The Sorting of Snape.
Harry, Ginny and Hermione received identical cream envelopes that friday at Delves. In them were instructions for them to return to Hogwarts early in order to rehearse for the sorting of the new Headmaster.
"But we know he's a Slytherin."
"This isn't about that, Ron. It's about bestowing on him the title of Headmaster."
"So what's it involve?" Ron was peevish about the whole thing as it was.
"For Every Headmaster it's different. There are certain things in each, and the presence of all of us is certainly unusual." Hermione nodded to Harry, who, as captain of Quidditch, wouldn't normally expect to be there.
"So I'm getting the Hogwarts Express on my own?" Ron looked upset.
"Looks like it. Look I'm sorry Ron. But I..."
'It doesn't matter." He walked out, leaving the other three in the kitchen looking rather upset.
"He'll be OK. It's just he was hoping he'd be a prefect this year. After all, you're captain of quidditch, and you're Head Girl, and I'm a prefect already."
"And first Head Girl in the family ever next year." Ginny laughed at Harry's words, and messed his hair.
"So what do we have to do."
"Professor Minerva McGonagall requests and requires your presence at the Great Hall of Hogwarts castle at 7 p.m. for the rehearsal of the Sorting of the Headmaster, and at 8 o'clock on the first of september for the Full Sorting. Dress Robes will be required for all prefects in attendance at the ceremony itself."
Bill and Charlie walked in ten minutes later "you've got these as well?"
"Yeah - dress robes."
"Well for us it's full House Robes. Red, Yellow, Green or Blue."
Harry snickered "So, there won't be many green in attendance."
"You'd be surprised. The ministry's going to be there, of course. And there's a fair few on the staff."
"Professor Figg is taking over as Head of Slytherin. it's in my Head Girl Letter."
"So we go by Portkey or Floo, is that it?"
"Yeah - it's just the staff and prefects - those that are taking part in the ceremony - that have to go to the rehearsal."
"So, most of the Weasley family, then." Bill looked pleased as punch, polishing up the clasps on his robes. "Me, Charlie, Perce'll be there on the day, Ginny, and Ron on the day."
"Fred and George will sneak in somehow, I'm sure of it." The twins arrived just as he spoke.
"No sneaking in, We've got invites as well. Wanted to check what this House Dress Robes was about."
"Snape invited you?"
"No - we got them through Dad. He's representing the ministry as well. We're there to represent the wizarding community of Hogsmeade. That and no one else wanted to lose the custom by shutting up shop for the day."
"Cool."
"We're not involved in the ceremony. But there's going to be over a thousand people there."
"Wow."
The rehearsal itself was fairly straightforward, simply about orchestrating the movements of those present. Snape himself was as sarcastic as ever. Unable to deduct House points he resorted to being as unpleasant as possible. The only thing that worried the prefects was the singing. Flitwick cast a tuneful charm on them, and they practiced nervously.
The ceremony itself would be very simple. The House Tables would be removed entirely for the ceremony, and afterwards the juniors would eat in their common rooms, so that there would be enough space to accommodate all the visitors.
The staff were dressed in their usual teaching robes for rehearsal, and the students wore plain work robes.
A few left immediately after the rehearsal, so they could get the school train, but the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione went to Hagrid's old hut in order to catch up.
"Is that it?"
"No - the rest of it can only be done on the day. It's old, old magic that holds the place together, and can only be invoked once."
"Wow."
"Yes. How's your little sister, Hermione?" It was precisely the wrong thing to say.
"about a foot long, pink, and ugly. She bawls her head off all day, and has no hair."
"Sounds like Ginny then at that age then." Bill and Charlie started to tease their little sister, not noticing Hermione getting more and more upset. When she finally stormed out Harry followed.
"What's up Hermione? it's not like you."
