Once A Student - Always A Student?

Coventina was left shaken by the interruption and further irritated by Draco's constant snipes.

"Professor Arawn, is it true that you were expelled from Hogwarts?"

She didn't say anything. Instead she continued to talk to the class about Dragons, when there was an almighty scream from the back row. Everyone just about caught a glimpse of bright pink nails as Draco ran screaming from the classroom.

"And I think that concludes today's lesson," she said smiling, "You may leave."

"Awesome," said Ron.

***

"Ah Professor Arawn, how are you enjoying yourself?" asked Dumbledore.

"I'm having a great time," she replied, hoping he wouldn't notice the strain in her voice.

"Good, good. I need you to speak to Professor Snape so he can finish your first lesson assessment and send it off to the Ministry."

"Now?" she asked, this time making no attempt to control her voice.

"Now is as good as time as any," he smiled kindly.

She nodded politely and he walked off humming to himself.

"I could really do without another confrontation with Snape," she muttered to herself. Coventina made her way down to the dungeons and, taking a deep breath, knocked on his office door.

"Yes?" Was the aggravated response.

She opened the door and walked in. He gave her a cold glare.

"I have just been speaking to Mr Malfoy's parents. They are interested in finding out how their son's nails turned bright pink. I must admit, I am pretty curious myself."

"Maybe he's into fashion?" she said sarcastically.

"You see," he continued, ignoring her reply, "I would hate to have to tell them that a member of Hogwarts' staff was responsible."

"Then don't," she said with heavy boredom.

He looked at her for a moment then picked up a piece of parchment.

"This is my assessment of your first lesson," he smirked, "It is a very honest account of my opinions on your teaching ability. For some reason, they are particularly interested in your progress."

"Then I'm sure you will get the Defence Against the Dark Arts job next year," she said cheerfully. "Good evening to you Professor Snape, I have lots of work to do." Then she left.

***

Coventina made her way to the forest, taking care not to be seen; though she could not shake off the feeling she was being followed. She shivered as she searched for her reply and finally spotted it on the middle branch of a large oak. 'Snape is too suspicious, do not slip up again.' She froze to the spot. The silence around her was more deathly for the Forbidden Forest than usual. Coventina didn't even notice, or have time to scream when something, claws flashing, jumped from the tree and ripped at her cloak. She fell to the ground and passed out. When she woke up, she felt pain serge down her left arm. She sat up slowly. Her left arm was badly scratched. Then she realized a light was straining to break through the dark trees. "Oh no, please don't let be morning." She closed her eyes and her head thumped. Coventina got up slowly and stumbled towards the edge of the forest. Trying to compose herself as best she could, she started walking towards the main entrance-she didn't care who saw her anymore.

She could smell the food in the Great Hall and hear the loud chattering, but she walked straight past. Coventina saw Professor McGonagall walking towards her, but she completely ignored her and headed for her private quarters.

Professor McGonagall stared after her, and then returned to her seat in the Great Hall.

"Strange girl," she muttered to anyone that cared to listen.

"Who?" enquired Professor Flitwick.

"Arawn. Drifting around the school looking as pale as The Grey Lady, in a complete world of her own. She didn't look at all well. Infact, she looked like she had encountered a few dozen Werewolves. "

"How very dedicated to her work she is," replied Flitwick.

Snape listened quietly.

***

Coventina studied her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was lack-lustre and her nail colour failed to change. How could I have been so stupid to answer back to Snape all the time? I should have kept my mouth shut and a held a low profile. She reminded herself that Dumbledore had to leave Hogwarts on urgent business, so her absence at breakfast wouldn't have made that much of an impact, even if Snape had been stirring up trouble. Coventina had to meet with Snape before her first class to finalise her first lesson assessment. Gathering up her papers, she made her way down to the dungeons. He wasn't in his office so she went to his classroom. Hovering in the doorway, she finally knocked on the door.

"Come in."

She walked in and he indicated for her to sit down. Taking a seat, she started writing on a piece of parchment. "I have a few more details to fill in," she said.

He didn't answer and continued marking work at his desk.

Lost in thought and busy writing, Coventina failed to notice her sleeve slipping up her arm revealing the scratching and bruising. When she realised she pulled her sleeve down and quickly glanced at Snape. He wasn't looking and she hoped he hadn't noticed. She took her parchment over to him.

"Thank you, Professor Arawn."

She went to walk out of the door.

"One more thing Professor Arawn. Please allow me to attend to your injuries. I have a suitable ointment here."

"I have no idea what you mean," she said quietly.

He stared at her coldly and she knew she did not have the energy to argue. She sat down and he reached for a simmering green bottle.

"Pixies are vicious this time of the year," she commented.

"Indeed they are," he replied.

She refused to meet his gaze as he applied the ointment. It burned slightly and she gritted her teeth. Glancing briefly at her arm, she realised it was in a worse state than she had previously thought. She flinched as he applied it to a particularly deep cut and he immediately stopped. He studied her reaction carefully, and made another attempt to cover the wound. It hurt just as bad, but she refused to let him see that.
Eventually, the cuts and bruises started to fade, and then they were gone completely.

"It is a strong ointment Professor Arawn. I suggest you get some rest."

"Thank you," she said quietly, and left the room quickly. She had never felt so completely helpless in all her life.

Snape returned to his desk, took a new piece of parchment and wrote with an urgent flurry 'For the Attention of Albus Dumbledore.'