School Days at Hogwarts

The alarm blared as usual the next morning, irritating as always to Severus. Zelda reached over, switched it off and then turned back to kiss Severus.

"Good morning, sexy wizard," she said. "I won't be a teacher two weeks from today. It feels so strange."

Severus pulled her into a firm embrace, looking intently into her eyes.

"You can't ever stop being a teacher," he told her, nuzzling her cheek.

"I should get ready," she murmured.

She didn't immediately move to get out of bed. Instead she pressed her face against his neck and began kissing him. He smiled, throwing back his head so she could reach more of him.

"Mmm…" she whispered, her fingers threading into his hair and tugging.

He responded contentedly, caressing her everywhere. He'd nervously asked Dilys, having no idea what was right, whether a pregnant woman should have sex.

"It depends on the woman," Dilys had replied with twinkling eyes. "Some don't like it, others love it. See how Zelda feels, Severus."

How lucky that his Zelda loved it, he reflected smugly. He felt close to nature, making love to her as she carried his child. She was so lush and warm, desire filled him in a most primal way. He rolled on his back, pulling her on top of him and making her giggle. As her belly grew larger, they'd have to be inventive, he thought amusedly. How delightful.

&&&&&&&&&

Of course she had to hurry afterward, to get to work on time.

"I'll return before you do today," he promised. "Take care, my pet."

She kissed him and hurried out the door.

Severus went to shower and dress for work, reviewing his plan for the day. The majority of students he'd been working to bring up from remedial status no longer needed his oversight, but he patrolled regularly, as he'd always done. He must also meet with Potter as soon as possible.

"We'll be back soon," he told Rowena, no longer embarrassed at speaking to the dog as though she understood.

She trotted by his side to the door and watched him go. On some level, he knew she did understand the gist of his wishes.

Upon arriving at Hogsmeade, he decided to walk up to the castle openly, through the main gates. He knew someone was watching him at times, so the best thing was to behave normally, as though he were unaware.

&&&&&&&&&

Harry Potter was wearing his Invisibility Cloak. He stood near the doorway of the Owlery, watching two hooded and cloaked students peer through a small telescope. He'd tiptoed in after them and still had no idea who they were, but it was not the first time he'd seen these or similar students in quiet corners. They were bloody careful, he thought, not speaking at all.

One figure nodded to the other, picked up the telescope, then they turned and silently left the tower. Harry carefully stepped to the window and leaned out to see what was so interesting. He saw no one except Professor Snape, his traveling cloak billowing behind him as he strode purposefully to the castle. He tried to catch up with the two figures, but in that brief time they'd disappeared.

A large silvery bird flashed into the stairway and Harry chuckled grimly. Professor Snape needed his help, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Not even bothering to return his cloak to his dorm, he trotted lightly down the stairs toward the dungeon.

Harry stuffed the cloak into his schoolbag and knocked on Professor Snape's office door.

"Enter," came the reply.

Harry opened the door and then closed it firmly behind him.

"Sit down," said Professor Snape.

Harry sat down and said seriously, "You were watched while you walked up to the castle."

"Who was watching?" asked the older wizard.

"I could've confronted them. There were two of them with a telescope, up in the Owlery, wearing cloaks. But there are more involved in this, um, plot."

"What is the point of this behavior?"

"We think, I mean, Draco, Hermione, Ron and I, that they're angry. It's older students, we've no proof of exactly who they are, but… I'm going to talk to Michael about it. Draco is too, because we think it's happening because of the war," said Harry hesitantly. "It's over, but things still feel wrong. Nobody talks about it, people are still dead and the kids don't know what's going to happen. I think… I dunno, really, why they're behaving this way."

"Interesting," Severus murmured thoughtfully. "What about the younger students?"

"Hermione's gotten some reliable students to give a bit of extra attention to the young ones. She's hopeless at spying, but understands people. She has a contact in Ravenclaw and one in Hufflepuff and she meets with them to discuss things. She's also been helping any younger ones who want it, with their homework in the library."

"Does Draco know about this?"

"Yeah," said Harry. "He suggested she not try it with Slytherin, that he'll try to keep an eye on things. He's not such an ass, you know, after what happened to him. Michael says that day in the Forest changed things for those of us who were here and that we share something important."

Severus thought ironically that Draco must have been working harder lately than he had in his aristocratic life. A promising turn of events.

"Is there anything else you wished to tell me? I have an appointment with Professor McGonagall and then I'll patrol the castle," he said.

