A
A is for Aloof
(removed or distant either physically or emotionally)
I was only hired in as an assistant, currently, but I was constantly assured that that should change within the next few years, maybe sooner if it so called for it. I was definitely guaranteed to be here for a while at the very least.
And I had already learned many things about my fellow colleagues throughout the short few months of being at this school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Minerva McGonagall… she was one of my favorites so far, at least to hold a conversation with. It had been quite the change from student professor bond to official coworkers when I had first came back to the castle, she quickly assured me that I was now an equal, though I would always be one of her favorite students. I’d like to think she doesn’t just say that to everyone.
Filius Flitwick…. He was.. quite the fellow. Always seemed to like gossip and spending time with students. I think he was just young at heart and really enjoyed teaching. Nevertheless he was very well versed in making light of a situation, he was helpful when it came to reminding myself that even though I had been here as a student just only a few short years before, I was now a professor and that I shouldn’t be so nervous. He was right, students respect you a lot more when you’re openly sure of yourself, even if you’re not as sure on the inside.. Hah….
Pomona Sprout…. she was honestly the funniest when she wanted to be! I had absolutely no green thumb what so ever, so I just admired her work mainly. It was always impressive how she knew just how to handle loud, rowdy children… but after a few classes with her… Herbology is definitely not on my list of hopes to be teaching in any future. However It’s always a trip and a half when I have to go down to her office for something.
And so many others… that were just as strange to see in the new light but typically all very supportive of my assistant position. All seemingly having very useful advice for when the time comes that I acquire my own subject full time… What should it be… hmm… I should discuss this- oh right.
Along with the headmaster of course- Albus Dumbledore… he had hired me, specifically requesting me after my 3 year long trip around the world, muggle and wizard spots galore! He apparently thought I was the perfect piece to fit into his ragtag team of the best witches and wizards around, as he so very lovingly called us all. He usually made odd choices, but they did seem to always end up working out in some way…
Hmm… at least I think… some were very questionable.. and still…
Most of them were older than me, by quite the many years… but luckily for me.. i was not the only youthful hire of the year. Unluckily for me… should I say?
My eyes shifted over from the large great hall to the dark figure beside me, his eyes on a big book as he wrote down some lesson plans? and mumbled to himself quietly….
Severus Snape…
He was … aloof.. to say the least. But that’s not to be a shock to most people who have had the… pleasure… of making his acquaintance …but considering his more recent history that had brought him here… some can’t help but wonder, you know?
Dumbledore trusted him, and that was enough for me… mainly..
I sigh inwardly..
If only he’d at least act more friendly.. then maybe the students wouldn’t be so scared of him.. he’s my age, 21 currently, but yet he acts like he’s far more mature than most guys I’ve met. Even back in school he had the air about him…
Kind of snobbish for a half-blood, I’d say. Maybe that’s a bit harsh, but …
I shivered slightly and tried not to think too closely about our school years.. the reasons of my 3 year long worldly travels were held back then in those years.. I knew much more about the dungeon bat of a man than he knew of me due to the past … and recent happenings, but still.
I tried to not remain on thoughts of the darkness we’d just recently passed.. of he who shall not be named.. of Snape’s rumored involvement… the Ministry has let him roam free.. even teach.. he must be innocent…
I mulled over my thoughts of the man beside me for only a minute longer before I felt Minnie sit next to me, our conversation starting up nearly immediately about this school year.
Really just how I was feeling since I was about to be passed over to the next teacher to assist. I hadn’t received any list about what order I was to help with, Dumbledore just would come and get me every couple weeks and have me change to helping and overseeing a different subject and professor. It was a bit stressful, constantly changing after only a few weeks, but he said it would make me into a nice wallflower of a teacher… whatever he means by that.
I honestly just think he just makes it up as he goes, because it’s funny to him… probably.
Minerva turned to the rest of the hall and her food as our conversation died down, more professors joining us into their respective seats. And my mind carried on with more of my thoughts… my spoon absentmindedly resting in my hand, hovering over my plate.
