Whee this is a day early!
BLOOD OF THE MOTHER By BertaS Jan. 2006
Disclaimer: I can pretend they are mine, can't I?
Chapter 36 – Deputy Headmaster
The old man sat brooding in the drafty old house that had so many wards that even he had had trouble getting in which and seemed strange to him at the time, but he had a little trouble keeping his mind on any thing but revenge on those he saw as having betrayed him, and what had happened that morning. Why couldn't they see that Potter, under Snape's influence, had gone dark?
The old man could tell that he was loosing ground quickly. Every time he opened his mouth they seemed to take it the wrong way, he tried to explain that he only had the good of the wizarding world in mind after all. They had always looked to him to show them the way, hadn't they? To tell them wrong from right. He tried to tell them that 'sometimes sacrifices had to be made'. All he got from them was hard looks and murmurs of 'He's just a boy.'
He caught sight of the ungrateful Potter brat sitting between the traitor and the werewolf. They all seemed to be smirking at him. It was bad enough that the brat had stolen his glory, but to take his Potions Master and most of the Order as well was just too much.
Something in the old mans mind snapped. He suddenly whirled on the small group his hand out flung. As the wandless curse headed toward Harry, Severus Snape and Remus Lupin both instinctively reacted, trying to jump in front of Harry. This had the unfortunate consequence of Snape colliding with Lupin who in turn lost his balance and they fell heavily, with the boy they were trying to protect on the bottom of the pile.
The curse missed them, slamming in to the wall, sending splinters of stone and a cloud of dust to cover them all. In the confusion the old man was able to activate a portkey that no one realized that he had.
After his escape the Wizengamet quickly concluded that Albus Dumbledore was guilty on all charges.
Harry of course was whisked off by Madam Pomfrey using her medical emergency portkey to the hospital wing of Hogwarts, with cracked ribs, sprained ankle, and mild concussion as well as multiple abrasions and contusions.
By late afternoon Harry was biting at the bit to be out of the hospital wing. He was adamant that he would be attending the feast even though his ankle hurt when he stood on it and he was purpling enough to look like Dudley and his gang had had a major go at him. The pain of bruises and sprains were something that potions could only mask. There were some ointments that would speed up the healing process but they would still take some time.
Severus had tentatively come in to check on him. The man had been beside himself, worrying that Harry would blame him for his injuries.
Harry had to convince him that he was fine and that it absolutely was not his fault, before begging the older man to help him escape the mediwitch's tender care. After an hour of pleading and promises from both of them, Madam Pomfrey was convinced to allow Severus to levitate Harry to his seat in the great hall.
Poppy Pomfrey was very concerned when she saw all the children rushing at her charge but they seemed to finally notice that he should not be jostled too much. She was a bit amused by Miss Granger's initial out burst, if she had not been right there to see what had caused the injuries she never would have believed they were not intentionally inflicted on the boy.
She smiled slightly to herself as she thought back to the way Severus and Remus had swore at each other at the same time they were apologizing to Harry, as they tried to untangle themselves from him without causing any of them any further pain. Minerva and Filius had finally levitated them off the boy so that Poppy could get to him.
Harry started to laugh, then winced, "It's good to see you too. Can I tell you about it later? McGonagall wants to start." He motioned to the new Headmistress and the others at the teacher's table.
While the Gryffindors where settling themselves they heard cries go up from around the hall.
"Professor Lupin?" "Look its Professor Lupin." "Lupin's back."
And the more ominous whisper of, "Dumbledore's gone." and "Where's Snape?"
There were so many questions in the look that Hermione gave Harry that he grinned widely, and said, "Just watch." he nodded to the door that the firsties would come through.
As if on queue the door opened and every one got a good look at the new and improved Severus Snape as he led the first year students up the aisle and placed a stool and a battered old Hat in front of them.
Harry had to admit that the Slytherin green silk shirt under the basilisk hide robes looked really cool, as did the silver snake hair clip he was using.
He was amused to hear Lavender and Pavarti's shocked comments about the Potion Master's new found fashion sense. He also caught a comment that almost made him fall off his seat. One of the girls behind him at the Ravenclaw table said, "Oh my god, he's sooooo hot."
Harry was so interested in the reactions of those around him, that he missed the first of the Hat's song, which again urged unification of the houses.
When the Hat was done Severus unrolled a scroll and said, "As I call your name, come up, sit on the stool and place the hat on your head." He smiled as the sorting went quickly and included several of Harry's Kids beginning with "Avery, Rochan." and ending with "Williams, Cynthia".
