Staff meetings always made Severus Snape feel uncomfortable. The forced conversations each year about the holidays he never enjoyed, the weather ('it was unbelievably hot this year, wasn't it!') and if he had met anyone nice.

He would try and kill the conversation as quickly as possible but he always found himself caught by McGonagall and Dumbledore. They would try to drag him into conversations he simply was not interested in.

To make matters worse his childhood enemy was taking his desired post, Defence Against the Dark Arts.

'Ah Severus! I want you to meet the new member of Hogwarts!' Dumbledore said, throwing an arm around his shoulders.

'I know it is Remus Lupin, Albus! I have no interest in seeing that man any time soon.' Severus hissed.

He was turned around and found himself facing a young woman who looked stunned by the way Severus had spoken. Lupin was next to her and did not seem at all suprised.

He took in her long flowing auburn hair, her slightly pale face with large blue eyes. She wore a fair bit of make up, with blue eyeshadow filling her eyelids and deep red lipstick emphasisng her lips. She wore clothes Severus could only identify as a Muggle mini dress mixed with a traditional witch's corset.

'Florence Mountfield this our Potions Master Severus Snape. And Severus this is Florence, our new History of Magic Professor.'

Florence politely put out her hand and Severus gingerly shook it. He tilted his head in acknowledgement. She smiled warmly.

'Nice to meet you, Professor.' She seemed very polite.

'Likewise. ' He said, unsure where to take the conversation.

'Miss Mountfield also has an interest in potions.' Lupin mentioned.

Florence nodded enthusastically, 'I do! I'm doing research into the relationship between the development of potions and the effects on society. Such as the research on wolfsbane and the acceptance of werewolves.'

She was clearly oblivious to the fact a werewolf was standing next to her.

Remus hummed, 'I wouldn't say it has made a huge impact. Nonetheless it was helped those effected lead a relatively normal life.'

Florence nodded, 'Most defintely! It's absolutely fascinating. Wouldn't you say so, Professor?'

'Perhaps to you, I merely make these potions.'

Florence's face dropped, 'Oh. Well, I guess I can talk to Remus about my work.'

Severus raised an eyebrow, pretending not to care in the slightist.

'Come now, Severus! I'm sure you and Florence can find something in common!' Dumbledore said eagerly.

'Perhaps, I have to go unpack. I didn't get a chance earlier as Minevra invited me to her quarters for tea and cake.' Florence said, 'It was lovely meeting everyone.' She smiled quickly and set down her glass.

'There was no need to be rude to her! She clearly wanted to make friends, at least accquaitences, with you and you rebuked her every attempt!' Remus said, disappointed with Severus' actions.

'I do not want to be 'friends' with her. I do not need another young person hounding me with questions. And why should I be taking advice from someone in your predicament?' Severus snapped, 'Excuse me.'

Severus felt mildly annoyed with himself at his actions. Florence had seemed like a genuinly nice woman who wanted to find someone to talk to and Severus had taken the situation poorly.

He could not help but think about Lily. She had been, after all, the only woman he'd truely 'loved' and he left guilty by being attracted to Florence.

'Oh! Excuse me, Professor!' He felt his shoulder being tapped.

He turned around, mildly irritated, 'What is it?'

Florence, again, looked stunned, 'S-sorry. I was lost. I haven't been to the Professors' floor in the dark. I took a wrong turning. I'm sorry.'

Severus sighed, 'Don't apologise. I'm going there anyway.' He started walking and Florence jogged to catch up.

The journey was in uncomfortable silence. Florence was too scared to say anything and Severus did not know what to say. She stopped suddenly outside a room, which Severus assumed to be hers.

'Thank you for showing me the way. I will not forget it!' She waved goodbye and Severus let out the breathe he did not realise he was holding.

He walked a short distance to his own room and couldn't help but glance over to Florence's room.

He hoped he didn't make such a poor first impression that she would be too scared to talk to him again. He snorted. She seemed like the type to keep prodding him until either he gave in or exploded. He smiled slightly, he figured that this year would not be the same boring school year he had grown accustomed to.

He was mildly curious as to hope someone easily intimidated by him could handle the rowdy bunch of students he could silence in a stare. She seemed fragile and looked no older than 30. He could feel there was something more to Florence and he wanted to find out what it was.

But why should he be interested in her? He'd only known her for no more than an hour. She had seemed put off by him, and quite rightly so. And Lily...

He decided he was overthinking the situation and what he really needed was some sleep. He would assess the situation in the morning, perhaps he'd imagined her 'interest'.