~Present~

As he approached the long, winding stairwell to the Headmistress's office, her heart felt like it was in her throat. What if she had found out about her and Severus? Wait, did she know about their history at all? She had never said anything to make it seem that way, but she was worthy of becoming a Headmistress. Surely she knew all sorts of things she never asked about. What would she say if she did ask her? Would she approve? Or would she sack her for having a relationship with a superior? Staff relationships were not forbidden, but, at the moment, she was under the guidance of her professor yet again. Maybe it wouldn't bother Minerva at all. She remembered what Minerva had told her the day she arrived.

'I would not expect you to not have suitors, Ms. Brooks; but they are not to come into the castle under any circumstances. However, if they happen to live within these walls, I can do nothing about your coupling. Just see that you are discreet.' She said with a wink.

At the time Jordan thought Minerva was joking with her, as she normally did when she was a student. Yet, now that she thought about it, Minerva did have a knowing look in her eyes when she said it. That could end up being quite precarious…

She had known of Jordan's proclivities toward her professors while she was attending Hogwarts, but did she really think she would take it upon herself to act upon them now that she had the opportunity? The answer was obviously yes, but Minerva had never known everything. Just enough to keep her from sticking her nose in.

'Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor,' she told her. 'No one can possibly know what lies ahead, dear.'

Jordan laughed it off, 'No, but they can sure act like they know,' She replied with a grin, taking a jab at her old Divinations Professor, Sybill Trelawney.

Minerva chuckled, 'I will deny it if you ever repeat this, but you have no idea. I feel as though we are swimming in Divination around here.' Her tone then changed to a business like twang upon seeing that Jordan was going to ask further. 'I told you in your letter of an opportunity for you to take over as Slytherin Head of House. How do you feel about taking on that responsibility right out of school, Dear?'

'I would love the opportunity, if you would grant it to me. It might be a bit difficult at first, but I'm sure I can get the hang of it quickly.' She admonished. 'I mean I always found enough time to do my school work, take and give lessons, and preform all of my Head Girl duties in my eighth year.'

'That is exactly what I thought you'd say.' She smiled pleasantly. 'And that is why I have decided to name you Deputy Head of House with Professor Snape training you for the time being.'

Jordan's jaw dropped. Collecting herself she responded with the grace and venom of an angry Slytherin, 'Forgive me Headmistress, but why have you decided to seat me under him? Has he not been overwhelmed with the amount of work all his roles require?'

Minerva looked up from her desk into Jordan's rather hazel looking eyes. 'I have, as you say, seated you under him for the exact reason you mentioned earlier. I do not wish for you to be overwhelmed. You will be tested enough your first few weeks here. Having to run Slytherin house would only make it worse. Professor Snape has ran his house effectively for seventeen years. You know very well how much stress he was under during that time and I have no doubt he can handle it, after all you will be helping him. I also have asked him to guide you through your duties. I dare say that with his guidance, and your own ability to be kind yet forceful, you'll be the best Head of House they've had in centuries.'

Jordan looked at Minerva, knowing full well she had a point. Plus, she was never one to deny praise like that from someone superior to her. She calmed herself and nodded in agreement. 'Thank you, Headmistress.' They both knew she had more to say on the matter, yet she conceded anyway.

Minerva humped. 'You have no idea how alike you and your Head of House are.'

Jordan looked at her quizzically, obviously confused. She was nothing like him. Of course, that wasn't the first time she had heard someone compare the two of them. She never really knew why they had said such a thing though.

Minerva rose and tossed her hand at her inquiring Professor. 'No matter. Now, we have a staff meeting in two hours time, so we should probably get a move on. Shall I show you to your chambers so you can freshen up?'

Standing in tandem, Jordan smiled at her Professor. 'That would be lovely. Thank you, Headmistress.'