"What's not like me. I'm being petty am I? Or has it escaped you that my family hope that she's going to be a normal baby. A muggle. One they can be proud of. One that they don't have to lie about to their friends, and can boast about normal things to. When I said I was coming back a day early, they were glad, harry. They wanted to be able to take her to see friends. People come to see her. They tell me I'm a freak, and keep asking when I'm going to be normal, or whether I should be back at the asylum. Have you any idea how much that hurts? And Ron doesn't even understand. He knows what it is to be in the shadows all the time, and he doesn't understand. Everyone loves Olivia. They're full of how cute she is, how special she is. Mum nearly died because of her. But they don't see that." Suddenly she realised what she'd said. "Sorry Harry. I didn't mean it like that."
"It's OK. I think I understand."
"And I can't hate her. She's so tiny, and grabs my wand every time I go past. And she can make it shoot sparks. She's a witch Harry."
"You can't hate her, but you don't like the situation."
"Snape's right. She's in danger, because of me. Because of who she is. McGonagall congratulated me on a second witch in the family today. She's already in the book."
"And when you've quite finished your little pity party, Miss Granger, I would suggest you return to the castle. For someone who appreciates the danger she is in you have a remarkably unguarded mouth. Do not let your foolishness go to your head, or your baser emotions take control. It could be very dangerous. Very dangerous indeed."
"I'm sorry, sir..."
"You didn't think. How very Gryffindor. If I had any say, I would be seriously reconsidering your appointment as Head Girl at this moment. You have shown a remarkable lack of good sense. As it is, I intend to honour the appointments made my Professor Dumbledore in all good faith. If however this trust is breached, then you shall be duly dealt with." Snape appeared from where he had been concealed by the shadows of the forest.
"yes, Headmaster. We were talking with the Weasleys."
"And you took offence at something they said? It would appear their younger brother's temper tantrums are rubbing off on you. You might be more careful about whose company you keep if that is their effect. Mr Potter, if I might have a word."
Hermione headed back to the little cottage, her head bowed. The Weasleys had heard most of the conversation, and Bill calmly took her inside. Ginny shut the door leaving Harry and Professor Snape in the darkness.
"Well. It would appear that her temper hasn't improved in the last two months. If you would care to walk towards the school." Snape indicated that Harry should follow him, and they headed towards the main buildings.
"Your inclusion in the ceremony is unusual, but I think vital. You know the scrolls now."
"Yes sir."
"Then you will be in the dungeons at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. There are some things that we need to go over. Bring your scrolls."
"Yes sir."
"Go on then. That will be all." Harry fair ran for the side door. He looked behind to see Snape turn away to the door into the dungeons that materialised as he reached it, and then disappeared.
The following morning found Harry nervously standing outside the dungeons with Draco and Hermione. Snape motioned irritably that he should enter, and gave him a scroll.
"Sit. Your words for this evening's ceremony. You know your steps. Miss Granger, I am aware that you have knowledge of some of the ancient tongues?" She nodded. "And you yourself know both Latin and French, Mr Malfoy." He nodded.
"Mr Potter is a Parselmouth, Professor McGonagall speaks scots Gaelic. Professor Black speaks Cornish. and Professor Lupin the language of the wolves." The light dawned on Hermione's face.
"Correct, Miss Granger." Draco failed to understand, Harry nodded.
"Languages. Your second specialism, after potions."
'Yes, Mr Potter. That will be all." Harry nodded and left, as Snape started to outline the duties of the prefects and Heads of school to Hermione and Draco.
The following morning Harry and Hermione sat in the shade one of the oaks by the lake, comfortable in each other's company.
"What do you think's going to happen?"
"I don't know. Percy and the twins are in the immediate danger. As are your parents and sister."
"And you're..."
"Harry Potter, NEWTs student, captain of Quidditch, and number one target."
"Yes. Are you OK? Something changed yesterday."
"I, well I realised what my powers are. Have you any idea how hard it was for me to break away from that, Hermione?"
"What do you mean?"
"Yesterday. I was part of the castle. The magic and I - I felt invincible. No, not invincible - I knew I could be hurt. I was - something. Not simply a child."
Hermione nodded. She had felt different at the end of it, the same intangible thing that she felt Harry was getting at.
