<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>Severus set the book he had been reading for the last hour down. He just couldn't focus on it. His mind was elsewhere. He had far too much on his mind at present to focus on a book. Rising to pace the length of his sitting room Severus glowered at the racing thoughts in his mind. Tomorrow evening would be the sorting and Severus was not looking forwards to having students arriving. He had enjoyed the near quiet of the summer. His research project had gone well according to plan and he was just about to finish up his dissertation.<br/><br/>Finally as his agitation got the better of him he opted out of pacing the room aimlessly and decided instead to brew some potions for the hospital wing, in the event that such would be needed. Seeing as soon the school would be filled with dunderheads he was fairly certain they would be needed. Satisfied that he had something to occupy himself with he headed down to his personal lab. Pausing outside his large store cupboard where he kept his personal ingredients and the more dangerous ingredients. Knowing already what he would need for every one of the potions he planned to brew Severus began gathering the ingredients only to pause at a nearly empty shelf. His eyes narrowed dangerously. Lifting up the empty vials that remained. Anger rose. How could he be out of nearly all these plants?<br/><br/>Furiously thinking when he had last used most of these he realized he had forgotten to gather more. Sighing in exasperation he returned the ingredients he had already taken out to their proper shelves. Satisfied that everything was in order. He couldn't stand disorganization in the least. Furious with himself for having forgotten something so important he returned to his chambers to resume his furious pacing. This time anger rather then restlessness dominated the agitated man's steps. His black robes swirling around him as he moved quickly about the room. There was only one thing to do.<br/><br/>Go to the greenhouses and gather what he needed to replenish his stores.<br/><br/>Deciding on this fact, even at this late hour, Severus grabbed a box of empty and clean containers from a corner of his office and headed out towards the main entrance. The trek from the quiet dungeons to the entrance hall was silent and quick. There were no students and hardly anyone else ventured down into the dungeons. It was after all his domain. A deep scowl graced his features at his own disappointment in having to retrieve ingredients instead of being inside his lab to brew his potions.<br/><br/>He longed for the comfort and serenity of his potions lab. His mood darker then usual he made quick work of reaching the greenhouses. He entered greenhouse four and headed straight to the back where all the plants that were used in the healing potions were kept. He knew how to harvest them of course and felt no need to seek out the Herbology professor to indicate his intention. He had every right to be here. Though some would consider it rude to intrude like this without even saying hello. Severus couldn't be bothered with pleasantries. He wanted to get back to his lab and brew.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>Professor Sarah Templeton also had her own reasons to feel anxious. Tomorrow would be the sorting ceremony, and her first official day as a Hogwarts professor. That alone was enough to give the young woman a sleepless night. Having taken the position after the previous teacher retired, Sarah was grateful for the opportunity, but concerned about how things would play out.<br/><br/>Of course, the new teacher had already met one or two students in passing, since some of the stayed in for summer - those who didn’t have homes to go to for some reason. Still, she had yet to be tested as a real teacher, in front of a real classroom. It felt gut-wrenching and insomnia-inducing.<br/><br/>After a few hours simply trying to fall asleep and failing, Professor Templeton decided to get up and walk around a little. Leaving her room after changing her nightgown for a light set of pants and a blouse, Sarah tied her dark hair in a ponytail and walked to the greenhouses. It was the one place where she felt truly comfortable for now, and where she would be spending most of her days, after all.<br/><br/>Feeling slightly comforted once she entered greenhouse one, Sarah checked everything out in the warm place. It seemed like everything was in order. Making a mental note to bring in some textbooks before each class - otherwise they might get ruined for the humid environment for sitting too long in the greenhouse -, Sarah moved to the next greenhouse.<br/><br/>Greenhouses two and three seemed perfectly in order, and Sarah moved on to greenhouse four, unaware that there was someone else there already. As soon as she stepped in, though, it was clear that she was not alone.<br/><br/>“Lumus”, a voice sounded quietly near the door. Holding her wand ahead of her, the woman who had arrived in the morning and been briefly introduced to Severus as Professor Templeton took some careful steps ahead, until she could see who was in.<br/><br/>It didn’t take too long for the woman to realize that the person in there was not a student, and she relaxed her stance. “I apologize if I have startled you”, the voice sounded, soft, yet serious. The young woman, despite clear differences in appearance and age, looked like a version of Professor McGonagall with fewer years under her belt, chocolate brown hair and amethyst colored eyes. “May I help you with anything, Sir?”, she completed, stepping forward so she could be seen more clearly. The intonation in her voice wasn’t the one it would have been to a student - she was merely offering help indeed, just in case it was needed.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>Severus was busy cutting a few stems off the moving plant in front of him with the same steadied certainty he always employed. HIs movements and cuts precise. Two other vials already contained clipped plant material. He was deep in his thoughts and already mumbling the latin names for the plants he was harvesting and those he still needed. Calculating what he would require to try out the new additions to the potion he had planned. He was always caught up in his thoughts while he worked. Though years as a spy meant even in this climate of relative peace he was always vigilant. Some things never change. Some things are so inbuilt they remain regardless. Even lost as he was in thought it is hard to sneak up on the man.