When the remains of the pudding finally disappeared and Professor McGonagall stood. "Welcome to a new year here at Hogwarts. Due to recent events Professor Dumbledore will not be returning, as such I have been appointed Headmistress"
I know that you have noticed that Professor Lupin has returned to the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. He will also be taking over as Head of Gryffindor House" She had to pause as the students applauded and cheered, the Slytherins even managed to clap politely as Remus stood smiling and waved.
"I've asked Professor Snape to accept the position of Deputy Headmaster." She had to pause again as the Slytherins went wild and the other houses, following Harry's lead, also applauded. It was Severus' turn to rise with a shy smile and a slight bow to the students. He refused to go so far as to wave at them though.
Shortly after that there were the usual warnings about the Forbidden Forest being forbidden, and the list of prohibited items, "see Mr. Filch or a Weasley Wizard Wheezes order form for the complete list." Then they were dismissed to their common rooms.
Harry true to his promise stayed seated telling Hermione that he would tell her all about it in the morning. She seemed torn between staying with him and her Prefect duties, at least until Madam Pomfrey and Severus arrived to levitate him back to the infirmary.
Severus entered the Slytherin common room shortly after the welcoming feast to find every one waiting. This did not surprise him as he always addressed them at this time. As he looked around he realized that there were several students missing.
"Is every one here?" he asked.
The answer he received from Blaze Zabini was a bit of a shock but it really shouldn't have been, "Any one you don't see is most likely dead, Professor."
Severus nodded sadly, "Of course. I am aware that many of you have lost family members in the service of Voldemort." He had to stop to allow his students to overcome their reaction to hearing him speak that name, "You will need to get used to hearing his name, he was after all just a man. Technically he was a half blood bastard. His birth name was Tom Riddle." He sighed heavily, "Frankly I'm not sure why any of us joined him in the first place. No one should be forced to grovel before another." He had to pause again while this sunk in.
"I want you to know that with Riddle gone, there will be changes, this is because," he smirked, "I am a different person now, I have different rules that I am trying to live by. These rules are difficult. However, I am finding that they are very much worth the effort. I know that in the past I have been rather distant." he actually smiled, "No, that's not quite right. I was downright nasty and unapproachable most of the time." There were a few sniggers from his audience, "I want you to know that I am here for you, if you need to talk, help understanding your assignments, or if you just need a hug. I am here."
Several of the older students looked skeptical at this but one little first year stepped forward with a trembling lip and raised her arms. "I miss Mummy and Daddy."
Sev folded his arms around her and leaned down to murmur against her hair.
She pulled back and craned her head up to look at him, "They are dead. Everybody we know is. The lady said that no one else would have us cause of what Mummy and Daddy were."
She sniffled and Severus reached into his pocket and handed her his handkerchief just as one of the first year boys stepped forward and put his arm around her they were obviously twins, "We'll be alright, Professor, the rest of the family may be gone but we still have each other." The boy said proudly.
"That's true. You also have all of Slytherin to act as your family. You all do." He looked around and smiled at all of them.
Draco raised his eyebrow, "Professor, I've known you as long as I can remember and I don't recall you ever touching anyone voluntarily, well, except all those girls you danced with at the Cotillion." He smirked and there was a smattering of girlish giggles, "What changed, other than the obvious? Can you tell us about these new rules?"
Severus chuckled causing several students to take a step back and look at him as though he had lost his mind, others, those that had attended the Cotillion, just smirked.
"It is deceptive in that it sounds so simple." His grin changed into a smirk that his snakes where more comfortable with, "Treat everyone the way you wish to be treated."
The lone remaining seventh year blurted out, "How is that supposed to work? I bet some Gryffindor came up with that."
Severus chuckled again, "I don't really know, although, I have heard it referred to as the 'Golden Rule'. I do know that it is human nature to treat others as they treat us, therefore someone must take the first step, and the cycle must start somewhere. If, for example, you wish to be respected, then, in addition to respecting yourself, you need to show respect to others. If you wish love then you must show love. It is difficult; it is doing what is right instead of what is easy."
He finished with his charges sooner than he thought, as they did not ask as many questions as he thought they would.
Severus went to his private lab to brew some fresh Bruise Ease. He wished his duties had allowed him to get to it sooner.
When he was done he set several jars in Harry's Bathroom, and one in his own as falling had done damage to all involved. He called Dobby to deliver a jar to Lupin and the rest to the infirmary.
A/N Okay, every one can breathe now. I told you I hadn't lost Sevie.
When I said I was thinking about some revisions I didn't mean to make you think I would leave you hanging on a cliff. What I meant was I printed it all out and was rereading and now I have all these notes in the margins (grin).
Please review, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. BertaS