Wounded

Epilogue

The school year was getting ready to start. Severus had sent out the letters and found himself wondering how many of those students would be attending. The Prophet had maintained a surprisingly neutral stance on the announcement of his reinstatement and promotion.

The staff was almost complete. As he had dreaded, Lupin had been appointed as the new Defense Professor and Head of Gryffindor. Their new flying instructor was a former Chudley Cannons star; that was sure to sit well with the students and had actually received more publicity than any other posting. The new Charms professor, Grinelda Tappen, was an older woman who had grown tired of running her own business, though Severus had warned her teaching would be more stressful. She had brushed off his concerns, stating that if she had kept seven children and thirty grandchildren in line, she could handle teaching. In a way, she reminded him of a combination of Molly Weasley and Minerva McGonagall. For the first time in half a century, they had a living History Professor. It seems the destruction of the castle had finally allowed Binns to release his grip on his half-terrestrial existence. Brandon White was a young, idealistic man who would hopefully find a way to interest students in a previously ignored subject.

He set aside the Defense curriculum. He grudgingly had to admit that Lupin had been quite thorough. The trip they had made to find the lethifold had cleared much of the air between the two of them, but he doubted they would ever be 'friendly' toward each other. The only work as Deputy he had to do was with Transfiguration. Unfortunately, they had not found a suitable replacement. Those who had applied for the job would have been able to teach the first few years, but none of them had been qualified to teach the N.E.W.T. students. He had chosen the best of the candidates to be hired on a temporary basis to teach the lower levels. He, Lupin and Westmoreland would teach the N.E.W.T. students. They were still looking for a qualified applicant. In fact, Westmoreland had left him to deal with the administrative burden while the headmaster went recruiting. A part of him resented Westmoreland's freedom, but he knew that the headmaster was not well suited to organizing the start of term.

Severus looked up from his paperwork and realized the he would be supervising the Sorting Ceremony. By some minor miracle, the Sorting Hat had survived. In fact, since the headmaster's study had not yet been completed, it sat on the shelf amidst his specimen bottles. He had never cared for the Hat. The academician in him had to admit it was a brilliant idea and a very well executed spell, but he could not forget the words that hat had told him when he had been sorted.

"Ah, Eileen Prince's son. You have your mother's intellect. She was difficult to sort, too, but I think your intellect will be served best in Ravenclaw."

"I don't want to be in Ravenclaw, you stupid hat. I belong in Slytherin."

"So, you think you belong in Slytherin? Even given what you are?"

"They don't need to know. That is where I belong. That is where the power is."

"Not all forms of power. Do not underestimate the power of intellect. Your intelligence would be respected in Ravenclaw."

"If you do not place me in Slytherin, I will hex you into so many pieces scattered around the world, that it will take them more than a century to put you back together."

"No need to be rude. If you are sure you want Slytherin..."

"Yes, you infernal talking hat! Are you stupid? Put me in Slytherin."

He glared at the hat. It was nothing but an archaic artifact. It had tried to talk to him when it had first been placed in his office, but he had once again reiterated his threat to hex it to bits, and it had not said another word. He supposed it served its purpose, but he would not be the one to change it. At least, not yet.

He picked up another piece of parchment. Spells. The castle had been protected by a complex web of spells, most of them lost to history. Lupin and Tappen were still researching the enchanted ceiling, hoping to have it in place for the Welcoming Feast. Most of the protective spells had been restored, including the anti-Apparition wards. That had taken Lupin, Pomona and Westmoreland's assistance. He had a feeling many of the other spells would require the assistance of others as well.

Over the last month, he had been so busy that he had only once had time to leave the grounds. That trip had been spent spying on Aurelia and the girls during their visit to London. Thankfully, it had been an uneventful trip and he had begun to wish that he had revealed himself. A part of him had not feel comfortable intruding on what was their abbreviated family vacation.

