Severus rolled over on his side and looked at his sleeping wife. She was so beautiful – the glow of pregnancy agreed with her. How could he leave her for so long? How could he take the option of working at Hogwarts again over being with his wife?

He thought back to the owl he had received from Minerva the day before.

Dear Severus,

I know that I am asking you at the last possible minute, but I am finding myself without a Potions professor. Horace Slughorn is unable to teach this year due to a family emergency, and I am asking if you would return to teach. The current books are already in your office, so you do not need to worry about purchasing them.

I understand that you are married now and that your daughter is starting her first year here. I would not ask you to do this if I did not have to, but I know that you are the best man for the job. You would, of course, resume your position as Head of Slytherin House. Of course, I will not forbid your wife from coming and visiting you after hours, so please take that into consideration when you are making your decision.

I would appreciate your answer this evening.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress

***

After Nicoletta had gone to bed, they had spent several hours talking, just the two of them. He had shown her the owl that he had received so that she knew what was involved.

"Are you certain that you are OK with this?" Severus asked, holding his wife in his arms. "I realize that I have already sent my owl to Minerva, accepting the position, but I can always owl her back."

"Severus, you know my answer to that. You know what my feeling is about education. You are the best person for the job. And Nicoletta seems to be OK with it."

"Will you come to visit me?" he asked, drawing her nearer to himself.

"Of course I will," she replied. "After all, the nights will get cold and lonely without you. And the baby isn't due until the end of May."

He kissed her passionately, covering the side of her jaw with his small kisses. As he kissed her, he fondled her breast underneath her clothing until her nipple hardened under his touch. He loved pleasing her, loved touching her, loved hearing the gasps of pleasure that came from her mouth as they made love.

As he undressed her, he could already see the changes that her body was going through. She didn't have any obvious signs of pregnancy yet, but he could see that beautiful glow that she'd had when she was pregnant with Nicoletta. They made love to one another as if it would be years until they saw one another again, as if it was the first time and the last time all rolled into one.

***

A soft beeping reminded him that he needed to get moving. He had spent the night before visiting with his family, so he still had his own packing to do. He packed his robes and books, including the notes for his own book.

Leaning over, he tenderly kissed Hermione's cheek, watching her for a moment while she slept. He still had misgivings about taking the job, but he knew that Hermione would never forgive him if he passed up the opportunity.

He banished his trunk to Hogwarts, and with one last look at his wife, and then at his daughter, he Disapparated to outside the gates of Hogwarts. Truth be told, it wasn't only the fact that he was leaving Hermione that was making him hesitant. Hogwarts itself was also holding him back.

As he walked towards the castle, his eyes drifted in the direction of the Whomping Willow. Underneath its roots was the passageway to the Shrieking Shack, where he had almost died. He had never known who had saved him that day. No one had come forward as his saviour. But he wished that they would, because he was greatly in their debt.

It felt so strange returning to Hogwarts and not having to worry about being under the thumb of the Dark Lord. Never again would his Dark Mark burn. Never again would he be summoned to do the Dark Lord's bidding.

Never again would he see Albus Dumbledore.

As he entered the castle, he made his way to the office of Headmistress McGonagall. He had sent his Patronus ahead to let her know that he was coming, and she sent one back with her password. As he ascended the stairs, he wondered how Minerva would look. He estimated her to be in her mid nineties by now.

He raised his hand to knock, but the door swung open of its own accord. The large, spacious office was empty, but he heard his name spoken.

"So you have returned, Severus."

Severus looked around, and his eyes finally settled upon the portrait of Albus Dumbledore.

"I have."

"I told Minerva that you would. I hope you are well?" Albus' portrait smiled at him.

"I am very well. I have a wife and a daughter, and another on the way."

"Yes, Minerva told me. Nicoletta starts today, does she not?"

"Yes, she does. Along with a number of other children."

"Does that concern you?"

"A bit. Their parents and Hermione do not get along. I am concerned for Nicoletta," Severus said, surprised at the sound of his own words.

"Severus, Nicoletta has two strong parents," Minerva interjected, coming into the office. "She has her mother's bravery, and I am quite certain that you have taught her to stand up for herself."

"Nicoletta did quite well when the children were having ice cream. But I had to pick her up. They know that I am her father."

"Put faith in your daughter, Severus. I am quite certain that she will not let you down." Minerva looked at Severus and gave him one of her rare smiles. "Here is a note that Slughorn left for you," she said, handing him an envelope.

"Thank you, Minerva," he said, accepting the envelope. "I will go and set up my office now." He turned to leave the office, but she put a hand on his arm to stop him.

Looking at him, she said, "Severus, I want to thank you for doing this for me. I know that it could not have been an easy decision for you. Horace's departure was quite sudden. I would have liked to give you more warning."

"You are welcome, Minerva." With the slightest hint of a smile and a nod at Albus' portrait, he left the office.

Minerva watched him leave and then turned to Albus' portrait.

"I have a feeling this will be an interesting year."