00000 Headmistress' Office, Faculty Meeting 00000

Doris looked around the office. The teachers and faculty were settling in and she could tell that some of them were confused that they were called in so early on a weekend. Unfortunately, with was going to be letting some of them go before going over the following week. Letting out a silent sigh, Doris started the meeting. There was still a mountain of paperwork to go through, no matter how much Tiffany helped.

"Thank you all for coming so early. I know that some of you are wondering why this meeting was called so I am going to jump right in. The first order of business is the class reviews that Tiffany did this week. She was in two of your classes without your knowledge so she could get a base line for future reference and issues that may need to be fixed in the coming school year.

"I'll start with the classes that need the least help or change. Professor McGonagell, your class is good, but it seems to be heavily centered on theory. That is okay with the younger years, but for third years and above, practical class time needs to be greater. That way the students can ask more questions during class and practice so you can fix any mistakes. The theory that isn't covered in class can be assigned as homework and covered if it seems to be an issue."

Minervia pursed her lips but still nodded. She always thought that theory was important, but she did notice that some of her students were more practical learners than academic. Maybe splitting the week's classes into theory and practical would be a good idea. If it didn't work she could also go back to her original teaching method.

"Professor Flitwick, it seems that more theory for the younger years is needed. Tiffany has informed me that a couple of feathers have exploded thanks to a levitation charm. Going a little more slowly with them could be helpful in preventing it as well as teaching them to pay attention to their wand movement and pronunciation. Other than that, the only problem is that you don't have a chair or platform that helps the class to see you. A pile of books really isn't acceptable, so here are some catalogs so you can order something. We don't need you injuring yourself because of you losing your balance." Doris slid the catalogs over and Flitwick couldn't help the excited squeak that left his mouth.

"I'll make sure to go over the theory better and keep a keener eye. Having a proper platform will help since I can't always see the students."

"I'm glad that I'm able to help. Professor Snape and Sinistra, the only thing of note is updating some of you instruments and having some extra tools for those who damage their own. We can go over that at another time when you have a list as well as anything else that might help with your class. We will see if we can incorporate it in or not in the next year or so."

Both teachers looked relieved at that, especially Snape. He knew that some of the older years were expecting him to be the same as before, but he was trying to squash that as soon as possible. Thankfully the younger years seemed to accept it with eagerness and didn't cause him any problem. The upper years though, mainly the Slytherins and Gryffindors, were the main ones he had to watch out for. Both Houses seemed to think that his new attitude wasn't long lasting or some trick. Snape could already tell that a lot of detentions were needed for the next month or two to 'assure' them that this wasn't a trick. On the bright side, he wouldn't need to clean the cauldrons and classroom as much.

"Professor Vector, we were thinking about having Math tutors for those that seem to struggling with that portion of the class. Eventually we hope to get an actual Math class as a core class. This will hopefully help improve your class."

"Thank you, Headmistress. I have a number of students that might be good tutors. They have a good understanding of Math and Arithmancy as a whole."

"Please give me that list as soon as you can. Hopefully we can come up with some kind of reward for the time they are giving.

"Now, for those classes that need a little extra work. Professor Sprout and Kettleburn, we would like for you to have an actual classroom. We know that your classes are more hands on than most, but your students need to be a little more prepared for some of the plants and creatures that you show. Throwing them into the deep end is how many of the injuries have occurred, even if the plants or creatures are ranked as a X or XX. Having a classroom will also help when the weather is bad and going outside is a bad idea. Please choose from one of the un-used classrooms near your offices and the house elves will prepare it in the next week. I know this is going to be hard for the both of you to considering how your classes are, so over the next month, Tiffany and I will help you restructure your class course to fit in class time."

Sprout and Kettleburn had different reactions to this. Kettleburn seemed happy about this. He had tried to have a class setting for years but Dumbledore kept insisting that the students need hands on experience while going over the creatures. The number of injuries he took to protect some of the more arrogant or plain stupid students were numerous.

Sprout on the other hand was incensed that her class would need to be changed. How else would her students learn how to take care of plants? Not to mention she always made sure that the injuries weren't severe. How else were they going to learn from their mistakes? Hard work was the only way to learn in her class. Hopefully after the meeting she would be able to talk to the Headmistress about it.