<br/><br/>The sudden change in light and movement of the door had him drawing his wand and taking on a ready stance. His back straight. Eyes darting around to the shadows seeking out the threat. His legs were spread apart in a typical duelling stance and his body turned to be mostly shielded by his wand. Should a curse come flying his way. He did not relax in the tiniest as the voice spoke out. He did however narrow his gaze on it's source. Watching as the woman came closer. Revealing the professor he had met this morning.<br/><br/>"Not at all," Severus responded calmly in that cold aloof voice. His breathing had evened out as he released the breath he'd been unconsciously holding. Ready to cast the spell in his mind. He stood up straight lowing his wand. Quickly putting it back in it's holster in the sleep of his long black robes. Just at hand should he require it. His response was to her comment about startling him. He'd have a snarky sarcastic comment, but his mind was still insuring that they were not indeed being threatened. Though he had not be startled per see, he was indeed unusually caught slightly off guard and he did not enjoy that feeling. It always left him edgy. Satisfied that there was no pressing threat and that they were alone the tall man relaxed visibly. His tenseness ebbing away into the usual cold and withdrawn man. HIs blank masks covering the furious expression. Long curtains of black greasy hair hung around the shallow face. Black robes hugged the lean and slightly muscular but rather thin build. The longer looser black outer robes billowing around him as per usual. All things contributing to his reputation as the Greasy Bat of the Dungeon. The black piercing eyes met hers with a steady and emotionless gaze.<br/><br/>"I believe I am quite capable of harvesting potions ingredients, Templeton," Severus drawled sarcastically. He was not in the mood for chit chat. It showed even as his narrowed gaze returned to the normal neutral mask. He turned from her and resumed working. Though he silently kept an ear out for her. Not wanting to be caught of guard should she draw to near his personal space. He LOATHED physical contact and for some reason unknown to him most of the staff enjoyed casual contact. Something that would cause him to growl dangerously at them.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>Sarah obviously had no intention of attacking whoever was in the greenhouse. If it was a student, he or she would definitely have a long lecture and a punishing waiting for them. But since it was an adult - someone who had the right to be there after hours -, there was nothing Sarah could, or even wanted to, do.<br/><br/><br/>Noticing Snape’s stance, Sarah gripped her wand a little more tightly, just in case she needed to defend herself. Once he relaxed the offensive posture, so did she. It wasn’t exactly unheard of for witches and wizards to be on edge at all times. There was a war raging, after all, and everyone is always waiting for something to happen in times like these.<br/><br/><br/>Keeping her wand at hand only to cast some light ahead, Sarah waited for Professor Snape to say whatever he had to say. That man had a scary quality to him, that she had to admit. When Snape’s eyes met hers, however, the young teacher did not look away. Her oddly colored eyes, which resembled a pair of amethysts, stared back into the man’s.<br/><br/><br/>When Snape finally spoke, in that sarcastic intonation, the woman’s eyes widened just a little. It was an expression of surprise, and nothing more than that. As the other professor turned his back on her (rude bastard), Sarah decided it was a good time to end the conversation. She wasn’t the chitty chat type anyway, and had offered help for simple politeness. “Please, do close up when you leave”, the young woman added quietly, while moving towards the door. There was nothing for her to do there, and she wanted to spend the least possible time in the presence of that man.<br/><br/><br/>“Good night, Sir”, she still added before closing the door, just to make clear through where her voice was coming from that she was out of the greenhouse.<br/><br/>Moving away from the place, Sarah made her way back to her bedroom. It was good to know that no student of the few who stayed in during vacation was out of bed after hours. It wouldn't be good to start off with the wrong foot. Shrugging these thoughts off, the young woman slipped back into bed. There was a long day ahead for tomorrow.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>"Won't be a problem," Severus responded crisply with disdain at the mere suggestion that he wouldn't close up the greenhouse after he left. He didn't even bother to respond to her 'good night' there was nothing good about it. He would have growled that, but why bother. He didn't want to continue the conversation in any event. He was quite happy to continue on his way. Resigned to the fact he'd never get any work done at this rate he went back to collecting ingredients. He had already decided he would not be sleeping tonight. After all what point was there in sleep if he couldn't have managed it? Outside of making his mood even more foul then usual. Not enough brats remained to prowl the halls anyways. They were after all either in their sixth or seventh year and all here for some prepuce or other. He was just glad they didn't allow the younger students to remain or he'd have been sure to have locked a few of them up in the dungeons.<br/><br/>To say Severus was not pleased tonight was one thing. Something had been bothering him for days now. More like months. He glowered at his left arm as he finished bottling yet another plant. Turning away from this one he went to the next he needed. Pocketing the vials as he moved. Thank Merlin for magically enlarged pockets. He started carefully clipping leaves from this plant as his thoughts wandered down that dark alley again. He still wanted to curse Albus for his stupidity. He'd told the man not three weeks ago that the mark was growing darker again. It had faded since the Dark Lords demise, but now it was getting darker. This could only mean one thing. What did the old fool tell him. Not to worry about it until the time came. How bloody stupid was that? Not to worry about it. This was about the most worrisome thing Severus had to deal with. He knew that it was going to lead to the mark burning and that meant only one thing. The Dark Lord was coming back. No he wasn't back yet, but he was coming back.