Severus Snape opened the bottom left-hand drawer of his desk and grimaced with distaste. Here was where his meticulous habits had fallen short; over the years, this one drawer had become a catch-all. He lifted out a box and began to sift through it. Gobstones, dungbombs, trading cards... decades of items confiscated from generations of students. His long, sallow fingers dredged up a 'Weasley is Our King' badge and the deep-etched lines of his face relaxed into something resembling a smile. Young Draco Malfoy... And here was that ridiculous hat – what was it supposed to be, a squid ? No, a jellyfish. Snape's almost-smile widened, remembering the day Harita Shah had finally recited in class without stuttering.
Footsteps sounded in the corridor and a witch entered the laboratory in a swirl of black robes, cardboard boxes and wooden packing crates levitating behind her. "I don't mean to rush you, Professor Snape. I just had to get these out of the cottage. Oh, what have you got there ? Is that Harita's old jellyfish hat ?"
"Just some rubbish. I was about to throw it away... unless you think your boys would like to have it ?"
She peered into the box. "Dungbombs ! You never let me have dungbombs. Oh look, candy. I wonder if it's still any good-"
"I wouldn't sample that," he warned, taking it from her. "I think it's a puking pastille."
Their eyes met and she chuckled wryly. "The Weasley twins." She glanced around the familiar potions lab. "I have to admit, there are moments when I'm not so sure about taking this job. I don't know if I'll be able to fill your shoes, Professor."
"You had better, Professor Webb." Snape turned away and closed the empty desk drawer with an air of finality. "I have no intention of coming out of retirement," he told her gruffly.
"No, of course not. You've earned it."
Snape gripped her shoulder, a brief touch, gentle. "You will make me proud, as you have always done." She smiled up at him. He really hadn't changed much, she was glad to see, the harsh lines of his face a little deeper, the hair more grey than black... and of course, the half-moon spectacles he wore all the time now. He had earned a peaceful retirement, the chance to finally pursue his own interests, she thought to herself. Well, perhaps not always as peaceful and sedate as he might wish for, she amended. Not if she had any say in the matter. "You are joining us for dinner tonight, aren't you, sir ? We've finally got most of the kitchen and dining room unpacked."
"I was thinking of having a quiet dinner alone. Your sons have a tendency to be..." Snape searched for the right word. "Noisy," he specified, disapproving.
She kept a straight face with an effort. "They're six and eight years old, Professor Snape. Of course they're noisy sometimes. Glaucus is making roast chicken," she added, wheedling.
"Oh, very well," Snape said resignedly, allowing himself to be persuaded. She caught a glimpse of a smile, quickly hidden as he turned to leave.
"We'll see you at seven then, Professor." The new potions mistress waited until his footsteps had receded up the dungeon stairs, then turned and surveyed her domain. Her eyes roved over the work tables, the shelves of potion-brewing supplies, the empty wall in the corner where the portrait of a young girl had hung for so many years. When Veronica spoke again, her voice was barely audible in the empty room. "Thank you again for everything... Father."
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Author's notes: Thank you for reading, especially tessajalynn-cilory, Silverthreads, duj, Jedi Blu, Lady At Large, Aly DragonChild, Catherine Tavington, redlady27, Alexia S. Luclwit, Vitreum, invisible2u, AngelApple1, misting morning, oogityboogity, The-Bass-player312, Donroth, Kellalor, Mooncheese, ,00,, Anna Taure, Anne O'Nimous, Ellsie, excessivelyperky, Floria, Marahootei, minute, Myranya, pigeonsfromhell, Talamh, tall oaks, The Lady Quotes, Tora88, and Vekura for taking the time to review the work in progress. I really appreciated your encouragement, questions, suggestions, and my very first ever accusation of plagiarism. Thanks again !