Author's Note: After over a year I am so glad that I have finally had a chance to update this story! Everything has been so hectic these past few semesters I have not had nearly as much time to write as I would have liked. On the upside I have completed several chapters for this story during the past year, hopefully I will be able to post some of them in the next few weeks. Thank you so much for continuing to read my stories, it really means a lot. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter!

After finishing up with his work and his lunch Severus grudgingly noted that he would need to be on his way to the staff meeting soon. Taking his time he washed his hands and his equipment before going to his bedroom to change into cleaner robes. He was not ashamed to admit that he had been hoping against all odds that this meeting would be canceled. Alas his hopes were dashed when Albus had sent out an extra reminder about the meeting in the off chance that anyone had forgotten about it.

Severus knew that he meant it for him. Not that he would forget, Albus just did not want him pulling any tricks. Not that Severus would not show up to the meeting, the thought had crossed his mind, but it had left just as quickly as it had come. It would not do for him to miss the first meeting of the school term.

Taking one final look around his rooms he walked out the door and began making his way through the corridors to the Headmaster's office. He would be early, that much was certain, but hopefully that meant that he could find a seat near the back of the room and go unnoticed. When he reached the gargoyle he uttered the password and it leapt aside. He made his way onto the staircase as it began its ascent towards Dumbledore's office, there was no going back now.

When the staircase reached the door to the Headmaster's office Severus knocked on the door which immediately opened for him. The Headmaster was nowhere in sight, but a rather odd assortment of chairs had already been set up. They were clustered near the window, facing a larger chair Severus assumed to be the Headmaster's.

Severus quietly made his way to the back of the cluster of chairs and sat down in the last row. While still providing a good vantage point this particular spot he had chosen was somewhat obscured by shadows. This and his black robes would make him less noticeable.

While he waited for the other members of the staff to arrive Severus admired the office around him. Never before had he been given the opportunity to view all of the knickknacks that filled this room. Now without anyone else there he took this time to study his surroundings.

He found himself quite alone in the headmaster's office for a quarter of an hour, but this did not bother him in the least. It was still better to be early and unnoticed rather than draw too much attention to himself. He used this time to prepare himself mentally for the judgement that was going to come from his new peers. They all knew his story, he was certain of it. How could they not have? In the off chance that they did not it would be explained to them soon enough.

Severus' thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a somewhat distraught looking witch. At first glance he could see that she was a young woman. She held herself regally but something in her demeanor told him that she was upset. Right now she looked the way he felt, and he couldn't help but commiserate with her. At this point he was not alone, while their problems were not the same, he had someone that was in a similar situation around.

The witch also found a spot to the rear of the Headmaster's office, somewhere out of the way. Severus stared intently at her for a few moments, it would seem that she had not noticed him. For a moment he contemplated starting a conversation with her, but then he thought better of it. It would be best not to bother her, or to draw more attention to himself.

Soon the other members of the staff began filing into the room, chatting happily amongst themselves and filling up all of the empty chairs. To be surrounded by all of this cheerfulness was almost too much for Severus to take right now. Looking over to the witch sitting near him he could tell that she too was rather uncomfortable. In all the time she had been in the room with him, Severus was unable to look at her face. Her hat was tilted in such a way that it was completely obscured from his sight. There was something very familiar about her bearing, but he could not quite place what it was.

The two did not have to endure these surroundings for too long, the many conversations in the room died away as Dumbledore made his entrance from above. It would seem that he had been there all along. As he made his way down the stairs he met Severus' eyes and gave him a meaningful look. His eyes fell on the nearby witch next, he looked at her with what Severus would call an almost fatherly affection making him all the more curious about her identity.

By the time Albus had made it to his chair, the whole room was silent. It was evident that everyone in this room had a great deal of respect for this man.

"Welcome everyone to another year at Hogwarts." Albus began looking around the room. "I am happy to see so many of you have returned to continue teaching this year. In times like these it is good for the students to continue to see familiar faces."

"Now that everyone is settled in and I have had the chance to meet with each of you individually, it is time for us to get down to business and begin preparation for this school year. As a first order of business I would like to briefly review our student professor conduct rules. Now as all of you know our students are not always perfect and occasionally disciplinary action must be taken."

There were a few snorts and laughs from the staff members. It would seem that things had not changed much since he had been at school here. Students would always be getting into mischief. Severus would make sure that the students did not cause any of this trouble in his classroom. the last thing he needed this year was to put up with ill behaved children.

Once the chuckling had subsided Albus returned to giving his speech about punishments and treatment of students. It was all common sense as far as Severus was concerned. Transfiguration was not to be used as a punishment, teachers were not to use cruel and unusual methods, instead they were to be creative; making punishments learning experiences.

The Headmaster further went on to explain that students and teachers were forbidden from starting relationships with one another. Why any professor would want to start a relationship with a student was a mystery to Severus, they were far too immature and had problems enough with people their own age.

The Headmaster further explained the importance of keeping a schedule, lessons plans, and the teacher evaluations that were to occur randomly throughout the school year. After a few more notices about changes to the rules Albus wrapped up the general meeting. Throughout this entire time it seemed that no one had noticed Severus. Luck seemed to be with him today.

"Before we adjourn this meeting I have one final announcement to make." Severus groaned inwardly. he knew it had been too good to be true. "This term I would like to welcome two new members to the staff of Hogwarts. These two individuals are of the highest quality, although they are both quite young I assure you that they have a lot to offer to the school. In more ways than you could imagine." He stared pointedly at Severus as he was saying this. He got the message immediately.

"Firstly I would like to introduce our new transfiguration professor. Many of you will recognize her from her time here as a student, and from her work here last term as an assistant to Madam Pince and myself. If you would please stand and be recognized."

The witch who was near Severus stood up quietly. "It is my pleasure to introduce all of you to Minerva McGonagall." The room burst into applause. Severus now knew why she seemed so familiar to him, the two of them had gone to school together. They had even been friends. It had been a few years since they had spoken. For a few moments he entertained the idea that they might be friendly again, that he would have someone he could talk with. That thought left him almost as soon as it had come. How could she possibly want to speak with him? The very thought of it was preposterous.

"Once Minerva had returned to her seat Albus continued his speech. "After all of his years in service to the school Professor Slughorn has decided to retire. It gives me great pleasure to introduce his replacement. He is a man of many talents and indeed the youngest professor Hogwarts has ever had. Severus Snape will be taking on the responsibilities of Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House. If you will please stand up Severus."

Severus stood up obediently, keeping eye contact with the Headmaster the entire time. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that Minerva was watching him. To his surprise her look wasn't one of disdain, or even pity, in fact he could almost swear that she smiled at him.

His thought process was interrupted by the Headmaster again. "Now that everything has been settled let us adjourn this meeting and go down to the great hall for dinner. I am looking forward to seeing all of you there."

With that the Headmaster left his office with the other staff members following suit. A few of them greeted Severus and Minerva kindly as they made their way out of the room. At last they were the only two left bringing up the rear of the group.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts Severus." Minerva said this time she actually did smile at him.

"Thank you Minerva, it is good to be back here again." Severus replied cordially. "Might I add how nice it is to see a familiar face?"

"Thank you Severus I share your sentiments. It has been far too long since I have seen anyone from my school days. It will certainly be refreshing to have another young professor here." She replied. "I am interested to see how things will pan out for you this year."

"As am I." Severus replied. "As am I."