<br/><br/>His anger was almost a storm cloud around him as he worked. Yah sleep was not an option tonight. Far from it. Deciding that he would finish up here and then go into the forest to collect a few other ingredients until sunrise. After all the dunderheads wouldn't be getting here until dinner. He had plenty of time. His work in the greenhouse finished up quickly and he left it making sure to lock the door behind him. Turning from the greenhouses he slipped into the edges of the forest. He wasn't afraid of it, it didn't hold anything that he couldn't handle after all. Not like he'd not been in there a million times before. Being the potions master he was he preferred to collect, harvest and make his own ingredients rather then rely on others. He always had. Some of the rarer ones required long trips during the summer to acquired, but that was his idea of a vacation. Though he did often buy ingredients, after all he worked at a school not like he could collect that much for himself, he didn't use those in his most important potions.<br/><br/>It was nearing breakfast time when Severus finally stepped out of the forest. Blinking in the bright morning and glaring intently ahead of him. Passing near the greenhouses he noticed the teacher he'd met last night. "Templeton," he greeted in a cold, yet unemotional voice. He didn't have anything else to add, but he wasn't going to be impolite after all. He paused in his swift walk to greet her, in the event she tried to strike up a conversation. He did try and be polite to his colleagues even though he was a cold sarcastic bastard.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>Sarah didn’t mind too terribly that the other professor was not in the mood for a conversation. It wasn’t exactly a surprise. It was late at night, and she could only conclude that he wasn’t able to fall asleep. That was something Professor Templeton could understand. She also felt anxious, thought it was for vastly different reasons. Sarah, as most other witches and wizards, had no idea about what was happening. She was, after all, a part of the vast group of the population that had never been involved with Death Eaters.<br/><br/>After spending some time thinking, Sarah finally managed to fall asleep. Despite having taken longer than usual, the young teacher slept well for the rest of the night, and woke up early as usual.<br/><br/>After tidying up the room and getting dressed, Sarah moved to the greenhouses to work a little before breakfast. The young woman had just exited one of them and was about to get into another when she met Snape. “Professor Snape”, the woman greeted.<br/><br/>Now in the morning, with time to get ready, Sarah had dressed in her usual sober style. She wore, today, a navy blue skirt and a white satin blouse. The clothes gave her an austere appearance, as well as her expression. While she didn’t look as sour as Snape, it was clear that the new teacher was a serious young woman, not given to idle conversation. “Good morning, Sir”, she continued, politely. “Would you have a moment for a meeting later on?”, the woman asked. “I would like to discuss a joined lesson plan, since our areas are close to each other, but that can be done at your earliest convenience”. It was clear from the woman’s words that she wasn’t interested in anything other than talking about work. Whatever could be said about the new teacher, it was something hard to mistake that she was all business, and not interested in small talk unless she had to endure it for some reason.<br/><br/>After finishing what she had to say, Sarah waited for Snape to respond in whatever way - positive, negative, or saying he would think about it, so she could move on with her day.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>Severus regarded the professor before him. Silently pleased that she had not insisted on some insane chatter. He could respect that. He didn't enjoy the useless babble of others. He was not a social creature, no matter how much meddling Dumbledore attempted. Severus simply did not enjoy social situations. He listened to her question and was silent for a few moments. Considering her words. Weighing the validity of the idea. A joint lesson would benefit the students. Especially the upper year students who would need the knowledge to acquire various ingredients themselves. To teach the younger children simple preparation as well as what to look for in their ingredients to judge freshness might well avert disaster in his classroom more often then not. It had been something he'd been toying with. Yes he could see the validity of this idea.<br/><br/>"I see the validity of this idea. I would like to hear your theories on what you would consider us teaching in this joint lesson plan. I do have so ideas of my own for this theory of yours. Say a meeting in the coolness of my office at one pm?" Severus stated in response to her words. This would give him some time to gather his own class material together from where it was currently resting in his private chambers being revised. He'd already revised the lesson plans and silabus and had been working on expanding his upper year curriculum to include more and newer NEWT and OWL potions.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>After making her offer, Sarah waited for Snape’s answer. She felt that working on a joint lesson plan would be good for both professors and students. For her, it wouldn’t be either better or worse, but she could see the value of organizing her lesson plan to match the Potions master’s, as the students would definitely benefit from learning the properties of the herbs they would be using for their Potions work.<br/><br/>Having left the ball on Snape’s court, Sarah nodded when he said that he would like to hear what she had in mind. When Severus offered her a time and place for a meeting, Sarah accepted both immediately. She was considerably lower than him on the totem pole, after all, so she would take what she could get. “Yes, sir”, she replied, in a respectful intonation. “I will be there at one o’clock sharp”, the younger teacher added. After these words, she would only exchange polite farewells with the Potions teacher before carrying on with her day.<br/><br/>The rest of Sarah’s morning would be spent quietly. She would gather her lesson plans - one for each year - and her herb compendium - she had created one as soon as she had started her professional studies, and had a large tome where she recorded everything she knew about each and every herb - before going to meet Snape. As promised, she would knock on his door at one o’clock sharp, and wait for the man to open it so they could start their meeting.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>Severus's black obsidian gaze never wavered on her as he waited for her reply. He already liked this new professor much more then he did most of his colleagues, which was saying something since he could barely tolerate most people at any given time. Nodding his head he stated firmly, "see that you are," before striding swiftly away. He meant this to indicate he did not tolerate lateness in anyone be they colleague or student. He had minimal patience to begin with. Even less when it came to any form of inter-human-relations. He did not comment on the polite farewells. Nor did he offer any. Which given a second thought would be considered rude. He simply had run out of patience for conversation at this particular time and desired a very strong cup of coffee to perk his mood seeing as he'd not slept yet.