"I'm not invincible. In fact I was never more vulnerable in one way. I felt so passionately about wanting to be alive."
"I'm not sure that that isn't an advantage." Harry looked at her sideways.
"If I want to live so much I'm not going to risk dying. And yet the final battle will result in one of the order of the phoenix dying. Him or Me."
Hermione wasn't entirely sure whether there was anything she could say. Saying as much, Harry looked at her and nodded. "that was enough. To know you wanted to say something." She smiled, and asked him about Quidditch. He, with a tact she would have thought impossible in Ron, kept it brief, talking about the political considerations of the program - not wanting to have the likely deciding matches too close together, and his idea for a couple of exhibition matches - things to unite the school.
"You'd have to talk to the Headmaster about that. I'm sure he'd agree." Harry smiled. "You'll have to lay down the gauntlet of course." He laughed at her words, and teased her about which book she'd got that out of. She laughed, and they talked about what she'd been reading that summer.
She didn't know Snape was in the tree, listening with his boots on, enjoying the ideas of Harry's while cursing him for being the one to think of it. He'd gone there to find some fresh acorns for a potion, and remove some of the parasite on its trunk, not intending to eavesdrop while they conversed - reading, quidditch, her family, himself. Never the prophecy though, nor the gifts that he had.
Slipping away he walked away from the tree, only to find himself with a twisted ankle. Cursing he healed himself, something he was well practised at, having avoided Pomfrey's ministrations insofar as he was able.
The following day
"Come forward, Professor Severus Snape." Snape walked forward to the middle of the circles that were forming around him. The first circle was the Heads of Houses, with Draco waiting to join at the Slytherin point. Next came the prefects and the staff, an array of splendid reds greens, yellows and blues, contrasting with the Silvers, Golds, Bronzes and Blacks. Draco's robe changed from Green to silver as he took his place. The school ghosts formed a dense white circle, with the school and guests forming the outer circle, ordered from smallest to largest student.
In the middle sat the Sorting Hat, resting above head height, and visible to all, save Snape himself.
"You are a brave man, Professor Snape. Take you hands and place me on your head." Snape took the 7 paces to the middle, and reached up. The Sorting Hat landed on his head, and seemed to glow briefly, and settled there, a crown, and not simply an old hat.
The new headmaster has been chosen, a man of wit and truth
loyalty and conscience, of which the bird stands proof
I give you your headmaster, from the noble den of Snakes
Potions Master, Linguist, Professor Severus Snape
Standing tall and proud, Severus Snape heard the hat praise him as a credit to Slytherins, the best of his kind, something that gave pleasure to the students of a much maligned house.
Finally there was silence. Fawkes flew in, and removed the hat. Snape stood in plain black robes, his head bare. His hair was clean and neatly trimmed, his neckline low cut, the robes tailored, but unadorned. On his neck the white scars could be made out by those who searched, but now he stood before the school, laid open before them all.
"Come Hogwarts, Own thy master." McGonagall's voice echoed, ringing clearly. It felt as though a ripple was moving through the room, as Ravel's pavane seemed to sing from the stones, as the Heads of Houses began their enchantments.
In Gaelic McGonagall spoke the words of Griffindor, The inner circle was surrounded by the flames, colours shifting, enchanting.
Flitwick followed with Ravenclaw's words, spoken in Welsh, commanding the air to bear the Headmaster. Snape rose from the flames visited by four birds: Phoenix, Owl, dove and raven.
Sprout spoke in in Old English, the blessing of the water, offering lilies and roses, myrrh and pine. The birds took the flowers, carrying them to the corners of the hall.
Finally Harry spoke. In Parseltongue harry chanted the words of Slytherin, amending the final blessing to 'child of mine own house' something that registered in Snape's eyes. He felt the stones and the earth responding, and only realised he had been part of the castle when he had to pull away from it.
Finally Snape himself responded, accepting the blessings, and extending the protection of the castle to the sentient beings in its grounds and the forest and lake.