"Professor Sinistra, for your Astronomy class we were thinking about charming a couple of classrooms with different night skies. That way you would be able to have your class during the day as well as showing different constellations and stars. Professor Flitwick, I was hoping that you would be able to help with the charm work?"

"Of course. This will be a nice thing to show 5th years and above as well if no-one has any problems with that."

"A good idea, Professor. You and Sinistra can talk about how the classes should look. Please look at some of the un-used classes and tell me which ones you would like to use. If you need anything else please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you. It would be nice to sleep regularly for myself and the students. Why it was set up this way I never understood."

Doris smiled at her before turning back to the other Professors. Trelawney, Quirrell, Binns and Burbage looked a little nervous. Doris had to hide a wince at the news she was about to give but it was unavoidable considering what was about to happen.

"I will start with you Professor Burbage. You are a good teacher, which is not the issue here. The issue is that your course material is at least two centuries out of date. We will need to do some major reviving for your course to bring it up to date. We are also going to go over some places to take some of the upper years to get them use to the muggle world, so over the break we will be doing that so you are prepared for those trips. This is important considering that in the next year or two this is going to be a core class for wizard raised students until Owls. We are hoping to reduce the amount of incidences that expose us to muggles unnecessarily. It will be hard work, but I and Tiffany believe that you can handle it."

Burbage looked relieved and excited at the same time. Many didn't believe Muggle Studies was important, but it was considering muggle outnumbered wizards. There was also an increase in muggleborns that brought their own culture that needed to be understood. Burbage was also relieved that she was considered a good teacher, because even she knew that they could have gotten a muggleborn to teach the class easily if they wanted.

"We are also going be designing a Wizard Studies class that is going to begin next semester. If we haven't found a teacher by then, you may have to also teach that class until we find someone. I'm not foreseeing the need, but I just wanted to let you know of the possibility.

"Professor Quirrell, we know that what happened to you in Albania was horrible, but it seems that you have come back to soon to be an affective teacher. Tiffany will be watching closely and if there is no improvement by the end of the semester then you will be let go. Tiffany will go over what needs to change after the meeting. If you think you are unable to do that, then you can step down and still be paid for the semester. Hopefully after some time for you to recover, we can reconsider you working here again. Is this understood, Professor?"

"Yes, Headmistress."

"I'm glad. And, Professor, please remove the garlic hanging from your classroom. I understand if you would like to keep a couple of cloves with you, but the smell is distracting to your students.

"Professor Binns and Trelawney, unfortunately the review that Inquisitor Tiffany gave you and the number of complaints this week is as astonishing. Not only that, but past reviews of your class scores are the worst that's been seen compared to any and all scores in the last century. With a heavy heart, and a lot of thought, myself and the Hogwarts' Governors have decided to release you from your teaching contracts."

There were a number of gasps around the room. Many didn't think that they would let anyone go so soon, let alone in the first week. No matter how they all thought that both teachers weren't the best, the thought that they would no longer be teachers rattled deeply to all. When looking at the two teachers, everyone could tell how troubled they were, although Trelawney seemed to be the most devastated of the two.

Binns had a look of shock on his face that was slowly morphing into one of lost and then resignation. Many couldn't look at the teacher who was so dedicated to his post that death couldn't stop him from teaching. Many believed that he should have been let go as soon as his death, or at least the new school year afterwards, but everyone could see how important it was to his existence. The calm that came over him worried some of the teachers. It was not inconceivable to think he wouldn't move on because of this.

Trelawney on the other had been crying so hard that many worried about her being able to breath. Severus was tempted to give her a calming drought if he wasn't afraid she'd choke on it. He might not like the woman but he didn't want her to die, especially with one of his potions linked to it.

Minervia on the other hand put her arm around her and tried to calm her down. It was true that she didn't really like Trelawney as a teacher or a Seer, but she didn't like to see anyone in this state. Minervia would hate to be told she could no longer teach at a place that had become home for her, so Minervia understood her tears.

"Is there any possibility that you rethink your stance? Maybe give her a chance to improve in the next month or two before throwing her out like this. It's only the first week of classes anyway."