"No, that's it. But be careful, Professor," said Harry.

One cynical eyebrow rose at the boy's intense concern. Did he believe anything at Hogwarts could be more dangerous than the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters?

They left the office together and parted on the first floor. Severus continued climbing the stairs until he reached the entrance to the Headmistress's office. The gargoyle recognized him and leaped to the side. He stepped onto the spiral stairs and began moving upward. He stepped off when he reached the circular office.

"Good afternoon, Minerva," he said politely.

The Headmistress of Hogwarts was seated at her desk. She gave him an evil smile and gestured to a comfortable chair.

"I was pleased at the lack of drama during the staff meeting," she said. "If you'll control your animal magnetism, perhaps these peaceful meetings can continue."

His gaunt cheek flushed slightly and he glared down his nose at her.

"May we be serious?" he snapped pointedly.

She sighed and said, "I had a most unpleasant talk with Sibyll yesterday. She knows she must control her behavior. I was forced to threaten to put her on probation."

"Thank you. If it seems safe, Zelda will be spending more time here beginning next week," he said. "She's preparing to turn her class over to a young teacher she trained last fall. She'll work with her this week, go in for a few hours every day next week and then she'll be finished."

"What will she do to stay busy after that?"

"Rest, I hope," he replied. "Her health is the most important thing."

"She'll be bored," said Minerva flatly. "Perhaps she's too exhausted right now to think of it, but it's true. I have a suggestion, however."

He rolled his eyes. Just when he was about to have his wife's undivided attention, another busybody stepped in. He glared at her with a reluctant question in his eyes.

"You're impossible, Severus," she snapped. "Hear me out. Michael contacted me, he believes Mr. Goyle's academic problem stems from the fact that he can barely read. A learning disability, Michael called it. I wonder if Zelda will evaluate and work with him."

"I never considered such a thing," said Severus slowly. "Yet it seems possible. Perhaps if Zelda feels she can help him it will ease her distress at leaving her class."

"Did you speak with Mr. Potter?"

"Yes. It seems he believes older students, from some emotional disturbance related to the war and the sudden end of it, are perpetrating these acts. They are actually organized. Miss Granger is attempting to create a stable environment for young students, Mr. Malfoy is keeping an eye on Slytherin."

"He asked me to continue staff patrols," said Minerva. "I said I would do so, but I dread telling the staff at our next meeting."

"I'll tell them," said Severus with a cold glint in his eyes.

"Have I told you lately how I appreciate the fine job you're doing? I hope you'll consider returning next year," she said mildly.

"You know why I cannot," he replied.

"There's time before you must make a final decision," she murmured soothingly. "But be sure I'll ask you again."

"If that's all, I'm going to patrol," he said, rising.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said.

He nodded and descended the spiral stairs, planning his route through the castle. Classes were in session, so the corridors were almost all empty. He came across Mrs. Norris outside the hospital wing and remembered that the scrawny cat was a veteran of the war, so he nodded politely.

Madam Pomfrey appeared suddenly, as though aware that he was present.

"Good afternoon," she said pleasantly. "I didn't have a chance to speak to you the other day, but I enjoyed your reception and found your wife to be an excellent woman."

"Thank you. She enjoyed meeting you too, Poppy," he replied.

"She told me that she's with child and that Dilys Smethwyck is attending her. How fortunate for you."

"Do you know Dilys?" he asked.

"I met her during a training course at St. Mungo's. She's a brilliant researcher and midwife," said the matron. "I wonder if I might meet her sometime while she's here at the school."

"Of course," he replied. "I'll let you know the next time she'll be here. And is there anything you need brewed for the hospital wing?"

"I know you're busy, but in the next week or two I'll need more of the Draught of Peace, and Sleeping Potion."

"I'm happy to brew it for you," he told her.

"Do you miss your old position?" she asked.

"You know how much I've always enjoyed brewing the potions," he replied softly. "Solomon will allow me use of the classroom any time."

"Very good," she said. "I've heard your new potions textbook will be published soon and I look forward to reading it. The old one was disgracefully outdated."

"I'll make sure you get a copy," he promised. "I must continue my rounds now, but I'll bring the potions within the week."

Madam Pomfrey's stern face softened into a smile and she said, "It's good to have you back, Severus."

He continued his rounds after that with an odd feeling of comfort. He might not be able to live here with Zelda, but Hogwarts was his home and it was good to be here.

