Next few weeks passed as a blur at Hogwarts. The Professors were readying the school for another year. Last of the school was restored by the teachers.

"We have nothing to worry about like last year." Minerva said, a small smile across her face. With Voldemort gone and most of his followers kept in Azkaban, no one was expecting another death in school for few years.

Rose and Severus were keeping distance from each other to avoid any unwelcomed attention. Their actions during war increased their popularity and last thing they wanted were rumors about them. It was proving to be difficult for the young witch.

Every time she ran into him in corridors, she would bit her tongue to keep herself from talking to him.

Just a month before start of the school, Severus received a letter from Ministry of Magic, asking if he wanted to continue as Headmaster of Hogwarts. Both father and daughter had different opinion on it.

"Why you don't want the position, Severus?" Rose asked, the green glow from cauldron brightening her face.

"I don't want to be." He murmured, stirring the potion. "Last time I was the Headmaster, I got only distrust and hatred from students."

"You were misunderstood."

McGonagall tried convincing Severus few hours ago but he wouldn't even accept Defence position. Rose was trying her best past twenty minutes.

"Even Dumbledore would have wanted you be the Headmaster." She told playing her last card.

"If that was the case, he wouldn't have let me die as the part of his plan."

"Did I hear wrong or you just accused Dumbledore? I mean, he asked me to save you."

Severus looked up into the witch's eyes. "Why wouldn't he? He didn't want me to die guilty, did he?"

Rose sighed. She never thought it was so difficult to persuade her father. Still, she stood there, watching him brew a potion.

It was taking a lot of time. She saw him shaking his head as the potion in cauldron didn't give results he wished. She turned at the table where all the ingredients were kept, trying to figure out what he was struggling to make.

"Why don't you add a bit of basilwood and dragon blood?" she asked, turning back at him.

"Don't you know that basilwood reacts violently with-?"

"Small quantity don't. Dragon blood neutralizes it. Just try."

Severus hesitated but allowed Rose to experiment it. Moments after a pinch of basilwood dropped into the potion, it hissed violently, threatening to spill over.

"Now." the witch said, stepping back.

A drop of dragon blood reduced the reaction and the potion turned clear. The Potion teacher was really impressed.

"You wanted me to be the Headmaster. I have a thought about it."

"So you are…" A wide smile spread across Rose's face.

"On one condition, you are taking Potion position."

"Wha-"

"Are you sure that you still want to teach Astronomy to a bunch to dunderheads who can't tell where North Star in Big Dipper is?" he cut in, assuming her reaction.

Rose had to agree. Astronomy was third most boring subject at Hogwarts after History of Magic and Ancient Ruins. And very few were interested in it because even Muggles study the night sky.

"Alright." She made to walk out the door, but she turned and considered the wizard before her. He was already focused on the work in front of him.

"I'm glad you're staying, dad. I hope this is a good year for you after so many awful ones."

She left, walking towards library. She was lost in her thoughts, so much that she nearly bumped into Minerva. "Whoa. Watch your steps."

"Sorry." She replied, smile appearing on her face.

"Something good?"

"Yes. Severus agreed. And he wants me to take up Potions."