Volatile aintaintances

The Usual Disclaimer: I own nothing, I am not being paid for anything either. Please direct all complaints and bitching to your momma’s house.

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It was the first day of the new school year at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As usual the school was bright and warm when the students arrived both old and new. The tradition of the Sorting Hat was already done and each house table was getting to know one another. The Great Hall was a din of glorious noise as friends reunited and went over their time away from each other. The professor’s table at the front of the Great Hall upon the stage was also quite loud as the instructors discussed their research away from the school. That is of course except for Professor Snape who sat quietly looking over the room at the new students, trying to give his best intimidating look. He looked as intimidating as ever with his long black robes, shoulder length silken black hair, pale face, high cheekbones and grimaced face. Snape was sitting next to an empty chair this year, a chair usually occupied by the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

Harry, Ron and Hermione have found each other at the Gryffindor table as usual and began to talk about the summer experiences.

”Looks like we won’t have to take Defense Against the Dark Arts this year.” Laughed Ron.

“Don’t be stupid Ron, it’s a mandatory part of the curriculum.” Stated Hermione with an air haughtiness.

“Well I don’t see anybody in the Defense Against the Dark Arts seat at the professor’s table, do you? ” Ron answered back

“Maybe he isn’t here yet, or maybe he’s sick. It doesn’t matter anyway because we will be having the course. We received a book list in our letter, remember?” asked Hermione.

“Yeah Ron, don’t you remember the big weird green book we got last week in that creepy shop that smelled like must and an old sock?” asked Harry

“Oh yeah, I remember now. It’s strange though that he wouldn’t be here for the beginning of the term celebration.” Ron said.

At that moment, everyone began to quiet down as Dumbledore stood up. As soon as the room was silent, Dumbledore began to speak.

“Hello students and welcome to Hogwart’s school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am excited to see all of the old faces again and I am excited to meet all of the new ones. Before we start the new year, a few announcements need to be made. First off I would like to remind you all to stay out of the dark forest at night and just to be safe, during the day as well. Secondly, as most of you have noticed I’m sure, the Defense against the Dark Arts instructor’s seat is empty. Don’t worry children, you will still be having your Defense against the Dark Arts class this year and you will meet your new instructor in a few moments but an introduction was requested of me.”

Oh wonderful, the arrogant ass probably wants pomp and circumstance just for being here. It’s another Lockhart all over again. I hope this time he will have real credentials. Thought Snape hotly.

“This person was trained in the best witchcraft and wizardry schools all over the world, has acquired scholarship, awards and degrees in almost every known subject within the dark arts, has trained under the greatest magical minds in history and my own personal friend. May I present to you, Professor Kali Stoker.” Dumbledore finished by gesturing to the Great Hall door at the other end of the hall.

At that moment, the doors flew open and every person in the hall turned towards them. From the darkness immerged a tall, curvy woman walking briskly up the middle. She had on a long, black duster, black turtleneck, black slacks and six-inch tall black boots. The duster floated behind her, along with her waist length black hair and a pair of dark sunglasses hid her eyes. Every child’s mouth hung open as she passed by it, leaving the smell of roses behind her. Professor Stoker walked up the front of the stage to shake hands with Professor Dumbledore and then took her empty seat next to Professor Snape.

“Well then, without further ado I will allow you all to finish your meals before you retire back to your respective houses.” Stated Dumbledore as he sat back down.

“Oh my god, it’s the female version of Snape! We’re doomed!” laughed Ron to Harry.

“She can’t be as bad as Snape, it’s impossible.” Said Harry back to Ron. Plus, she’s way too pretty to be like Snape. Harry thought to himself.

Professor Mcgonagal was very interested in the new instructor as she got up and went down to Stoker’s seat to introduce herself.

”Hello dear, My name is Minerva Mcgonagall, headmaster of Gryffindor house and Professor of Transfiguration but since we are now colleagues please feel free to call me Minerva.” Mcgonagal stated as she shook Stoker’s hand.

Professor Stoker quickly removed her sunglasses to reveal striking onyx eyes as she shook Macgonigal hand. “I am very pleased to meet you as well Minerva. It’s great to see a strong woman in a powerful position who is as well respected as you are. We shoget get together sometime.”

Oh whatever. Quit networking, it’s annoying. Thought Snape as Professor Stoker was introduced to all the rest of the faculty.

After all of the other instructors sat down, Stoker turned towards Professor Snape with her hand out. “And you are?”

Snape just looked at her hand for a minute before answering, “Professor Severus Snape, Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House.”

She curled her hand back and responded, “Professor Kali Stoker, Defense Against the Dark Arts.”

“I’ve heard. Don’t worry I think everybody has heard about your title and accomplishments.” Snape snapped back.

“Well don’t we sound bitter as hell.” Stoker responded with an eyebrow raised.

“Trust me, Professor I am far from bitter, I just have the good taste enough to not flaunt my accomplishments around where ever I go.”

“What’s wrong Professor? Jealous?”

“Don’t flatter yourself and jealousy is a wasted emotion among others. I am just stating that your spectacle was slightly stomach turning.”

“Are you always this friendly to the new instructors or is this just a special treat for me? It is quite puzzling, you act as though you wanted this position for yourself professor.”

At that moment, an old hand rested on both of their shoulders.

”I hate to stop your conversation but maybe you should return to Slytherin House to speak to the new students Severus. And perhaps you should let me show you to your living quarters, Kali. It grows late.” Dumbledore whispered to them.

“Very well headmaster, it was a pleasure, Professor Stoker.” Snape bowed his head slightly and got up to leave but not without flashing a hard look her way before he left the stage for the Slytherin house.

When Snape was of of the Great Hall, Stoker turned to Professor Dumbledore. ”What is that guy’s problem? I just met him and he already hates me.”

Professor Dumbledore laughed slightly. “That is just Severus’s way. He has been betrayed and hurt many times in the past by those who were close to him. He is forced to put on a tough outer shell and hurt others before they have a chance to hurt him. Don’t let him get to you, if you just act like the intelligent, hard working witch I know you are, he could grow to change his reaction towards you. He may not like you but he will respect you.”

“If you don’t mind me saying Headmaster, if you know me as well as you claim to, you should know that I won’t just let his comments pass by without retort but I promise you that I won’t take his demeanor to heart and I will present myself the best way possible.” Professor Stoker responded.

Professor Dumbledore laughed heartily and wrapped his arm around Stoker as they proceeded out the great hall door to her living quarters.

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Author’s Note: If you couldn’t tell, I’m going to set up a romantic entanglement between Snape and Stoker. I just love the “I hate you” “I hate you more” “Fuck me!” volatile relationships. I figure that Snape should have a worthy opponent of equal bitchyness. Feedback is always nice. Spanks.