He felt guilty about not finding the time to visit Aurelia and her daughters, but he had received an owl from them wishing him well and hoping that he did not find his new duties too taxing. That owl had made him laugh out loud. Minerva had made it look so easy, and he was beginning to wonder how she had accomplished that. Perhaps she had received more help from Albus. In his defense, she had not had to rebuild the castle. For not the first time, he was beginning to question his decision to return to Hogwarts.

He looked up when his door slammed open. Naturally, it was Westmoreland. The new headmaster took the approach that everyone should have an open door policy in their offices. Be that as it may, Severus would still prefer a courtesy knock. "I take it from this disturbance that you have found a Transfiguration professor?"

Westmoreland took the seat across from Severus. "Indeed I have. Sadly, none of the Animagi were interested, but I did find an incredibly brilliant witch, about your age. She turned me into the most amazing bird of paradise."

As fascinating as this diatribe was, he had better things to do than listen to Westmoreland ramble. "Term begins in two days, when will she be here?" Severus asked. At least they had a rough idea of the syllabus for at least the first part of the year.

"First thing tomorrow morning. I have a meeting with the Board of Governors, so I'd like you to meet her and show her around."

"Given the amount of work I have, I would prefer to delegate that task to one of the others. Perhaps Lupin? He has finished his preparations for the school year." He hadn't really liked any of the other professors and thought this task was best pawned off on Lupin.

Westmoreland shrugged. "If you feel that's best." He picked up a small box from the desk and began examining it. "I have to commend you on the wonderful job you are doing. I don't think I could have done it without you. Now that the staff is complete, I'll take on the Headmaster duties that you have been doing in my absence."

Severus reached across the desk and took the box from Westmoreland's hands. "Thank you for having faith in me to do the job." He shoved a stack of paper across the desk. "These files should give you the information you need. Ask if you have any questions, though I'm not sure how much time I will have as I have final preparations to make for my own classes." That was not entirely true. He had perfected the Potions curriculum over the years, but it was the best excuse he could give to get the man out of his office.

Westmoreland picked up the files and began flipping through them. "Thanks. I'm sure you've been quite thorough." He closed the file. "Everything is in order for the start of term. Take the rest of the day off. Get some rest."

"Pardon me?"

"You've been working yourself to the bone. Take the day off and relax. I want you ready to go for the term."

Severus was continually confused by this man's behavior. Of course, he had not had any better understanding of Albus' behavior, but at least he had grown accustomed to his mentor's erratic nature over time. He did have to admit that he was caught up on his work.

The old Severus Snape would have scoffed at the idea of taking time off. Of course, the old Severus had not really had any friends or family. He was contemplating on how much his life had changed since the Dark Lord's defeat. He had always known it would change. Of course, he had believed there was a greater than fifty percent chance that he wouldn't live that long, and he nearly hadn't. Perhaps belonging to a family wasn't as bad as he had imagined. Since he was being forced to take time off, he would finally pay a visit to Aurelia and see the girls one last time before the start of term.

After ensuring his office was neat, he left for one last evening of 'normal' before the start of term, and the ensuing chaos.

******************

When he arrived at Aurelia's house, he paused with his hand on the doorknob. He had been about to enter, but it occurred to him that he didn't technically live here anymore. Instead, he knocked on the door.

He was met with Julia's smiling face. "Professor, glad to see you, again. Have you come for dinner?"

"I have. May I come in?"

Julia moved out of the way. "Sorry about that. Mum's in the kitchen." She then turned and shouted down the hallway, "MUM! Professor Snape is here."

Severus smirked. Even after spending sixteen years around teenagers, he still didn't understand them.

Aurelia came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. "Finish up with the vegetables, dear," she told Julia. She then gave Severus a friendly hug. "It's good to see you again. I was beginning to wonder if you would find time before term started. Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, thank you. My duties have kept me very busy. We finally hired the last member of the staff this afternoon. The more time consuming task has been ensuring the school has adequate living and classroom space along with setting the protective wards. I would prefer not to discuss it."

"Of course, that's perfectly understandable. I assume you have had no relapses of your symptoms?"

"No. Everything is normal." He couldn't believe that they hadn't seen each for nearly a month and this was what she asked him.

