FULL SUMMARY:

In Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the war against Voldemort is not going well. Casualties from both sides are swiftly stacking up, and no one is exempt—Wizards and Witches, Death Eaters, members of the Order of the Phoenix, Hogwarts students, and even Muggles feel the sorrow left behind in the aftermath of the war against Voldemort.

Vacancies fill the staff of Hogwarts, leaving only one viable candidate for the cursed Defense Against the Dark Arts position: Severus Snape. In his place as Potions Master, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore finds and convinces someone long forgotten of the Wizarding World to return to Hogwarts: Civia Potter—the heir of the Potter family, aunt of the Boy Who Lived, member of the Order of the Phoenix, and one of the best Potions Masters or Mistresses alive.

Civia Potter seemingly disappeared from the Wizarding World nearly sixteen years ago after most of her family's deaths and her infant nephew's victory over Lord Voldemort. Swiftly, she finds her place in the ancient school, as both a teacher and a protector of the students, as well as a place among the staff.

Yet while life at Hogwarts continues, the deaths also continue, with someone trying to bring it into Hogwarts. Danger seems to lurk around every corner, and both the Potters are as determined as ever to unmask it.

Upon her return, she finds more than just the remains of her family waiting for her—danger, friendship, murder, and maybe even love with the most unlikely candidate, fellow Potions Master, Severus Snape.

Author's Note:

Hello readers, new and old. In case you haven't noticed (which I'm sure my older readers have), I have not posted much in the past six months or so. This is the reason behind my absence-I have already written and finished the Entire Civia Series, as I'm calling it. The story will be divided into two parts, one in HBP and the other in DH.

The Civia Series is fairly parallel to the real plotline, and only slightly AU, as Civia affects things of course.

If you do not know, I have posted a trailer for the fanfic on youtube, with the link below. I made this myself, to the song "Hand of Sorrow" by Within Temptation-a beautiful song that is eerily similar to Severus Snape's life.

Link: http:/www . youtube . com / watch ?v= fu4haGTkegk

So, please leave a rating or comment.

Well, now presenting:

The Tale of Civia Potter

"We create our fate every day we live."

Henry Miller

A soft knock came from the door to Albus Dumbledore's office in Hogwarts.

Outside, the sun had met and passed its zenith, slowly beginning to set, though the August evening was still well lit and pleasantly warm. An enjoyable breeze came into the capacious office through a window, bringing with it the slightest scent that hinted at a coming thundershower.

From the desk, the Hogwarts Headmaster cheerfully said, "Come in!"

The door opened, and a woman stepped into the office. Had it been during the school year, one might think her to be a student, perhaps as young as third year. The young woman was barely five feet tall, but it complemented her petite frame. She was slim, with tiny features—nearly bony wrists, slim, delicate but precise hands, a slight waist, round hips, and a modest, but suitable, bosom. Messy, jet black curls, which had escaped the plait down her back, framed a thin face, which emphasized sharp, high cheekbones and small, straight nose.

Hidden behind slim, rectangular glasses, which looked as if they belonged to a librarian, were a pair of piercing, keenly intelligent lavender eyes—the same color as wisteria flowers.

She was youthful—both in looks and age, but more so in looks. Although thirty-six, the woman retained a youthful look which belonged in the face of a student, instead of one who had graduated nearly a score of years ago, despite the somber look to her eyes—eyes like she had seen and experienced too much—eyes of someone haunted by their past.

"Ah, Miss Potter, I hope you are well?" inquired the Headmaster.

The woman nodded and softly replied, "Very, sir. I trust you are as well?"

Chuckling, Albus Dumbledore replied, "As well as one as old as I can be, but please, call me Albus. You are no longer a student."

The witch looked doubtful at his reassurance about his health, eying his newly-blackened hand, but did not bother asking.

"Only if you return the sentiment…Albus."

"Of course, Civia."

Civia Potter nodded, appeased, and asked, "What is it you asked me here to speak about?"

"Right to the point as always, aren't you?" asked the wizard, blue eyes twinkling merrily. "As you wish. I'm afraid the Potions post is now vacant."

The witch cocked her head to the side, curiosity in the looming lavender depths of her eyes. "What of your previous Potions Master or Mistress? Am I to presume they've retired?"

Albus chuckled. "No, no. Severus will be taking over the Defense Against the Dark Arts post starting this coming year."

