Title: A Witch Named Selene
By: Bridget McKennitt
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and company are owned by J.K. Rowling and other companies. They are used here without permission, and for entertainment purposes only. No challenge or infringement upon the copyright is intended, nor should any be inferred.
Summary: There's a new Professor at Hogwarts; an old schoolmate of Snape's. Though years had gone by since they last met, Snape still carries a torch for her.

The teachers of Hogwarts were having their annual staff meeting before the school year officially began. Severus Snape leaned back in his chair as he waited for Dumbledore. The Headmaster entered the room and began addressing issues that needed to be discussed. "I have recently hired a teacher for a new class in our curriculum, Creation of Magical Items. She is new to teaching so," Dumbledore turned to Snape. "She will be co-teaching Potions with you to gain experience."

Snape straightened in his seat. First he was denied the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts, humiliated in front of the Minister of Magic, denied the honor of the Order of Merlin, and now this. This had to stop.

"I believe you know her, Severus," Dumbledore said before Snape could say anything. "She went to school with you. A Miss Selene Harman."

Time seemed to slow down for Snape as the name resonated in his mind. He remembered Selene. How could he forget when her face kept him sane through his Hogwarts years. They had first met in their third year...

***

Third Year
The school year had started up again and the students were riding on the train to Hogwarts. Severus was in a compartment by himself, but he did not care. He did not want to sit with the first years, and the Slytherin compartments were already full.

He heard a crash in the hallway and a young witch came running into his compartment, panting and leaning against the doorway. "Can I stay with you until we reach Hogwarts?" She smiled and sat on the seat across from him without waiting for an answer. The witch had wavy rich chestnut hair and deep blue eyes. She was already wearing her robes.

"James and Sirius are playing pranks again and I did not want to be one of their victims. So what's your name and House? Don't think I've seen you around before." She held out her hand.

"I am Severus Snape of Slytherin." He reached out and shook her hand tentatively, as if he thought she was poisonous.

"Hello, Severus. I'm Selene Harman of Gryffindor." She blinked as she recognized his name. "Severus? I know you! James, Remus, Peter, and Sirius love to play pranks on you. Am I right?"

Severus stiffened and lifted his chin. "You are right."

Selene surprised him when she leaned over and patted him on the knee. "Don't mind the boys. They are so immature and they just plain annoy me with their antics sometimes. I don't get how Lily can stand to be around them for long. Then again, she is dating James."

"Uh," he stumbled out.

Sirius entered the compartment at that moment, and gave a look of disdain to Severus before grinning at Selene. "Come back to the compartment, Selene. I promise I won't release a Filibuster again."

"That's okay, Sirius, but I think I'll stay with Severus for the duration of the train ride." Her words surprised the boys. Sirius left in a huff and the witch with the lunch trolley came. Selene bought Severus and herself some Chocolate Frogs.

She settled back in her seat and opened her candy. "I love these things! My absolute favorite treat. Eat up, Severus."

***

Harry and Ron sat themselves at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall as they waited for Professor McGonagall to bring in the first years. "I wonder how many new Gryffindors will we have this year," Seamus said.

"I'm more anxious over the classes," Hermione replied. "Do you think we'll be learning how to transform into animals this year?"

Ron nudged Harry and pointed at someone at the High Table. "Look there, Harry. I think we've got a new teacher!"

Harry followed Ron's gaze and saw Snape glancing at the new teacher more than natural. Unlike with Professor Lupin though, Snape's glances were not filled with loathing. More like longing. Harry rubbed his eyes at the thought. Professor Snape did not like anyone.

Headmaster Dumbledore rose from his seat after the Sorting had occurred and the students quieted down. "Welcome everyone to another exciting year at Hogwarts. Before I begin anything else, we have a new teacher with us. Her name is Professor Harman and she will be teaching a new class called Creation of Magical Items as well as co-teaching Potions with Professor Snape. I want you all to make Professor Harman to feel welcome here."

Ron grabbed at Harry excitedly. "Professor Harman will be co-teaching Potions! Dumbledore probably did that so Snape'd be fair to the rest of us. Ha, now Malfoy can't pull any of his dirty tricks there."

"I think we should sign up for Creation of Magical Items. It sounds so fascinating. Don't you agree Harry?" Hermione asked.

