Disclaimer: All previous disclaimers apply.

Chapter 28

"I'd like to introduce you to Headmaster John Boxworthy, Slytherin House, graduate of Hogwarts class of 1950. He was a prefect his fifth and sixth years and Head Boy his last year. After working in New Zealand for 15 years he was bestowed with the Queens Award for Voluntary Service by the Muggle Queen. He's currently the headmaster at St. Morehaven's Academy in Tottenham." Macklin proceeded to introduce the governors to him.

Boxworthy nodded. "I am pleased to meet all of you."

"How did you get to be Head Boy?" One of the Gryffindor Governors demanded. "You-Know-Who had just graduated in 1945."

"If you recall he did not come right out of Hogwarts claiming he was the supreme dark lord; he stayed underground for quite a few years and frankly, Headmaster Dippet did not share then Deputy Headmaster Dumbledore's dislike or distrust of Slytherin House."

Severus couldn't help but be impressed by his answer. "Please tell us about your work in New Zealand that you were given the award for."

"I had opened a school for the Native New Zealand children. I taught them history, mathematics, science, and composition. I used a Translator Spell so I could speak their language and understand them and there was no need to force them to learn English although there was that option if they did wish to learn English. After several years the school's reputation had grown and I was able to employ some excellent Native teachers. When the Queen visited in 1963 she toured my school and was very impressed with what she saw there and awarded me for my service in 1965. I returned to England in 1970 and secured the headmaster job at St. Morehaven's and I've been there since."

"We'd like to hear what ideas you have for doing things differently at Hogwarts," Amos said. "We have ordered Dumbledore to change some of the things that have been done the same way for years such as students would only be required to sit at their house table for the opening anc closing ceremonies. We would have tours of all the houses so students could meet all their year mates and see what other houses are like, and students would be allowed to study or spend their free time in other common rooms as long as they obey the rules of a particular house. We think it would unify the students in case there should be another dark wizard, but Dumbledore has been reluctant to implement any of the changes."

"I've had to point out to him on more than one occasion that these were not just suggestions he could take or leave," Macklin said.

"What are some of the changes you would make, Headmaster?" Augusta asked.

"I would get rid of the way the classes are currently structured ..."

"It's been this way since the Founders' time," one of the Hufflepuff Governors protested. "Why change what already works well?"

"Works well?" Boxworthy asked. "With Slytherins and Gryffindors throwing stuff in each others cauldrons in Potions or trying to hex each other in Defense and Charms? Hufflepuffs who won't participate in class because they feel too intimidated by the Ravenclaws and Ravenclaws who answer all the questions without realizing they are intimidating their Hufflepuff classmates? It isn't easy for the professors having to deal with all this either. I would prefer to see a class mixture of all four houses."

"You do site some realistic problems with the way things are now," one of the other Slytherian Governors said nodding.

"I would also like to add a physical education program at Hogwarts. All the Muggle schools whether private or public have them. I believe it would help reduce the incidents of accidental magic seen with the first years by leeching off the excess build-up."

Severus nodded. He liked what he was hearing from Boxworthy. "What about bullying? Do you have any thought about that?"

"St. Morhaven's has a strict anti-bullying policy in place. We've trained our teachers and Prefects in what to be aware of and we've instituted intevention programs in the event the victim is too frightened or humiliated to come forward. There is also specific punishment for the ones doing the bullying. I would insist on having a similar policy at Hogwarts."

"Bullying? Most times it's just harmless pranks. Dumbledore is fair and does not allow bullying," one of the Gryffindor governors stated pompously.

Severus ignored him. He knew from personal experience that it wasn't so, but he was going to waste time arguing about it.

"Does anyone have anymore questions for Headmaster Boxworthy?" Macklin asked.

There were several questions about Quidditch which the Gryffindor governors seemed to be worried that Boxworthy was deciding to replace with this Muggle "physical education".

