There hadn't been any new first years besides Slytherin. Minerva wasn't surprised by this. She didn't sit in her usual seat. She prefered to sit between Poppy and Pomona instead of next to Severus and Alecto. Some of the students spoke to each other, but not many. The Slytherin table was chatting away as if it was a normal year. Minerva scanned the Gryffindor table to see how many of hers returned. She was not surprised to see that Miss. Granger and Mr. Weasley were not present. She was a little surprised to Ginny sitting with Seamus and Neville. She would have thought Molly would keep her at home. Not many Gryffindors had returned. Mostly older kids and a couple younger ones. The staff members weren't even talking, besides the Carrows and every now and then Severus said something. She was wondering whether or not he had told anybody her and Albus's secret. She remembers the day he found out…
"Paperwork Headmaster?" Snape asked puzzled.
"That was a cover up Severus," Albus said and sat back down. "I do suspect foul play from our school. I do know neither of you have done it. You both have my full trust."
"Who do you think Albus?" Minerva asked.
"I'm not sure, I haven't put the pieces of the puzzle together yet. I do believe we should keep our eyes open at all times. All rules are very strict right now."
"Agreed." Snape said.
"I should be getting back to my room now." Minerva said. Without even thinking, Albus grabs her wrist as she turns to walk away to stop her from going. She turns and looks at him. Her eyes were telling him not to give anything away. His eyes had no twinkle in them and were begging her not to go. Minerva sighed and took her glasses off with her free hand.
"Alright." She said.
Snape just looked at the two of them but on the inside he was saying 'I knew it, I knew it!' like a little kid.
"Severus, I trust that you will not discuss what went on after the other two left with anyone, especially what just happened now." Albus said and turned to look at him.
"I would never tell a soul Headmaster." He said.
"Minerva… Minerva?" Poppy asked and looked at Minerva. She blinked and turned to Poppy.
"Yes?"
"You looked like your head was some place else… are you okay?"
Minerva looked over and gave a small smile.
"Yes, I am alright. I was just remembering what it was like this time two years ago." She lied… well now she was thinking about that.
"When Dolores was around? Why on earth would we think of those times?" Pomona asked entering the conversation. Minerva looked up at her.
"No.. well I was just remembering when she interrupted Albus's speech. The look on his face was priceless." She said with a smile. Poppy smiled at her. Minerva's conversation caught Severus's ear and he looked down over at her. Her and Poppy were laughing together. They were the only ones talking at the table. He still had to give his speech. He decided he would now. He stood up and walked to the podium. He paused as the school silenced and looked up at him. Minerva looked at him standing up there and her smile faded away.
"As you are all aware, I, Severus Snape has been appointed your new headmaster," Severus began. Minerva looked down at her students and saw some of her Gryffindors looking at her, including Neville, Ginny, and Seamus. They had sad expressions on their faces. She pulled her gaze away from them and then looked at Severus. "Professor Burbage will not be returning to her post this year and her replacement is Professor Alecto Carrow and taking my position as Dark Arts teacher will be Professor Amycus Carrow. They also will be the new deputies," Once Severus got that, there was a spark of talking coming from all the tables. Minerva looked down at the Gryffindors and the majority of them were looking at her, followed by Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs. Slytherins seemed happier than the others. Severus saw that the majority of the school's gaze was on Minerva and he turned around to look at her. She met his eye and he then looked away. "The new.. the new rules are posted in your common rooms now off to bed all of you." he ordered.
Everybody stood up and headed out the main doors. Alecto and Amycus stood up.
"We will patrol the halls tonight." Amycus stated and they then headed out. Minerva stood up and Severus looked at her.
"Severus, I trust that you will not discuss what went on after the other two left with anyone, especially what just happened now." Albus said and turned to look at him.
"I would never tell a soul Headmaster."
Minerva broke off her gaze and headed out of the Great Hall.