"If I thought it was possible to do that then I would have made the suggestion at last night's meeting with the Board of Governors. But that is not the case when in the past years there have been multiple complaints from students and parents alike about how she predicts the students' dismemberment and death. That the only way that most students pass her class is by predicting disturbing ways they are going to die. That every bad omen is taken as fact without context some of the students have. That is not something myself of the Governors want.

"Not only that, it has been noted that she had shown up drunk to class by anonymous complaints from the student body. If these things hadn't been brought to our attention, then maybe we might of thought about making changes so she could stay on, but that is not the option. It wouldn't matter if she was a Seer creating prophesies three times a week. This is a school where the needs of the students come before everything else.

"Trelawney, I know that this is hard for you. Neither the Board of Governors nor I are unsympathetic to this. It's why we have decided to give you until after the winter holidays until you will have to leave the castle. That should give you enough time to get all of your things as well as deciding what to do from here."

"I have nowhere to go! This has been my life for over a decade!" Trelawney managed to wail out in between her sobs.

"That may be true, but you had a life before the school and I'm sure that you will be able to find a life after this school. Not to mention that the school pays you extremely well. I'm sure that you can travel with that money or even retire if you've saved it properly.

"How about we all take a twenty minute break before resuming the meeting again? Professor Snape, Madam Promfrey, could either of you possible give her something to help her relax?"

"I'll do that, Headmistress." Promfrey said before steering a still sobbing Trelawney from the office. Everyone slowly followed them from the office. Many were hoping nothing else drastic was being presented to them when the meeting resumed. None of them thought they would be able to keep their wits with everything else going on this weekend.

00000 Harry Potter, Slytherin Dorms 00000

Harry was lying on his bed reading a book. As usual, he was up before the rest of his dorm mates. Harry would wait until one of his friends were up, or when it was a nice time to wake them up, before going down to breakfast. He might have memorized the way to the Great Hall, but that didn't mean that he wanted to go alone. There were still those upper years from other houses that sent him hateful glares and Harry wasn't about to give them an easy opening.

The only good thing about this was his ability to read up on information he didn't know. Theo, Blaise and Neville were nice enough to answer his questions about things he didn't understand, but that didn't mean he was going to irritate them when he could easily read about it now and ask for clarification later.

At the moment, Harry was reading about family lines and how they became notable. It was interesting to know that the Prince family was usually associated with potions and spell crafting, that the Weasley family was known for their fertility, and even his family being known for strong battle magic and business since with some sprinkling of healing abilities. Harry couldn't help to smile at this. It made him feel closer to his family since he had an interest in healing magic. Harry hoped that he was able to fulfill the other aspects of his family, or at least the part about the battle magic.

Harry was brought out of his thoughts when he noticed that Blaise was waking up. Out of everyone else, it seemed that he and Blaise were the only two to be able to wake up without aid. Blaise already taught a number of spells to wake up the dorm. It was kind of funny to see who fell to the floor, although Blaise usually did it because he's usually cranky before breakfast.

"Morning."

"Hmm. What time is it?"

"6:48. Why? Have a hot date or something?"

"Ha ha. I'm getting ready for breakfast. Meet me in the common room?"

"We're not going to wait for Theo?"

"No. Let the night owl get his beauty sleep. Anyway, Professor Snape makes sure that no one gets to breakfast too late." Blaise grunted at that before going to the bathroom. Harry couldn't help to chuckle at him before heading down to the common room. It was mostly empty except for the other early risers. Thankfully for Harry, there was an unspoken rule that it was too early to try anything, no matter if you liked the person or not. About twenty minutes later, Blaise and Harry headed towards the Great Hall.

"Are you worried about today?"

"Yes and no. I mean, it's my parents' wills I'm going to hear. This is the closest I'll be able to know what they are thinking and who they held dear. Not to mention finding out whom I was supposed to go to after they died.

"A part of me is excited about finding out¸ but another part of me isn't and I really can't figure out why."

"Maybe because it becomes real." Harry looked at Blaise in confusion. Blaise gave him a sad smile before looking ahead while they walked.

