The Flow of Our Years

December 4th, 1983

It was a strange few days. The first task has brought a lot of attention on the selected participants and the tension between the preferred contestants was growing among their supporters. Most of the students were in favor of the students from their own house or their own school, but the new build friendship among some of them led the teams to switch sides and support one another. 

The overall spirit was positive and Agnes could not have hoped for better. Additionally, mcGonagall was in charge of organizing a special event for christmas which would be shared with the rest of the school staff a few days later. The witch had left a few hints on how it was probably going to be a party of some sorts. Agnes loved parties. She had a whole lot of dresses and beautiful gowns for such occasion and could not wait to wear them at Hogwarts, instead of her more humble knitted jumpers and skirts. 

She waved her wand one last time to lead the comb that was brushing her hair into the box on her desk. On the other side of the room, her stuffs were magically being stocked into her bag and a few dozens of paper sheets with much red pen marks on it slid into the leather bag. As a last touch of her routine, she sprayed her perfume onto her wrists and behind her ears to finalize her look. Once ready, she stormed outside of her flat and almost ran down the set of stairs to reach the classroom where she had her first class of the day. 

Now that winter was supposedly here, Agnes had a hard time waking up early in the morning, wanting to benefit longer from the warmth of her bed. The sound of her heels were resonating in the corridors, announcing her arrival in the Muggle Studies classroom. She felt her hair moving in her back, the flow of her steps giving the rhythm to the rest of her body. She felt confident and at peace. There was nothing that could have interrupted this-

- Oh mon dieu! 

Agnes had let out the least elegant scream she could, when she barely avoided the huge mass she was about to crush into around the corner. Her facial expression changed into a horrified look when she discovered Severus Snape standing in front of her, not particularly startled by her sudden apparition. 

- You scared me, professor! How are your footsteps so light? Agnes said, holding a hand on her chest as a sign of surprise. 

- Aren't yours so loud it erases any other sound in the area? The man answered, not taking a step back. 

- Excuse me? You-... Hm. I am not going to fall into that sarcastic and slightly mean offense of yours so early in the morning. I'm about to be late for my first class.

As she was about to walk away, the young witch threw a last glare at the potion professor who still had not moved from his stance. Only his head had slightly moved behind him to face the direction she had just taken. His eyes were fixed on the ground, as if he was trying to think of something. But Agnes did not put much further thoughts into it and hurried towards her classroom. When she arrived, the students were all already seated and chatting among themselves. The topic of conversation for the past days had been the next task and the expectations for the winners. Most of the children wanted Hogwarts to get the first place of course. 

***

Agnes was talking with professor Flitwick when the herbology teacher rushed towards them, looking alarmed. 

- what a mess, what a mess! She said, swiping off the sweat from her forehead due to the running.

- What's going on, Pomona? asked Flitwick, stopping his monologue about duelling methodology at once.

Agnes had grabbed Sprout's arm to help her breathe and rest a moment. 

- The herbs I prepared for the next task, I planted last month, they were stolen! All the bulbs who had started to grow have disappeared!! The short woman cried, holing on to Agnes desperately. 

- Oh, my. We are going to figure it out, dear. Don't be so worried. Said the young witch.

Her and Flitwick shared a look and parted ways, Agnes following Sprout towards the greenhouses. There, a few other teachers had gathered to look at the disaster. A few jars had been emptied of all the soil and the plants, and left empty. Snape was already casting some repearing spells to get some order and check for clues. 

- Any idea who'd do that? Agnes asked, sligtly alarmed. 

Snape turned his head and looked at her for a moment before his eyes moved back to the jars. He had the habit of staring straight at her which made her feel uneasy.

- The culprit is a messy one. They left the place upside down. 

- A student? 

- More like.. an animal.

Agnes thought of the thestral who had tried to attack them near the forest. If an animal had managed to enter Hogwarts and get access to professor Sprout secured greenhouses, something was not right. Agnes had never seen magical creatures being so out of place and behave like this, especially here. Was something going on in the forest ? Or in the magical world? Something that could explain the strange events occuring here...

Agnes did not have time to dodge that she saw something rush inside the greenhouse and flying around the place, breaking everything on its path. She heard screams and before she knew it, she was pushed to the ground and heard a male voice cast a spell.

Stupefy!

Arms came to grabbed her and pull her onto a warm chest, protecting her from what was going on. Another few spells were casted and a loud weight fell down on the cold floor, resulting in a moment of silence in the greenhouse. As everyone was holding their breath, Agnes dared to open her eyes and realized she was in a man's arms. In his arms at that. Severus Snape did not seem to want to let go of her as he was still holding his wand straight before him in case the invader would stand up again. 

There, lying on the floor, a large bird-like creature was resting, most likely passed out. People started to use their magic to tie the bird's legs and wings so it wouldn't move when gaining consciouness. 

Agnes looked up at the potion professor whose grip was still tight on her back. He must have felt her eyes on him because he turned to face her too, revealing a worried look to him Agnes had never seen before. His hand felt so comforting and protective behind her, and the warmth of his embrace was reasurring. She had to admit it felt good to be touched this way... 

