New Year, New Responsibilities

As he returned to work at Hogwarts, Severus Snape reflected on the Christmas holiday that just ended. It must be considered the happiest time in his life.

Zelda's children, his stepchildren, had accepted him most generously, possibly because of Michael's efforts to bring them all together. At times this closeness with so many people disturbed him, but as the group had grown, it had been easier to find time to be alone. Also, he had found time enough to be with Zelda, something that soothed his jangled nerves.

Idly he wondered if his relationship with her was a healthy one. Perhaps it was not good to care more for her comfort and happiness than his own, and her great delight was in pleasing him. Defiantly, however, he knew he would not change a thing. For most of his life he had been despised and disliked by virtually all who knew him. Now there was Zelda, who spoiled and petted him shockingly, who adored him and had no wish to change him.

The staff meeting was scheduled for seven o'clock that Sunday evening, so Severus was preparing to Apparate with Zelda and Rowena to Hogwarts. They had not visited his quarters since they went to the cabin for Christmas, so Zelda planned to dust and tidy up while he was at the meeting. Then the following day they would each return to work, a fact that made him regret the end of their holiday.

"Are you ready?" asked Zelda, entering the room.

"Of course," he replied. "Is Rowena here?"

"In the living room. Everything's settled here and we'll be back in just a few hours."

It became easier to Side-Along Apparate with his wife and their dog every time he did it. His powers seemed to grow stronger as time passed, he mused.

He opened the gates of Hogwarts and ushered them in, then locked up securely. As they strode through the snowy afternoon, Rowena dashed around in the snowdrifts. He wondered how Potter was faring. Before they left the cabin, Potter had arranged to meet him before the staff meeting. It was painfully ironic that James Potter's son should assist him in this manner. But the boy had improved since the previous school year and was eager to resolve this situation.

"A penny for your thoughts," offered Zelda, smiling up at him.

The sincere affection in her blue eyes reminded him of another worrying situation and he studied her closely.

"Are you certain you wish to attempt to recover your memories this coming weekend?" he asked.

She nodded. "I can't go forward until I've sorted everything out. You don't deserve a wife who can't remember important things."

"I have precisely the wife I want," he said mildly. "But I shall help you, of course."

They entered the small door into the dungeon area. Zelda snapped a leash onto Rowena's collar and they walked through the empty corridor to Severus's rooms.

As they entered, the fire in the hearth blazed up temptingly. Severus pointed his wand at the lamps and the room was filled with warm light.

Zelda sighed happily as she handed her cloak to him.

"It's nice to be back," she said, releasing Rowena to trot around this other home.

He escorted her to the smaller sitting room and lit the lamps and the fire.

"I must meet with Potter now," he said. "I'll return after the staff meeting."

She kissed him, stroking the faint scar on his cheek in the familiar gesture that delighted him.

"Behave, Professor," she said lightly. "We'll be here when you get back."

Severus paused long enough to assume his staff robes and then headed for his office. It was comforting to be back at Hogwarts. Perhaps if Zelda remembered everything she might grow to consider this home, he mused.

"Hello, Professor," said Harry Potter, leaning against the wall next to the office door.

"Potter," said Severus, pointing his wand at the lock and opening the door.

He gestured to the hard wooden chair he kept for guests and Potter sat down, studying him cautiously.

"Everyone got back today and rumors are flying everywhere," began Harry. "People are still blaming Malfoy for everything, which is ridiculous. But when I said that to Seamus Finnegan, he got nasty."

"How nasty?" asked Severus, wondering how nasty the virtuous Gryffindors could be to each other.

Harry rolled his eyes. "He said the Sorting Hat made a mistake. If I could stick up for Malfoy I should've been put in Slytherin after all. He said it loud and in front of the entire House."

"A compliment, in fact," commented Severus dryly. "But one that seems out of character for Mr. Finnegan."

"Not really," replied Harry. "In fifth year he wouldn't speak to me for months because he thought I was a dangerous maniac. Sometimes he can be an idiot."

"Have you learned anything new?" asked Severus.

"I noticed on the train, that everyone in Slytherin is being shunned by the other students," said Harry. "I asked Ginny and she said it was like this before Christmas, but not this blatant. I dunno what it means."

Severus pondered an entire House of students being labeled scapegoats. It was an infuriatingly familiar situation, one that did not generally disturb students from other houses. But Potter had no air of satisfaction. Instead he seemed baffled and disturbed by this turn of events.

"Have you seen Malfoy?" asked Severus.

