Severus Snape, Educational Consultant

Sunday afternoon saw the end of Severus and Zelda's long, holiday weekend. It was far easier for Severus to Apparate back to Geneva and California with Zelda's children, having been there. He did so, feeling he had made a good start at knowing them. Potter and his friends had left earlier in the day, as had Michael and Kingsley. Finally they were alone together.

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend," murmured Zelda. "I can't believe I'm going home married."

They had decided to sit a little longer by the fire before returning to her house and preparing for the coming week. Severus had made his move so subtly that Zelda, who had simply wanted a few quiet moments to relax, found herself undressed and unable to resist her husband's persuasive hands almost before she realized it. Afterwards he Summoned a comforter from the bedroom and they lay snugly in each other's arms, eyes locked in deep communication.

"I had no hope that you would remember so soon," he said, lowering his lips to kiss her bare shoulder. "My sweet wife."

"It'll be okay, going back to Hogwarts tomorrow, won't it?" she asked, knowing he was reluctant to go.

"I cannot imagine anything that will be too difficult to resolve," he replied. "I resent having to go back, when the staff should be able to deal with these problems. It is probably unnecessary."

"Transitions are difficult," she chided. "Minerva's got a lot on her plate right now. Much as I love having your complete attention, walking the dog, feeding cats and helping me with my work aren't a worthy use of your talents."

Severus looked oddly at her. "Seeing the way you work with your students has helped me appreciate that there are many ways to teach. I wish my students could have gone through your classroom before arriving at Hogwarts. Your students' work habits are admirable, and the quality of their work has improved in the few weeks I have observed it."

"High praise indeed, coming from a teacher with high standards," she said lightly. She combed her fingers through his long black hair, tugging firmly and pulling it back from his forehead. She then kissed his forehead and smoothed the furrowed brow with her fingers.

"Sev, you'll want to go back to Hogwarts at some point, I'm quite sure. But you won't admit it. Tell me why you're hesitating. Because of me?"

"I cannot bring you to Hogwarts unless you're safe," he replied. "From what Minerva has said, I dare not bring you there now. In fact, I shall not tell anyone else there about our marriage there until this situation is resolved."

"Marriage to a Muggle would make things harder there, I suppose," she said sadly. "It's okay. Why don't we go on as we are until June, if it's necessary? I need to finish the school year here."

"It makes sense, I suppose," he said, feeling quite downcast. "But it feels like we are ashamed of each other, and I do not wish to deny our marriage, my girl. But, no longer than June."

"I don't want it either," she said, nestling closer to him as she felt suddenly chilled. "I love you, Severus Snape. With my whole heart and soul, forever."

Severus held her close against his heart, bitterly angry that he could not proudly return to Hogwarts with her that day. But it seemed the old prejudices were still creating discord there.

"Zelda, I will protect you," he said. "This is temporary, my sweet girl."

She pulled back and looked into his eyes. Her own blue eyes were serious and trusting. She offered no words, but simply kissed his lips softly. Then she put her arms around his neck and pressed her face against his shoulder, sighing in contentment.

In the face of such loyalty, her husband could only hold her and ponder ways to keep the problems at Hogwarts from harming this new marriage.

&&&&&&&&&

At seven o'clock on Monday morning, Severus watched his wife dress for work. Her sweater and skirt were appropriate for a teacher, he thought, but the colors, shades of blue and yellow, were cheerful and the effect was slightly whimsical. He smiled, delighted simply to look at her.

"You look lovely," he murmured.

She turned around, blushing slightly when she realized he'd been watching her.

"Thank you," she replied doubtfully.

He hugged her. "I'll be waiting when you come home this afternoon," he promised, smoothing the frown crease between her eyebrows with a caressing finger.

"Okay," she said, stifling her worry. "I'll be home at half past four."

They left the bedroom together and he carried her work to the van, then held his arms out to her.

Zelda held him tight for a minute. "Have a good day, Professor," she said quietly. "I love you."