<br/><br/>Severus considered stopping at the Great Hall to have his breakfast, but the thought of having to listen to Albus talk about some idiotic notion damn near made him ill. Yah no he'd eat a quiet breakfast in his quarters while he still could. After all once the students were back he'd have to attend the three meals in the Great Hall to keep an eye on his house. It was in his opinion the only draw back to being a head of house. If only he didn't have to eat in the hall with everyone talking about some asinine crap. He growled under his breath as he swept down into his dungeons. The blissful change in temperature did much for his temperament. He much preferred the chill that permitted this part of the castle even in the summer months.<br/><br/>Entering his office he slipped past the picture of Salazar Slytherin that hung on the only open part of the wall that wasn't covered in bookcases or potion cabinets. A wry smile curved his lips at the icy chill that filled the air as he entered his private quarters. Calling his personal house elf Severus ordered his breakfast and sat down to consume it in the still quiet of his room. Reading his latest publication of potions that he'd received a day ago with the morning mail. He left the Daily Prophet for later not being in the mood to read that rag right t now. His eyes narrowed on the article he read with annoyance as he finished up.<br/><br/>"Dunderheaded idiots can't be bothered to check that they know what their talking about before publishing it. Morons the lot of them," Severus growled to himself as he rose and left the dishes vanishing from the table leaving the stack of letters neatly piled next to the open magazine and newspaper on the table. Going back out of his private quarters with the large stack of lesson plans he slid into his seat behind his desk. Pulling out quill and ink he continued working on the newer addition that he wanted to add to his NEWT level classes. After he finished that he started working on some activity plans for his house.<br/><br/>This is how she would have found him when she came down to the meeting. Sitting behind his desk with a series of stacks neatly lined along one edge and papers strewn in front of him as he made notes. So when the knock came at his door at one he merely flicked his hand towards the door causing it to open on it's own allowing her to enter.<br/><br/>"Right on time I see," Severus stated. "Care to sit?"<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>Sarah didn’t mind Snape too much. She could see that he was kept to himself, and could be considered rude, but they barely knew each other, so the young professor didn’t really expect anything from him. The young woman still nodded when Snape told her to see that she was on time, and watched him walk away. Sarah didn’t really mind that Snape had a problem with tardiness. She had a problem with it as well, and preferred that both students and people she had appointments with stayed on time.<br/><br/>Having kept herself busy during the morning, after breakfast, doing several things. A large chunk of her time was devoted to preparing everything for the meeting she was supposed to have with Snape. Sarah felt that she needed to make a good impression. Not that she wanted to impress Snape as a person - this kind of interest just wasn’t there. She just felt that a good professional relationship would be of advantage to both. And she respected Snape’s reputation as a potion maker and professor. As for the rest of the aspects of Snape’s life, Sarah preferred not to pass judgement. If Dumbledore trusted him, he couldn’t be all that bad, right?<br/><br/>It was with this question in mind that Professor Templeton knocked on Snape’s door. She was really curious about how the meeting would go, and hoped it would go smoothly. When the man caused the door to open and said she was right on time, Sarah nodded. “Yes, thank you”, she replied politely to his offer of a seat. She would only speak once she was seated facing the man.<br/><br/>“Thank you for agreeing on this meeting”, she started, in a placid intonation. “Since you are the most senior professor, I believe you should lead our lesson plans”, the woman proposed. “What I plan is basically to use the timeline of your lesson plan and plan accordingly so I may teach the students about the herbs in the potion they are currently studying”, she finished, stopping to allow Snape to present his thoughts and keeping her closed tome resting on her knees.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>Severus watched her enter his office. Inclining his head to her thank you the only motion he made beside steeling his fingers on his desk before her as he tracked her walking to the seat and seating herself. Silently observant. Magic closed the door and locked it preventing anyone from entering without being admitted. He hated disruptions almost as much as tardiness and disorganization. His face was as impassive as ever. His cold black obsidian eyes watched her with an distant aloofness he always expressed.<br/><br/>He did not really have an opinion of this professor. Like all his colleagues he planned to keep her at a safe uninterested distance. To treat her with courtesy and aloofness, but not allow her within his walls. To keep her at a safe respectable distance and not get involved in her daily interactions with the rest of the staff. He was well known for his lack of social graces. He rather enjoyed being socially inept as it allowed his a certain freedom to remain detached and uninvested in the daily going ons.<br/><br/>He waited for her to speak and listened intently when she did. Taking a moment to ponder her words he nodded. "That is agreeable. Let us begin with the first year then shall we?" Severus stated. Not waiting for her response he pulled out his first year lesson plans and spread them out in front of them both so that they were facing her. So she could read them easier.<br/><br/>"The first thing that should be noted is that I have as the years progressed noticed an ever increasing lack of skills and knowledge in basic preparation of ingredients. As well as their ability to identify if the ingredients they are to use are fresh, properly preserved or unusable. It is rather irritating. It is something that unfortunately has never been rectified by anyone but me. Thus having you also teaching them the other side of this process which would be to properly harvest and identify the fresh herbs would go a long way in making my own lessons much less tedious," Severus explained before falling silent and giving her a chance to review the lists of potions he would be teaching the first years.