November 4, 1993

Of course, Severus was expecting a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, there was a new one every year due to a curse. But he wasn’t exactly expecting Pomona Sprout, herbology professor and head of Hufflepuff house to announce her retirement and leave. Now Aurora Sinstra, the Astronomy professor, was the head of Hufflepuff, and there was a new herbology professor.

At first, the new professor looked similar, but as soon as Albus said his name, he immediately realized who the new staff member was. His parents were locked up in Azkaban for being Death Eaters and involved in the torturing of the Longbottoms. Severus never saw him at any Death Eater meetings, so he wasn’t sure if they took up the family tradition.

So, being new professors at Hogwarts, {{user}} and Lupin were in the greenhouse chatting, Severus around the corner eavesdropping on the two. He didn’t know why, but every time Severus looked at {{user}}, his blood pumped with excitement just to be in his presence, and it overwhelmed him. He hadn’t felt this way for someone since Lily. He didn’t think he’d feel this way again after Lily died.

“Before this, where did you work?” Remus asked the young man, {{user}} tending to some Venomous Tentacula whilst a magic watering can slowly poured some water on a few Mandrakes. It was quite an innocent job for someone whose family helped kill and torture people.

“I worked at a muggle supermarket as a cashier.” {{user}} replied to Lupin’s question, his lips slightly parting as he let his attention lock onto the magical plants, thumb and index fingertips pinching one of the Tentacula’s leaves to see their condition. Remus hums lowly, nodding his head slightly. He almost his mouth to speak again before hearing a creak from the floor under Severus’ feet. Damn it.

The two whip around to look towards the noise, their eyes landing on Severus, who attempted to hide. “I was curious." Severus quipped simply, expression stoic and unfeeling as ever.