"Not at all," he assured them. "The physical education would be in addition to the Quidditch and would actually help the Quidditch players by getting them into better shape along with the rest of the students since the majority aren't eligible to be on the teams and that is the only exercise Hogwarts now provides."

"What about the Hogsmeades' visit?"

"That would not change as the students need fun and relaxation especially during OWL's and NEWT's."

Macklin asked if there were anymore question and when none came, he turned to Boxworthy and said, "Thank you for coming to our meeting and allowing us to know more about you and your plans for Hogwarts. We will let you know of our decision in a week's time."

Severus offered to floo the headmaster to his shop so he was able to catch a cab back to Totteningham on Charing Cross Road. They flooed to Snape & Snape Apothecary then to the Leakey Cauldron. Severus remained and watched until the headmaster caught a Black Cab. He flooed back to his shop and then flooed back to Puttnam's home where the other governors were in an intense discussion.

"I like his ideas and I vote to hire him," Augusta stated.

"I agree," Severus said.

"All in favor of hiring Headmaster Boxworthy say Aye and raise your hand," Macklin instructed .

"Aye!" Macklin counted the hands. "Those against say Nay and raise your hands."

"Nay!" Macklin again counted the hands. "That eight in favor and four against. The Aye's have it."

"But ...but you can't just fire Albus," one of the Gryffindor governors stammered.

"He can go back to teaching Transfiguration. We can divide the classes in half with Professor McGonagall teaching the first through fourth years and Dumbledore teaching the fifth through seventh years," Severus suggested.

"Are you going to keep Minerva as deputy headmistress?"

Macklin shook his head. "Probably not, but we'll let Headmaster Boxworthy decide on who he wants for his deputy."

"Another subject if I might?" Severus inquired. "I think it's about time Professor Slughorn retires. I sent off international owlgrams to two of my classmates who were in the advanced classes with me at the College of Potions. I got replies from them, but one isn't available as he's decided to open his own apothecary, but the other one is. Her name is Colleen O'Gara and she's from Dublin. She'd be an excellent replacement for Slughorn."

"Will Horace retire voluntarily or will we have to force him out?" Augusta asked. She shook her head. "The man has been slacking off for years. Frank's been appalled by the Auror recruits they've been getting. He says they can barely manage to mix a first year potion so it's a good thing Scrimgeour decided to hire Miss Hughes as the Auror Department's Potion Mistress."

"I suspect when Dumbledore is removed as headmaster, Horace will decide to retire too as he likes being near the power that Dumbledore will no longer have," Macklin replied. "And I expect Headmaster Boxworthy will expect way more from him being he's a potion master in addition and Horace won't like that. By all means, Severus, floo call your former classmate and a time will be set up for her to interview with Headmaster Boxworthy."

"Who will be head of Slytherin House then?" One of the Slytherin governors asked. "It's generally been the potion master."

"I will and I'll let you know," Severus said to Macklin. He directed his attention to the Slytherin governor's question "Aurora Sinistra can take over as head of house. She's assistant head of house now and more than qualified," Severus replied. "At least she will fight for Slytherin House unlike Slughorn."

"Now, unless anyone has anymore questions?" Macklin waited a few moments then said, "This meeting stands in dismissal."

Severus waved to Augustus and Amos and flooed home. Lily was waiting up for him as he stepped out of the floo. He looked at the clock. "Merlin! I didn't realize it was this late although it was dark when I took Headmaster Boxworthy back to the Leaky Cauldron."

Lily got up. "I saved dinner for you. It's under a warming charm."

"Thank you! I just realized I didn't eat and I'm really hungry." He followed Lily out into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Lily put the teapot and two cups on the table and set Severus' plate in front of him. "Did Jasmine get to bed alright?"

Lily poured herself a cup of tea and sat down opposite Severus. "She missed her daddy reading to her."

"I'll make it up to her tomorrow. I don't want to disturb her if she's already asleep or she won't want to go back to sleep."

Lily nodded. "How did the meeting go?"