<br/><br/>"My classes are divided into three sections, the one hour block is theory, the two hour and four hour blocks are practical, and the homework is both preparation for the next class along with a review of the practical potion," Severus stated again simply denoting the facts of how his lesson plans were laid out. "As you can see the first class is theory, thus by the time they get to their first practical class they should if they are not a bunch of dunderheads actually know what they will be brewing."<br/><br/>"Any questions thus far?" Severus demanded. Though his question was far less inviting of questions then one would expect. Rather it was cold and tinged with dissatisfaction at having to ask rather then simply continuing through to the next topic. Which he hoped would be her explanation of how she laid out her classes and was planning for the first year material. Supposing she was prepared to share her methodology. In his mind it would help to know how to structure these joint curriculums immensely.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>Sarah didn't particularly like Professor Snape, but it was good to know that he was, at least, paying attention to what she had to say. That was enough for her. They didn't need to be good friends, after all, but respect was to be expected between colleagues. Especially if they planned on working together for better lesson plans.<br/><br/>When he mentioned starting with the first year, Sarah nodded, and didn't say anything. It wasn't as it had been expected for her to provide a verbal answer, after all. So, she limited herself to nodding and paying attention to what the man had to say. When he placed his lesson plan before her, Sarah leaned forward and started reading it so she could make her own plans accordingly.<br/><br/>Snape's mention of the students' lack of knowledge on proper ingredients made Sarah sigh. That was a really terrible lack of sight from the previous teacher on her area. How had nobody else ever thought about creating a joined lesson plan? "Yes, sir", she replied to Snape's words. "That is my plan as well, as using the wrong ingredient or an ingredient in the wrong conditions can cause some very serious problems. I would not even like to imagine what can happen", she completed, shuddering slightly.<br/><br/>After this comment, Sarah fell silent again and carried on paying attention to what Severus had to say about his classes. When he asked if she had any questions, Sarah shook her head on a negative. "No, sir, thank you", she replied, in her usual calm and serious intonation. "As for my own lesson plan, I often work with the first half of the class being of theory about the herb we are going to study. I talk about origin, properties, and how to cultivate and harvest the herb, as well as preservation, in case the herb is more commonly used dry", she explained. "At this stage, I usually warn my students about whatever risks are involved in handling the herb, to make sure we have no accidents. One can't really expect common sense from the young ones", she commented, shaking her head for a moment. After this somewhat personal comment, the woman carried on.<br/><br/>"Regardless of that, after I finish the theory, I either conduct them to where the specific herb grows, in case it is a wild herb, or present it at a vase and direct them on the harvesting process as to get the best properties out of said herb". Finally opening the book she had, Sarah showed him a random page. She had a sample of some herb, magically preserved, along with its common and scientific name, and extensive notes on it on a neat and clear handwriting. "For the most advanced students, I tend to share some of my own research in the herbs we use, but I refrain from doing so with the younger ones, as I know they would not be able to understand even half of it", she explained. "Unfortunately, most students assign no value to the more technical aspects of magic, and classes like yours and mine end up being disregarded, which is a very serious risk for all involved", Sarah added, shaking her head to make clear she disapproved this attitude.<br/><br/>"Sorry if I have over extended myself, Professor. But this is how I handle my lesson plans since I have started on my training to teach. I often teach them working with the ones I can cultivate in a greenhouse first, and then the ones we need to go in the field to learn about - but as of this year, I will work with the list of herbs needed for the potions that are being currently taught, and follow this line", she finished, falling silent with her book, once again closed, resting on her lap".<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>A small smirk curved his lips as he listened to her words. He couldn't help the thoughts of relief at her words. Finally someone who understood how important proper knowledge of ingredients was. It was a long overdue wrong that he was finally pleased to note would be rectified. He refrained from commenting on her words until he'd heard her half of lessons's planning and just what she had laid out for her classes. He wanted information before he made comments. Though that didn't always stop his snarky sarcastic nature from commenting when he felt the need to. For now he was just content to continue this conversation with the same degree of respect he was currently using. That being said it didn't mean he wouldn't barb her with his tongue if she acted like a dunderhead. So far she was proving to be a lot more like him then she was like the other professors he had to deal with for that he was grateful. He hated how Minerva often went on a tangent whenever they conversed. Getting lost in a side point. Or annoyed by his comments. Or some other such nonsense. The woman was too Gryffindor for his tastes most days. That tried his patience.<br/><br/>He nodded to her at the comment about common sense. It was all too true. Though to be frank it didn't become any less true for the older years as well. The students didn't tend to take their studies in the more serious arts like potions making quite serious enough. Unfortunately due to classes like Charms where students couldn't kill each other by their ignorance, they didn't take his class seriously enough for his tastes. Then again he was also quite a harsh teacher and an unpleasant man to get along. His Slytherin's took to him, which was more then enough for him. They knew better then to fool around near him. Now he just needed to get the rest of the dunderheads to learn that.