"He was here during the holidays. Ginny said we should've stayed here and kept him company," was the sullen reply. "But Michael left us twice to see him here and Malfoy doesn't want to hang 'round with us."

Severus remembered the sunny day when Potter had taken Elijah flying and they had played two-on-two Quidditch for a bit. Draco loved flying as much as Potter did, although he had no fondness for Muggles, so it would not have done. But his conscience twinged at the thought of this new, withdrawn Draco moping about the castle alone at Christmas.

"Potter, Michael told me he wishes you to see him professionally," said Severus abruptly. "Would you consider it?"

"Why? I'm not bonkers," said Harry, suddenly defiant.

The sight of a sullen, irritable Harry Potter made Severus flash nostalgically back to when this was the sum of their relationship. He forced a frown onto his face.

"Potter, your life was haunted by the Dark Lord. Can you truly say he does not haunt you now?" he said grimly. "Because I cannot say that for myself."

Such a confession from Severus Snape rocked Harry from his anger.

"Erm… I guess not," he whispered. "But I think it'll just take time."

"Zelda worries about you. She wants you to see Michael, at least once or twice," said Severus.

"I don't want people saying I'm mad," said Harry bluntly. "I've had that already. If I went off to St. Mungo's, everybody would know it. I'm not going to do anything to get my face in the bloody Daily Prophet again."

"What if Michael came to Hogwarts?"

Harry was silent for a long time. His nightmares had been less frequent when he was at the cabin, but he was never completely free of them. Michael was clever and strong. Harry realized that he would like to see him and hear if he had anything good to say. He shrugged.

"I'll speak to the Headmistress," said Severus softly. "I'll say nothing to Zelda, it is for you to tell her, but you know she'll be pleased."

Harry's eyes brightened. At school, Professor Snape never spoke of Zelda with him, so this felt like there was more than merely an obligatory talk between teacher and student.

"I know," he muttered, flushing. "I always feel like there's more I should be doing, and they all ask why I'm constantly looking over my shoulder. I still have nightmares too."

It was not acceptable to suggest to a schoolboy that he should acquire a wife to help keep the nightmares at bay, thought Severus. Anyway, a self-absorbed, teenage witch would undoubtedly be more trouble than she was worth.

"You're not required to help with this," he said slowly. "In fact, if it disturbs you, the Headmistress would not wish it."

"Professor, I'd be like this anyway, so I may as well help you. I'd like this stuff to stop so the rest of the school year can be better. I hate the way Hogwarts feels to me this year."

He watched the boy stare moodily down at the floor. An unexpected impulse of generosity attacked Severus.

"Potter, I must attend the staff meeting now. Zelda is alone in my quarters. Will you stay with her in my absence?"

The boy sat up straight and his green eyes brightened again.

"Sure," he said, striving to look casual.

He rose to his feet and prepared to leave, but glanced once more at Professor Snape's face. The guy was unreadable, as usual.

"Thanks, Professor. See you later," said Harry.

Severus nodded. He lingered a moment still rather surprised that the boy had agreed to see Michael, but relieved too. Then he extinguished the lamps and headed for the staff room.

&&&&&&&&&

The corridor outside the staff room was filled with cheerful teachers, all milling about and greeting each other after the holiday. Severus repressed a scowl. He had never had an easy time dealing with his fellow staff members, since many of them had distrusted and despised him. Reluctantly he headed for the door to the staff room.

"Hello, Severus. How lovely to see you," said Professor Sinistra, appearing out of nowhere.

"Er… Hello," he replied awkwardly, aware that in the past the reclusive witch had occasionally attracted him. She was the closest staff member in age to him, and quite a handsome woman, but why she'd approach him now, after ignoring him for years, was beyond his understanding.

"How was your holiday?" she asked, fixing her dark eyes on him with glowing sincerity. "I believe this was the first Christmas you haven't spent at Hogwarts since I've known you."

"It was fine," he replied, sternly repressing the urge to squirm.

"Good evening, Severus," said a misty voice.

Professor Trelawney drifted up to them and clutched Severus's arm as though for support.

"Ah, Severus," pronounced a firm voice from behind them. "Now that you're here I believe we can start the meeting. Please, people, I have arranged for refreshments for after the meeting. Let us attend to business first."

Minerva McGonagall had a twinkle in her eye as she detached Professor Trelawney from his arm. She held him back for a moment and allowed the others to file into the room.

"The Ministry is attempting to meddle here and I must ask a favor of you. Will you act as Deputy Headmaster for the rest of the academic year?"

"Why?" he hissed.