"I don't remember much from when my birth father was alive, but I do remember my mom sitting me down when I was older to go over what he left me. That was the time that it really stuck that my father didn't just run away or was injured. I remembered crying, but I also remember the feeling of a weight being lifted. I was able to fully grieve. And I hope that today you get to finally grieve while getting the answers you need."

"Thanks, Blaise. I really needed that."

"No problem. If you ever need to talk, just know that I'm here for you, even if you need me to nod along."

"For an eleven year old, you're really mature."

"When you have a mother that exposes you to death the way mine does, you tend to grow up." When Harry looked at Blaise again, he was worried by the haunted, faraway look. Harry had a feeling that his mother was responsible for more than a few unfortunate husbands she married.

"Hey, you know it goes both ways to. It could even be a hypothetical situation if need be." Blaise smiled at that. Both knew that there were some things the neither of them could talk about, but both knew that the important things was safe with the other. It didn't matter that they've only known each other for a weak, they could both tell that the other was deeply damaged in their own ways.

00000 Severus Snape, Private Quarters 00000

Severus sat in his quarters looking at an album full of the happiest times. It made him almost laugh that all of his happiest memories could fit into an album and still have room. Most of the pictures had a common theme in them though. One red head, smiling witch that stole his heart since he was eight and never gave it back.

Lily Evans caught his attention one day at the park in the area they lived in. She was on the swings going higher than what is normally possible before jumping off at the highest point. Instead of falling and injuring herself, she floated to the ground like some angel. It was then that he knew that she was a witch. Severus telling her didn't go smoothly, especially with her shrew of a sister there, but a couple of days later she sought him out and demanded answers. It was that day that they became friends, and the day he finally had a bright spot in his life.

Her friendship was one thing that his drunk, abusive father couldn't take away or taint. Lily's laugh chased away the knowledge that his mother didn't love him enough to kick their father out. Lily Evans made life possible for a poor kid that barely got enough food let alone anything else.

Potter may of thought that he was clever about what he called him, but Severus heard it all before from the neighboring kids. But thanks to Lily and her parents, he was able to get more food, clothes and a shower once a week. Something he didn't always get considering Tobias would drink and gamble their money away. But that didn't matter with Lily. She didn't pity him or look at him in disgust. She was a real friend.

Even after they got Sorted into Slytherin and Gryffindor, they were still friends. Even if the majority of their houses didn't like it, they were still friends. They laughed, did homework, and explored Hogwarts together.

But that all stopped thanks to his pride when Lily was only trying to help him. Severus tried apologizing, but Lily was hurt. It didn't help that he hung out with others that had a Dark Magical leaning like he did. She never understood that Dark didn't mean evil. But Severus couldn't really blame her considering what the Death Eaters were doing. No matter what though, Severus thought that he and Lily could make up and be friends again.

Severus underestimated her stubbornness though. The final nail in the coffin though was when she started going out with Potter. After everything he and his band of misfits did to not just him, but everyone else who wasn't a Gryffindor was mean and plain sadistic at time. That crushed Severus. Lily being able to forgive that bully but not him for saying something in embarrassment and anger. Severus went into a depression, and it was the perfect time for Malfoy and his ilk to strike. Some sweat words and sympathetic faces had him joining the Death Eaters before he could come to his senses.

By the time he realized his mistake, he had already killed for Voldemort. Severus was thankfully not expected to be on the front lines as much thanks to his Potions knowledge. It didn't save him watching some of the vilest things happen though. The only reason he didn't quit was the fear of being the newest play thing before being granted the sweetness of death.

That all changed though. The moment Severus found out that Voldemort was going after Lily, he found his bravery. Too bad he trusted the wrong person. Going to Dumbledore gained him another master just as twisted as Voldemort. That was okay though. Lily would be safe and he could start making up for his stupidity and cowardice. But that wasn't to be when Lily was killed.

For the longest time Severus blamed Potter and his spawn. If it wasn't for them, then Lily wouldn't have been killed. It wasn't fair that Lily had to die but the child got to live. Seeing Lily on the floor like that broke most of the hope he had. For the longest time he blamed all things Potter for the way things happened. Over the years, it was the only thing that kept him from taking an overdose of something to end it all. Then the news about Harry's life came forth and Severus couldn't blame Harry anymore. Severus may still blame James for some things, but he knew that it was his choices that lead him down the path he was on.