"That's good. I take it work has been busy. Are you ready for the school year to start?"

"For the most part. Westmoreland finally hired a Transfiguration professor this afternoon. He's given me the impression he wants me to work with her."

"Her?" she asked.

"Yes. I've told him that she can work with Lupin. I don't have time deal with another new teacher. If you don't mind, I'd rather not talk about it."

"I'm so sorry. I know you must be sick of everything at Hogwarts. Let's just enjoy a pleasant dinner."

"One last thing, I have arranged a private sorting ceremony upon arrival for any of the second and third years that have not been at school before. I thought it best if it didn't happen with the first years."

"Very considerate of you. Why don't you give me a hand setting the table?"

"You could do that with magic," he replied.

"I know. I like to do things myself every now and then."

****************

They enjoyed a pleasant dinner. He found he didn't have much opportunity to speak, as both girls were busy telling him what they had been up to in his absence. But he didn't mind. He found he had missed this.

Following dinner, they played a Muggle game called 'Parcheesi'. Severus enjoyed the fact that it was a simple strategy game that allowed them all to play. He was dismayed that it was Helen who won. A child should not have been able to beat him at a strategy game, though there was an element of chance with the dice.

"Congratulations, Helen," Aurelia said proudly. She noticed Julia pouting on her side of the table and shook her head. She knew Julia hated losing to her younger sister.

Severus noticed Helen watching him, and said, "Very well played."

She beamed at his approval. "Thank you, Professor. Did you want to play another game?"

*****************

They played two more games before Aurelia sent the girls to bed. Julia had won the second and reacted quite childishly by sticking her tongue out at Helen. Normally, Severus did not find that sort of behavior amusing, but in this case, it took a great deal of self-control not to laugh.

He had almost won the third. A four, all he had needed was a meager four. The odds were heavily in his favor. What did he roll? A three. He frowned as Aurelia rolled the eleven she needed win.

She gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I guess you weren't meant to win."

He glared at her. "Do you realize how slim the chances of you winning were?" Of thirty-six roll combinations, only three would have led to him not winning. The same number there was for her to win. This was why he disliked games of chance.

"I must have good luck. Now, girls, say goodnight."

Julia gave him a quick handshake and headed upstairs. Helen hugged him tightly.

"What's that for?" he asked as he uncomfortably wrapped his arms around her. He still didn't understand why she seemed to like him so much.

"Because I won't be able to do that at school. Mum said I have to act like I don't know you."

He hugged her tightly and closed his eyes to fight back the emotions. It only took a second for him to regain control. "Sleep well and I'll see you in a couple of days."

Aurelia stared at him with a small smile on her face once Helen was gone.

"What?" he asked defensively.

"Nothing," she replied before turning her attention to putting the game away. "Would you like to adjourn to the library?"

He thought quickly about this question. He did want to stay, but thought it might be best if he left. "It's getting quite late and tomorrow promises to be a busy day. We still have the final protections to establish and I must ensure that the construction areas are properly cordoned off."

"Of course. I'm glad that you could stop by before the start of the year. It really meant a lot to the girls."

And what about you? he added silently after hearing a hint of disappointment in her voice. "It was my pleasure." He rose and moved to leave, but paused before he got to the door. "I was wondering if you would be interested in publishing what we learned about lethifolds?"

"I think that would be a good idea."

"I'll send you an owl when I am available. Good night, Aurelia."

"Good night, Severus."

*****************

After Apparating outside the gates, he spent a long time walking the grounds, trying to make sense of his life. This was now a true second chance with no strings attached. It was a glorious feeling to be his own man. For the first time, he could make decisions based on what he wanted out of life. Now, all he had to do was determine what that was. For so long he had been concerned solely with his survival.

This would require more time than he had tonight, but for now he could be happy with his new position in life. So far, he had not received any letters from parents irate at his promotion. The incoming class was the same size as previous years' classes and many of those that had left over the last two years were coming back. It was a time of rebuilding, for everyone.