<br/><br/>He couldn't help the look of intense interest in her book as she held it out towards him. With almost reverent gentleness clearly at odds with his intimidating appearance and brusk manner he gingerly took the book and scanned the page before handing it back. Wondering if he'd get a chance to read through this most interesting volume. "Quite impressive," he whispered with a small smile gracing his lips.<br/><br/>"Please don't apologize, you have not extended yourself at all. If anything you've passed my test," Severus stated dismissing her apology with uncharacteristically kind words. "Now back to business," he went on. "I can incorporate a few other potions into my curriculum, those that are often used in the preservation of plants for extended periods of time, for example. Are rather very simple potions that even a first year should not have a problem with. It is truly infuriating that they do not grasp the concepts of how interlinked Herbology and Potions are and how integral to every day life both branches of magic are. Sadly the dunderheads are more interested in all that foolish wand waving and not into serious studies." He sneered derisively.<br/><br/>"The recent lack of skill in preparing ingredients of any kind have made me alter the first two weeks of term. Focusing on preparation technique with the first years and more complex techniques with the second years. So there is a window of time where they can learn from you what they need to know to identify their ingredients properly before they are put the to test in their first practical potion assignment. I also cover properties of plant based ingredients, but from the other side of the wand, regarding how they interact with various other ingredients in a particular potion. This should nicely complement their studies in your class." With that being said he pulled out the second and third year lesson plan.<br/><br/>"Not much changes in the layout of lessons through the second and third years. It is in their fourth year that I begin to change tactics in my assignments, theory and brewing classes. A lot more of the theory is covered in the homework reading and assignment as the potions often require longer brewing times and longer preparation times. Some of the potions require a full class for identifying and preparing the ingredients properly to be used in the next class in order to brew the potion itself within the allotted time." Severus explained. "My sixth and seventh year students could benefit greatly from your advanced material. The contents of that compendium in your lap is highly valuable to anyone wishing to pursue potions to the NEWT level. Though I highly doubt the dunderheads of this school would realize that for themselves if it wasn't force fed to them."<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>Sarah was just as relieved as Snape. She had just set foot in Hogwarts, of course. But she had done some practicing while studying to become a teacher, and had seen how horrible it was when teachers were unable to work together when they should be doing exactly that. Another thing Professor Templeton hated was small talk when the conversation was serious. For now, though, Professor Snape didn’t seem to be this kind, and that was an immense relief for Sarah.<br/><br/>It was also relieving to know that Snape agreed with her on the matter of common sense. She didn’t know what it was like with older students, as she had only practiced with younger ones. It would probably be a sore disappointment for the young teacher to learn that even older students had a lot to learn in terms of common sense. But for now, she was under the impression that they would learn with the years.<br/><br/>Moving on from the lack of common sense their students displayed, Sarah allowed Snape to take a look at her compendium. When he took it in his hands, the woman allowed it once again, her eyes keeping a close look at how the man dealt with her book. It had been the fruit of a lot of labor and research, and she cared deeply about it.<br/><br/>Looking at the page, he could see in detail the process of Sarah’s research. Below the magically preserved herb, he could see the scientific name, the popular names, a few lines about how it was cultivated and harvested, and a list of the potions that used it, indicating in which state they should be used in said potion. It was clear that she had done some deep research, and that her material hadn’t come from books, but from personal experience.<br/><br/>Snape’s words made Sarah nod in a way of thanking him silently. She was a woman of few words, but it was clear that she was truly grateful for his words. It was always a good thing to see your work admired, after all. Getting the book back, Sarah closed it carefully and placed it back on her lap, paying attention to what Snape had to say. They were talking business, after all, and it was an important meeting.<br/><br/>Snape’s suggestion of incorporating potions to preserve plants into his lesson plan was very much welcome to Sarah. “This would be excellent”, she replied, in her usual serious intonation. “I have been teaching them myself during my training period, but of course, as it is a part of your curriculum, having students see them with you would be excellent, as it would spare me some time, time I could use to introduce them to the main herbs they would use for the first potion in the actual lesson plan. So, I could introduce a longer part on preparation, as your work with them would give me extra time. I can see this working out quite well”, she stated.<br/><br/>Once Snape moved on to the more advanced classes, Sarah listened to him while making her own plans. “It does make sense, and I plan on assigning stronger theoretical work to my own classes in the same basis, as we will be doing more and more hands on work the older they get. I would like to be able to teach them handling from the start, but I fear younger students might find themselves intoxicated due to sheer stupidity, for the lack of a better word”, the woman stated.<br/><br/>After this comment, she nodded in reference to Snape’s comment about her advanced material. “It will indeed serve them well, sir”, she stated. “And I would obviously be more than willing to share it with them and yourself”. The woman’s hand caressed the cover of the book. “This is the copy of my original book I often carry around, as my original is often a work in progress, as I am always performing research”, she commented. “So, if you would like to hold on to this and read it thoroughly, it would be a pleasure to leave it in your possession”, Sarah offered, knowing that it would only do them good to establish a solid work relationship.