Severus knew Lily would not tell anyone about what had occured at the meeting so he didn't require her to take a Wizard's Oath. "We voted in favor of hiring Headmaster Boxworthy eight to four." Severus described some of the changes Boxworthy wished to make."

"I suspect he's right about P.E. leeching off the excess magic," Lily said. "I know when I attended a Muggle school and had physical education the incidents of my accidental magic went down during the school year, but went up again during the summer holidays."

"The board also authorized me to contact Colleen as a possible replacement for Slughorn and set up an interview. Macklin figures he'll put in for retirement when Dumbledore leaves as headmaster. The other two Slytherin governors were worried about who was going to be the Head of Slytherin because Colleen graduated from Beauxbatons. I said Aurora Sinistra could take over. She's the assistant head of Slytherin and more than qualified. She'll be a hell of a lot better head than Slughorn's been. At least she'll stand up for her house."

"What about Dumbledore?"

"I suggested offering him the position of teaching the 5th through the 7th year Transfiguration while McGonagall teaches 1st through 4th years. We figure Headmaster Boxworthy will want to choose the new deputy headmaster or headmistress himself."

"Whom do you think he'll choose?"

"I'm guessing Filius."

"He'd make a good one," Lily acknowledged. "He's always been fair."

"I'd have suggested Pomona too, but you know she never wants to leave her greenhouses."

Lily laughed. "True!" She took a sip of her tea. "When will you give Dumbledore his pink slip?"

"Macklin's going to do it as he's president of the board. The entire board doesn't need to be there and there's no point in adding to his humiliation anyway."

"You're kinder than I would have been."

"Well, I've got enough to think about with the shop and Potter's continued attempts to interfere."

"That's certainly true," Lily said nodding. "Potter hasn't tried anything lately has he?"

"Not that I'm aware of and not since that day Petunia went out and yelled at him," Severus chuckled.

"Tuney's really good at that and she despises Potter," Lily declared.

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Howard Macklin came through the floo in Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore was waiting by his fireplace to welcome the board's president. "Good day Howard," Dumbledore said. "Beautiful day today isn't it? Please sit down and have some tea and refreshments," he said extending his hand towards the sofa with a cherrywood coffee table in front of it.

"Thank you Albus," Macklin replied. He sat down and waited until Dumbledore had poured the tea and they'd both taken some of the cookies.

"Now what can I do for you, Howard?"

"I come to inform you that your time as headmaster is over as of the end of this school year."

Dumbledore's mouth dropped open and disappeared into his beard. "But ...but ..."

Macklin held up his hand. "We've decided to give you a choice, Albus. You can retire or you can teach the fifth through seventh years Transfiguration. Minerva will continue to teach the first through the fourth years."

"This was Snape's idea, wasn't it?" Dumbledore snapped.

"No, it was a majority vote. Eight governors voted to replace you." Macklin sighed. "Albus, we're aware that Hogwarts reputation has suffered; we're no longer the premier magical school. Salem Academy in the states as surpassed us and there are others right behind us. There's also been some financial irregularites with the scholarship fund that enables poorer students to attend Hogwarts that Brong noticed and reported to me."

Albus started to deny it, but under Macklin's intense stare he thought better of it. He wondered why his friends on the board hadn't warned him of what was coming. "Well, maybe I have neglected Hogwarts during my fight to prevent Voldemort from taking over, but if I hadn't we wouldn't be sitting here talking calmly."

Macklin sighed again. "Your job was to run Hogwarts and to make sure the children, all the children, were protected. If you wanted to be the head of a resistence group then you should have either resigned, asked for leave from the board, or allowed MLE to handle it."

"I'm sorry you don't appreciate the sacrifices I've made," Abus huffed.

"I'm not going to keep arguing with you, Albus. Will you take the job teaching fifth through seventh year Transfiguration or would you prefer to retire?"

"I'll take the teaching position," Albus said. "I don't feel that retirement would suit me right now."