A slight crinkle appeared between her eyebrows at the name of said Potions Master. "Snape?" she paused, "He always did love Defense…But I am to presume you are offering me the position of Potions Mistress?"

"Keen as a blade you are, Civia," said Albus proudly, "Yes."

There was a long moment of deliberation on her part, before he asked, "So will you take the job?"

The woman nodded, and several more inky curls escaped the braid. "Of course, Albus. It is a Potions Mistress' dream job. Good salary, free housekeeping, delectable meals, no transportation needed to arrive at work, enough money and resources for research. The only downside is that it is dealing with young children with volatile ingredients. Perfect, excluding that."

"What about your nephew?" asked the Headmaster curiously.

Civia Potter stilled momentarily, before calmly replying.

"What will be, will be."

"There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again."

Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

A week before the first of September, Civia Potter had moved into the rooms in Hogwarts from her room above the Leaky Cauldron.

As for all staff members, teaching quarters were composed of a bedroom, a sitting room which included a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a study.

The rooms were beautiful. The bedroom was decorated with emerald greens, sapphire blues, soft turquoise, and earthen browns. The bed was a four poster bed with turquoise and chestnut sheets and hangings. The curtains matched. The carpet was a subdued emerald, while the walls a relaxing sapphire. The study was similar, with a large oak desk and several matching bookcases. The sitting room, where in which was the entrance, was comfortable with a fireplace, a green couch, and two blue armchairs. The window held a breathtaking view of the sparkling Black Lake and the Forbidden Forest.

Before she had remodeled them, the rooms had seemed darker, gloomy, with mainly shades of green, grey, and black occupying the furniture.

September first approached swiftly for the eldest of the Potters. That week at Hogwarts was spent hastily making lesson plans, cleaning her classroom, sorting through the storage room (which was in surprising order), exploring the private lab, or trying to relax.

Without warning, the beginning of September arrived. By then, she'd reacquainted herself with the school's layout, getting used to the placement of things, particularly the library, Great Hall, and Filius and Minerva's offices.

She'd been visited by all of Hogwarts' teachers, with one outstanding exception: Severus Snape.

The Potions Mistress had been almost surprised her predecessor was not the least bit curious about his replacement, but did not dawdle upon the thought.

Civia, like her twin brother, had been in the same year as Severus Snape at Hogwarts. While she had never once said a word to him before—not that the fact was uncommon for her—she knew of his dour, sarcastic persona. She'd also been in the Order of the Phoenix with her, as well.

But she also knew how he had hated—loathed—her brother…Civia honestly didn't blame him for that…the arrogant toerag he was to Snape…

No, the witch thought, shaking her head, don't think about them…

Unwillingly, her thoughts went to the very thing she'd been trying to forget in the first place: the Welcoming Feast that was tonight. Logic knew it would be alright, but her heart still was nervous about it. Her! A teacher! The girl who was hardly known by anyone during her school years!

Sighing again, Civia stood from the armchair and went to the wardrobe in her bedroom, pulling out the best teaching robes she had and changing. They were simple, modest, and a deep sapphire. She chose the color because of her former house, but didn't care very much about her appearance, but she did want to make a good impression on her students and colleagues. With her height and young looks, she would blend right in with the students if she tried, so she had to make an appearance they'd remember.

Civia was determined to come out of her former shell. It would not due to be a painfully shy professor. The students would walk all over her!

Potion Mistress status aside, Civia loved Victorian frock coats, especially those of her own. They were made of high quality black wool, which would keep her plenty warm in the cold dungeons. It fit well; not quite form fitting, and not snug either, loose enough to allow freedom of movement. From the mandarin collar at her neck, a neat row of black buttons went down, ending at her waist. From there, the wool folds tended to stay closed, hiding her button up white blouse and a skirt or slacks beneath, but were free enough to allow movement. Tautly cinched at the waist, it allowed only a hint of her figure to show…well, if she had one, she often thought. The frock coats were custom-fitted, the shoulders fitting nicely. The sleeves fit just as well—not too loose to get in the way of brewing, but nor too tight to constrict movement. At the collar and ends of the sleeves, hints of her white blouse underneath were visible. A good thing about it was that is exposed little skin, protecting as much as possible in case of a potions accident.