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>Severus found this witch oddly tolerable. He'd even go so far as to say he was enjoying this conversation with a colleague. Something that was truly rare, for even Minerva didn't inspire pleasure in conversation with him. Always asking after his health as if he was a child. It infuriated him. Sarah seemed to know what she wanted out of this conversation and went straight to the point cutting out all the infuriating crap. From what he was seeing now he could well appreciate that she would be a good teacher. That the students would finally be learning the things they needed to know from Herbology class that coincided with his own curriculum and that he could mesh his teaching style with hers. It was truly interesting and a whole new ground for him. He might even enjoy teaching the dunderheads this year. In fact the product of her research was on par with his own hand written texts and compendiums and that truly impressed the dour man. To see someone else dedicate that much effort and skill towards their chosen paths. It made him respect her more then just the customary respect he gave all his colleagues. One thing was certain when dealing with Severus, intelligence and forethought, organization and pride in one's work were things that cause respect in the man.<br/><br/>The fact she included potion information in her notes and didn't just completely disregard the importance of potions and herbology and how linked the two fields were was another point in her favour in his books. So far it was looking as though a good working relationship could be developed between the two professors and that went a long way with Severus. "I'm thinking that my older years could easily make a nice supply for your classes and it would give them a nice start of term potion to get them back into the rhythms of my classes. It's also something they need to know and you are correct it would indeed be easier for them to learn such in the potion lab for those who are truly gifted at exploding cauldrons. I should warn you, though he will be your best herbology student he is fowl in potions. Mr. Longbottom has a way of being a complete dunderhead around anything with an open flame."<br/><br/>"I fear only your most gifted will not be utter dunderheads in that aspect. Unfortunately your predecessor was obviously Hufflepuff in nature and tended to be far too lenient on the little dunderheads. They will certainly benefit from a more structured teaching method," Severus stated mater of fact. It wasn't that he hadn't liked Sprout, It was that she was too maternal with her students for his tastes. He took a long pause and listened to her next words with a small smirk, "please, were colleagues who will be working together call me Severus," he stated, though he enjoyed the respect that her calling him sir meant. It was something that was rare for the man, but he didn't feel superior to her and wanted her to feel that they were on the same level when it came to their respective fields. "I would absolutely love to read through your compendium and would be quite honoured with the opportunity. If you wish I can show you to my private library that holds far rarer and much more advanced texts then are available in the library should you ever desire to do some light reading."<br/><br/>Wondering why he was making this offer since he so rarely shared his private library with anyone. Not even Lucius, his best friend had unfettered access to it. Though he did loan out some of his books to Lucius when the man requested something from him.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>Sarah listened in silence as Snape spoke. It did seem like a good idea to have the more advanced students help with her herb supply. She would have to supervise it, of course, as Professor Templeton didn’t trust anyone but herself to make sure that every herb was in perfect condition. Still, it would be a good learning experience for them and make it easier to keep her stocks full. Therefore, she would accept the help and use what she could. “I confess that I trust nobody but myself in gathering herbs for my stocks”, she stated in her usual neutral intonation. “Still, since they will be having to work with collecting them anyway, I believe whatever is in perfect condition can indeed make it into my stock”. The woman couldn’t help but smirk at the thought of a student exploding a cauldron in potions class. She could imagine Snape’s reaction to it, and it was somewhat amusing. “I shall remember that in the future”, she replied to his comment about Mr. Longbottom, making a quick note of the student’s name. It was always good to make sure to keep an eye out for him, even if he was supposed to be good at Herbology.<br/><br/>When Snape said that her predecessor had been a Hufflepuff and too lenient with the students, Sarah sighed. “I have no idea why some teachers think they are doing a service to their students by being overly lenient”, she commented, shaking her head in disapproval. “I will be sure to correct this mistake by giving them the structure they certainly need”, the young teacher completed. Hearing him tell her she could call him Severus was slightly surprising for Sarah. She wasn’t used to calling people in positions of authority by their first names, after all. After hesitating a little, the woman decided to return the favor. “Very well, Severus. You may call me Sarah as well”, she replied politely. Having Severus Snape allow her to call him by his name was actually an honor, as Sarah knew of his reputation in his field - and chose not to think of what others reputed him as.<br/><br/>Nodding when he said he would love to read for her compendium, Sarah picked up and offered it back to Snape. At least he was someone she was sure to be able to trust with it. Even if it was a copy, she was still extremely careful with each volume she produced, as each one of them was the fruit of work and time invested. The offer of access to his private library was not taken lightly. She was sure that, as they seemed to have a lot in common regarding their books, Snape would not grant this access to just about anyone who crossed his path.<br/><br/>“I would be honored to be shown to your private library”, the woman replied in her usual serious intonation. It was clear by the expression in her eyes, though, that she wasn’t just being polite. “Needless to say, you shall have full access to anything I may offer as well”, she completed, as a means of offering what could amount to a pact between both teachers. They seemed to be kindred spirits, after all, and would surely work perfectly well together.