He put a firm hand under her chin and tilted it up, then he kissed those soft lips once more. "I love you, Mrs. Snape," he whispered.

She smiled as she got into her old van and drove slowly to school, trying to focus on work and not worry about what Severus would encounter at Hogwarts.

Severus called Rowena, who was outside, bringing her into the house before leaving. He was wearing his familiar Muggle clothing, covered by his traveling cloak. It would be adequate until he arrived, but he would need time to change into his accustomed clothing. He felt a dull ache in his chest that he knew would not ease until he was with Zelda again, but he controlled his emotions and prepared to go back to work.

&&&&&&&&&

The gates of Hogwarts were closed when Severus Snape approached them. In spite of his reluctance to return, his heart lifted slightly at the familiar sight. He sent his Patronus into the grounds and stood patiently waiting until a huge, familiar figure appeared, trudging through the snow.

"Professor Snape! I'm glad ter see yeh back," roared Hagrid cheerfully.

"Good afternoon, Hagrid, you look well."

Hagrid unlocked the gates and held one open, allowing him to enter.

"Thank you," said Severus. "The Headmistress expects me, I believe."

"She tol' me," he replied, beaming at the smaller wizard. "The third years are comin' down fer class, so I gotta go."

He waved a huge hand cheerily at Severus and headed back toward his cabin, leaving Severus alone with his thoughts as he strode toward the castle.

He detoured to the small dungeon entrance and magically unlocked it. The corridor before him was empty, so he went to his quarters undetected. He went straight to his bedchamber and stripped off his cloak and his Muggle clothing, having decided earlier this would be best.

He withdrew the clothing he had not worn in weeks from the wardrobe and began to put it on, his white starched shirt first. Using magic the buttons were done quite quickly. He tied his neck cloth meticulously, put his frock coat on, then took his staff robes from the wardrobe and stood briefly before the mirror. He was coolly amused to see that, at least to the casual observer, he looked perfectly correct, no different from the 'old' Severus Snape.

When he opened the door to his quarters, the class period was over. He rounded the corner and found himself walking toward a group of students. Being seen by them was desirable, so he strode faster, black robes billowing behind him. He moved among the students steadily, heading for the first flight of stairs and beginning to climb toward the Headmistress's office.

A luminescent form floated up in front of him, the Bloody Baron. Snape nodded politely to the ghost, who stared briefly at him before nodding in return. Up ahead he could hear a familiar chaos, as objects began dropped from high up, onto unsuspecting students. Excellent! Peeves, he thought, casting an Imperturbable Charm on his own head and shoulders. He strode quickly ahead.

The poltergeist floated above the staircase, cackling wildly as he pelted colorful water balloons down on a crowd of students. The stairs were slick and wet, and several students had fallen, slowing the progress of the others.

As a sodden balloon flew through the air, Severus casually flicked his wand, driving the missile back into the face of the shocked poltergeist.

"SNAKEY SNAPEY'S BACK!" shrieked the spirit, dropping the last of his water bombs all at once. "Come back to spoil our fun, kiddos!"

"Evanesco," murmured Severus quietly, causing the balloons to vanish, unexploded.

Peeves cast a spiteful look at him, blew a raspberry and swooped away, down toward the dungeons.

Severus waded through the cluster of drenched students without comment and continued on his way to the Headmistress's office. Upon reaching the gargoyle, he found that the wall immediately opened, so he stepped onto the stone staircase. Behind him the wall slid shut, so it seemed no more guests were expected.

"Good afternoon, Severus," said the Headmistress of Hogwarts, seated behind her huge, impressive desk. She gestured him to a chair directly across from her.

Severus approached the desk. He was taken anew with the difference between her arrangement of that desk and Dumbledore's. Minerva McGonagall kept her desk completely cleared, with only a simple blotter and one quill upon it. Albus Dumbledore always had a jar of sweets and a small jumble of parchment and quills, with various interesting, obscure magical implements at hand.

"Headmistress," he replied politely, sitting down.

