A/N: The idea for this chapter came from a set of great stories that I can't find anymore on but one of them is on fictionalley, authored by Suzanna. It's a great Slytherin fic set in the MWPP era. So the creative muse was hers, not mine.

As for the boys being a little young to be Heads of House…hmm…possibly. They are indeed the same age as the Seventh years they will be teaching, but I feel that, while Harry and Draco are indeed very young, they are also very old for their age in a lot of ways. Severus wasn't much older than they are when he became a teacher and, presumably, Head of House…but it is a valid point. I just chose not to contend with it too much.

Chapter 35- The Life That was Stolen

Letters from Hogwarts, received by Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, dated July 1, 1998:

Dear Mr. Potter,


I'm writing to ask if you are interested in taking the Transfiguration post here at Hogwarts. I received your N.E.W.T. scores, and I must admit I'm rather impressed. I am also offering you the title of Head of House for Gryffindor. Severus and Samantha have already consented to filling the Defense and Charms posts, respectively. I would be greatly honored if you would consider joining us on staff. Please send your response as soon as possible.


Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall

Dear Mr. Malfoy,


I'm writing to invite you to join our staff here at Hogwarts as our resident Potions Master. Your skills were highly recommended and I would be honored if you would consider taking the job. Along with this, I would also like to offer you the title of Head of House for Slytherin. Please let me know of your decision as soon as possible.


Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall

From the Daily Prophet, dated July 16, 1998:

Hogwarts to Reopen Its Doors at Full Capacity

In its decision released Monday, the Hogwarts Board of Governors announced new curriculum changes, to be implemented beginning this fall. All parents will receive owls containing information about changes and school supply lists.


The four vacant professorships have also been filled, says Headmistress Minerva McGonagall.


"Yes, we've found teachers to fill all of our openings. We will inform the parents in the school owls and announce them officially at the Welcoming Feast on September 1st…

From the Daily Prophet, dated August 12, 1998:

Shacklebolt Named Head Auror

Head of MLE Robert Dawlish announced today that Kingsley Shacklebolt, former Deputy Head Auror and member of the illustrious Order of the Phoenix, has been named Head Auror. Nymphadora Tonks, fellow Auror and member of the Order, has also been promoted to the position of Deputy Head Auror under Auror Shacklebolt…

From the Daily Prophet, dated August 25, 1998:

ORDERS OF MERLIN COMFIRMED ON WAR HEROES

Potter, Malfoy and Snapes Main Honorees

The Ministry of Magic hosted the largest confirming ceremony in history last weekend to honor those who fought in the last battle against Voldemort. Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, and Severus and Samantha Snape sat as guests of honor, as all members of the Order of the Phoenix, a resistance group founded over thirty years ago by the late Albus Dumbledore, were honored for their contributions to the downfall of the Dark Lord. Dumbledore was also honored, as he was granted a posthumous Order of Merlin, First Class. Severus Snape accepted the award in his memory.

"Albus never gave up," said Snape in his acceptance speech. "He continued to fight, using wizards and witches of all backgrounds and strengths. He gave many of us a focus and a purpose in amidst a sea of darkness and hopelessness. He didn't do it for the glory or for the recognition. He did it so that those of us sitting here may be free to live lives without fear. To live and to love – that is the greatest way to honor his memory."

All members of the Order, past and present, were awarded Orders of Merlin, First Class. For a full list of all honorees, please see page 4.

Letter from the Ministry of Magic, received by Draco Malfoy, dated November 14, 1998:

Dear Mr. Malfoy-


We regret to inform you that Lucius Malfoy passed away the morning of November 13 while imprisoned in Azkaban prison. His will dictated that all of his worldly possessions are to be yours. The Ministry offers its sincerest condolences and will work with Gringott's to restore the vaults that were seized during his investigation to you as soon as possible.


Sincerely,


Percy Weasley

Office of the Minister

P.S. Draco, I speak for the entire Weasley family in offering our condolences. Please let any of us know if you need anything.

From a copy of Witch Weekly, dated November 30, 1998:

WAR HEROES TO WED

Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, heroes of the battle at Hogwarts, are officially off the market, ladies. Mr. Potter proposed to Ginevra Weasley, the only daughter of Phoenixers Arthur and Molly Weasley, while Mr. Malfoy proposed to Rachel Palmer, cousin to Samantha Snape. The wedding has been announced as a double wedding set for mid-July of next year…

Patronus message, sent February 7, 1999:

James-


Well, it's official. Pomfrey just confirmed it a while ago. Sam's pregnant. What in the world have I gotten myself into?


Dad

P.S. Your fifth years were holy terrors today. I spent three hours cleaning scorch marks off my walls from badly aimed spells. I should make you grade all these blasted essays that are now piled on my desk since I wasn't able to grade them today.

Patronus response, sent February 7, 1999:

Dad-


Congratulations! Have you told Elias and Rachel yet? Ginny will be so excited to be an 'auntie'. You're on your own with this, though. Pregnant women are way out of my area of expertise.


James

P.S. Their bad aim is not my fault, old man. And may I remind you that you are the one who assigns those blasted essays for them to write.

From the Daily Prophet, dated May 24, 1999:

Snape Named Deputy Headmaster

In a surprise announcement Wednesday, Headmistress Minerva McGonagall named Severus Snape as her Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.


"Severus has been with us for the roughest twenty years the school has ever seen," said McGonagall. "He will be a very capable deputy and has more than earned the position."


Snape worked as a double agent during the war, masquerading as a Death Eater in order to obtain highly sensitive information. He is now in the employee of Hogwarts as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. He and his wife Samantha, who also teaches at Hogwarts, are expecting their first child in September of this year…

Wedding invitation, received by Remus J. Lupin, June 1, 1999:

Samantha & Severus Snape, Molly & Arthur Weasley, and Rick & Diana Palmer

cordially invite you to the weddings of their children


Ginevra Molly Weasley and Harry James Potter


and


Rachel Ophelia Palmer and Draco Elias Malfoy


on Saturday, July 15, 1999 at Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire.

Please RSVP by June 17 if attending.

Party invitation, received by Draco Malfoy, dated August 20, 1999:

Elias-


I wanted to invite you and Rachel over to the house on Saturday for a little get-together to welcome Sam and the baby home from the hospital. It'll start around 2. Elias, the baby is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. And I must say I did an excellent job in naming her. Rebekkah Adrienne Snape has such a commanding ring to it.

I also wanted to run an idea past Rachel. Sam's going to take the fall off from teaching to be with Bekkah, so we were wondering if she'd be willing to take Sam's position for the fall term. I'll talk to her more about it at the party, but just let her know so she can be thinking about it. We may ask her and Ginny to babysit during the spring as well, but Sam and I are still talking about that.


See you Saturday,
Dad