"Fine," Macklin replied. "The governors and I will look forward to having you as a professor again next year."

"When will I get to meet my replacement?"

"We'll set up a meeting towards the end of the school year. I'll let you know." Macklin shook Albus' hand and flooed out again.

Dumbledore sat down behind his desk and looked around his office. He couldn't believe the board had actually fired him! Despite what Howard had said he knew the one behind it was Snape. He'd always been a troublemaker and been jealous of James and Sirius; he'd resented the fact that they and Lily had gotten invitations to join the Order and he hadn't.

A knock on the door the door interrupted his thoughts and Minerva stuck her head in. He motioned for her to come in. She came in, shutting the door behind her. "What did Howard want? More new ideas the governors had about running the school?"

"No. It seems ...how do the Muggles say it? Oh yes! It seems I've been given my walking papers."

Minerva gasped and put her hand over her mouth. "How could they?" She demanded.

"Howard denied it of course, but I think the driving force behind it was Snape."

"Who's going to be the new headmaster?"

Dumbledore shrugged. "Howard said he'd set up a meeting with the new headmaster at the end of the summer. I don't even know whether they're a he or she at this point."

"This is outrageous!" Minerva declared. "Snape must have put them all under the Imperious Curse!"

"He did offer me the choice of teaching upper year Transfiguration and I accepted. That is the only way I will be able to keep my eye on this new headmaster whoever they are. I will be teaching the fifth through the seventh year students so we will be working together, my dear."

Minerva smiled and nodded. "And I of course will help you keeping an eye on the new headmaster."

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

The next morning Severus floo called Colleen in Dublin and told her the board was interested in having her as the new potion's professor. "We've hired a new headmaster, but he won't be in position until after the current school year ends so he's the one who will set up the interview with you. His name is John Boxworthy."

"Merlin's blessed beard! I do thank you for contacting me and letting me know about the position, Severus. I look forward to meeting with your new headmaster."

Severus ended the call and when he got to the shop he told Petunia about the board meeting

"So you were saying Hogwarts board of governors has decided to hire this new headmaster who's like Lily," Petunia said. "What else did you find out about him?"

Yes, he's a Muggleborn like Lily. He opened a school for the Native children in New Zealand and it was visited by Queen Elizabeth in 1963. She apparently was very impressed because she gave him the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 1965. He's been headmaster at St. Morehaven's in Tottenham since 1970."

"Do you think he'll willingly add some of the courses you and the other board members want to add?"

Severus nodded. "He seems open to new ideas unlike Dumbledore. I also contacted a former classmate of mine at the College of Potions about replacing Slughorn. The president of the board is certain he'll resign when Dumbledore leaves as the power of the headmaster won't be there to benefit him any longer. We offered Dumbledore the position of teaching the upper year's Transfiguration and he'll probably accept it."

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Severus was behind the potions counter and Petunia had gone to lunch when the door opened and a man came in. He wasn't a regular customer as Severus didn't recognize him. "Welcome to Snap & Snape Apothecary," Severus said coming over to him. "What can I help you with."

Theo Sanderson looked abashed for a moment then said, "Look Mr. Snape, I'm not a customer although you do have a nice shop. Much nicer than Slug & Jiggers was. I'm a Hit Wizard and I'm here to warn you that James is got his wand in knot over you and this shop. He's trying to find a way to get you arrested or killed even and this shop shut down. I don't agree with him; I've heard nothing bad about this place, but I felt it was only far to warn you in case he does pull something underhanded."

"Well, Potter's been pulling underhanded stuff on me ever since we met. That's why the shop's warded to keep him out because he'd undoubtedly try to sneak dark ingredients or a potion and claim he found it here."

"If your home's not already warded I'd ward it because he's also convinced if you're not brewing dark potions here then you must be in your home."

"I know it wouldn't do any good to have the Aurors check this shop or my home and declare them dark potion free would it?"

