Title: Causality of War

Author: Perpetual Motion

iwannabedonna@yahoo.com

Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/iwannabedonna

Fandom: Harry Potter

Pairing: Snape/OFC

Rating: PG

Summary: Wherein there is a new DADA, total unacknowledgement of anything in book 5, and it is revealed that at some point in his life, Snape was considered a bit of a sexy beast.

Archive: My site, WWOMB, anyone else please ask before taking.

Disclaimer: With the exception of the new DADA, they're all JK's. I just steal and give them new situations to be tortured in.

Author's Notes: This is already on my website, but I've never had a mailing list to post it to before now, so here you go. Massive love to Julian Lee for her wonderful beta job. And virtual chocolate is handed out for all feedback.



Casualty Of War
By Perpetual Motion

Dumbledore walked into Minerva's office and nodded to her. "I believe I've found our new Defense Professor."

Minerva took the parchment he held out to her. She looked at the name at the top. "Adeline Morgan. Didn't we teach her years ago?"

"Yes, she and Severus know each other."

"Oh…Albus, didn't they…?"

He nodded. "Yes, they did. They had a very rocky ending if I recall correctly."

"Surely there must be someone else we can find for the position. Your last three choices have done nothing but infuriate Severus, and with the new responsibilities he'll be carrying this term, I don't believe having him in such close proximity with Ms. Morgan is wise."

"There is no one else, Minerva. We're gaining a reputation for scaring off our Defense Professors or driving them insane. It causes people to lose interest quickly."

"It says here that she hasn't used any of her defense training in ten years. Surely there's someone with more recent experience. We're on the edge of war, Albus. We need to effectively *train* these children."

He held up his hands in a helpless gesture. "You may scour the applications if you like, Minerva. I will trust your judgement if you find a better candidate in the pile. They're mostly very recent graduates of training whom I think much to inexperienced to teach children how to go to war. I'd like someone with a stronger background, but there is no one. At least Ms. Morgan was *in* the last war."

Minerva sighed. She knew Albus' point was a valid one. Better someone who knew the actual effectiveness of Defense training in war than someone who barely remembered the war. "I'll owl her after I browse the applications myself."

"Thank you, Minerva."

*

Ms. Morgan-

It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been chosen as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor for Hogwarts school. Please owl back immediately if you still desire the position and give an estimated time frame for wrapping up your current affairs.

Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress, Hogwarts School

*

Headmistress McGonagall-

I gladly accept your offer to become a Professor at Hogwarts. I will arrive the day before the feast with my belongings.

Sincerely,
Adeline Morgan

*

The day before the feast a slightly frazzled Minerva walked into Dumbledore's office. "The students will be here tomorrow, and Peeves has just flooded Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Severus is more caustic than usual, and I've yet to see or hear from Ms. Morgan. I'm in need of a bit of help, Albus."

He held out a tin. "Have a blueberry tart. Ms. Morgan just gave them to me. She's charmed the tin to keep them warm."

"She's here? I haven't seen her." Minerva accepted a tart.

"She just flew in, and I sent her down to her rooms to place her things. I imagine she'll be back up shortly. Sit and wait, Minerva. I'll have Severus tell the Bloody Baron to speak to Peeves." Albus smiled. "And then I'll put a Happiness charm on Severus. Or perhaps, a Less Surly Charm."

"You wouldn't dare. It would frighten the students more than if he were his usual self."

Albus chuckled but didn't disagree. Minerva sat in a chair and they spoke comfortably until there was a knock at the door and a petite woman with reddish-brown hair stepped into the office. She smiled at both of them.

"Headmaster, Professor, it's good to see you." She shook Minerva's hand and held out a green tin. "Strawberry tarts, Professor. I baked them myself." Her voice was even with a soft Irish accent.

Minerva accepted the tin with a smile. "Did you bake for everyone?"

"With the exception of Professor Binns, yes."

"Dare I ask what you baked for Professor Snape?"

Adeline smiled. "Cherry tarts dyed black to match his robes. I doubt it will get a smile out of him, though." For a moment, her fair skin darkened.

"I remember you making him smile quite easily when you were students, Adeline."

"That was a long time ago, Headmaster."

