On the First Night of Hogwarts
On the First Night of Hogwarts
Chapter 1 of 1
Ladymage SamikoSeverus receives some words of wisdom on his first night as a Hogwarts student.
ReviewedHe was sitting in an obscure stairwell, sniffling, when she found him. She crouched down beside him, and he turned even redder in sheer mortification. The prettiest professor in school, and her first impression of him was of a sobbing, snot-nosed infant.
“What’s wrong?” She offered him a handkerchief. “Homesick?”
He snorted, a ghastly, liquid sound. “Not hardly.”
“Hmm.” She didn’t press further, but settled down next to him on the step. “I cried a lot, my first year,” she offered. “I was homesick and lonely— and Muggle-born, which made it all worse.”
“Did it get better?” he asked desperately.
• • • • •
The young woman glanced at the student beside her, stymied slightly by the curtain of black hair. “It’s a long, complicated story, and I haven’t time to tell it all before curfew, but yes, I found a place— and friends —before the year was out.” She hesitated, fingers seeking the pendant concealed under her high-necked robes. How much could— should —she say? “I won’t deny that much of that was luck, Mr. Snape. But… I hope you can find comrades who bring out the best in you, not ones who belittle you, or encourage Slytherin ambition while sacrificing everything else.”
• • • • •
Even as a first year, his sneer was impressive. “You’re trying to turn me into a Gryffindor,” he accused her.
To his surprise, she laughed a little, and her eyes turned merry. “Much as you lot try to deny it, Slytherins have a little Gryffindor— yes, and Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw —in them, too. People aren’t really as simplistic as we like to pretend.” Her face grew distant, and she added softly, “I’ve seen the most magnificent nobility in a Slytherin— and the most terrible betrayal in a Gryffindor. Houses, Mr. Snape, are a convenience, not an iron-clad definition.” He frowned.
• • • • •
“Now. I’ve a lot to do, and you’re for your common room before curfew,” she said briskly. “There’s a bathroom just there so you can wash up, and I’ll see you in class tomorrow, all right?” She paused, squeezed his shoulder. “My door’s always— always —open to you, Severus Snape.”
“Yes, Professor Granger.” He watched her intently as she strode down the corridor. A last swipe at his nose with the back of his hand, and he stood, stuffing the handkerchief with its ‘H.G.’ monogram in his pocket. Maybe… Maybe the next few years wouldn’t be so bad after all.
This was written for the 'Slytherin Firsties' challenge at GS100, conceived when I tried looking for a plot that involved Severus as the Firstie in question rather than an anonymous group of students. I've received a few requests already for a full-length fic to continue this; I plan to follow up with at least one—hopefully two—short-fic scenes to round it off, but a full-length Time-Turner fic is something I think is currently beyond me for a few different reasons.
Anyhow, I hope this has been worth the few minutes it's taken to read it. Please, if possible, drop a little coin or two into the little review box.
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Latest 25 Reviews for On the First Night of Hogwarts
25 Reviews | 4.4/10 Average
This is so complete that I feel it is an excerpt f on a long tale!
Interesting premise. I wonder what a little kindness early on would have done for Severus?
Ooh, I'd like to read the full length version of this! Although a world in which Snape was allowed to be happy... would Voldemort ever be destroyed?
Would definitely love to see more in this timeline!
Lovely! I'd love to read more about how she came to be his teacher.
Was this truly a time turner fic? Or could he have been her son? I know several professional women who have kept their maiden name. Might that be the situation here?
Lovely, in any regard...
this piece to opens so many possiblities. Good luck
Interesting. Would love go know how/why professor Granger came to be there. She's given him some good advice. Wonder if he'll take any to heart?
Loved it! Thank you.
This is delightful! Would love to read more... Why is HG in the past? Is she ever going to go back to the future again? Thanks for a delightful few minutes 
I think it would make a lovely ficlet! I love Hermione's tenderness and insight, and the fact that Severus already finds her pretty even at his young age. But even I know that you usually feel comfortable with one-page drabbles most of the time, so I will take what you're giving and be happy no matter.
Oh, yes, the premise is excellent, and the short story equally well done. More short stories or a longer one would be most welcome.
Whoa! L.S. just dipped her pen into the TimeTurnerFic cauldron! Very sweet story; I feel sorry for little Severus.
She's a nice teacher, and I hope Severus uses the open door.
However, time must have been warped in ways that you're not telling, which I admit is irritating. I'd need a bit of background...
Nice twist on the Time-Turner idea. I like your wisdom about the house-qualities too. Well done :)
beautiful...reminds me of the song ''Home'' by Michael Buble.
Why don't you make a story from t his drable? I like the idea.
Loved this! But I would also be delighted to read more. :)
I really liked this. What a wonderful little one shot.
Nice story. I'd love to hear a bit of how Hermione got there, too, but I totally understand not taking on a full time-turner fic!
Oh please add more to this - if only a few short scenes. Its brilliant.
I loved it, and I do hope you continue this wonderful little tale!
*sigh* I admit it. I enjoy time-turner fics. So, I will gobble up any bites you toss my way.
Nicely done. We were all firsties once, no matter who we grew up to be.
Really enjoyed this one and I'd also love to see you continue it as time permits. :-)
A great premise, if only someone had been kind to that lonely boy, he may have had the strength to say no to temptation,