"No, he'd just claim you had them under a dark spell," Sanderson replied shaking his head. "I have half a mind to go to Herridge and tell him Potter's out of control, but I still have to work with the git."

"Well, thanks for the warning. I appreciate it."

Theo nodded and left the shop again.

When Petunia came back Severus told her about Sanderson's visit.

Petunia shook her head. "If I see Potter lurking about I'll just call the magical constables and tell them he's scaring off our customers."

Severus laughed. "I hope I'm here then so I can see Potter kicking and screaming while being dragged off by MLE."

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

On Saturday the shop was busy. Mrs. Potter was in to buy more Lavendar bath salt and Petunia had talked her into buys other beauty enhancements. Severus was busy at the potions counter. Lily was busy doing a little bit of everything.

The bell over the door rung as it opened. Severus looked up and was surprised to see the Headmaster Boxworthy come in. When he was done with his customer he came over to where Boxworthy was standing. "Headmaster," he said softly. "What can I do for you?"

"I need all the ingredients for a headache potion, Mr. Snape," he replied.

"If you'll follow me," Severus said. He led him over to the shelves where the potion ingredients were. "How much do you need?"

"Double the normal amount," Boxworthy replied then explained, "One of my senior boys suffers from migraines and I want to try to turn the headache potion into pill form to see if it retains it's effectiveness. Unlike most wizards I do not believe that our medicines will not work on Muggles because they do not have magic."

"An interesting experiment," Severus said climbing down with various bag filled with the proper ingredients. "You'll have to let me know how it turns out."

"Also I wanted to see the shop. My wife had gone to your grand opening and talked about your shop; how different it is from Slug & Jiggers. She had bought some of your bath salts too and loves them."

"They're one of our best sellers," Severus answered modestly. "And my sister-in-law, Petunia, who works at the beauty counter is a natural born saleswomen."

"In addition, I wanted to see the shop because I'm considering contracting with you for all of Hogwarts potion ingredients."

"I would be honored," Severus said bowing slightly.

After he left again, Lily and Petunia came over to Severus wanting to know who the man was he'd been speaking to.

"He's the new headmaster. I didn't introduce him because I'm not sure if Macklin has told Dumbledore he's been given his pink slip yet."

"He's looks sharp enough," Petunia said. "But Vernon and I will wait and see before we make up our minds where to send Dudders to school."

"Anyone's got to be better than Dumbledore," Lily replied.

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

James apparated into the park across the street from Lily's parents. He disillsioned himself and walked up to Severus and Lily's home. He was amazed at how different it looked than when he'd first been there and figured it must be Lily doing since she wouldn't want to live in a hovel. Snape was probably so busy brewing dark potion and planning his rise as the next dark lord he likely didn't care what the place looked like. He knew there were wards around the house in front of the house, but they probably weren't in the back where the dustbins were and he might be able to find evidence of Snape brewing dark potions there.

He made his way carefully along the wards and along the fenced in backyard until he reached the ends of the wards and went over to the dustbins and lifted the lid, poking about inside with his wand.

Iris was pushing Dudley and Jasmine on the swing and stopped when she heard noises out in the alley. "You children stay right here," she directed as she went to the gate that opened out into the alley. She looked out it and saw James. "You have five seconds to get before I call Magical Law Enforcement Potter," she said, her arms crossed. "Mr. Moody told me if I needed his help all I had to do was floo him."

James looked up startled then quickly dropped the lid of the dustbin and disapparated, appearing in front of Potter Manor. He went back inside in a grumpy mood.

"Did you find anything?" Mary asked quietly.

"I didn't really have a chance to look," James complained. "Lily's mother caught me and threatened to sic Mad-Eye on me."

"Well, she obviously knows Snape has something to hide," Mary declared.

"If she does then she's protecting him," James replied. "I wonder if we have a law that says Muggles can be arrested for knowingly protecting Death Eaters?"