~A war time ago.~ Minerva kept her thought to herself. "Thank you, for the tarts, Ms. Morgan. If you'll excuse me, I have to finish preparations for tomorrow's feast."

"It was good to see you, Professor." Adeline watched her leave and then turned her hazel-gray eyes to Albus. "You're a rotten old wizard, Headmaster." Her voice held no venom.

"Oh? Do sit down and explain."

She sat. "Reminding me of Severus and how he used to be. I saw him before I came up here, nearly ran him over in the corridor. He's changed so much farther than I've comprehended."

"He is still Severus."

"Just barely."

Albus smiled softly at her. "I remember when you were both young, before the war and everything that came with it. I used to catch you kissing in the classrooms after curfew. Severus never said a word, just watched as you greeted me as if you weren't blatantly breaking the rules."

In spite of her mood, Adeline smiled. "He embarrassed so easily back then. You never did punish us for that."

"Love should never be penalized."

"Don't, Headmaster. It's been a very long trip, and I haven't rested." She stood and gave him a tired smile. "Enjoy your tarts." She left.

*

Snape stared at his desk from the door of the classroom, a medium-intensity glare zeroed in on the dark blue and black tin in the center of his desk. He had known she was coming, had even run into her in the hallway, but to be so audacious as to leave baked goods; she wouldn't dare. He walked to his desk, flipped the lid off, and stared at dyed black pastries. There was a note taped to the inside of the lid.

"Hello"

It wasn't signed. It didn't need to be. He closed the tin, picked it up, and walked out of the dungeons. The door to the Defense classroom was open, and Adeline was bent over a text. "I didn't ask for these."

"You've always liked them." She didn't look up from her reading.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"They're cherry tarts, Severus; besides being eaten, they have no meaning. I simply baked them because I baked some for everyone." She looked up from her book. "I was being polite."

"It doesn't suit you." He sneered.

"Go away, Severus. Boil a potion, throw out my tarts, just - leave me alone if you won't take a peace offering."

"We don't have peace. Cherry tarts will not fix that."

Adeline sighed and rubbed her eyes. Her voice gave away frustration. "I'm not so naïve that I think a tin of tarts will make everything even remotely comfortable between us. I was looking for a starting point. If we must work together, at least we can be civil."

Severus threw the tin to the ground. It rattled and clanged as he exited.

Adeline pointed her wand, murmured a few words, and nodded to herself when the tin disappeared. She barely moved when it popped up in the middle of her book, the edges singed. She opened the lid. The tarts were a burnt mess. The whole thing went into the trash. Adeline went back to her reading.

*

"She doesn't look that tough." Ron looked Professor Morgan over as he sat down.

"Didn't we say that about Professor Lupin?" Harry dug into his bag for a clean quill.

Hermione sat on the other side of Harry and also gave the new Professor the once-over. "At least she's not wearing a turban."

"If I could have your attention, everyone." Professor Morgan clapped her hands once for silence. "I am Professor Morgan. I am your new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. According to my count, you've have only one good instructor, Professor Lupin-"

"He was a werewolf."

"I am aware, Mr. Malfoy. Professor Quirrell had a second face, Lockhart was an imbecile, and Moody wasn't - quite himself. I prefer Professors of this course to know their magic, fight *against* the Dark Arts, and be interesting in their lectures. Professor Lupin was all three, as well as an old aquantince from my own Hogwarts days. He managed to teach you spells and other defenses that work. I plan to do the same." She smiled at the class. "And five points from Slytherin for Mr. Malfoy speaking out of turn."

Draco glared at her. Harry, Hermione, and Ron decided they liked her.

Professor Morgan continued. "Due to events in the past few months, it's highly likely that most of your fight against the Dark Arts will occur against witches and wizards who have decided to become minions for Lord Voldermort. Therefore, we will have dueling practice once a week for the whole term." She paused as the class broke into excited whispers; when it quieted down, she spoke again. "The rest of our time here will be spent learning more advanced counter curses and a variation of spells than you've worked with before. This is practical knowledge and will be taught practically; starting with an assignment I'll allow you to do in class. I want you to write down the three spells or curses you have the most trouble with. Hopefully, we can review all of them as we progress through the class."