What was she thinking? It was Severus bloody Snape, fod god sake! Was she so touch deprived she was starting to daydream about anyone from the male species? How shameful of her...!

- How has this creature entered Hogwart's walls?There is supposed to be a protective spell, isn't it? Asked sprout, her face paler than usual. 

Severus Snape realized how close he was to Agnes and released her of his arms at once, clearing his throat before approaching the captured bird.

- It's a griffin. It was never supposed to be livingin the forbidden forest. It was not supposed to even be in Scotland. Declared Snape while looking down on the creature. 

- It is because things seems to be changing around Hogwarts, Severus. Said an old man voice coming from behind them. 

Dumbledore had entered the room, and everyone made space for him to step nearer to the eagle-looking animal. He slightly lowered his hand to touch the feathers and stoop back up to face his colleagues, eagerly waiting for his opinion on the situation. 

- Magical creatures can feel when things are changing, when the environment they live in is altered or is transforming. If some are able to cross portals and protective spells, it means Hogwarts itself is beginning to change. The headmaster said, looking extremely serious. 

Agnes saw the old man's eyes wander and stare at her for a second, before gave a few more instructions and left the room. Why did she feel like he had tried to tell her something? What changes was he referring to? Had she anything to do with it?

Her head felt heavy and she frowned her eyebrows not to feel too dizzy. She needed some fresh air, the greenhouse was too warm because of the sun. Was it really december?

- Oh dear, you look very pale. Here, I'll make you some herbal tea.That Griffin startled you, didn't it? Said Sprout with a motherly voice.

- I-It's fine. I'm fine, don't worry. Agnes answered, holding her forehead to feel her temperature. 

When she opened her eyes after a second, they fell directly onto the man who had saved her a moment ago, and who was now directly staring at her, expresionless. The moment she caught his eyes, he looked away and left the greenhouse. Agnes felt strangely...disappointed? She would have wished to talk to him more. 

She felt her cheeks flush when Sprout brought her back to reality by holding a cup of warm tea. Agnes was really not thinking straight these days. 

***

December 26th, 1983

As announced a few days prior, Hogwarts was organizing a huge ball for everyone to attend, to celebrate the success of the inter-school potion tournament and the end of the year festivities. McGonagall has been in charge of the fest and the house elves had been the busiest in a long time. Everyone was talking about the event and Gladrags Wizardwear in Hogsmeade had especially imported new pieces from London for the students to purchase their ball gowns. 

Agnes already had a special dress for the occasion she could not wait to wear. The day of the festivities had finally arrived and the young professor had had to kindly refuse at least 4 of her student's invitiation to be their date for the ball. Because she was one of the youngest professors at Hogwarts, students felt closer to her and a few 7th years male students were brave enough to take their chance, although always unsucessful. 

That night, the Great Hall was looking especially gorgeous for the event, and the room had been magically decorated for the occasion. Everywhere, lights were brightening up the mood and round tables had been placed in the corners for the students to enjoy a special meal. Every students from each school and years had been invited, which made the hall completely packed with people. It felt nice to see the Great Hall less traditionally filled. 

Agnes walked by a group of students from Ravenclaw and Slytherin who waved and complimented her dress. 

- Professor Lenoir, marry me! Said one of the oldest Slytherin after he mimicked an arrow going through his heart.

All his friends laughed before pushing him on the side and apologizing to her on his behalf. She wished them a good ball and went to join the rest of the professors. There, everyone was already present, only Snape did not seem to have shown up. 

- My, my! Agnes you look fantastic! Said both Flitwick and Minerva McGonagall, applauding their colleague when she finalyl reached them from the crowd. 

She twirled a little under their applause and laughed at their compliment. 

- You are two kind, both of you! Miverna, that dress is sublime, Professor Flitwick, you are looking extra elegant tonight! I haven't seen you this dressed up since the European Championship after party! Agnes complimented, a huge smile on her face.

The beginning of the evening went well, and all students were eating their meal more or less gracefully (as they all had a date to impress) but Snape was still a no-show. Had he really decided not to participate? Agnes felt a little annoyed. It was curtesy to at least show up, wasn't it? 

The young witch felt distracted the rest of dinner, not really listening to what Hagrid was telling her about Hippogriff who had suddenly migrated in the forest a few weeks back, which he thought was unusual. On the other side, Sprout was explaining to Trelawney the effect of dragon eyeballs liquid on the tenacity of crystal balls. 

Agnes refrained a sigh but felt relieved when the music started to get louder and people began to dance. It was a rather fast music and a few brave Hufflepuff and Gryffindors were even starting to catch their date for a duo. 

- Haaa, 'tis mee favorit' part! Said Hagrid, excited to see the children gather in the middle of the room. 

Agnes smiled at that comment. It was truly amusing to see her own students get shy and all dressed up for a significant other. She was discovering a whole new aspect of them. She wandered around the room before the music started to slow down and Minerva called solemnly for the first waltz of the night. The students did not seem to feel really comfortable asking their partner for such a dance, and now one made the first move. 