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>"I am much of the same thought as you, keeping a close eye on them would indeed be wise," Severus replied to her statement letting her know he was the same. He didn't keep anything substandard at all. Ever. Severus sighed at her next words. "I have no idea," he replied with an irritated grimace. "Due to obvious differences in our teaching methods I didn't have much to do with her." Severus finished. Not bothering to offer a reason why any teacher would be lenient with the dunderheads. "I am glad of that," Severus responded to her comment about giving them structure, "it is long overdue." He gave her a small smirk. "Sarah," he said trying out the name and acknowledging that he would use her given name.<br/><br/>Severus took the compendium with sure fingers gently lifting it from her grip taking care to be gentle with it and protective as he was with all rare books. Severus cradled the book in his arms protectively as he cast an eye at the clock to decide if they had time. "We have fifteen minutes before we must head to the great hall, if you'll follow me I'll show you where it is located and introduce you to Salazar Slytherin's portrait who guards it. He'll give you access to it at a later time when you have more time to truly enjoy it. I'll give you the briefest of tours today." Severus said rising taking her book with him as he led her to his door, waiting to see if she would follow him. He nodded to her offer and gave her a rare smile, "thank you, I am certain you have much to offer, from what I have already seen, you will be a valuable resource to me."<br/><br/>Coming from Severus that comment was akin to a compliment, even though to most it would sound like an insult. He pulled the door open and leaned casually against the frame as he watched her. His eyes having scanned the hallway as he'd opened the door. Insuring they were alone, which they were. Not that he expected anyone down in the dungeons until there were students. After all it wasn't like many willingly came to the dungeons unless they were Slytherins after all.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Sarah Templeton</span></span></div><br/><br/>Sarah nodded when Snape said keeping an eye on the students would be wise. She would have watched them like a hawk anyway, as she didn’t tolerate anything other than perfect behavior and complete attention, of course. But hearing it from such a well-respected professor made Sarah even more inclined to keep both eyes on her students. She also had to admit talking to him had been much easier than she had imagined. From what Sarah had heard, she had felt it would be impossible to find a good work relationship with Severus, and they were already on a first name basis now. That led Sarah to come to the conclusion that Severus was not too difficult - other people were too soft.<br/><br/>When he agreed that structure was long overdue, Sarah nodded. She would have to correct her predecessor’s mistakes, but she was sure that her students would not take long at all to learn that things had changed. Once she had handed her precious book to Snape, Sarah finally stood up with an elegant posture that seemed to come naturally to her.<br/><br/>Fifteen minutes would hardly be enough for Sarah to explore everything in Snape’s personal library, but it would be enough for her to get acquainted with the painting and take a glance around. “Thank you so much, Profe… Severus”, she replied to his offer of giving her a tour. After these words, she followed him to the door. “I surely hope we can be valuable resources to each other”, the young woman stated seriously.<br/><br/>She hadn’t interpreted Severus’s words as an insult at all. Being a lot like the man, she could understand his words on a deeper level. They were both straightforward and somewhat harsh for those unaccustomed to full sincerity, and Sarah was sure they would work well together. She had been having second thoughts about her job, but now, was looking forward for the term to start.<br/><br/>After taking her own look down the hallway, Sarah walked through the door, showing her first - very discreet smile. “Thank you, Severus”, she murmured while stepping outside and waiting for him to close the door and show her the direction they should follow.<br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: #FFFF00;background:#FFFF00;"/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FFFF00">Severus Tobias Snape</span></span></div><br/><br/>Severus inclined his head to her thanks. It was about as much of an answer as he would give to anyone. It was a sign he'd heard and acknowledged her words, but had nothing to say on the matter. After all it really served no purpose to utter meaningless drivel the other inhabitants of this castle were so found of and non other then that Old Coot. How he loathed small talk to no end. He was simply glad she was not one to dwell on such irritating necessities. At least she had manners and didn't require him to babble on inanely about a useless topic. Snapping the door shut behind her he started down the hallway without a backwards glance. His robes billowing behind him in that tale-tail manor of his. The one that earned him the moniker of bat of the dungeons.<br/><br/>Leading the way down the hall and deeper into the dungeons where even his Snakes didn't dare to go. Downwards until the halls were barely lit enough to see more then vague shadows and shades of dancing light. "I'm certain we will," Severus intoned as he walked. Answering her comment. He was after all certain they would be valuable assets to each other. They had already proven to have been at least evenly matched in intelligence and disciplinary structure if nothing else. He vaguely wondered what house she had arisen from, but decided it was an inconsequential detail.<br/><br/>The track to his private library took less then three minutes to make at his usual quick pace and soon they stood down a deserted and dead end corridor facing a portrait of Salazar Slytherin much like the one behind his desk in his office. The man stood tall and regal with a snake wound around his neck hissing at them in greeting. Severus gave a small smirk to the man who regarded the new addition to his domain with a frown.<br/><br/>"Salazar this is Sarah Templeton professor of Herbology. I wish you to grant her access to my library even without my presence either within or accompanying her," Severus told the portrait without so much as a greeting.<br/><br/>"Very well. Step forwards Miss Templeton that I may record your magical signature for future reference," Salazar told the woman impatiently. As though he was used to having Severus simply strode in without disrupting his thoughts. Clearly not liking to be interrupted for any reason.