Only as Harry stepped back did Harry notice the change in Snape's robes. Gone now were the plain black. In their place a regal, deep purple robe, images woven into the cloth by magic.
The prefects traced runes into the ground, joining other circles in the floor, the characters shimmering in Gold and then setting into the stone. Snape returned to the stone floor, the special effects finishing, leaving only a shimmering light in the hall.
His proud bearing served him well. For all that Dumbledore was the showman, evidenced by his own Sorting, Snape had a dignified sense of occasion. Into the new silence he sang, a voice that made Hermione shiver next to Harry, and Black's eyes open wide. All eyes met Snape's as he finished his verse
"In the Light to lead in all things
To the end of All my days
Evermore and Evermore"
The Heads of Houses took up the second verse in four-part harmony, handing over the gifts of the Houses, Harry recognising only the sword of Griffindor. The prefects and staff took up the next verse, the poignancy of 'let him know he is deserving, He on whom this mantle falls' was not lost on most of the staff. The School ghosts sang the next verse, and as the school took up the final verse Snape turned the High table, and stood in the Headmaster's place. A single clap and the house tables appeared. In silence he stood as they took their places, all feeling his presence.
"The sorting of students will take place now." Taking the sorting hat from Fawkes he placed it on the stool, and called the first student, putting the hat gently on the head of Alban, Anastasia, who, somewhat fittingly, became a Slytherin.
"Today, more names were added to our honours board in the library. We remember those for whom this would have been their sorting feast." Snape read 20 names that would appear on no board. "And might I remind you that it would be extreme foolishness to venture into the forbidden forest, as if the list of names should not be a sufficient reminder of the precarious times in which we live. Might I remind you to look at the lists of all the fallen - Dark and Light alike. We cannot simply purge from memory those whom we know that happen to die in the name of a cause that is not our own, just because we like the idea. Let it be a reminder to you, that although house points matter, there is also a great deal to be said for valuing life."
Snape's robes had muted to a rich purple, the designs fading from view. They left the feast in silence, Harry and Hermione in their plain red robes, Draco still in his silver.
"I feel, different somehow."
"That was old and powerful magic, Harry. Did you feel it?"
"It was more than that. It was the crossing of the Rubicon." Draco was in the background, a thoughtful look on his face.
"Well, his life is forfeit now. There was only Voldemort standing between him and Azkaban before. Now he's a traitor to both sides. It's only a matter of time, Potter. It's only a matter of time."
"You thought, Mr Potter
I don't know whether to congratulate you for going to the bother or deduct points that the endeavour was so poorly spent."
Harry tried not to look pleased. At least Snape's lessons had changed little and he was still a git to the Gryffindors, though the Slytherins weren't being nearly so smarmy as before.
Snape seemed to have inherited that sense of raw power from Dumbledore, able to turn it on and off at will. He lacked the 110 years his mentor had on him, but even so he had his own formidable weapons.
Turning on the Slytherins he observed that they would need to improve this year if they intended to pass their NEWTs. He added something about there being no need to reiterate his words in the common room, which led Harry to observe to Ron in a note. Ron scribbled back "some things never change thank merlin. For the first time in my life I'm looking forward to potions."
"Can I get you to sign this piece of parchment and frame it for the common room?"
Unfortunately Snape's sharp eyes had been augmented by a certain familiar omniscience and after the lesson kept Harry Ron and Hermione. "What time would you like to come this evening for some private study." Ron looked horrified.
"No, I don't mean that as a euphemism for detention. I assure you I'm not. Even though I am now Headmaster I intend to continue my 7th year tutorials in Modern Magic which will be by invitation only. Similar arrangements are being made by other members of staff for the first time. I will be offering two groups. I was hoping that Miss Granger would be in one of them. And Mr Potter. If you wish to join, Mr Weasley I doubt I would be able to exclude you, although your note would not suggest a complete change of heart." Hermione and Harry looked at each other and nodded. "It will not directly help you in your studies, but it will enable you to think with a good deal more clarity than you currently seem to exhibit."