Picture this without the embroidery: http:/ www. Ladiesemporium .com ?_utma =1.861259948.1274743046.1274743046.1274743216.2 &_utmb=4743216&_utmc=1 &_utmx=-&_utmz=1.1274743046.1.1. utmcsr=google|utmccn=%28organic%29| utmcmd=organic|utmctr= victorian%20frock %20coat%20ladies &_utmv=-&_ut']{mk= 175989538 )

Fingering an inky curl that fell in front of her eyes, she flicked it away. That was one of two things she and her brother had in common: messy black hair…as well as terrible vision. On him, the tousled hair looked nice, but her hair just looked like a mess. Not even Sleekeazy helped.

Pushing her glasses further up the bridge of her nose, she simply knew it was useless to try. She didn't mess with it much, only to tie it back in a plait when brewing.

Shutting the portrait behind her, she walked to the Great Hall, behavior showing none of her unease.

By the time Civia walked into the Great Hall, everything had been prepared for the students, who were due in five minute's time. The House tables had been cleaned, the windows washed and sparkling with the sun's setting rays, the ceiling above showing the sky's bright colors of the sun set.

Most of the staff was already present, seated or standing around the Head Table, all socializing. Albus and Minerva were in their seats—Albus at the center of the table, and Minerva to his right. When the Transfiguration Mistress saw her coming, she waved her over.

"Hello, Civia, I trust you're alright?"

Said woman furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Of course, why ever wouldn't I be?"

"You seem nervous," replied Minerva, smiling a bit, then patted her on the shoulder. "It's perfectly alright. We all are at first."

Civia surrendered, knowing they could tell, and dropped into the seat beside Minerva. "It's…I…I'm worried about…about my nephew."

"Ah," Albus said, "Harry." Civia nodded glumly, but did not miss the pair's eyes meet.

"He…has been told of me…right?" asked the Potions Mistress quietly, hoping, though she could conjecture the answer.

By then, Filius had joined them, sitting on the Potions Mistress' right.

"Civia, you must understand," asked Minerva imploringly, "we had not seen you for over fifteen years…no one had…You had packed up your things and left the wizarding world after Harry defeated Voldemort," Tactful of her, Civia thought, not to mention my brother or sister-in-law, "and disappeared into the muggle world. We didn't even know if you were still in Europe. Many of us—the Order—" she clarified in a whisper, "thought you might be dead by now….Harry has suffered so much—losing his parents, his godfather, and many others, not to mention the dealings with Vol-Voldemort…we just didn't want to tell him that there was another family member that had vanished and was to be mourned, as we thought you dead…murdered," she admitted in a soft, sad whisper.

The Potter woman patted Minerva's hand consolingly, though her face held amused mirth. "What?" asked the Transfiguration Professor, confused.

A small, quiet laugh escaped the petite woman. "Oh, just the thought…murdered! Me! The thought is hilariously entertaining." She paused, then clarified, "I am afraid you're a bit behind, Minerva. Though I lived in the muggle world, I was no more distanced from the wizarding world than you. I worked, studied, even traveled to research. I've practiced and perfected so many powers and abilities…you would be thoroughly surprised."

Civia laughed quietly again, not quite a chuckle or giggle, but neither was it a bout of laughter.

"I've prepared my entire life for this year," she said somberly, gazing at the entrance of the Great Hall, from which students were now pouring in from. "This is what I am meant to do, trying or dying, I will protect my nephew," she vowed, placing a hand over her heart, "For the good of the wizarding world, the end of this blasted war, and for the Potter family."

"What are these abilities you've perfected?" asked Albus after a moment.

Civia shook her head. "It will wait for another time. I believe it is time for Minerva to fetch the first years."

The Deputy Headmistress nodded, rising and striding from the hall.

By then, the rest of the staff had seated themselves.

Civia paused, thinking back on what Minerva had said, then asked Albus. "Harry…lost…Sirius? He died? What happened?"

In low tones, the Headmaster somberly explained, but fell silent afterwards, deep in thought.

Not four minutes later, Minerva returned, with the frightened group of first years huddling together in fright and anxiety, as well as awe.

After the Sorting Hat's Song—original as ever, Civia noted, though it seemed as foreboding as it had when Voldemort rose to power in her later Hogwartian years—Minerva began the Sorting. Politely clapping for each one, Civia allowed her eyes to wander across the students.