I had only just finished assisting Minnie in transfiguration the last Friday that had passed, so I was expecting to be notified of my next assigned hindrance onto someone very soon, probably tomorrow… Albus liked to wait until the very end of my time between so I wouldn’t be as prepared, something about quickly adapting, I guess…
Right…
I leaned against the table, this is what I envied Severus for… when he was hired, it was immediately into a position as Potions master, hell he even got to be head of a house…. My eyes went to him again, hoping it wasn’t too obvious that I was studying him again.
But it was bound to happen, his eyes snapped to mine and my eyes only widened a fraction, but yet he rose an eyebrow to me, his usual sneer adamant on his face.
I offered a smile, after all I had been caught, might as well. His face remained stoic and he turned his eyes back to his own portion of space. He was so mean.
And I was never any good at being ignored.
I mean.. he caught me looking right at him, thought it weird enough to judge me but not speak.. pfft.
Leaning over to look at what he was doing, I asked, “so …what are you working on, Severus?” And his book was immediately closed, his papers in-between the pages, away from my nosy eyes and mind.
“Does it concern you?” He asked as blankly as someone filled with disgust for the world could seem to be. He even squinted his eyes at me. Unfortunately, for him at least, it’s kind of fun to bother him. I had decided that months ago, So I nodded.
“It very well might.” I leaned further over trying to grab it from him, a bit childishly but the other professors on either sides of us who caught on thought it was a bit funny, Minnie tried her best to stifle the small laugh, but I’m sure I made them all feel a bit young when I did stuff like this.
Snape didn’t appreciate the playful gesture.
“Get off me, you witch-“ he stretched his arm up higher and further away from me, nearly hitting a passing colleague in their face, I still tried reaching it though, using his shoulder for leverage.
“Come on now I just want a peek, see what’s got you all stressed and moody so early in the morning” I say teasingly as I almost touch the book with my finger tips, “just a quick peek I-“
“It’s nice to see you two getting along so well today,” suddenly Albus was there behind us and my position had only just dawned on me, I had my chest practically shoved into Severus’s face, my one hand nearly touching the book he held in the air, I had been literally kneeling in my chair to reach, my other hand on his shoulder to keep me steady- my eyes went from the book to Albus to Severus below me.
I could tell how red the bat had become from my teasing, that I had.. perhaps… maybe in some circumstances be considered to have taken a bit far, Albus just had that twinkle in his eye and a smile, like he knew something I didn’t. I had quickly righted myself and realized a few students were looking and some very obviously trying to not look, some snickering… good thing it was still early so not too many.. but the rumors … oh they will be rampant I’m sure.
A hand was placed on my shoulder and I looked over it to the headmaster again, he smiled more, his other hand on Severus’s shoulder.. the one I had used as support.. yea his face was still red… surely mine too… oh merlin… but the headmaster spoke joyfully, “it’s wonderful, even. Considering.”
At that, Snape had snapped his head to Dumbledore, “sir…” it’s like he knew something now too. He looked even slightly more upset.
I was a little confused, trying to calm my heart still, “uh.. considering ?” I tried to think for a moment .. my mind speedy yet slow with the sudden adrenaline.
Albus leaned forward patting down on our shoulders in sync, “considering you’re going to be working together for the foreseeable future.” He paused then looked to me, my mind supplied he meant I was to assist Severus… but ..
“But sir I don’t need-“
“Nonsense Severus, my boy, she’s yet to assist you, and it isn’t because I think you need help, don’t be so worried. I’m sure you’ll both learn lots.” He leaned back to his standing position and went to move to his seat.
“Uh, sir -“ I call softly, a bit confused, “usually you tell me the duration of my assignment to each teacher?” He always told me ahead of time the amount of weeks I’ll be with each… so I could pack up at the end of it.
He nodded knowingly, another smile, “why, yes, usually I do, don’t I?” And he turned, signaling the end of the conversation. Why must he end nearly every conversation with no answers to questions that were important-
I sighed, drooping a bit, my eyes going back to Snape slowly, but he was already gathering his things to leave his ears still red at the tips.
I turn back to Minnie, “gods, he’s so aloof. I don’t know why he’s so put out of it, I’m the one that has to do whatever he wants.” I cross my arms and stare at my plate, Minerva just pats my leg and laughs.
I think the next … however long.. is going to be absolutely .. ah… uneventful .. and terribly bothersome..