventh years, Muggles History and Literature. A course that will help us further understand muggle culture.” Dumbledore smiled as Professor Infinity took her seat, “Now that the introductions are through… Bon Appetite!”
“Finally!” Ron sighed, and joined the applause.

The entire school began to dig in to what was in front of them, not caring what it was, but as long as it filled their empty stomachs. The house elves had outdone themselves this time. They hadn’t had food this good since the year of the Tri-wizard Tournament! Well, it wasn’t much of a variety of foods as then, but the food tasted like heaven! Harry and Ron hummed as they savored each bite causing Hermione to giggle as they actually literally hummed.

Meanwhile at the Staff Table Lupin turned to Infinity. She seemed very stressed as she continuously cut her steak into smaller and smaller pieces.

“If you cut that steak down any further you won’t have anything left.” Lupin commented with a smirk.
“He’s ticking me off, Remus…” She replied through her teeth.
“I know, Nyaru, just ignore him, like we all do.” He smirked.
“I can’t ignore him if he keeps asking.” Nyaru sighed, “I’m running out of ways to tell him to shut up and leave me the bloody heck alone.”
“Then why not just tell him why?” Lupin asked.
“He’s a grown man, he can figure it out for himself.” She hissed.
“Alright. At least he’s stopped glaring.” Lupin told her.

Infinity nodded and began to eat her dinner before she cut it down to oblivion. As she ate, she turned her head to the man adorned in black. He had changed quite a bit since she had seen him last. He wasn’t as scrawny as he was in school but he was still quite thin. His hair wasn’t as long as it was, but he still had that ‘beak’ of a nose of his. During the sorting she caught him glaring at her, so she had glared back at him. After a while of locked glaring, he had broken the silence between them and asked her, “What her problem was”. When she had told him she didn’t know what he was talking about, he immediately called her bluff and began to pester her into telling him the truth. The man obviously hated it when information involving himself was being kept from him. Nyaru was dying to shout at him to leave her alone and ‘shut the bloody hell up’. But instead she merely told him, “The day she’d tell him was the day You-Know-Who started breeding pet hamsters, and in the mean time to fornicate himself with an iron stick.” That had shut him up, and yet, probably increased his anger.

She smirked as she swallowed the last of her salad. She watched as he began to shovel a fork full of steak into his thin mouth, still keeping his sour look. She picked up her glass and drank the sweet pumpkin juice that it held. She smiled into her glass. She found pleasure in his angered state. She placed her glass down and continued to watch him as she began to eat her mashed potatoes. Suddenly he raised his head and had an odd look on his face. He slowly moved his head to face her. She almost choked on her mashed potatoes as his expression changed from surprised to a mild glare. She gladly returned his glare with a more intense one. Snape sneered at her as she turned her focus to her mashed potatoes. His face then relaxed into an emotionless expression and returned his gaze to his meal.

“Miss Infinity, may I ask what you are staring at?” Snape asked in a deep baritone voice, raising a black eyebrow in question, not taking his eyes off the food on his plate.
She turned to him, “Not much.” She replied simply.
“Oh? I could have sworn you were staring in my general direction.” Snape turned to her after swallowing a mouth-full of steak.
“As id, id, not much.” Infinity smirked.

Snape dropped his fork letting it hit his plate with a CLANG that rung through out the hall. The Staff Table fell silent and turned their attention to Professor Infinity and Professor Snape.

“Excuse me?” Snape asked through gritted teeth.
“You want me to repeat it?” Infinity raised a finely sculpted brow, “I said you aren\'t much to look at. Seriously, are you that slow in the head, Severus?” She asked before shoveling another fork full of mashed potatoes in her mouth.
“What is your problem, Professor Infinity? Is it your time of the month?\" He asked her with a smirk.

Severus\'s remark caused every female Professor in earshot to spit out their drink, or food, in surprise. They were appalled that Severus would ask such a personal thing. The functions of the feminine body were not a civil topic to be brought up at the table. But Professor Infinity, to Snape’s displeasure, refused to show how offended she was by his question.

“Why no, Professor Snape, how nice of you to express interest in my bodily menstruations.” Nyaru said in a sarcastic tone, “Is this how you pick up women, or are you just some sick sadistic pervert?” She raised an eyebrow in his direction.

Snape’s anger raged as his temper was then cut dangerously short.

“I demand you tell me what your problem is!” Snape demanded standing from his chair, knocking it to the floor.

The sound of his chair hitting the floor caught the attention of every student in the Great Hall.

“You.” Professor Infinity told him, dabbing her mouth with a napkin.
“And why, may I ask, is that?” Snape closed the distance between them and stood over her.
“You should know.” Infinity said, dropping her napkin onto her plate.
“I don\'t, that is why I am asking!” Snape snarled.
“Well you should. And if you don\'t know, I\'m not goingtelltell you!” She sneered as she stood up to meet his gaze.
“And why, may I ask, not?”
“I already told you!”
“You two are fighting like an old married couple.” Lupin remarked with a chuckle.

A few giggles broke out from the Student Tables. Both Professor Snape and Professor Infinity turned their heads to see crowds of eyes staring in their direction. They were in quite the embarrassing position. Snape cleared his throat and Infinity crossed her arms lightly, covering their uncomfortable state.

“Good day to you, Professor.” Infinity breathed.
“Yes.” Snape replied with a cough.

They soon parted ways. Professor Infinity exited into the Entrance Hall while Snape disappeared into the door behind the staff table. Many staff and students followed their exits then turned back to the Staff Table where Dumbledore cleared his throat in the midst of the silence.

“Blood Pudding, Minerva?” Dumbledore offered to Professor McGonagall with a smile.

~*~*~*~
To Be Continued…

Another chapter accomplished. I’m finally off my writers strike… because no one responded to it *sweat drop*. XD LOL Oh well, hopefully people will review this time or I’ll have to resort to it again… though it will go un-noticed once again probably. :P Oh well, its fun. Bah, I was so mean to Snape in this fic. But that will never change my undying love for him! I promise it will get better. Please Review!