At the High Table, the teachers were digging into the delicious food that Dumbledore had conjured from the kitchens. Snape glanced at Harman again. She was still as beautiful as he remembered her. Perhaps even more. He leaned over to whisper into her ear. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Selene."

Harman smiled. "It's good to be here, Severus. I think the last time I was in Hogwarts was when we graduated." She laid her hand on his shoulder. "I hope you don't mind that I will be teaching Potions with you. When Dumbledore told me that bit of news, I worried that you would take offense."

"I think it would be a pleasure working with you. But I have to warn you about certain students that like to cause trouble. Neville Longbottom is prone to accidents and worthless with potions. Then there is Ron Weasley. Wherever you find trouble, he is there. Finally, Ron's partner in crime, Harry Potter. He has caused more trouble than everyone combined."

When Harman heard the name Potter, her eyes widened. "Potter, as in James Potter's son?"

"Yes, Harry is James' boy," Snape said reluctantly. "He's a troublemaker all the way."

She grinned impishly. "Then he's just like James. I remember the scrapes he and his buddies would get into. Lily and I worried that they would get expelled one day. Does Harry play Quidditch for his House?"

"He's Seeker for Gryffindor. Harry played for his team in his first year."

"James' son, the youngest Quidditch House player in a century? Fantastic!"

***

The first class of the day was double Potions with Slytherin. Ron sat next to Harry and glanced over his shoulder. "Malfoy had better not tease my family again," he muttered.

"Good morning, everyone," Professor Harman said. She stood in front of the class next to Professor Snape. Harry saw that Snape was again staring at Professor Harman more than natural. Something was up.

"I hope everyone read their books because today we will be making Hovering Potions." Snape's eyes roamed over each student. "This is a complicated potion, so we shall be testing people's potions at random."

"I know he'll pick me," Harry heard Neville Longbottom whisper.

Professor Harman walked to Neville and knelt beside him. "Don't fret. Just take a deep breath, relax, and concentrate on the potion." Her voice immediately soothed Neville and placed him at ease. "Good, good. Add the feathers in carefully. Fantastic, keep it up."

Harry let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps Neville would not fail Potions, after all. A large shadow loomed over him, and Harry looked up to see Snape's cruel smirk. "Well, well, Mr. Potter. I see you are not paying attention to the potion you're making. Very careless. I think I should--"

"Harry, did you have a question?" Professor Harman cut in. "I'm sorry to make you wait so long."

"Uh," Harry stuttered. He came up with a question. "Yes, I do. How long does the phoenix feather have to be?"

"Five inches exactly." Professor Harman laid her hand on Snape's arm. "I think that blonde boy over there needs some help," she said as she looked at Malfoy.

Snape nodded and, with a flourish of his black cape, walked away. Professor Harman smiled and went back to helping Neville.

"She stopped Snape from taking points away from us! The year is looking up," Ron whispered into Harry's ear.

***

Students filed into Creation of Magical Items. This was the first time they were taking the class and everyone was excited.

"I wonder what she'll teach us."

"Never knew we could make our own magical items."

"Shh, here she comes!"

Professor Harman entered the room from the side door and sat on a desk top. "Greetings. If some of you do not know, I am Professor Harman. I see some of you are also in the Potions class I co-teach. That's good.

"You may be wondering what this class can do for you. For one thing, if you buy a magical item, you'll know whether they pulled a fast one on you or not. Another would be that you'll know just how strong that item is. So let's not waste another moment. Everyone take out their wands."

Professor Harman held out her wand; seven inches, willow, with a phoenix feather, in front of her. "I shall assume that nearly everyone here bought their wands at Ollivander's on Diagon Alley. Tell me, how does Mr. Ollivander make one of his wands?"

No one raised their hand, not even Hermione. It seemed that none of them ever thought about how a wand was made. Professor Harman chuckled and looked at Dean. "Take a guess."

"Uh, Mr. Ollivander uses magic?"

"Very good. A point for Gryffindor. Can anyone tell me anything else? No one? Then I suggest you take some notes." She waited until they grabbed their quills and parchments. "A basic wand is created with several ingredients. Wood, magic, and a magical substance that will remain inside the wand. This can either be a unicorn hair, dragon heartstrings, or phoenix tail feather. A wand is whittled to a size that the wood prefers. Remember that every wand is different. Then by using magic, you slip the magical substance inside the wand. A good incantation and the wand is ready for use."