"There is no time to explain now. I need to formally announce it to the staff in this meeting. I give you my word I'll ask no more time of you than now and essentially you're doing the work of the Deputy Headmaster already."

"But…" he stared piercingly into her eyes and saw the seriousness of her request, accompanied by a hint of wicked mirth.

"Please, Severus," she said, meeting his gaze firmly.

"All right," he said, scowling. "But I expect a full explanation in lieu of your revolting little soirée after the meeting.

"Of course," she promised. "Rumors of this move have already begun to circulate among the staff, so I must go satisfy their curiosity."

He flung the door open with an irritable grimace and held it as she passed through. Then, wiping all expression from his face he followed her and with a slight shudder sat in the place that was hers when Dumbledore was Headmaster of Hogwarts.

"Good evening," said Minerva graciously. "I trust we all had a pleasant holiday and are refreshed and ready to return to our duties."

She paused, looking from one expectant face to another, finally daring to look at her fuming new deputy. She stilled her twitching lips and continued.

"As some of you may be aware, I am finding the responsibility of functioning as Headmistress as well as teaching my N.E.W.T Transfiguration classes this year rather arduous, yet I committed to finishing the year with my students. I have asked Severus to take on some of my responsibilities for the rest of the school year. He has agreed to officially take on the position of Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts, subject to the approval of the Board of Governors."

Severus wondered if the Board might be considerate enough to reject him, but Minerva had obviously covered that possibility already. Once her announcement was completed, he allowed the rest of the very dreary meeting to drone on without paying the slightest attention. He supposed he should be honored that she had chosen him, but Minerva was almost as wily as Dumbledore had been, having learned from that master. He wondered what he was in for.

Finally the interminable thing was over and the majority of the staff made a rush for the refreshment table as though they were famine victims. He noticed Sinistra and Trelawney once more eyeing him speculatively, but most fortunately Professor Flitwick got to him first.

"Thank you for relieving me of that most irritating title," said the tiny wizard, smiling cheerfully.

"I shall be speaking with Minerva shortly and perhaps you'll keep the post," said Severus. "You're far more deserving of such a great honor, Filius."

"Severus, the only thing more dreadful to me would be to actually be Headmaster," he replied. "I am not cut out for this nonsense and too old to bother caring. I am a teacher."

"An excellent teacher," said Severus. He could not be irritated with this gentle wizard who had been his own teacher at one time. "Do you know what this is about?"

"Yes, and this is the best solution," said Professor Flitwick firmly.

"Thank you, Filius," said Minerva as she joined them. "If you'll excuse us, I'll explain the whole thing to Severus."

They left the staff room with many pairs of eyes fixed on them.

"Perhaps we should discuss this in your rooms, so Zelda can hear the whole story," Minerva murmured.

"All right," he replied.

They walked in silence back to his quarters. When they entered, Rowena trotted up to greet them.

"Where is Zelda?" he asked the dog.

She trotted back toward the smaller sitting room and they followed.

"Everything looks most inviting," said Minerva, amused at the difference Severus's marriage had made in his quarters.

"Zelda and Dobby must take credit," he replied coolly, refusing to be mollified.

Quiet voices were coming from the room as they approached and they entered to find his wife and Harry Potter sitting on the thick hearthrug by the fire. Zelda looked up and smiled when she saw them.

"Minerva, what a splendid surprise!" she said, climbing to her feet.

Severus snorted. Zelda's innocent pleasure clashed with his mood.

"I'll be going then," said Harry, nodding to his teachers.

"I'll see you soon, I hope," said Zelda. "Behave yourself, boy."

She gave him a quick hug and watched him leave with a faint, worried frown.

"To what do we owe the honor of a visit from the Headmistress of Hogwarts?" she asked politely, turning to Minerva.

"Perhaps we should have some refreshment," said Minerva. "This will take some explaining."

She pointed her wand at the table and a tea tray appeared, with sandwiches and small cakes. They all sat down and Minerva poured tea, amused by the expression of polite curiosity on Zelda's face.

"All right, Minerva," Severus snapped irritably. "I agreed to do it, but I want the complete explanation now."

She rubbed her temples briefly. "I must thank you, first of all, for agreeing to do it. The Ministry has been watching Hogwarts since the school year began. Rufus Scrimgeour came personally to suggest we need a full-time Deputy Headmaster for the duration of the school year. He presented me with a short list of their preferred candidates, none of whom were acceptable."

"Kingsley said earlier that the Ministry was nosing around," said Severus, frowning.

"I sent him on his way, of course. After consulting with the Board of Governors, they agreed it would be best if our Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts had an academic background and was familiar with the workings of the school."

