AN: I'm sorry it took so long to update…I'll try to do at least one more this week to make it up.

Severus watched the Gryffindor table. He knew from experience that if there was trouble in the Great Hall, chances were that it would come from the table full of red and gold ties.

His quiet observation led to many little insights about his students.

Today he was watching the Longbottom boy moon over the Lovegood girl.

He sighed into his pumpkin juice. The girl had retreated even further into her own dreamy world once the battle ended. Half the time she seemed to float around the castle like one of the ghosts.

"Minerva, did any of Ministry councilors speak with Miss Lovegood?"

Minerva snorted. "After you eviscerated Hindenburg? None of them will come near Hogwarts."

Severus looked down his nose at the headmistress. "I did no such thing. And may I remind you that it was your idea to take Miss Granger off the anti-depressant brew during the counseling session?"

Minerva's lips thinned.

"You didn't have to encourage her."

Severus felt his lips twitch and Minerva saw him. Damn.

Minerva, sensing weakness, pressed forward. "She'll never get a position with the Ministry now…"

Severus snorted. "Granger's too famous to be an Unspeakable and she'd be wasted in any other department."

Minerva arched a brow. "Did you just complement one of my lion cubs Severus?"

He took a bite of his roast and chewed it before answering. "Merely stating what anyone should be able to discern headmistress."

Severus turned the subject back to the safer ground of Miss Lovegood's trauma. "Why doesn't St. Mungo's have councilors?"

Minerva snorted. "Because they're running a century behind the times. The Ministry started the counseling program after Grindelwald…too many LE agents ended up like Moody."

Severus stabbed his tart viciously.

"After the Potter years, Hogwarts could use its own department."

Minerva smirked. "What, have you found a student you can't simply dose into a better mood?"

Severus arched a brow at his old friend.

"I could try a deflation draft, but somehow I don't think that it would pull that girl's head out of the clouds."

Minerva scanned the tables. Luna was carrying on an animated conversation with a shriveled-looking turnip.

"Perhaps Hermione…"

"Miss Granger doesn't have the temperament to deal with Lovegood. Either Draco or Longbottom would be a better choice…"

Minerva cocked her head. "Malfoy?"

Severus rolled his eyes. "Is there another Draco attending Hogwarts?" He glanced at the pale-haired boy. "His mother mentioned he snuck extra food down to the dungeons while Miss Lovegood was a…guest. Longbottom seems smitten with her, but I'm not sure that would be particularly helpful in bringing her back down to Earth."

Minerva sighed. "Last time we were able to keep it out of the school at least."

Severus studied the older witch. "You did your best in three wars Minerva."

She scanned the students with a dissatisfied expression. "My best wasn't enough."

Severus squeezed the older woman's hand. "Neither was mine."

He took a bite of his tart.

"I'll ask Draco to talk to the girl if you'll speak with Longbottom. The 'serpent slayer' still twitches when he sees me."

Minerva gave him her Cheshire cat grin.

"You know, some days you remind me of Albus."

Severus choked on his pumpkin juice.

"Have you been into the cooking sherry? I thought Sybille had a monopoly on that…" He mopped up the splattered juice.

Minerva's expression didn't change. "You meddle Severus…and the truth is you like knowing everything that happens in the castle. It's a fine trait…in a headmaster."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Thank Merlin that job is taken."

The older woman nodded. "For now. I'd like you to consider taking the Deputy position from Phinus next year…he's feeling the strain as both head of Ravenclaw and Deputy…."

"Yes, because Slytherins are so much lower maintenance than Ravenclaws."

"You, however, are considerably younger than Flitwick…we have fought three wars Severus. That sort of stress shows up eventually." She picked up her knife and fork and cut into her haggis. "I highly recommend that you limit your involvement to two."

He allowed his lips to twitch. "I shall do my upmost to follow your advice in the matter."

Minerva raised a brow.

"And you'll take the job of Deputy next year."

Severus sighed loudly. "You know you'd have more time if you hired someone for Transfiguration…then perhaps your poor deputy wouldn't need me to take his place."

Minerva turned her attention to the Gryffindor table. "Oh, I intend to take an apprentice over the summer."

Severus followed her gaze. "Granger?"

"Absolutely. She's the best I've ever taught."

"Didn't you just flay me for interfering with her chances of landing a place at the ministry?"

Minerva snorted. "She might not want to teach Severus. Not everyone has the temperament."

He ducked his head to hide his smile. "Merlin knows I don't…"

"Poppycock. When you aren't moonlighting as a spy you're one of the finest professors we've ever had."

Severus felt his cheeks burn.

"I have to go…"

The headmistress caught his hand. "Albus and I were always proud of you…you know that, don't you?"

"Minerva, I will use every dark curse I've ever read about on you if you don't release me this instant."

She smirked and he billowed away from the table. Imagine…what if the students had seen Severus Snape blushing.