The end-of-the-year feast occurred not long after that, although it

seemed as if school had just started. Dumbledore stood, "Before the

school year ends, I would like to make one announcement. Many of

you have been wondering why it is that all these unusual events such

as the Quidditch match and the talent show took place. The reason

is this; after fifty years of service to the school, I have decided

to retire." Severus almost stood up and yelled, "What do you mean

'retire?!'" but he held his tongue. "And I wanted to make this year

spectacular, one very special to my heart," continued Dumbledore as

the students murmured dissent. "And although every year here has

been spectacular, this one in particular has touched my heart.

Thank you for a wonderful year, and I hope that you all understand

how much you mean to me."

In an instant, everyone was on their feet, clapping and

whooping for Dumbledore, many of the students teary-eyed. The

faculty all stood, proud to have served with Dumbledore throughout

the years. Severus and Alexis looked at each other with stunned

looks on their faces as they clapped, the same thought running

through their minds.

Who would take his place?

* * *

Severus and Alexis were standing on the platform,

watching the students leave, when suddenly Hermione Granger came

running up to them. "Professors Snape," said Hermione, as they had

come to be called, "I was wondering if I could take your picture?"

Alexis shrugged, "I suppose." Severus frowned but finally agreed

since it would get rid of the girl faster. She stood back and took

their picture, demanding that they both smile heartily. "What are

you going do with the picture?" said Alexis. Hermione pulled out

the finished picture, "Oh it's not for me. It's for you."

Alexis and Severus were stunned when she handed them

the photo; in the picture, they were both smiling, and Alexis was

giving Severus a shove just because. "Thank you," said Alexis

gratefully, looking down at it with pride. Hermione smiled, "It's

fitting. Anyway, I have to go or I'll miss the train. Perhaps I'll

see you around." She waved at them, not expecting anything back,

when Professor Snape called after her, "Granger!" She turned

around, expecting him to yell at her for 'photography' or something

ridiculous like that, when he said, "Five points to Gryffindor."

She almost did a double take, then grinned, "Thank you

sir!" and ran onto the train, Harry and Ron looking at them

suspiciously. "That was nice of you," said Alexis, holding the

picture in her hand with happiness. "I had to give her something,"

said Severus, "because that's an important photo." "What do you

mean?" said Alexis. "It's our first picture together," said

Severus, "and that calls for something, doesn't it?"

Alexis smiled, "That it does. We should frame it. And

put it next to our Orders of Merlin First Class business." "Please,

it's much more important than that," said Severus as they began

walking off the platform. "You mean you don't care about getting

one of those important Ministry awards?" said Alexis. "Of course

not, when have I ever cared about something that stupid?" he

replied. "Well if I remember back when I was in school it seemed

you cared..." "That was then, this is now," he said, "and a lot of

things have changed."

"That reminds me," said Alexis, turning to him, "I need

to get you a wedding present. What would you like?"

Silence.

"Severus?"

He smiled, "A son."

Alexis wrapped her arms around him, "I was hoping you'd

ask for something like that." He returned the hug, then noticed

that an owl was hooting at them from a nearby tree. They both

turned as it dove toward Severus, dropping a letter into his hands,

then circled above their heads. "Who's it from?" asked Alexis.

"Dumbledore," said Severus, opening the letter quickly. Alexis

allowed him to finish the letter, but by the time he was done, his

hands were shaking. "What does it say?" asked Alexis. Severus was

silent for a moment, then he began to read.

"'DEAR SEVERUS,

I WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT OUR FRIENDSHIP HAS MEANT A

GREAT DEAL TO ME, AND I HAVE ALWAYS APPRECIATED YOUR WIT AND

INTELLIGENCE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. I AM ESPECIALLY PROUD OF YOU

AFTER THIS YEAR, MOSTLY BECAUSE YOU FINALLY CAME TO YOUR SENSES WITH

ALEXIS. I MUST ADMIT THAT I ALWAYS HOPED THAT SOME DAY THE RIGHT

WOMAN WOULD COME ALONG WHO WOULDN'T PUT UP WITH YOUR SILLY

SARCASM,

BUT INSTEAD WOULD PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE. LUCKILY, SHE CAME ALONG AT

JUST THE RIGHT TIME.

I ALSO WRITE YOU, DEAR FRIEND, TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I

HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITIES TO RUN THE SCHOOL. I THINK

YOU WILL MAKE A GRAND HEADMASTER, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD HELP IF PERHAPS

YOU WOULD STOP YOUR PARTISAN POLITICS TOWARDS THE SLYTHERINS AND

LET

UP ON MY FELLOW GRYFFINDORS A BIT.'"

"What does he mean by that?" said Alexis.

Snape continued.

"'SEVERUS SNAPE, I HEREBY BESTOW UPON YOU THE POSITION

OF HEADMASTER OF HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY, ON

THIS

DAY, THE SECOND OF JUNE, OF THE YEAR 2005.'"

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

X------------------------

FORMER HEADMASTER SIGN HERE

X------------------------

NEW HEADMASTER SIGN HERE

DRACO DORMIENS NUNQUAM TITILLANDUS



Alexis, in turn, was stunned, "Severus...this...this is

wonderful! I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!" He

Transfigured a quill from his pocket and signed the paper quickly,

then gave it to the owl, who grasped it quickly in its' claws then

flew not to Hogwarts, but toward the direction of the Ministry of

Magic. "To think," said Severus, looking a little light-headed,

"all this time I just wanted to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts..."

THE END

Author's Note: Sequel will be written upon request. It may take a

week or two, though. ;-)