Harry, Ginny and Hermione received identical cream envelopes that friday at Delves. In them were instructions for them to return to Hogwarts early in order to rehearse for the sorting of the new Headmaster.
"But we know he's a Slytherin."
"This isn't about that, Ron. It's about bestowing on him the title of Headmaster."
"So what's it involve?" Ron was peevish about the whole thing as it was.
"For Every Headmaster it's different. There are certain things in each, and the presence of all of us is certainly unusual." Hermione nodded to Harry, who, as captain of Quidditch, wouldn't normally expect to be there.
"So I'm getting the Hogwarts Express on my own?" Ron looked upset.
"Looks like it. Look I'm sorry Ron. But I..."
'It doesn't matter." He walked out, leaving the other three in the kitchen looking rather upset.
"He'll be OK. It's just he was hoping he'd be a prefect this year. After all, you're captain of quidditch, and you're Head Girl, and I'm a prefect already."
"And first Head Girl in the family ever next year." Ginny laughed at Harry's words, and messed his hair.
"So what do we have to do."
"Professor Minerva McGonagall requests and requires your presence at the Great Hall of Hogwarts castle at 7 p.m. for the rehearsal of the Sorting of the Headmaster, and at 8 o'clock on the first of september for the Full Sorting. Dress Robes will be required for all prefects in attendance at the ceremony itself."
Bill and Charlie walked in ten minutes later "you've got these as well?"
"Yeah - dress robes."
"Well for us it's full House Robes. Red, Yellow, Green or Blue."
Harry snickered "So, there won't be many green in attendance."
"You'd be surprised. The ministry's going to be there, of course. And there's a fair few on the staff."
"Professor Figg is taking over as Head of Slytherin. it's in my Head Girl Letter."
"So we go by Portkey or Floo, is that it?"
"Yeah - it's just the staff and prefects - those that are taking part in the ceremony - that have to go to the rehearsal."
"So, most of the Weasley family, then." Bill looked pleased as punch, polishing up the clasps on his robes. "Me, Charlie, Perce'll be there on the day, Ginny, and Ron on the day."
"Fred and George will sneak in somehow, I'm sure of it." The twins arrived just as he spoke.
"No sneaking in, We've got invites as well. Wanted to check what this House Dress Robes was about."
"Snape invited you?"
"No - we got them through Dad. He's representing the ministry as well. We're there to represent the wizarding community of Hogsmeade. That and no one else wanted to lose the custom by shutting up shop for the day."
"Cool."
"We're not involved in the ceremony. But there's going to be over a thousand people there."
"Wow."
The rehearsal itself was fairly straightforward, simply about orchestrating the movements of those present. Snape himself was as sarcastic as ever. Unable to deduct House points he resorted to being as unpleasant as possible. The only thing that worried the prefects was the singing. Flitwick cast a tuneful charm on them, and they practiced nervously.
The ceremony itself would be very simple. The House Tables would be removed entirely for the ceremony, and afterwards the juniors would eat in their common rooms, so that there would be enough space to accommodate all the visitors.
The staff were dressed in their usual teaching robes for rehearsal, and the students wore plain work robes.
A few left immediately after the rehearsal, so they could get the school train, but the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione went to Hagrid's old hut in order to catch up.
"Is that it?"
"No - the rest of it can only be done on the day. It's old, old magic that holds the place together, and can only be invoked once."
"Wow."
"Yes. How's your little sister, Hermione?" It was precisely the wrong thing to say.
"about a foot long, pink, and ugly. She bawls her head off all day, and has no hair."
"Sounds like Ginny then at that age then." Bill and Charlie started to tease their little sister, not noticing Hermione getting more and more upset. When she finally stormed out Harry followed.
"What's up Hermione? it's not like you."