While Professor Harman was talking, Snape stood in the doorway of her classroom. She had always been good at making magical items. He still kept the charm necklace she had give him.

***

Third Year
It was Christmas break and most of the students went home for the vacation. Not Severus though. He had decided to stay because Selene was staying. Unfortunately, so was James, Sirius, Peter, and Remus. Every time he tried to talk to Selene, one of the Marauders (a word he had overheard Peter calling themselves) would stop him.

Christmas Day arrived and Severus walked to the Slytherin tree for his presents. The first gift he noticed though was one wrapped in red and gold, Gryffindor colors. He reached for the letter attached to the box and read it:

Dear Severus,
It's me, Selene. Sorry for the wrapping's colors, but that was all I had. I hope you like my present. I made it myself. It should protect you from some of Sirius' pranks.

Severus opened his present with shaky hands and pulled out the gift. It was a charm in the colors of Slytherin. A silver chain with a green gem. He clasped the chain around his neck. He had to thank her, and he knew just what to get.

The Christmas feast was lovely. Garlands of mistletoe and ivy hung over the ceiling of the Hall while the walls were covered in silver frost. Silver icicles danced high above the tables in circles. There were several Slytherin at the table and Severus sat down with them. The Gryffindor table was merry and loud, and Severus could see Selene and her best friend Lily in a deep discussion. James was clowning around with Remus while Peter was staring at them with wide eyes.

The food appeared on their tables and everyone reached for something to eat. There were hundreds of roast turkeys, boiled potatoes, silver boats of thick gravy, corn on the cob, buttered peas, cakes of all shapes and sizes, and even wizard crackers. Severus barely paid attention to the taste of his good, however. He finished what was on his plate and stood.

Severus walked to the Gryffindor table, clutching the present he would give in his hand. Selene was chattering with Lily about transfiguration when she noticed him. "Hi, Severus."

"Uh, hi, Selene. How's your Christmas?"

"It's wonderful. My mom sent me Chocolate Frogs and a camera. You?"

"It--it's good. Uh, thanks for the charm you gave me. I love it."

Selene smiled. "I hoped you would. I have been working on your present for months."

Severus' heart skipped a beat. She had spent a lot of her time to make his present. He could only hope he that he meant something to her. "And I appreciate it." Severus handed Selene a box he had been holding behind his back. "Merry Christmas, Selene."

"Thank you, Severus." She opened the box and lifted out an orange feather with traces of gold sparkles. "A phoenix feather!" Selene stood up and hugged Severus. "I've been wanting one of these for a long time. Thank you so much."

***

While Professor Harman was giving her wand lecture, she noticed Professor Snape in the doorway. She waved at him and finished her lecture. "I want everyone to write me an essay about their own wands. Tell me what it is made of, and how that combination affects the magic you do. Class dismissed."

As students file out, Professor Snape entered the classroom. "I still have the charm you gave me for Christmas in our third year."

"Really? Making magical items had always been my passion. But you were the first person I ever gave one of my own creations to. You gave me confidence." Harman quickly looked towards the ceiling in embarrassment.

Professor Snape blushed a little, making his skin a little less pale. "When you left Hogwarts, what did you do?"

"Oh, I opened up a small shop near the village I grew up in. It was nice, but a little lonely. Dumbledore visited my shop one day and when I told him that I created everything in my shop, he was willing to hire me as a teacher at Hogwarts. I--I stayed away during You-Know-Who's terror." She glanced away. "My family and I hid in a cavern near my shop and blocked it with protective charms and spells. We were blocked off from the wizarding world until we were sent an owl about You-Know-Who's defeat." Harman struggled to get the next words out. "Actually, that was our second owl. The first was of James and Lily's deaths."

Her pain made Snape feel immediately guilty. "I'm glad you and your family were safe. Those years for me was one nightmare after another." He sat on a desk top. as he dredged up memories of long ago. "You knew I was a Slytherin in Hogwarts and who I hung out with. Most of us became Death Eaters. I...I became a Death Eater. Not anymore though. I'm on the side of Dumbledore."

Snape looked up to see Harman standing close to him. She leaned forward and hugged him. "I would never judge you, Severus. You're different from your Slytherin friends, and I do not blame anything on you."