Unfortunately, it didn't ease the pain that he felt for failing Lily. If anything, knowing what Harry went through only added to his misery. Closing the album, Severus put it to the side and picked up the letter that has been on his mind. It was an invitation to the will reading today. Severus still hadn't decided if he was going to go or not. Could he sit there, knowing that he was one of three that was directly responsible for these deaths? Letting out a mournful sigh, Severus folded the letter up and put it in his inner robe pocket.

No matter what, he owed Lily this much. Even if he was there only to be cursed from the grave, well, many would agree that he deserved it. Severus looked was about to leave his rooms before turning around. Looking at the photo album with an appraising eye, Severus took out his wand and started silently casting. Maybe this would absolve him a little.

00000 7:30am Great Hall 00000

Harry was finishing the last of his breakfast with Blaise when Theo stumbled into the Great Hall. Both Harry and Blaise had to hold in their laughs when they saw him. It seemed that Theo was almost drunk in the way he walked towards them.

"You two could have woken me up you know?"

"And here I thought we were doing him a favor, Harry. Letting him sleep in for once to wake up without a large bang going off and all." Theo let out an impressive growl, which had Harry snickering, while reaching for the coffee.

"Like I would want to miss Harry leaving for the day without wishing him good luck. But if that is beneath either one of you then fly off!" Harry was actually surprised at this.

"Sorry, Theo, but I and Blaise really thought that you could use the sleep. Next time we'll make sure to wake you if that's what you want."

"Yeah, Theo. It's not like you're an early riser to begin with."

"Hmmph. I'll forgive you two this time, but next time I better get some chocolates from each of you. Or coffee."

"Deal." Both Harry and Blaise said at the same time. That got a laugh out of the three of them.

"So when do you leave? I know you wanted to talk to your account manager before the will reading." Theo said while starting a plate for himself.

"Tombs wrote me and said that he should be in the Headmistress' Office in about fifteen minutes. I should probably start going soon now that I think about it."

"Well, good luck on both the accounts and wills."

"Thanks, Theo. You to, Blaise. I'll see the both of you this afternoon if not lunch." Theo and Blaise nodded at this while Harry made his way out.

"So, we make sure to find him for dinner right?"

"Yeah, at least then he might be willing to talk about the wills if he doesn't find us first."

"And how much do you want to bet he'll do that, Blaise? He may like us, but do you really think he trust us that much?"

"Not without pressuring him a little bit." Blaise let out a sigh before taking a sip of his tea. "Fine, we'll wait and see."

"Good. I'll be able to go back to sleep then."

"Really, Theo?"

"Hey, Professor Snape said we had to be at breakfast before 9am. He never said that we couldn't go back to sleep afterwards."

"Indeed, Mr. Nott." Both boys jumped in their seats before turning to find said professor behind them. He raised an eyebrow that seem to say it all. Both boys managed a 'Good morning.' to their Head of House before he decided to speak again.

"Has Mr. Potter decided to sleep in or has he already followed Mr. Nott's plan?"

"He's already eaten, sir." Blaise picked up where Theo left off.

"He should be heading to the Headmistress' Office right now, sir. He has an appointment with his account holder before his parents' will reading." Severus thought about it for a second before deciding to wait until he saw Harry at the will reading to talk to him.

"Thank you, both." Severus walked up to his seat without a backwards glance.

"I know he's our Head of House, but he scares me sometimes."

"Can't blame you. Mother is even wary of him and they've never officially met. I think the closest she's got to him is when the both of them were shopping at the Apothecary at the same time."

"Do I want to know what your mother was shopping for?"

"Probably not. You know there is a reason she's called the Black Widow."

"Yeah. Our families have one messed up history together." Blaise could only nod at this. One family magic leaning towards assassinations and the other towards Necromancy, their families are one of the deadliest in the world. Blaise is just thankful that neither Theo's father nor grandfather seems to process the skill for Necromancy. Otherwise, Voldemort's army would have been a lot worse than it was.