Chapter 1
The atmosphere around Hogwarts was fairly solid, some of the staff were confused as to why I had allowed the lack of staff meanings. If I was being honest I knew they would be less than lenient were they aware of the few changes to staffing. McGonagall was staying on in all her usual posts, I had been granted position of headmaster via Albus' will. Everything was the same apart from two positions – Slughorn had been convinced to come back in my place as potions professor and head of Slytherin house. So there was only the defence position left to fill, I did have a short list which consisted of: Remus Lupin, Alastor Moody, and Nymphadora Tonks.
But it still had to be narrowed down – in the end I settled on Remus; at least his condition would allow me some brewing time.
There was a squeak from the door as a certain head of house walked in, "Severus have you come to a decision?"
"Indeed I have, Minerva;" I could see a pair of quizzing eyes on me, "Remus Lupin," I could feel a shocked expression as an odd coldness filled the air, "but it's merely because he's good with the students; and he actually knows what he's doing."
"So not because he's a friend?"
"Certainty not,"
"Or that you have a guilty conscience over his previous resignation?"
"Minerva, I have a guilty conscience over a good many things; but Lupin's resignation isn't one of them." The old Gryffindor cat actually seemed wounded, so what if I hadn't been open with her – the less people knew, the less they would pity. Or judge.
My thoughts were interrupted by the caretaker bursting in like a – well – a crazed banshee would be an apt description.
"Headmaster Snape, Professor McGonagall; he's murdered me cat, he's gone too far this time he has," I could feel a rant, I held up my hand for silence. Argus stared furiously at my hand.
"Mr. Filch; although I believe I know who you are discussing please do enlighten me. Who do you believe has murdered Mrs Norris?"
"Peeves, of course sir." It was remarkable how often the man had come to this office and complained about the poltergeist. I heard a well-disguised laugh from Minerva.
"Mr Filch; were is Mrs Norris, really?" the man actually seemed scared.
"She's dead sir,"
"I know; so when did she die? Argus the truth before you attempt to blame Peeves or anyone else for that matter." I could see his brain trying to deal with the information much like a house-elf did. I heard a sigh of defeat as he sat in a chair in front of my desk.
"Two months ago to the day headmaster. But then you know that don't you?"
"True I do Argus." I could feel Minerva staring.
"Argus may I ask; why are you blaming Peeves if she'd already died?" I gave a small cough to catch her attention; when our eyes made contact I briefly shook my head – now we had to be worried about Filch. As well as everything else.