Everyone pulled out quills and parchment and went to work. Draco looked annoyed at having to list anything that made him look less than perfect. The rest of the Slytherins were following his example, looking sullen as they wrote. Neville was chewing on the end of his quill, trying to decide on only three spells or curses. Most of Gryffindor was writing quickly, Hermione the fastest. Professor Morgan sat at her desk and outlined her lesson plan for the remainder of the week. She looked up when a Slytherin prefect walked into the room. "May I help you?"

The prefect held out a note. "From Professor Snape."

"Thank you." Professor Morgan read the note, then looked up and focused on the Slytherin portion of the room. "Another ten points from Slytherin for whining. When you finish your assignment, leave it on my desk and leave the room." She stood up and walked out of the room.

*

"Just, when, exactly, did you begin to tolerate whining from the students in your house, Severus?"

Snape looked up from grading a stack of essays. "If you enter my room, knocking is required beforehand."

Adeline waved the note she still held in her hand. "if you ever reprimand me for taking points from your house again, I'll…I'll…"

"You were never any good at threats, Adeline."

"I see it as a point in my favor. Voldermort always wanted minions who could threaten well."

Severus' eyes flashed. "Get out."

"Not until we discuss this note. Would you care to explain *how* you found out about my taking points from your students? None of them left my class between the deduction and your note."

"I have ways."

"As does a well-trained Malfoy." Adeline clenched her jaw. She sighed, her face softened, and she looked at Severus with the answer already on her face. "We're going to lose him, aren't we?"

"I'm sure his father made sure we never had him in the first place." Severus' voice was back to its usual glacial tone. "Malfoys do whatever it takes to keep their families on their proper side."

"So do Snapes." There was a silence so intense it could have been an extra wall in the room. Adeline breathed out and turned to leave. "I gave them another ten points off for whining."

"I know."

"If I get another note, it'll be one hundred." Professor Morgan nearly ran into Hermione as she shut Snape's door.

"Miss Granger, are you finished already?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Hermione smiled at her.

"I've heard good things about you from the other teachers. I look forward to reading your assignment."

"Thank you, Ma'am."

Professor Morgan managed a small smile. "I wouldn't recommend you go into Professor Snape's classroom just yet. He's testier than usual today." She walked off slowly, calming herself as she took her time. She was glad to find her classroom empty. The completed assignments were on her desk, Draco's at the top, his name written in precise, defiant script. Adeline looked at the papers, made a face, and leaned back in her chair. She wasn't in a state of mind to read them and care. Sighing, she closed her eyes, and tried to relax…

…"*Severus*? Oh, Adeline…"

"I know, but there's just - something - about him."

Lily flopped onto Adeline's bed. "He's very dark and mysterious."

Adeline giggled. "Yeah." She hugged a pillow to herself. "Do you think he even knows who I am?"

"I dunno. Part of the problem with mysterious is that you don’t really know."

"Maybe I should fight you for James, he's easier to read."

"Only 'cause he's so loud." They giggled. Lily patted Adeline's arm. "If you like him, you should try and talk to him."

"I know, but *where*? It's not like I can just walk up and say hi. The whole male population of Gryffindor would simultaneously *freak*."

"See if he spends time in the library. No Gryffindor boy ever goes there."

Adeline grinned. "That's perfect! Thanks!"

"I'll do anything to keep the competition away from James."…

…Adeline came back to herself at the sound of a knock on the door. "Come in." She stood and was slightly surprised when Ron Weasley walked in. "May I help you, Mr. Weasley?"

He looked her in the eye, determined. "May I ask a slightly personal question, Professor?"

She raised her eyebrows. "I may refuse you an answer, but you may ask."

"How well did you know Professor Lupin and the others?"

"I assume you're also asking after Mr. Pettigrew, Mr. Black, and James Potter."

"Yes, Ma'am, and Mrs. Potter, also."

Adeline sat again and gestured Ron to do the same. "It's not a personal question, and I'll answer it, but first I'd rather know why you're asking."

"I'd prefer you answer the question first."

