After lunch Liberty and Severus spent time together before they met up with Dumbledore in his office to arrange what exactly they would do with the Pholinx woman for her time at the school. It was decided after much deliberation that she was to assist the current Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with his classes. She would also assist Severus and Professor Binns with their lessons if they needed her help. She had always been quite adept with DADA, potions, and had an immense memory of the history of magic.

Her quarters from then on would be the formerly unoccupied rooms directly next to Severus'. The days before the students were due to arrive went by in a flurry of activity and questions. Over the time Liberty spent as much time as possible with her best friend before they both were inevitably drawn into the business of the school year. Finally, the day had come when the students were to arrive. Anticipation and worry were flowing through her veins with every pound of her heart and she could only relax more into Severus for strength.

Dinner arrived and all the teachers were seated at the Head Table with the exception of Deputy Headmistress McGonagall who was currently attending to the first years. With a heavy push, the Great Hall's doors were opened and the first years joined the crowd of class mates and teachers. The sorting went quickly and all the children were seated. Dumbledore stood up from his chair and began to speak. His normal speech was given of course, before he announced the newest teachers. Liberty was surprised to hear that Remus Lupin, her beloved friend, was to be the DADA teacher. She was then pulled from her musings.

"We also have another addition to the staff this year, please welcome the return of one of the greatest witchs of all time: Miss Liberty Emmeline Ignatius Van Ruse." A collective gasp went through the room. Liberty had no idea why everyone was so surprised to see her but she supposed it was because she had been dead for so long. "This year she will be not only a substiute, but she will also assist in lessons with your teachers. She has also been given full permission to remove and give house points." This last statement was directed to certain people in the crowd, but Liberty wasn't paying that much attention.

After that Dumbledore dismissed everyone to the feast and Liberty immediately relaxed slightly into her chair and munched slowly on her meal. It was some time before she and Severus excused themselves to their respective rooms. With one last hug they departed eachother and drifted off to sleep in their rooms.

OoOoOoOoOoOo

The next morning Liberty was met with the sight of a very wet, very perturbed Professor Snape. She smiled when she realized the cause of his distress. Carefully removing the Peregrine Falcon from his shoulder she set it on her own shoulder.

"What a lovely bird, thank you for finding him for me Severus." With one smile his frown was gone and a somewhat pleased expression spread across his face. "I do believe I'll call him Valore." A quick conversation later and then Severus had returned to his rooms to finish the shower that was so rudely interrupted.

For once, Severus didn't actually dread his day. In fact, he was looking forward to it.