"If there's not then one should be passed. Maybe you should talk to Cornelius about it," Mary suggested.

James nodded. "Good idea, Mary. I'll stop by his office on Monday before I go to work and ask him about it."

Mary preened at James' compliment.

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Althea was sitting in the living room, reading, when the floo in the entrance hall sounded. Dazzy went to see who was calling and came back. "Mistress Potter, Professor Mr. Dumbledore is asking to come through to see Master James."

Althea got up. "Go and find James, Dazzy. He is probably in the library."

Dazzy curtsied and replied, "Yes, Mistress."

She went into the entrance hall and motioned for Albus to come through. He stopped to remove the ash from his robe before stepping out of the fireplace.

"Good day, Albus. What brings you to Potter Manor? Good news, I hope."

"I wish I could say it was Althea," he replied.

James came into the entrance hall at that moment followed by Mary. "Albus! Good to see you! Why don't you come into the library. Mum could you send the elves in with food and drink?

"No ...no, James. I'm not planning on staying. I just want to let you know that the board has terminated me and a new headmaster has been hired."

"What!" James yelled his voice echoing through the hall.

Dumbledore frowned. "Macklin insisted it was the entire board's idea and said the vote was eight to four in favor of terminating me, but I know it was Snape's idea."

"This is terrible!" Mary said. "Do you know anything about this new headmaster?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "Nothing. Macklin said I would be meeting them after this school year was over. I don't even know if the new headmaster is a man or a woman."

"I can't believe your friends on the board would allow this to happen Albus," Althea said.

"They didn't; they were outvoted apparently." Albus replied. "With the addition of Amos Diggory and Augusta Longbottom, they, with the Ravenclaw and Slytherin governors, had enough votes to dismiss me. They did offer me the option of returning to teaching which I have decided to do. I will be teaching fifth through seventh year Transfiguration."

"What about Professor McGonagall. She'll surely still be deputy headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House, won't she?" Mary asked.

"I chose Minerva. I don't know who the new one might choose nor do I know if she will remain as head of Gryffindor."

"It wouldn't surprise me if Snape was responsible for you being fired!" James growled. "He's hated anything Gryffindor ever since Lily got sorted into it and he didn't and he wasn't invited to join the Order."

Possibly so," Albus agreed. "I never had any trouble before with the board until Snape was appointed aside from some of the foolishness they decided on this year."

"Albus, the elves have lunch ready. Why don't you stay and forget for awhile about how the board insulted you," Althea said, taking his arm and leading him into the dining room.

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Reg had stopped by and been given a personal tour of Snape & Snape Apothecary by Severus. "Thanks for the personal tour, Severus. I know how busy you were that first day and it was pretty crowded so Siri and I really didn't get a chance to look around much."

"How's your healer training going?" Lily asked. "Have you thought about what you might specialize in?"

"I've been thinking about becoming a family practice healer. That way I get to see all ages of witches and wizards." He rolled his eyes. "Of course mum and dad have their own ideas as does Siri."

They conversation was suddenly interrupted by somebody screaming invectives outside the ward. It was James Potter. He was red in the face and the spittle was flying from his mouth as he screamed.

Merlin's wand!" Reg exclaimed. "He looks and sounds completely insane! What the hell is he screaming about?"

"Something about Dumbledore," Petunia replied, looking out the front window.

"He must have found out about Dumbledore being fired," Severus surmised.

"Snape, come out here and stop hiding behind those wards, you cowardly Death Eater!"

"Don't go out there, Sev!" Lily warned. "Not even with the wards. I think Reg is right; Potter's completely blown his cork!"

"It looks as if some of the neighboring shop owners are coming out to see what's going on," Petunia reported. "They don't look pleased either!"

"I'm going to call Magical Law Enforcement and have him arrested," Severus decided, heading for the floo.

"Hold on!" Petunia said. "It looks as if somebody already did." They all gathered at the front window to watch as MLE arrested James who was kicking and screaming when they disapparated with him.

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