The innocent arrogance made Adeline feel unbearably old. ~I can hardly recall when I was like that. Never miss it until moments like this.~ "I knew Lily much better than the rest of them. The boys were a bit of a closed unit. You never saw fewer than two of them at a time, and they never made overtures to bring anyone else in with them. They were consummate practical jokers and unbelievable flirts - Sirius especially - so everyone knew *of* them, but I don't think anyone really got into the midst of the four of them."

"Not even Mrs. Potter?"

Adeline shook her head. "I don't think anyone, not even Lily, got into the real depth of the four of them, but she got closer than the rest of us just by being with James. She told me once that for all their practical joking and kidding around, they could be very serious. They planned for the war, how to keep each other safe." Under the desk, Adeline clenched her fists. "Lily said they could go from setting off dung bombs to planning how to keep each other safe in the flick of a wand."

"How'd you know Mrs. Potter?"

"We were roommates. Bonded rather quickly thanks to both of us being Muggle-born. Our other roommates came from wizarding families, and we felt less off-center at the beginning when we could find each other. I remember Professor Blank--he was Potions Master before Professor Snape--once asked why we didn’t just sew our robes together." Professor Morgan smiled at Ron. "is that enough of an answer for you, Mr. Weasley?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Then would you please tell me why you asked the question?"

Ron flushed lightly. "Harry sometimes gets this look when anyone mentions his parents or someone who really knew them, like he wants to ask a million questions. He's trying to make himself stop asking questions because he only seems to get little bits of a bigger story, but when you said Professor Lupin was an old aquatince, he got that look, and then it just, kind of…vanished."

Professor Morgan nodded. "You're a good friend, Mr. Weasley."

"Thank you, Professor." He stood up. Do you mind if I tell Harry what you told me?"

"Got ahead and tell Mr. Potter I'll answer any questions I can."

"I will. Thanks." Ron grabbed his bag and left.

Adeline laughed lightly after him. ~Nice to see best friends are just as loyal as they used to be.~ She looked at the papers and decided she still wasn't up to reading them. Especially with Malfoy's on top.

~Malfoys do whatever it takes to keep their families on their proper side.~

~So do Snapes.~

~Lovely work, Adeline. Extend a peace offering, and two days later slice open the wound between the two of you with an ignorant one-liner.~

"Do not think too harshly on it, Ms. Morgan. I believe you and Severus have never properly cleared the air; a few misspoken words are to be expected."

"Hello, Headmaster." Adeline didn't bother to stand. "Are you in need of something?"

"Just a friendly face."

"I'm afraid I don’t have one right now."

Dumbledore sat at a table, somehow managing not to look awkwardly tall. "Yours isn't the sourest face I've seen today."

"Which means you've seen Professor Snape."

"Of course."

Adeline dropped her head into her hands. "He's always been sour. I remember the boys used to call him 'Sour Dour Snape'."

"Mr. Black's choice of phrase, I presume?"

"I never had it confirmed, but I'd still bet my wand on it. No one could throw out a nickname like Sirius."

"I always enjoyed 'Boring Snoring Binns'. Mr. Black was wonderful at rhyming." Albus smiled at Adeline's half-shocked, half-amused look and got back on-topic. "No one defended Severus like you."

"That was years ago, Headmaster. It's reached the point of decades."

"The past does not become less true because of time, Ms. Morgan."

"That's exactly the problem with Severus and me, Headmaster; our pasts are just as true in the present."

"But the present has yet to be the past. You could make the soon-to-be past hold a completely different truth than the decades old past." Dumbledore smiled and stood. "I will see you at dinner, Professor."

"Good day, Headmaster."

*

At dinner Hermione spent a good deal of time watching the Head Table. Professor Snape sat in his usual seat at the end of the table. Professor Morgan sat next to him, but they weren't speaking. Hermione thought Professor Morgan looked slightly uncomfortable. She couldn't tell how Professor Snape was feeling; he was glaring at his plate like it was any other day. "Do you think Professor Snape and Professor Morgan knew each other in school?"

Harry and Ron both looked at her. Ron spoke through a mouthful of mashed potatoes. "What?"

"I overheard a conversation today between the two of them, and it sounded like they had…history."

"History? Snape and Professor Morgan? No way."

"I dunno, Ron." Harry was looking at the Head Table now. "She said she knew Professor Lupin. Maybe she was in on the Whomping Willow debacle with my dad and his friends."

