This was my entry for Hogmeade Community's very first contest. 

I stumble upon landing, nearly falling flat on my face. I've never been good at apparition.

As I straighten out my ebony robes, I feel splatters of rain on my long blonde hair. With a sigh, I tap my wand on my robes, mumbling "Impervius", so that my clothes repel the rainwater. I can't arrive at the job interview soaking wet, after all. I've got to look my best today. Well, as best I can, after what I've been through this week.

I look around, trying to figure out which way to go. I hardly recognise the place without a layer of snow on the rooftops. I've never been here in the summer. Turning a full circle, I spot the Shrieking Shack behind me. A smile dances on my lips. It's been over a decade since I was last here, with my best friend. I remember us talking for hours, speculating about the horrors that the Shack might conceal. I remember him laughing when I suggested banshees. Laughing as if he didn't have a care in the world. That smile used to warm my heart.

As I walk through the small town of Hogsmeade, I ask myself for the hundredth time whether this was a good idea. Why did I decide to come back here? Why did I decide to work at Hogwarts, of all places? Am I just fleeing from the present, trying to go back to when things were good? Has my short-lived relationship with Josh really done that to me?

I sigh. It doesn't matter. As long as my old best friend isn't here, I'm not going back to the past; after all, he is my past.

The rain plummets down as I walk by the shops. I round a corner and let out an audible chuckle of relief when I finally spot the Inn. Just down the street and I'll be out of this rain. I wonder if Dumbledore is already there.

The Inn is quiet. A few old wizards are scattered about, but most tables are empty. Madam Rosmerta is cleaning glasses behind the bar and smiles at me when I come in.

"Ah, there you are, Miss Moore."

I turn towards the gentle voice behind me, smiling widely. "Professor Dumbledore! How nice to see you again."

"You look well! Please, follow me." We resort to small-talk as we walk up the stairs, and Dumbledore leads me into a room with only a hardwood desk and a couple of leather chairs in it.

"So, you'd like to apply for the post of School Nurse, is that right?"

I nod uncomfortably.

"You do realise we've got Madam Pomfrey, do you not?"

"Yes," I reply. "But as I remember, Madam Pomfrey has always been complaining about her workload. I figured I could be her assistant. Maybe she can have the weekends off or something, so she can have a break. I've got the experience..."

"I know you've got the experience," Dumbledore interrupts me. "Which is why I'm wondering why you're here. Surely it would be easy for you to get a much higher salary at St Mungo's?"

My eyes flick to my hands, as I rub them nervously. I'll never go back to St Mungo's. I can't work in the same building as Josh, not after his betrayal. "Unfortunately I've had to leave the hospital for... personal reasons. I'm just looking for a change of scenery, Professor, a place to start over."

He nods and leaves it at that, changing the subject to my experience. The interview lasts for about half an hour, after which he states with a smile, clearly visible despite the long beard, that I've convinced him. I let out a relieved laugh.

"Thank you, Professor! I promise I won't disappoint you!"

"You never have before, so I'm sure you won't start now. One last thing, Miss Moore..."

"Please," I smile, "it's Emma."

"Emma," he nods. "Now that we're colleagues, do you mind if I ask you a... rather personal question?"

My eyebrows rise, but I gesture for him to continue.

"Do you know what became of your old friend?"

I hesitate, my good mood instantly shattered. I know he's not talking about Lily, because I spoke with him when we paid our respects to her and her husband. Which means there's only one person he could be talking about. Of course I know what happened to him. He joined the Death Eaters. We haven't spoken in nearly a decade. And after all those years, it still stings like hell. I can't ever see him again. None of my short relationships have helped me get over him, not even Josh. If I saw my old friend again, I'd just stumble and fall and lose sight of life all over again. Death Eater or not, he still blinds me with one look.

Luckily, I've never run into him since we stopped talking. Whatever he does, it must take him far away, possibly overseas.

"Yes," I finally answer Dumbledore's question. "Yes, I do."

He stares at me for a moment, then nods, ending the topic. We say our goodbyes and I leave the Inn. My heart swells with pride. I got the job. I'm ready to start my new life. Maybe, just maybe, this new start will help me get over everything; not just Josh, but my childhood crush as well. I should never have fallen in love with my best friend in the first place. He never noticed me; he only ever had eyes for Lily.

Never mind that now. My new life has just begun.

"Emma?"

I turn around and feel my eyes pop open wide and my stomach flip. Before me stands the one man I didn't want to see, the one person who could turn my life upside down yet again. I'd recognise his long black hair and deep, dark eyes anywhere. They make my heart melt like chocolate.

"S-Severus," I stutter.

This is not a good start of my new life.