"Thank you for coming so promptly. Before you begin, I wish to discuss your consultant's fee. I propose to pay you five hundred Galleons per month for your services."

His black eyes widened slightly in surprise. That amount was equivalent to the salary of a full time Hogwarts professor. He wisely stifled that thought and merely replied, "Perhaps this task is more hazardous than I had anticipated."

"I am aware that whether you are here, or at home with Zelda, you will be working on our little problems," she said shrewdly. "Furthermore, simply the academic issues will be quite time consuming. I recall your frustration over coaching Crabbe and Goyle last year, and in all honesty, Severus, there will be much more of the same frustration now."

"Very well," he replied, having expected no less. "and the other problem?"

"I believe you should begin with the academic problem and see how the rest unfolds. If things are not improving, you will likely witness something first hand, before long," she said cryptically.

He nodded politely.

"Here is a list of students who need of academic evaluation and support," she said, handing over a piece of parchment. "Your office has been prepared by the house elves, if that is acceptable."

"Thank you," he replied. "Did anyone gain access to it during the past summer?"

"I believe it was untouched," she said. "The elves might know better, of course. Now, Severus, like any other staff member, you are again empowered to bestow or take away points from students."

His black eyes glinted and he allowed a faint smile to appear. "How is Potter behaving these days?" he asked silkily, idly fingering his wand.

Minerva chuckled. "You shall judge for yourself, my friend."

"Indeed I shall," he replied.

There was an expression of relief on her face, knowing that he would be putting his clever mind to solving their problems. "I wish you would come back to live here," she said slowly. "I know it would be complicated, but…"

"Perhaps someday," he replied softly.

"How is Zelda? Has she regained more of her memories yet?"

"I believe it will come, but when she suddenly learns things that are suppressed, she is disturbed. She learned that she held a birthday party for Potter, something she cannot remember, and she was upset."

"Moody did a great deal of damage on that August day," Minerva said.

"I don't regret anything, except Firenze's fate. I feared there would be widespread devastation, Minerva, but the worst was averted. Zelda and I are together and that is far more than I hoped for."

Severus rose and said, "I shall interview each student on the list and assess what is needed. I shall leave Hogwarts every day when the evening meal begins, if that is acceptable."

"Would it be possible for you to come to our staff meeting on Sunday evening? It would be the most efficient way to communicate with the staff about your plans and progress. We shall all assist you in this effort."

As he considered the time difference between Zelda's house and Hogwarts he had an amusing idea. "I shall plan on it. If you do not object, I believe I shall bring Zelda earlier, to re-acquaint her with my rooms, privately."

Minerva began to walk with him toward the staircase. "Please be assured that Mrs. Snape is always welcome here at Hogwarts," she said graciously.

"Thank you. Please don't tell anyone else of our marriage yet," he said warningly. "If it is the old prejudice creating trouble among the students, there must be no risk to Zelda. I hope the atmosphere will improve so she may come with me openly."

He stepped onto the stairs and began descending. "Will it be a problem, if during the week I pull students from class for a short time?"

"I'll inform the staff. Thank you, Severus," she said as he descended out of sight.

&&&&&&&&&

Severus felt strange at being back in his office again, with work to do. The house elves had lit the fire and dusted, but everything was the same as it had always been. He wondered if Horace Slughorn had gotten into his private cupboard, but since he had no plans to brew anything immediately, decided to look over the list of students. He sat down in his familiar chair and began to read.

Crabbe and Goyle were there, of course. Besides their lack of intellectual prowess, their families were deeply involved with Voldemort, and they had not, it seemed, even retaken the O.W.L.s they had failed at the end of their fifth year. He frowned.

There were twenty-seven students listed. Eight of them were Slytherins and they were all fourth years and above. Each of them had subjects of concern listed below their name. He recognized all of their names, and while some were from families associated with the Death Eaters, others were not.

He would first collect each student and interview him or her individually. It was time for a class change, so he decided to go upstairs and begin immediately. He would break the news to Crabbe and Goyle first, since they probably had the most work ahead of them, in every one of their classes. He took a moment to compose himself, then strode out of his office.

