Author's note

Thank you for dropping by. I hope you enjoy. Your reviews are welcome and cherished, always

CHAPTER 2

SCHOOL OPENING

The Great Hall falls into dead silence within half a second when Snape steps up to the headmaster's podium. His eyes make a thorough scan through the student body, causing a wave of dramatic tension. Once most students have properly held their breaths, he starts the speech.

"First year students will assemble here tomorrow morning to learn the school regulations. This evening, the prefects are responsible for giving them basic instructions on the dormitory regulations."

He drops a pause for another dose of dramatic tension.

"The school board have received a petition from the N.E.W.T. level students asking for extra support for their preparation to apply to the Academy of Healing Arts. The reason stated is that the unfortunate... loss... and unwanted experiences from the war have motivated them to pursue a career in the Healing Arts. Recognizing it as proper motivation worthy of encouragement and support, the school board have decided to organize special N.E.W.T. level classes in Potions, Herbology and Charms to exclusively serve said students. Application forms can be found in the common rooms and are to be returned to the Heads of House tomorrow morning."

Conversations break out at that, only to be shut down in one single minute by the famous Snape glare.

"From this year, Professor McGonagall will be the Headmistress of Hogwarts."

Despite Snape still standing there, the hall explodes in cheers and applause. He doesn't bother to stop it; instead, he patiently waits for it to end by itself. Once the noise has settled, he lazily delivers the last piece of announcement:

"Professor Slughorn has once more retired. I will take over his position as the Potions professor and Head of Slytherin. For the time being I will also teach Defense Against the Dark Arts until the school find another teacher for the subject."

Without another glance at his audience, he steps down, once again in peace, having nothing to worry about other than drilling Potions into the dunderheads... And Defense Against the Dark Arts too, of course. The difference is that today he no longer has to pretend to have been a failed applicant for the position. It can finally be known that he never had any intention to apply for it whatsoever; all was an excessively long and tiring lie Dumbledore made up and he had to play along. For the greater good.

Once again, his eyes secretly search for a certain brat in the midst of the Gryffindors, only to be shocked by what he gets back, after all these years. The brat is grinning at him, from one ear to another.