&&&&&&&&&

Tuesday morning, Michael found himself facing two former enemies. Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy were waiting for him in the office he'd been allotted.

"Who's first?" he asked.

"Both of us," replied Harry. "We have something we want to ask you."

"Okay," said Michael. "Come in, then."

Having heard a great deal of the history between these two, he was intrigued by their apparent mutual respect. He gestured to them to sit down and seated himself at the desk.

"Do you mind?" he asked, pointing casually toward the hearth.

Harry grinned. He pointed his wand and lit the fire, and then pointed his wand at the lamps, lighting them all.

"Sometimes I forget you're a Muggle. I think I'd be scared of you if you were a wizard too."

"Scared of little old me?" replied Michael mockingly. "The more I see of wizards, I realize that most of you totally lack common sense. Witches are usually smarter about things, like Molly Weasley. Smart enough to not want to rule the world and using magic in practical ways."

"Professor Snape's a practical wizard," said Harry.

"Absolutely," said Michael. "He's an exception. Now, what can I do for you?"

"We don't know which students are causing trouble, but we think we know why they're doing it. But we want you to tell us if it makes any sense."

Michael looked from one to the other and waited.

"It's strange," began Draco. "It's not Slytherins, although everyone's ready to accuse us. It's students from the other houses, and they're older. We've seen them a few times, but they're always wearing hoods when they meet and they go in different directions."

"Why didn't you just grab them?" asked Michael curiously.

"When I was attacked, earlier this year, there were more of them. I didn't care for a while, you know. They could've killed me and it wouldn't have mattered," said Draco, his eyes troubled.

"We think if we don't catch them all, it'll just go on, and they'll get angrier. They're angry, Michael," said Harry. "We think when the war just ended, Voldemort was dead, it was over, and people just began pretending it never happened."

"Wow," muttered Michael. "It makes sense, guys. We can't know for sure until they're caught and we can talk to them. What do you think should happen to them?"

"No one will listen to us, but we think they should see you or Healer Pye, someone to help them understand. It's not our fault we had to grow up in this mess," said Draco. "I felt like I was as guilty as… Voldemort, until I met you. We didn't ask to be raised by people like Lucius, or to have our families killed. But we live with the result and too many adults aren't helping."

Michael sat back in his chair, gazing thoughtfully out the window. He looked suddenly at Harry.

"Do you agree?" he asked.

"Yeah," said Harry. "I don't want to see them kicked out of school or put in prison. We've gone to school together since we were young. I don't love all of them, but I think I know how they feel. Powerless, frustrated and furious."

Michael smiled proudly as he gazed at the two. Both were bright, insightful and passionately motivated to make their world better. They'd come a long way in a very short time.

"How can I help you?" he asked.

"Will you speak with Professor McGonagall?" asked Harry. "She might listen to us, but you can make her understand more easily. When we get them, we want something set up to deal with them."

"Of course I will," he said. "I'll see her before I leave Hogwarts today."

"Thanks," Harry said fervently. "We'll see you later today, okay?"

"Okay. I'd say stay out of trouble, but what's the fun of that? Watch yourselves," said Michael, dismissing them.

&&&&&&&&&

"I wonder if you think it's is a good idea," Michael said to Severus that evening.

"A radical notion, but you've made a stunning impression on those boys already. If they accept the idea, it might be very productive. Not to mention amusing."

"I worry about what they'll do when they finish school. Crabbe and Goyle will have a hard time, according to what Kingsley tells me about wizard careers. Harry and Draco are in a different place. They're both very bright and capable, but they've both had a difficult life and it's important that they find a good path."

Severus tried to imagine a group counseling session with those four boys, but his mind boggled.

"Did they tell you their thoughts about the vandalism and attacks this school year?" he asked.

Michael nodded and said, "They're insightful, aren't they? I've spoken to Pye and Minerva about the possibility of increasing our work here in the future, if necessary."

"Excellent," replied Severus.

"Back to you," said Michael. "Soon you'll have your dream of Zelda no longer working. Are you sure you're ready? It's nice to have a little distance, at times. She's not used to being bored either. I hope this works out, but I'm worried."

"Minerva said the same thing," Severus said, frowning. I don't believe there'll be a problem, however, Minerva suggested that Zelda consider tutoring Goyle in reading. I believe you feel it's advisable."

"I think it'd be a good thing for all concerned. It's no secret to me how lonely Zelda's life has been and I have some idea how isolated you've been. But you're individuals, both pretty strong-minded ones. If you're not together every minute, will that mean you love each other less?"