"Nah. She told me your dad and the other guys were superclose and no one could really get as close to them as they were to each other. She was your mum's friend, but she never really got to know your dad or the other guys."

"Why'd she tell you that?" Harry looked half-confused and half-pleased at Ron mentioning his parents.

"I asked." Ron shrugged. "You looked like you really wanted to talk to her, but then you didn’t, so I asked her. She said you can ask her anything about your parents."

Harry beamed. "Thanks."

Ron looked embarrassed. "You're welcome."

Hermione pulled them back to the topic. "I think, maybe, they were friends. Professor Snape said something about Malfoys and the proper side, and Professor Morgan said, 'So do Snapes.' She sounded kind of mad when she said it."

"Never thought of Snape with friends before. Just seems wrong." Ron stared at his potatoes for a minute. "Why are you so interested anyway?"

She shrugged. "I don’t know, Ron. Maybe it's because Professor Snape doesn't have friends. If Professor Morgan *is* one, I'd like to know why."

"Is it really our business?"

"We rarely get into anything that's our business, Harry."

Harry couldn't disagree. "Maybe Snuffles knows something. I could owl him tomorrow, see what he'll tell me."

Hermione smiled. "Would you? Thanks, Harry."

*

Up at the Head Table, Adeline pushed her food around her plate. She was uncomfortable sitting next to Severus, but when she had arrived at dinner, this was the only seat not occupied. She looked down the table and gave Dumbledore a look. He ignored her and cut into his dessert. ~You won't improve things by forcing us to sit next to each other, Headmaster. It won't force us to talk.~

"Are you planning to mutilate your dinner further, or will you finally eat it?"

~Or perhaps it will.~ "Your plate doesn’t look much cleaner than mine, Severus."

He looked out at the Hall, his gaze concentrating on the Slytherin table. "I will eat when I choose."

"It looks like you've chosen not to eat recently." Adeline was looking at Severus' hands. They were bony at the joints and the nails looked ragged. "And you've started biting your nails again."

Severus pulled his hands under the table. "My health and personal habits are not your concern."

"They don't-" Adeline cut herself off as Severus paled to a grayish tinge and pain lines appeared around his eyes and mouth. "Severus, what's wrong?" She put a hand on his arm.

He jerked away from her touch and stood up. He left the Great Hall through a side corridor without speaking.

Adeline switched her gaze down the table to Dumbledore. He was was watching the door Severus had exited through. Adeline made eye contact with him and raised an eyebrow. ~What do you know, Headmaster?~ He looked away without acknowledging the question in her eyes. ~You certainly know something.~ She stood up and tried to get to Dumbledore as the hall emptied, but he seemed to move further away the harder she tried to reach him. ~Damnit. Stay *still*.~

Madame Hooch appeared out of nowhere. "Adeline, how good to see you."

"Hello, Xiomara. I don’t have-"

"I haven't seen you in ages."

"I know." Adeline tried to see around Xiomara. "I'm in a hurry, Xiomara. There's a stack of papers on my desk that I need to grade tonight."

"Of course. I forget sometimes that other teachers have assignments to grade."

"It's a shame we can't fly as well as you. Then you might be forced to grade a few papers." Adeline hoped her smile looked natural.

Xiomara laughed. "Forgive me if I'm glad I can outfly all of you."

"Of course."

"I'll let you be, then. If you have time soon, come by my chambers and we'll talk."

"I'll see if I can squeeze you in." Adeline forced another smile, patted Xiomara on the arm, and briskly exited the Great Hall. Dumbledore wasn't in the corridor, and she took the quickest route she knew to the gargoyle. "Fizzing Whizzbees." The gargoyle moved aside, and Adeline mounted the steps quickly. She stood outside the door for a few seconds deciding on the best way to get information. ~I could start at demanding and work my way to begging.~ She knocked.

"Come in." Dumbledore did not look surprised to see her. "Adeline, how has your first day been?"

"Fine, Headmaster. I came-"

"The students gave you no trouble?"

"Just a few minor difficulties. Nothing of concern. I came to talk about Severus."

Dumbledore nodded. "I thought you might have." He gestured to a seat. "Would you like some tea?"

