Pain. That's the only thing Severus could feel. It wasn't the physical pain. That he could handle. He was prepared to die. He welcomed it. But now, laying in St. Mungo's, he was very much alive. And why? Potter. The Chosen One. The Savior. His Savior. Severus knew The Dark Lord had fallen. If he hadn't, Severus would surely be dead. He opened his eyes to a blinding white room. And the light. Why are the lights so bright? How long he has been in St. Mungo's, he could only guess. Looking around, there was one person sitting in the chair near his bed. *Why must the first face I see be Potter*
"Glad to see you awake, Professor" Harry lowered the book he was reading and stared at him with his green eyes. Her eyes
"Potter" It's all he could muster.
"I'll call in the healers. We've been waiting 2 weeks for you to wake up."
2 weeks. Has he been sitting here all that time?
It took 4 more weeks before Severus was strong enough to leave St. Mungo's. The only one to come to his bedside besides Potter was Minerva. It turns out, Potter had shown her his memories. She wasn't quick to forgive, but her trust in both Potter and Dumbledore lead her to believe in him, if only slightly.
Going back to Spinners End and it's gloomy darkness was welcome. He had grown accustomed to the solitude in his life. His liquor cabinet welcomed him home. The scars on his body were nothing compared to the scars on his soul. A week after coming home, there was a knock on his door. It was Minerva.
"Severus. Im sure you are aware that Hogwarts is... changed. So many teachers have retired or will be after the coming school year. We are in need of a Potions Master." Severus groaned "I know you are not thrilled about the idea of coming back. Frankly some of the other teachers aren't thrilled either. But there is none else. I also understand you are not fully healed from the war. Physically and otherwise. You will be given an assistant. An apprentice so to speak for this year.
"I don't need an assistant"
"You have no choice. She is already hired"
"Who is it" Severus was not happy
"An American. I thought it best to hire someone... from outside the country. She graduated from Ilvermorny last year and has proven herself to be most adept at potion making. You will report to the castle in one week to help get her up to speed and assist the other teachers in some school...repairs"
It was not a request. Severus was not in a position to refuse the job, nor was he in a position to argue with the Headmistress. It was not a position he was used to.
He arrived at the castle promptly. Physically, he was doing well. Fatigue would set in earlier that it used to, but his stamina would be back in time. Or so he was told. Emotionally, he was a broken man. He was never one to dwell on such things, but playing double agent had taken its toll. With a sigh, he pushed open the gates and made his way to what he used to consider home. He wasn't sure that could be true anymore. The sight that met his eyes was haunting. So much damage had been done. There was a month before school started. It would take all of that time to repair the school enough to function. He dropped his trunk in his old champers in the dungeons. Nothing had changed. All of the books and decor was still there. But he had changed. He was 38 years old, but felt 138. He quickly headed to Minerva's office. Pomona and Filius were there. Along with Potter. And Longbottom.
"Harry has agreed to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts on a one year term before he starts his Aurora training. He will also be serving as Head of Gryffindor House for this year. Neville will be serving as apprentice to Pomona as she will be retiring at the end of this year. He will be taking over herbology in the future."
Neville looked nervously at Severus. It's no secret that Neville has always been afraid of Severus. And the Potions Master must work closely with the Herbology classes to procure ingredients. But there was no fear in Neville's eyes. Severus nodded at him respectfully. This was going to be a long year. Working with Potter. And an assistant, who will most likely be more work than anything. Severus wasn't familiar with Ilvermorny's curriculum, but it couldn't possibly be as comprehensive as his own. He will be teaching her along with his students no doubt.
"Ah Severus, you assistant is due to arrive" Just as Minerva was speaking, a bright green flame appeared in the fireplace.
"This is Miss Alexianna Lee. She will be assisting in Potions." Out stepped a very small witch. she couldn't possibly be more than 5ft tall. Her brown hair was coiled up in a neat bun and was dressed rather casually for a first meeting. Black jeans and a emerald green sweater.
"Hi. Sorry if I'm a bit late. It took me 6 portkeys to get to London. It's been a long day" Her american accent was jarring. It wasn't something often heard inside the castle walls.