Severus bit back the first bitter retort that sprang to mind, and the silence between them grew, broken only by the sound of the clock on the wall ticking. At last he spoke.

"I'm thirty-eight years old. Wizards my age have grown children and have been married for half their lives. I cannot say my life's been a waste, but having found Zelda…" he paused, then finished, "Wizards often have a longer lifespan than Muggles. Zelda is slightly older than I. Do you see what that means?"

"Someday you'll have to go on without her," replied Michael, with sorrow and understanding in his brown eyes.

"I cannot imagine it! I resent every hour that I'm away from her," snarled Severus passionately. "I want her with me here at Hogwarts, Michael."

"If you have to choose between them, what'll it be?" asked his friend.

"Zelda," said Severus firmly.

"I had no doubt what your answer would be, buddy."

Severus studied Michael closely and detected a faint air of satisfaction.

"You do approve," he said quietly.

"Sev, I worry about you both, but I think the best thing you can do is have fun and love each other. The rest will work out over time. But I have to go back to St. Mungo's now. I'll see you later, I hope."

"Of course. Zelda wishes to see Lily and Elijah at the cabin sometime soon, if not this weekend, then definitely the following. Will you and Kingsley come?"

"This weekend we're busy, but we'd love to see you the following one. Let's plan on it."

The two men walked to the entrance of the Headmistress's office, where they parted.

"I'll update Minerva on the plan for group counseling," said Michael in a low voice. "Kiss Zel for me."

Severus smiled wickedly and whispered, "No problem. Kiss Shacklebolt, but not for me."

Michael laughed loudly, shaking his head.

"You're hopeless, Professor Snape. Good evening."

Severus turned decisively and began descending the stairs toward the dungeon. As he reached the first floor he felt a prickling sensation that told him he was being watched. Gripping his wand firmly he continued downward, peering cautiously around him. He saw nothing, however.

Once inside his rooms, he checked briefly to see that no one had invaded, but all was peaceful, save for a small movement on the drawing room wall.

"Phineas," he said peremptorily. "Come here, please."

"What is it Snape? I was preparing to retire for the evening," said Phineas Nigellus in a languid way.

"Phineas, I'm being watched. If you know who it is, please tell me," said Severus. "If this may endanger my wife, it must be stopped immediately."

"Ah, so it begins, young Slytherin," Phineas said with a smirk. "In these dissolute times, even your mongrel lineage is no hindrance to those who desire a taste of your rising eminence. I experienced similar attentions in my day."

His lip curled in disgust, Severus hissed, "I wish I didn't understand you. I have no interest in those pathetic creatures."

"Are you a Slytherin?" asked the portrait wizard. "Even the Seer, if offered the right attentions, may be useful. A prophetess who served you would be a valuable asset. And the graceful Professor Sinistra may prove a pleasing distraction when you tire of your wife."

"Since I won't tire of my wife, this is completely irrelevant," snapped Severus.

"Not at all," said the portrait wizard with a genial air. "You carry great magical power in you, Snape, and you stand on the brink of political greatness. You owe it to your world to sire children. There will be witches eager to bear your children and they'll offer incredible sensual delights."

The black eyes narrowed and Severus gripped his wand convulsively, enraged. He turned and paced quickly across the room, his robes billowing behind him. He stared out into the darkness, offended by the late headmaster's words, yet pondered what it would be like to be pursued and desired.

Phineas waited, but not hopefully. He'd watched the young half-blood since he'd first become Head of Slytherin and had little hope that he would embrace greatness. It was worth a try, however.

Severus walked slowly back toward the portrait frame and his face was expressionless.

"Did you seriously expect me to take you for my model?" he asked icily.

A resigned glare was the only response.

"Never say such a thing again. I'll not have my wife insulted or distressed."

"Very well," said Phineas, shrugging dismally. "If the portraits see anyone behaving suspiciously, I'll tell you. Good evening, Professor Snape."

He strolled out of his frame, feeling he'd done his duty. If the young idiot was so lacking in imagination it wasn't his fault.

Severus changed into Muggle clothing with relief. At times he hated wizards, he thought, repulsed by the ugly suggestions. Slipping into his black leather jacket, he felt free of the lot of them and closer to sanity. He put on his traveling cloak, picked up his wand and left, carefully sealing the door. He'd breathe freer away from Hogwarts this night.