"No, thank you." Adeline sat and suddenly felt like a student again. Demanding answers seemed like a bad idea.

"About Severus…" She trailed off, not sure where to start.

"I remember the two of you at Christmas in your fourth year. You ended up under the mistletoe together, and he kissed your cheek. I thought Minerva was going to faint when she saw him do that."

"I remember that."

"I also remember Lily having to threaten some of the Gryffindor boys with a nasty set of hexes to keep them from jumping up and defending your honor." Dumbledore smiled. "And you blushed."

Adeline looked Dumbledore in the eye. "You're trying to distract me."

"Yes."

"You know exactly why I'm here."

"Yes."

"Do you plan to tell me anything?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "I am telling you exactly what you want to know. Why did Severus kiss you that night?"

~It's mistletoe; I'm obligated to kiss you.~ "He told me he was obligated."

"He's a man who follows obligations."

"You're telling me he ran out of the Hall tonight because he had an obligation to fulfill?"

"Yes."

"To whom?"

"Himself. And partly to you."

Adeline looked askance. "Me?"

"You. He's never forgotten you, Adeline, nor what happened between you. He's loved you since before he kissed you under that mistletoe, and he still loves you. What he's doing now is just an extension of that obligation under the mistletoe." Dumbledore paused for a few moments while Adeline stared into the fire. "He's doing this task because he feels he must, for himself and you."

"What is he doing?"

"I can't tell you."

Adeline pressed her lips into a line. "Can't or won't?" Dumbledore just watched her. "A bit of both, then." She stood. "Whatever he's doing, it's harming him. He's too thin. I don't think he's been eating properly."

"I will have Madame Pomfrey speak with him."

"Fine." Adeline turned to leave. She just caught the quiet words Dumbledore spoke at her back.

"For all he's changed, he's still the boy who kissed you under the mistletoe. That's a part of your past as much as anything else."

She left without responding, wondering how the cold, angry, distant man she had seen today could have anything of the easily-embarrased but very proud teenage boy still in him…

…Adeline cursed under her breath as she hurried to the Great Hall. She'd lost track of time wrapping Christmas presents and was nearly late for dinner. She had promised Lily she would help think of a Christmas present for James so they could pick it up at Hogsmeade this weekend. Lily was going to hurt her if she was late. She walked into the Great Hall at the same time as someone coming from the opposite direction. Adeline's shoulder collided with the boy's chest, and she fell to the ground with a *thud*. She looked up through her bangs at the person she'd run into. ~Oh, no.~ It was Severus Snape. ~Great, now I look like a prat. He won't bother to notice me now that I've fallen on my arse in front of him.~

"Are you okay?" Severus's tone gave the idea he was only asking to be polite.

"I'm fine. Just lost my balance." ~In front of *you*. Why'd it have to be in front of *you*?~ She stood and brushed off her robes. She opened her mouth to apologize, but a yell sounded from the Gryffindor table before she could say anything.

"LOOK WHO'S UNDER THE MISTLETOE!"

Every head in the all turned towards the entrance as Adeline whipped her head around and glared at Sirius. ~I'm going to kill him. I don't care how cute he is, I will kill him.~ Adeline turned back to Severus. "You don't have to kiss me. We can just walk away."

Severus didn't answer. He just leaned in and kissed Adeline on the cheek near her mouth. He pulled away, looking nonplussed. "Happy Christmas."

Adeline blushed. ~HE KISSED ME! HE KISSED ME!~ "You didn't have to."

"It's mistletoe; I'm obligated to kiss you."

"Oh." ~Doesn't matter, you *kissed* me. It counts!~ Adeline leaned in and kissed Severus on the cheek. "I guess I am, too. Happy Christmas." She turned and hurried to the Gryffindor table, her face still flushed.

One of the fifth year boys scowled at her. "What'd you kiss him for? Thought you'd have better taste than Sour Dour Snape."

"It's mistletoe. I was obligated." Adeline shrugged as the boy turned his scowl towards the Slytherin table.

Lily grinned at Adeline. "Liar." She whispered so no one could hear her. "You've been wanting him to kiss you for *months*."

Adeline pretended to concentrate on her dinner.


END PART 1