Unhappy Endings

138: The Last First Day Speech

Just as you, Severus and Rolanda were getting settled in your seats, the light in the Great Hall began to gently dim and all eyes turned to Albus Dumbledore, who was standing at the top of the hall, with a rather ashen-looking hand raised to the enchanted ceiling. The clouds responded to his gestures and shrouded a gleaming full moon. "What's happened to his hand?" Rolanda muttered quietly. Severus looked... almost guilty.

The great wizard began to speak. "The very best of evenings to you! First off, please join me in welcoming the newest member of our staff, Horace Slughorn..." There was applause, but it quickly died down. "Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say, has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master. Meanwhile the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be assumed by Professor Severus Snape." Not a sound resonated, and you see your husband's face almost imperceptibly drop. Dumbledore looked over and frowned, followed by him clapping his hands once. A few Slytherins joined in as you made vicious, scarlet-colored eye contact with them, including your cousin. Albus continued, "Now, as you know, each and every one of you was searched upon your arrival tonight. You have a right to know why. Once there was a young man who, like you, sat in this very hall. Walked this castle's corridors. Slept beneath its roof. He seemed, to all the world, a student like any other. His name? Tom Riddle." And if you thought the room was quiet before, it was now utterly silent. "Today, of course, the world knows him by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I am reminded of a sobering fact. Each day, every hour, this very minute perhaps, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle. But in the end, their greatest weapon remains... you." One pause. "Just something to keep in mind. Now, off to bed after dinner. Pip pip!"

"Awfully casual way to end that, cor!" Rolanda let out a deep breath and slowly everyone began to chatter away. "Congrats to you, Severus, by the by. Reckon we were all just surprised to hear you finally got the position you wanted! Didn't seem like Dumbledore would ever be convinced."

"...Thank you." Severus, who normally had a cutting quip, was silently staring at his food, hands in his lap. You spoke with Rolanda a bit longer before both deciding to tuck into the delicious food before you. As you began to eat some sort of pudding, you felt a hand on your thigh. With a smile and a mouth full of food, you looked up at Severus. "And thank you." He added.

You swallowed your food and laughed a bit. "I know it wasn't the reception you wish you could have had, but I wouldn't take it as an affront to you, love. I think Rolanda is right, everyone was just shocked that you get the position now. You were shocked as well."

Severus took a deep breath and squeezed your leg. "You are right. I shall teach it with a ferocity that this school has never know."

"Severus!" You laughed louder and choked a bit on the pudding still left in your mouth. "Ferocity is the wrong word! Try maybe, passion..."

Rolanda cracked up at this too and made it so the both of you were served a withering look from the new DADA professor. Then there was a voice from the other side of Severus.

"Passion is something I've heard Severus is well-endowed in." Minerva's laugh joined in the now howling laughter of you and Rolanda. Severus, although bright red from embarrassment, was slightly smiling. He wished it would stay like this for just a bit longer.