&&&&&&&&&

As students headed for supper in the Great Hall, Severus prepared to go home to Zelda's house. He had a headache. The past hours had been enlightening, although there would be more work than he had anticipated.

He had packed some clothes and was studying his quarters, wondering if Zelda could be happy living in such a place. Until now, he had not considered these rooms anything more than a dark, isolated refuge from social interaction. Albus Dumbledore was the only person who had ever come here since he had become Head of Slytherin House.

A knock interrupted his thoughts. He opened the door to Molly Weasley, and his first thought was that she, of course, had been here once, just before he went to Zelda. Perhaps he could discuss Zelda with her.

"Hello, Severus. I hope I'm not intruding," Molly said. "I wanted to speak with you before you leave."

"Come in," he said politely, opening the door wide. "What can I do for you?"

He ushered her to the sparse sitting area, where she sat down on the worn sofa.

"I wanted a quick word about Draco Malfoy," she said. "I've watched him since he returned to Hogwarts and I'm very worried."

"Minerva told me he has been the focus of hostility," he said, eyeing her closely. A Weasley and Gryffindor concerned about Malfoy? He was surprised.

"Severus, he feels guilty about what happened last June, I think. His father is in prison, and rightfully so, but that young man has a great deal of turmoil in him. I think he's almost grateful when other students attack him. It's very disturbing."

"Has he spoken to you?" asked Severus, unable to imagine what Draco would say to her.

"After he was released by the Ministry, Arthur and I thanked him for helping Ginny, that day in the Forbidden Forest. He was very polite and very guarded," she replied. "Draco Malfoy seems completely alone and full of stiff-necked pride. I wish I could help him."

"I prefer not to be seen as singling him out, but I shall talk to him soon," Severus replied. "I plan to be visible this week, and frankly, I'll take points from them at the least provocation, to make a point regarding unacceptable behavior. It is not the only solution, of course, but it never hurts."

Molly chuckled. "Good for you! Ginny's angry, because when I see inappropriate behavior, I take points from students in every House, including Gryffindor. She feels I'm letting down our side. Some on staff here find it easy turn a blind eye to unacceptable activities, but I can't do it."

She stood up, saying, "I should be in the Great Hall now. I'm glad you're back. Give my love to Zelda. Will she come here with you soon?"

"I cannot say, Molly. Even if I know she can be safe here, look around. Could she live here?" he asked heavily.

She smiled at him. "She loves you and wants you to be happy."

"I want her to be happy too, and this is all foreign to her."

Severus opened the door and held it for her.

"Don't worry, Severus. It'll work out," she said. "I hope to see both of you soon."

After she left, he looked around doubtfully. His breath hissed from him irritably as he put on his cloak. No inspired solution came to him, so he closed the door behind him and headed back to Zelda.

&&&&&&&&&

The week had flown by, with Severus and Zelda both so busy. The difference caused in their lives by his returning to Hogwarts part time seemed trivial at first, but Severus began to feel stressed by juggling.

Zelda focused on things under her control, most notably her students, but as the days crawled on, she felt like crying at times, for no real reason. When she realized her emotional state was related to Severus going back to Hogwarts, she loathed her pathetic need to cling and consequently, was more brittle than ever.

The first day had been easy. Severus was back well before she returned from school and they were both simply happy to be together.

Tuesday morning, Severus dressed in his customary clothing, which Zelda had not fully remembered, and he watched her reaction closely.

"I remember undoing all those lovely buttons," she said as she studied him closely. "But… not really. My hands remember, but my mind is fuzzy."

"Don't worry, my girl," he said. "Your memories are returning."

He walked her to the van, as usual, and held her close.

"Have a good day, Sev," she said, caressing his cheek as they kissed goodbye.

"I'll see you soon," he said.

His afternoons at Hogwarts were filled with work. He met with students, communicated with teachers and coordinated assignments with his usual efficiency. There was much to be done, however.

The next day was similar, but on Thursday he met with complications.