"What's not like me. I'm being petty am I? Or has it escaped you that my family hope that she's going to be a normal baby. A muggle. One they can be proud of. One that they don't have to lie about to their friends, and can boast about normal things to. When I said I was coming back a day early, they were glad, harry. They wanted to be able to take her to see friends. People come to see her. They tell me I'm a freak, and keep asking when I'm going to be normal, or whether I should be back at the asylum. Have you any idea how much that hurts? And Ron doesn't even understand. He knows what it is to be in the shadows all the time, and he doesn't understand. Everyone loves Olivia. They're full of how cute she is, how special she is. Mum nearly died because of her. But they don't see that." Suddenly she realised what she'd said. "Sorry Harry. I didn't mean it like that."
"It's OK. I think I understand."
"And I can't hate her. She's so tiny, and grabs my wand every time I go past. And she can make it shoot sparks. She's a witch Harry."
"You can't hate her, but you don't like the situation."
"Snape's right. She's in danger, because of me. Because of who she is. McGonagall congratulated me on a second witch in the family today. She's already in the book."
"And when you've quite finished your little pity party, Miss Granger, I would suggest you return to the castle. For someone who appreciates the danger she is in you have a remarkably unguarded mouth. Do not let your foolishness go to your head, or your baser emotions take control. It could be very dangerous. Very dangerous indeed."
"I'm sorry, sir..."
"You didn't think. How very Gryffindor. If I had any say, I would be seriously reconsidering your appointment as Head Girl at this moment. You have shown a remarkable lack of good sense. As it is, I intend to honour the appointments made my Professor Dumbledore in all good faith. If however this trust is breached, then you shall be duly dealt with." Snape appeared from where he had been concealed by the shadows of the forest.
"yes, Headmaster. We were talking with the Weasleys."
"And you took offence at something they said? It would appear their younger brother's temper tantrums are rubbing off on you. You might be more careful about whose company you keep if that is their effect. Mr Potter, if I might have a word."
Hermione headed back to the little cottage, her head bowed. The Weasleys had heard most of the conversation, and Bill calmly took her inside. Ginny shut the door leaving Harry and Professor Snape in the darkness.
"Well. It would appear that her temper hasn't improved in the last two months. If you would care to walk towards the school." Snape indicated that Harry should follow him, and they headed towards the main buildings.
"Your inclusion in the ceremony is unusual, but I think vital. You know the scrolls now."
"Yes sir."
"Then you will be in the dungeons at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. There are some things that we need to go over. Bring your scrolls."
"Yes sir."
"Go on then. That will be all." Harry fair ran for the side door. He looked behind to see Snape turn away to the door into the dungeons that materialised as he reached it, and then disappeared.
The following morning found Harry nervously standing outside the dungeons with Draco and Hermione. Snape motioned irritably that he should enter, and gave him a scroll.
"Sit. Your words for this evening's ceremony. You know your steps. Miss Granger, I am aware that you have knowledge of some of the ancient tongues?" She nodded. "And you yourself know both Latin and French, Mr Malfoy." He nodded.
"Mr Potter is a Parselmouth, Professor McGonagall speaks scots Gaelic. Professor Black speaks Cornish. and Professor Lupin the language of the wolves." The light dawned on Hermione's face.
"Correct, Miss Granger." Draco failed to understand, Harry nodded.
"Languages. Your second specialism, after potions."
'Yes, Mr Potter. That will be all." Harry nodded and left, as Snape started to outline the duties of the prefects and Heads of school to Hermione and Draco.
The following morning Harry and Hermione sat in the shade one of the oaks by the lake, comfortable in each other's company.
"What do you think's going to happen?"
"I don't know. Percy and the twins are in the immediate danger. As are your parents and sister."
"And you're..."
"Harry Potter, NEWTs student, captain of Quidditch, and number one target."
"Yes. Are you OK? Something changed yesterday."
"I, well I realised what my powers are. Have you any idea how hard it was for me to break away from that, Hermione?"
"What do you mean?"
"Yesterday. I was part of the castle. The magic and I - I felt invincible. No, not invincible - I knew I could be hurt. I was - something. Not simply a child."
Hermione nodded. She had felt different at the end of it, the same intangible thing that she felt Harry was getting at.