- They act all brave in front of us, but when it comes to these kind of situations, they get all worked up for nothin'! Declared Sprout while laughing soflty. 

- Someone needs to step up or they'll just stand there for the rest of the night, commented Minerva, exapserated.

- May I have this dance, mi' lady? Said a deep voice behind Agnes. 

At once, the young witch turned around to face the man who'd just spoken.

- Alexei! Are you inviting me for the first waltz of the night? That's audacious.. She answered with a smirk.

- Let's show them how it's done. The russian professor said, grabbing elegantly her hand and leading her to the center. 

Everyone's eyes were on them. Agnes felt slightly uncomfortable, but she was used to be the center of the attention, it had just been a long time since she'd been the main character of the moment. Alexei made her feel this way. That is what she had liked about him the first time she'd... well.. 

He was putting her first, for people to see her. The waltz started, and they moved slowly, and then a little faster, their feet following naturally the pace of the music. His hand in her back, his arms high and straight, their body were swaying around the great hall, and little by little, other couples joined them on the dancefloor. After a few minutes, half the room was filled with students dancing with their partners, and all had forgotten about Agnes and Alexei. 

Once the dance ended, Agnes went to get a drink (to the professor section, so it had some alcohol to it). She was catching her breath after the effort. Alexei had been caught in a conversation with other professors (female ones) to get the next dance. 

A presence behind Agnes made her turned around. 

There he was.

Wearing a beautiful black suit, with his eternal black cape, which looked silkier than usual. Severus Snape was standing there, looking at her. And at nobody else.

- What took you so long? Agnes dared to say.

Was it the adrenaline? Or the bit of alcohol she had just drank? She felt bolder than ever before.

- Some potions needed my careful attention. He said simply, apparently not caring about her words.

- You missed the first dance. She said, not leaving her eyes from him. 

- I didn't. I was only a witness of it, is all. 

- You were there? So...You saw.. me...dancing?

- Russians always need to show off, it seems.

- Show off? What do you mean?

- They're always eager for the spotlight and love to show their prize like it's all they have.

Agnes was starting to feel dizzy.

- Prize? Wait.. Are you referring to me and Alexei right now? I'm not an object, you know!

- Oh come on, Professor Lenoir. You know what I mean.

- No I don't. 

He had used that same tone when adressing her as professor. That tone she hated so much. He had stopped using it for the past few months but it was now back on, it seemed. Oh she hated him!!!

- Ha, perfect! Severus! You made it! Interrupted Dumbledore, a huge smile on his face. 

- Headmaster. Said simply Snape, turning his attention from Agnes to the old wizard.

- I need you to do the next dance, it'll be the last before we change to wizard pop music for the students to move freely. 

- Right, should I invite Professor McGonagall? Snape asked, getting ready to walk to the transfiguration teacher.

- Oh, no, no. I want the two youngest professor from Hogwarts to show our students a beautiful slow-dance. Can you two do that for me? I have to try these chocolate lemon brownies over there! 

And at that, he was gone. Agnes was so frustrated. She wanted to get as far away as possible from that man and enjoy the rest of her night without his annoying comments. Unwillingly, she waited until the new music started, and walked towards the center of the room to start the slow-dance. What had she done to deserve this? 

- Let's get this over with. The man said under his breath.

Bloody hell, how annoying of a jerk he was !! It's not like she wanted to dance with him either! She faked a smile and followed him before they stopped in the very middle to prepare for the slow dance. The wizard grabbed her hand with a softness she had not expected to put it on his shoulder and the other one into his. His own hand came resting on her back, helping her stabilize while moving. All eyes were on her once more, but this time not for the same reasons. It was most certainly the first time for everyone to see Severus Snape dance. He was not even bad at that (which was even more frustrating). 

Agnes felt annoyed for not disliking being so close to the potion professor. She would have loved to feel repulsed and think of anything else but his tall figure and broad shoulders. His moves were fluid and controlled, while his face remained neutral. There was no way to guess what he was thinking.

After a moment, other couples joined and even Alexei and their colleague from Beauxbatons were now dancing around. The russian wizard came closer to Agnes and winked at her before making his partner twirl away elegantly. Agnes felt Severus' grip tighten on her back, pulling her closer to him. Their chest were pressed against each other, and she could feel his heartbeat fasten a little as they swayed to the side.

He smelled good.

There was something about his warmth, the way his body embraced her so naturally, and how his hands were catching her so well her body felt so light in his arms. His fingers were steady on her back, leading her from one side to the other. She felt his eyes on her and caught his dark gaze staring down at her lips. She instinctively passed her tongue on her mouth to humidify it, Severus moved his eyes up at once, looking in her eyes for a split second before avoiding her stare by watching the horizon.

The music ended and Agnes found herself disappointed by how short that dance had seemed. Snape dropped his hands from her and distanced himself at once, before walking away without a word. She thought she heard him say 'finally' but chose not to acknowledge it. 

There she was, standing in the middle of the Great Hall, eyes fixed on where the potion professor had just departed. 

She felt her cheeks warm, it was probably flushed. It must have been the punch.