... A Requiem for Sadness ...

- IV -

I Go Humble

He watched Draco leave the Great Hall. Many of the students ignored him, barely acknowledging his presence. Snape had noticed the vacant seats around the boy. It made him angry, that the students would treat the young Malfoy like this. He had sacrificed everything for our side. He had killed his parents. Did they not know what that could do to a person?

Snape glanced at Mr. Potter, the one that probably got all the attention. The young Gryffindor had watched Draco leave too. Normally that wouldn't have bothered Severus. It was Harry's eyes, and body language bothered him, though. Everything about the boy that moment told him that he wanted to go after the Slytherin and help the boy. He knew that Draco needed time to himself, and a lot of it. He also knew that after some time that emotionally stricken young man will need a friend, one that he could count on under any situation. That is usually a tall order to fill, but somehow Snape figured that Harry had what it took.

The youth's eyes found the new Headmaster's.

Yes. You may be exactly what he needs, Mr. Potter. But give him time, please.

After their yes broke contact, Snape realized something. The one boy that received most of the attention right now was the one boy who ignored them all and sat alone as well. Instead Harry had been concerned with Draco, and had acknowledged his presence to some degree.

Perhaps Draco will be what you need as well, in time.

The new Headmaster of Hogwarts reflected on these insights during the rest of the meal. By the end he had made the decision to set in motion an idea he had been dwelling on since coming to this position.

--

After sending off about two dozens notes to thoses students that had been heavily involved during the last battle, Snape sat back and surveyed his new office. These quarters had been partially damaged, but it looked virtually identical to that of Dumbledore's office. It was the same space of course, but more over, it felt like Dumbledore still occupied this space.

It's going to take a lot of getting used to, that's for sure.

The only noticeable changes were that Fawks' cage was gone. The Phoenix had vanished the moment Dumbledore perished, leaving an empty cage lightly dusted with ashes. A few of Albus' personal possessions had been removed and put safely away. Aside from a few other changes, the room hadn't changed at all.

Suddenly the rest of his life flashed breifly before his eyes.

He was now the Headmaster of Hogwarts. His responsibilities now included the well being of hundreds of students, and dozen or so teachers, the castles and surrounding grounds, the innumerable house elves that were bound to this place as well as any other staff. Secondarily, it included relations with the parents and families of each of the students, and then maintaining a report with the Ministry of Magic and its affiliates. On top of all that, this would be continuous work, ongoing for as long as he held this position.

"First thing's first." He said aloud. He began drawing up a formal request to the Ministry regarding his idea. He would be sending this via Priority Owl directly to the Prime Minister of Magic himself. Snape had previously spoken to the man about the idea off the record. He seemed interested enough to give it thought. Now the man will have an official request to consider! Severus had a good feeling about this.

Once that was finished and sent off. He had a few moments to himself before dealing with other matters.

His thoughts turned to Draco once again. If it hadn't have been for that boy, so many things would be different now. Someone else would have been Headmaster. In fact there might not have been a Hogwarts left at all to be Headmaster of. And of course, his plan to snare the higher ranking Death Eaters would have failed utterly.

He had played both sides for so long; he almost forgot what it was like to go beyond the call of duty. He lived so long doing what was required of both sides balancing out the two.

One night things changed. Draco had come to him. The boy was sick and tired of living his father's dream, in his shadow and the shadow of the Dark Lord himself. Draco showed him the way, by taking initiative. The boy had enough courage to talk to him about his feelings. He took the initiative in asking for help. Snape marveled at this idea.

Then it came to him. If he were to take the initiative and take any action to prevent or win this war, it would not be for Voldemort's cause. If he did anything to help either side win, it was for the 'good' side. Draco helped him see this. Once he realized this, he and Draco became each other's support. The moment Snape was aware of Voldemort's final plan he and Draco set out on a risky and treacherous course of action.

Only on that day did he realize what a test of faith and strength of character it was for him and Draco both.

Severus had so much to be thankful for now. He never had that before.

September-25-2005: First posted