"I'm not invincible. In fact I was never more vulnerable in one way. I felt so passionately about wanting to be alive."
"I'm not sure that that isn't an advantage." Harry looked at her sideways.
"If I want to live so much I'm not going to risk dying. And yet the final battle will result in one of the order of the phoenix dying. Him or Me."
Hermione wasn't entirely sure whether there was anything she could say. Saying as much, Harry looked at her and nodded. "that was enough. To know you wanted to say something." She smiled, and asked him about Quidditch. He, with a tact she would have thought impossible in Ron, kept it brief, talking about the political considerations of the program - not wanting to have the likely deciding matches too close together, and his idea for a couple of exhibition matches - things to unite the school.
"You'd have to talk to the Headmaster about that. I'm sure he'd agree." Harry smiled. "You'll have to lay down the gauntlet of course." He laughed at her words, and teased her about which book she'd got that out of. She laughed, and they talked about what she'd been reading that summer.
She didn't know Snape was in the tree, listening with his boots on, enjoying the ideas of Harry's while cursing him for being the one to think of it. He'd gone there to find some fresh acorns for a potion, and remove some of the parasite on its trunk, not intending to eavesdrop while they conversed - reading, quidditch, her family, himself. Never the prophecy though, nor the gifts that he had.
Slipping away he walked away from the tree, only to find himself with a twisted ankle. Cursing he healed himself, something he was well practised at, having avoided Pomfrey's ministrations insofar as he was able.
The following day
"Come forward, Professor Severus Snape." Snape walked forward to the middle of the circles that were forming around him. The first circle was the Heads of Houses, with Draco waiting to join at the Slytherin point. Next came the prefects and the staff, an array of splendid reds greens, yellows and blues, contrasting with the Silvers, Golds, Bronzes and Blacks. Draco's robe changed from Green to silver as he took his place. The school ghosts formed a dense white circle, with the school and guests forming the outer circle, ordered from smallest to largest student.
In the middle sat the Sorting Hat, resting above head height, and visible to all, save Snape himself.
"You are a brave man, Professor Snape. Take you hands and place me on your head." Snape took the 7 paces to the middle, and reached up. The Sorting Hat landed on his head, and seemed to glow briefly, and settled there, a crown, and not simply an old hat.
The new headmaster has been chosen, a man of wit and truth
loyalty and conscience, of which the bird stands proof
I give you your headmaster, from the noble den of Snakes
Potions Master, Linguist, Professor Severus Snape
Standing tall and proud, Severus Snape heard the hat praise him as a credit to Slytherins, the best of his kind, something that gave pleasure to the students of a much maligned house.
Finally there was silence. Fawkes flew in, and removed the hat. Snape stood in plain black robes, his head bare. His hair was clean and neatly trimmed, his neckline low cut, the robes tailored, but unadorned. On his neck the white scars could be made out by those who searched, but now he stood before the school, laid open before them all.
"Come Hogwarts, Own thy master." McGonagall's voice echoed, ringing clearly. It felt as though a ripple was moving through the room, as Ravel's pavane seemed to sing from the stones, as the Heads of Houses began their enchantments.
In Gaelic McGonagall spoke the words of Griffindor, The inner circle was surrounded by the flames, colours shifting, enchanting.
Flitwick followed with Ravenclaw's words, spoken in Welsh, commanding the air to bear the Headmaster. Snape rose from the flames visited by four birds: Phoenix, Owl, dove and raven.
Sprout spoke in in Old English, the blessing of the water, offering lilies and roses, myrrh and pine. The birds took the flowers, carrying them to the corners of the hall.
Finally Harry spoke. In Parseltongue harry chanted the words of Slytherin, amending the final blessing to 'child of mine own house' something that registered in Snape's eyes. He felt the stones and the earth responding, and only realised he had been part of the castle when he had to pull away from it.
Finally Snape himself responded, accepting the blessings, and extending the protection of the castle to the sentient beings in its grounds and the forest and lake.