Many were hardly paying the Sorting any mind, rather glancing at her curiously. Distinctively, several within her sights snickered to their friends and gestured something about her height. Her lips pressed together of their own accord. Well, if bullies thought they could undermine her, well let them try—though the keyword was try…unless you tacked on 'and fail'.

Soon enough, all students were at their appropriate tables, and Albus stood. Respectful silence fell, and the headmaster cheerfully announced, "As always, there is a time and place for a speech, but that is neither here nor now. On with the feast."

The seasonal gasps of surprise followed as first years jumped as food bloomed onto the table like spring flowers.

Eating in silence, her wisteria eyes wandered along her colleagues, but halted upon seeing a figure she hadn't seen in many years.

Severus Snape seemed as dark and unpleasant as ever. If anything, his skin was paler, sallower, his nose even more noticeably hooked, his midnight hair greasy as ever, and thin as she'd last seen him. As if sensing her gaze, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher sneered disdainfully, hatefully, before returning to his dinner. Slim eyebrows contracting together, Civia wondered what she had done as she looked to her plate, suddenly having lost her appetite at the sight of the burning hatred in his black eyes.

Having finished, she returned to observing the students, who were all chatting cheerfully to friends, catching up over the summer, with ghost drifting here and there, including her own old House ghost, the Grey Lady. Hm, I might have to say hello to her…

Eventually, the food had vanished, and Albus stood, silence falling abruptly.

"The very best of evenings to you!" he said, smiling cheerfully, his arms open wide as if to embrace the entire room.

A collective gasp echoed in the hall, eyes stuck on the Headmaster's cursed hand.

"Nothing to worry about," he said in a placating manner. "Now…to our new students welcome, to our old students, welcome back! Another year full of magical education awaits you, but before we continue on to bed, I have a few announcements to make.

"Mr. Filch, our caretaker,"—Merlin, that man was still here, Civia wondered idly—"has asked me to say that there is a blanket ban on any joke items bought at the shop called Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes.

"Those wishing to play for their House Quidditch teams should give their names to their Head of House as usual. We are also looking for new Quidditch commentators, who should do likewise.

"This year, we are pleased to have a new member of the staff this year," Albus turned infinitesimally and motioned for her to rise, "Please welcome Professor Civia Potter…"

"Potter?"

"Wait, like Harry?"

"Who's—"

"—of Harry's?"

"Potter?"

Murmurs filled the hall, but Albus continued, raising his voice, "…who has consented to take up the post of Potions Mistress."

"Potions?" That echoed through the hall, still echoing with her surname, as if wondering if they needed their hearing checked. "Potions?"

"Meanwhile, Professor Snape will be taking over the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"No!" came a loud, angry exclamation from a boy at the Gryffindor table.

Civia looked at him, and froze.

It was a flashback from their Hogwarts days, when she was the tiny little slip of a girl no one even knew the name of, while her twin brother—fraternal twin, ten minutes elder than she—was known by all as the golden boy, the Quidditch star, the arrogant toerag she had nearly hated before he changed his ways and started dating Lily.

Harry James Potter was the twin of James, so it seemed, not her. They had the same messy, black hair that stuck up notoriously, the same tall, thin build, the same facial structure and features. The only trace of her dear friend Lily, her sister-in-law, was his eyes—startlingly, vibrantly emerald green. They were exactly alike, she saw, even from this distance.

Their eyes were locked for a brief instant, in which Civia could sense his confusion, hatred of Snape, and a bit of anger at Albus and she.

But then he looked back to Snape furiously, speaking quietly with two of his classmates.

Ah…Snape's hatred for James had been transferred to Harry, while Sirius's hate for Snape had influenced Harry…not good…

Shaking her head, concentrating on Albus again, Civia Potter made a mental note to speak about it later.

If you do not know, I have posted a trailer for the fanfic on youtube, with the link below. I made this myself, to the song "Hand of Sorrow" by Within Temptation-a beautiful song that is eerily similar to Severus Snape's life.

Link: http:/www . youtube . com / watch ?v= fu4haGTkegk

So, please leave a rating or comment - I made the video all by myself.

Anywho, PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW-or I will cut your heart out with a blunt spoon! (Why a spoon? 'CAUSE IT'LL HURT MORE! :D LOL.

Thanks!