Zelda listened in silence, watching her husband's rigid posture as he heard this explanation. He was very unhappy, she could tell, but she was unsure what was upsetting him so she refrained from interrupting. She sipped her tea without tasting it.

"Are they aware I am married?" he asked.

"I didn't feel it was my place to tell them," replied Minerva. "Your marital status does not affect your professional competence or ability to serve as my deputy."

"My marriage to a Muggle will certainly make me much less politically acceptable," he replied, reaching out to take Zelda's hand under the table.

"Since you have not planned to tell anyone before the end of the school year, I do not see a problem," she replied mildly.

"Deputy Headmaster…" said Zelda slowly, as she began to understand his worry. She closed her mouth firmly and squeezed his hand comfortingly.

"I know it would not be your choice, but it is only for the rest of the school year," said Minerva.

"I cannot be here full time," he said with a grim sense of resignation.

She studied the couple closely and she believed Severus was holding Zelda's hand under the table. Obviously he had no ambitions that were satisfied by this appointment, she thought complacently. It was precisely what she had thought of him.

"Perhaps it is best if you are not living here until you're prepared to announce your marriage," she said lightly. "I believe both Professors Sinistra and Trelawney seem far more interested in you now."

"What the bloody hell do they mean by it?" asked Severus nastily. "I do not wish to hex them, but they were extremely irritating before the staff meeting."

"It is your fatal charm, my young friend," smirked Minerva.

Zelda's expression at hearing this was a delight to behold. Her blue eyes narrowed in an expression reminiscent of Severus at his most icy, thought the older woman, hoping for some outburst. But Zelda managed to contain her obvious irritation, although there was a faint suggestion of grinding teeth.

"Stupid women," muttered Severus, holding tighter to Zelda's hand as he felt her try to pull away from him.

"As you say," said Minerva, quite amused. "Do not venture into dark corridors without a chaperone. I suggest your friend Professor Davis, or perhaps Filius."

"I believe you outrank them now, so threaten to fire them if they harass you," said Zelda grimly.

"That will be no use until it is too late, if one decides to use a Love Potion," said Minerva, undaunted as Severus blanched and scowled at her. "Perhaps you must carry a flask and drink nothing unless you are certain it is safe."

"You're full of good advice," said Zelda coolly. "Why don't we change the subject? Harry just informed me that if Michael will come to Hogwarts, he'll meet with him."

"That is excellent news," said Minerva. "Perhaps I shall see if Michael can come to Hogwarts one or two afternoons a week and see both of our students. Severus, please let me know if there are any others who might benefit from seeing him. I'll speak to the Heads at our next meeting and see if they know any possible candidates."

He nodded, appearing to give her his full attention, but really concentrating on his wife's hand, which was still struggling in his grasp.

Rowena slipped under the table and began nosing at their joined hands, wagging her tail briskly.

Zelda smiled reluctantly and stopped trying to pull away from Severus. In response he squeezed her hand and then released it.

"Will you be available tomorrow at one o'clock to go over my new responsibilities with me?" he asked.

"Of course. And I meant what I said about your time, Severus. I appreciate your willingness to help me and I do not wish to complicate your life further," said Minerva, adding, "Zelda, I apologize for teasing you both. It will work out."

She rose from the table, preparing to leave, and both of them accompanied her to the door.

"I hope to see you again soon, Zelda, and Severus, I'll see you tomorrow," she said, closing the door behind her as she left them.

No sooner had the door closed than Severus put his arms around Zelda and hissed, "So you would pull away from me when I need you? Perhaps I must remind you who is in charge."

Her lip curling slightly, Zelda replied, "It sounds like you've got women crawling all over you. Magical ones too."

"Can you be jealous, my girl?" he asked in disbelief. "I thought you trusted me."

Her lips suddenly trembled. "I thought I did too. It's… Rob slept with anyone that offered and told me I was a jealous idiot when I asked him where he was sometimes. It's not you, Sev. I should be over it, but I'm being stupid. You're not Rob."

Her shamefaced confession touched him, making his irritation at the whole situation give way to a feeling of inevitability. He tilted her chin up and looked into her eyes.

"I had no idea this would turn out to be such a dreadful day," he told her. "Pawed by idiot women and made Deputy Headmaster… I cannot imagine things getting much worse. Let's tidy up and go home before anything else happens."

His kiss sought reassurance from her even as he tried to comfort her. Realizing this, she managed to smile faintly.

"Let's go," she said, caressing his cheek. "I'll see if I can find a flask for you to carry."