Only as Harry stepped back did Harry notice the change in Snape's robes. Gone now were the plain black. In their place a regal, deep purple robe, images woven into the cloth by magic.
The prefects traced runes into the ground, joining other circles in the floor, the characters shimmering in Gold and then setting into the stone. Snape returned to the stone floor, the special effects finishing, leaving only a shimmering light in the hall.
His proud bearing served him well. For all that Dumbledore was the showman, evidenced by his own Sorting, Snape had a dignified sense of occasion. Into the new silence he sang, a voice that made Hermione shiver next to Harry, and Black's eyes open wide. All eyes met Snape's as he finished his verse
"In the Light to lead in all things
To the end of All my days
Evermore and Evermore"
The Heads of Houses took up the second verse in four-part harmony, handing over the gifts of the Houses, Harry recognising only the sword of Griffindor. The prefects and staff took up the next verse, the poignancy of 'let him know he is deserving, He on whom this mantle falls' was not lost on most of the staff. The School ghosts sang the next verse, and as the school took up the final verse Snape turned the High table, and stood in the Headmaster's place. A single clap and the house tables appeared. In silence he stood as they took their places, all feeling his presence.
"The sorting of students will take place now." Taking the sorting hat from Fawkes he placed it on the stool, and called the first student, putting the hat gently on the head of Alban, Anastasia, who, somewhat fittingly, became a Slytherin.
"Today, more names were added to our honours board in the library. We remember those for whom this would have been their sorting feast." Snape read 20 names that would appear on no board. "And might I remind you that it would be extreme foolishness to venture into the forbidden forest, as if the list of names should not be a sufficient reminder of the precarious times in which we live. Might I remind you to look at the lists of all the fallen - Dark and Light alike. We cannot simply purge from memory those whom we know that happen to die in the name of a cause that is not our own, just because we like the idea. Let it be a reminder to you, that although house points matter, there is also a great deal to be said for valuing life."
Snape's robes had muted to a rich purple, the designs fading from view. They left the feast in silence, Harry and Hermione in their plain red robes, Draco still in his silver.
"I feel, different somehow."
"That was old and powerful magic, Harry. Did you feel it?"
"It was more than that. It was the crossing of the Rubicon." Draco was in the background, a thoughtful look on his face.
"Well, his life is forfeit now. There was only Voldemort standing between him and Azkaban before. Now he's a traitor to both sides. It's only a matter of time, Potter. It's only a matter of time."
"You thought, Mr Potter
I don't know whether to congratulate you for going to the bother or deduct points that the endeavour was so poorly spent."
Harry tried not to look pleased. At least Snape's lessons had changed little and he was still a git to the Gryffindors, though the Slytherins weren't being nearly so smarmy as before.
Snape seemed to have inherited that sense of raw power from Dumbledore, able to turn it on and off at will. He lacked the 110 years his mentor had on him, but even so he had his own formidable weapons.
Turning on the Slytherins he observed that they would need to improve this year if they intended to pass their NEWTs. He added something about there being no need to reiterate his words in the common room, which led Harry to observe to Ron in a note. Ron scribbled back "some things never change thank merlin. For the first time in my life I'm looking forward to potions."
"Can I get you to sign this piece of parchment and frame it for the common room?"
Unfortunately Snape's sharp eyes had been augmented by a certain familiar omniscience and after the lesson kept Harry Ron and Hermione. "What time would you like to come this evening for some private study." Ron looked horrified.
"No, I don't mean that as a euphemism for detention. I assure you I'm not. Even though I am now Headmaster I intend to continue my 7th year tutorials in Modern Magic which will be by invitation only. Similar arrangements are being made by other members of staff for the first time. I will be offering two groups. I was hoping that Miss Granger would be in one of them. And Mr Potter. If you wish to join, Mr Weasley I doubt I would be able to exclude you, although your note would not suggest a complete change of heart." Hermione and Harry looked at each other and nodded. "It will not directly help you in your studies, but it will enable you to think with a good deal more clarity than you currently seem to exhibit."