Professor Snape returned the hug and he could feel the ice around his heart melt.

***

The Quidditch game between Gryffindor and Slytherin was scheduled for next week and the Hogwarts students were in a flurry over the match. In Creation of Magical Items, it was all the students could talk about. Quidditch was a popular sport in the wizarding world, and Hogwarts was no different.

Professor Harman stopped her lecture about wands to give the students free time and a chance to relax. "Good luck, Harry, on the match," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Thank you, Professor Harman. Will you be watching?"

"Of course. I remember when I went to Hogwarts, I was Gryffindor's Chaser. Your father and I were on the team together."

"You were?" Harry asked.

"Yes, I was. In fact, your mother Lily was also my best friend," Professor Harman said fondly. "She was so different from James, but even back then you could tell they were meant for each other."

Harry felt warm and fuzzy inside. He always got that feeling whenever someone mentioned his parents. Yet something bothered him. "Hagrid gave me a picture album with tons of pictures of my parents, but I never saw you in there before."

"That was because I missed James and Lily's wedding and the months after. I knew she wanted me to be there, to be her maid of honor, but my family and I were hiding from You-Know-Who. Even then, he was visiting wizard families to either recruit them to his side or kill them for defiance. But enough of the gloomy talk, I'm sure you have lots to do."

Professor Harman wandered outside in the hall as she though about Lily. Her best friend had found happiness, though only a brief moment before her brutal murder, yet she herself had found none. She looked at Harry and saw the best of Lily and James. He was the Boy Who Lived, and Professor Harman vowed to do her job Dumbledore hired her to do as well as fulfill a promise she made after learning about Lily's death. If Lily could not live, then her son would.

"Selene?" Professor Snape caught up with Professor Harman and walked side by side her. "Will you be watching the Quidditch match next week?"

Her face lit up as she pushed away the bad memories. Snape always had that effect on her. "Would not miss it for all the Chocolate Frogs in the world." The two shared an inside joke. Harman's favorite sweet was Chocolate Frogs, a fact he found out when had first met.

"I know you were a Gryffindor and their once Chaser, but I was wondering if you would like to sit with me at the Slytherin section?"

"I would love to," Professor Harman said.

Next week arrived all too quickly and the Quidditch teams were on the field as the crowd cheered them on. Pansy, a Slytherin, spotted Professor Harman sitting with them and wearing Gryffindor's colors. She found the Head of her House and asked him why an obvious Gryffindor supporter was sitting there.

"I invited her, Pansy. Professor Harman is an old schoolmate of mine," Snape said coolly, making it clear that it was none of Pansy's business.

Pansy sulked while Snape continued to watch the game. Slytherin was up by only ten points. Since Harry's arrival at Hogwarts, Slytherin could never defeat Gryffindor. Perhaps this year would be different.

Unfortunately it was not the case today. Harry caught the Snitch and the game ended. Gryffindors won. Professor Harman stood to cheer while the Slytherins stood up to boo. A student bumped into Professor Harman, sending her into Snape's arms. Professor Harman's eyes widened as her lips touched Professor Snape's in a gentle kiss. She pulled away and blushed. "I--I have to go. Thank you, Severus, for a wonderful time."

***

Third Year
Christmas break was over, and scores of students were returning to Hogwarts. Severus still had a glow from the present and hug Selene gave him on Christmas Day. He was walking down the hall thinking about Selene when someone stuck their leg out and tripped him.

Severus fell to the floor in a pile. He looked up and saw Sirius standing over him. "Leave Selene alone, you greasy git."

He got to his feet and reached into his pocket for his wand, not yet drawing it out. "I don't see your name on her, Sirius. She's free to choose her own friends."

Sirius sneered. "You don't fool me, Severus. Face the facts. Selene would never like a Slytherin git like you. She probably just pities you. You are below her." He laughed harshly and left Severus alone with his words.

Severus got to Potions a few minutes late, but fortunately, the teacher did not notice. Selene waved him over and he sat next to her. He kept sneaking peeks at her, wondering if Sirius' words were true. Did she really just pity him?

"I want everyone to pair up with someone from a different House for today's potion," Professor Nary said.

"I'll be your partner, Severus, " Selene whispered.

Severus could only nod in response. Professor Nary explained the potion they were making and Selene went to gather their ingredients. She watched as Severus created the potion with ease and was amazed at his skills.

"You're really good at this Severus. You have a real gift," she whispered.

"It's nothing." Yet her words made him feel good. It made him feel more than a Slytherin greasy git.

***

The next day, the only thing the students were talking about was not the Quidditch game. It was the kiss that Harman and Snape shared at the end of the game.

In Potions class, Ron was discussing the rumors with Harry and Hermione. "Did you hear that Professors Harman and Snape kissed at the match yesterday? Do you think she actually likes him? I think it's disgusting that anyone could like Snape. He's a greasy git."

"That is your opinion, Mr. Weasley. Another comment like that will bring you detention." Professor Snape strolled into class, overhearing Ron's comments. "Professor Harman is feeling ill today, so I will be teaching Potions alone."

"Professor Harman must have gotten sick from kissing him," Ron said snidely.

Hermione tried to shush Ron, but it was too late. Professor Snape, indeed the entire class, had heard Ron's comment. Snape's face turned as red as Ron's hair. The insult hit a little too close to home that Selene was out of his league...just like Sirius taunted.

"WEASLEY! FOR THAT YOU'LL RECEIVE A WEEK'S WORTH OF DETENTIONS, TWENTY POINTS DEDUCTED FROM GRYFFINDOR AND A POP QUIZ FOR EVERYONE!"

Ron had the decency to be embarrassed as the rest of the class glared at him.

The long period of Potions was finally over and as they were leaving class, Ron groaned about the pop quiz. "I know I failed. I could feel Snape's glare on me the entire time."

"Well, it's your own fault for pushing Professor Snape. You know that he likes Professor Harman and considering it's Snape we're talking about, I don't think he's ever been in love before," Hermione matter-of-factly stated.

"Why don't we visit Professor Harman to see if she feels any better?" Harry suggested before it turned into an open war between Hermione and Ron.

They agreed and went to the second corridor. Just as Harry was about to knock on her door, Hermione stopped his hand. "Shh, I think I hear someone in there."

They cracked the door open slightly, and could see Snape by Selene's bed. "How do you feel, Selene?"

"Tired and sneezy. I think it was a bit chilly at the match. I'm sorry that you had to teach by yourself," said Selene, sniffling into her blanket.

"It was nothing. I brought you a potion I whipped up. It should relieve you of the worst of your cold."

"Thank you, Severus. You're so sweet." Professor Harman's nose was bright red and her hair was as fuzzy as Hermione's, yet the grateful look on her face made Snape blush.

Professor Snape cleared his throat. "Selene, I was wondering, when we have another field trip to Hogsmead, if you would like to go with me."

"That would be wonderful, Severus."

Snape bowed low with a silly grin on his face, surprising the trio because they never knew Snape had a silly grin, and left her room. He nearly collided into Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but he took no notice of them. The man was in love.

***

Hogsmead was the only all wizarding village in Britain. Throughout the year, third years and up were allowed to visit the village. Now Hogsmead was full of Hogwarts' students milling around and showing off what they bought.

Professor Snape and Harman walked hand in hand, looking at the different shops. "Let's visit Honey Dukes. My supply of Chocolate Frogs is running low," Professor Harman said. She grinned and snuggled with Snape. "It was nice of you to invite me here, Severus."

"It's been my pleasure." Snape slowed down and turned to face Harman. "There's something I have been wanting to ask you for days now. Selene." Snape paused and whispered into her ear.

"Of course, Severus." His words caused her to blush. "I've always liked you. Sirius never approved but I couldn't help it."

Snape broke into a rare smile and kissed her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Harman returned his kiss and leaned in closer.

Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were a few feet away from the kissing couple. Though McGonagall looked slightly surprised, Dumbledore was not.

"Did you have a hand in this, Albus?" McGonagall asked, knowing full well he did.

"Perhaps," he hinted. "I knew after that Order of Merlin fiasco, Severus would be on the edge. I needed him away from the edge, as well as to keep him from expelling Mr. Potter the first chance he got. Then the curriculum seem to need another class. Who knew the teacher I hired was also Severus' old crush from when he was in school. I guess the time they spent together just brought back all the old attraction."

Dumbledore chuckled at his own brilliance as he watched the couple. He had made the right choice. They both deserved to be happy. For Snape and Harman, unaware of the people around them, the world faded away as they continued to kiss.

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