Summary: Classes begin

A/N: I'm heading on vacation for a couple weeks. I am taking part in my other obsession–Disneyworld and a Disney Cruise. I'll post again when I get back, but because of that, you get an early chapter! Thanks for reading!

Chapter 6

Severus entered the Infirmary and headed to the office in back.

"Good morning, Poppy," he addressed. His eyes met the gentleman sitting at a desk across from Pomfrey. "Hello, Counselor Barton."

The other man looked up at him. He was middle-aged with short, graying brown hair. His brown eyes were sharp and intelligent. He also wore brown robes that made him a wash of brown, but they suited him. Taking his glasses off, he nodded at Severus.

"Good morning Professor Snape."

Severus gave him a curt nod. "I wanted to discuss the students. I feel my Slytherins may not utilize you even though they know you are available."

Barton stood. "Come into my office. We can discuss them."

Severus followed him into the small office that was off the main one. "I will use this to counsel with any students or faculty who need guidance," Barton offered. He turned to Severus. "Please call me Robert; we are colleagues, after all." He extended his hand. Severus grasped it and shook it briefly.

"And I'm Severus," he offered as he sat down. "Robert, I feel that the Slytherins might need you the most as many of their family were involved on the wrong side. However, they are prideful. I am unsure how to influence them to seek your guidance."

Robert frowned. He tapped his fingers on the desk as he thought. "Honestly, we cannot force anyone to speak with me. Even if we did, that type of interaction proves to be useless." He was silent for a minute. "My suggestion is to mention it frequently. Let them know I'm here and to seek me out. Perhaps even mentioning it daily for a bit."

"Okay. I will try that. There are some other students in different Houses whose parents were involved with the Death Eaters either directly or secretly." He reached into his robes and pulled out a parchment with several names on it. He handed it to Robert.

"These are all the students in every House who were, or their parents were, associated with Death Eaters. I will do as you ask, but if you would keep an eye out on them when you are here as best you can, it would be appreciated."

Barton looked over the list and nodded. "I'll do as much as I can. Now… What about you?"

"What about me?"

Robert chuckled. "You claim your Slytherins are prideful, but perhaps you may need to discuss what happened to you these last few years?"

Severus stiffened. He eyed Barton intensely. "Perhaps," he agreed after a while. "I will admit the last year especially was incredibly difficult." He hesitated. "May I share something with you?"

"Of course!" Robert offered.

"The Headmaster–Dumbledore–sent me a missive posthumously. It was imbibed with a peace spell and something that took away my guilt. Have you heard of anything like this?"

"Only in theory. Understanding that Dumbledore was a genius, if someone was going to be able to create such a spell, it would be him."

Severus was quiet for a bit. "I have felt at peace since. However, having students who don't understand my motives completely and faculty who–despite apologizing profusely–treated me like shite last year, I am unsure if I could use your help or not."

"Well, think about it. See how the next week goes. I think you'll know one way or the other by the end of it."

Severus bowed his head in agreement. "I'll keep that in mind."

Severus entered his classroom of seventh-years. Of course, he had the older classes on the first day. Perhaps it was a good thing to get these classes behind him, though. The sixth-years had been decent.

He slammed the door behind him and stalked up to the front of the classroom. Turning, he eyed the class as if they were up to something.

"Welcome to N.E.W.T. level Potions. You all have proven yourselves to be adept at creating Potions in previous years." He folded his arms. "This year you will be challenged to produce high-quality Potions that are difficult to brew. You know I do not coddle students, but I will help you if needed."

He eyed the mix of Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Slytherin students.

"I hold high expectations for every single one of you," he advised them.

They seemed to take him seriously. He felt relieved.

"On an aside," he continued. "I understand how difficult last year was for every single one of you. Those of you who chose to fight, fought valiantly. Students shouldn't have to battle at your age, not that you all didn't perform well." He paused for effect, something he enjoyed doing and wouldn't be giving up any time soon.

"To that end, I wanted to urge any of you who feel the need, to seek out a counseling session with Counselor Barton. He is excellent at his job and can be a help to those of you who are having a hard time concentrating on your work due to anything that occurred last year." He eyed each student separately.

"I know that as Headmaster last year, I was not visible, but I assure you, I tried to keep things as normal as they could be having Death Eaters teaching here. I understand what you all went through, and if you'd rather discuss this with me, feel free to set an appointment during my office hours. Yes, that goes for anyone in any House, including Gryffindor. You will find my teaching more even-handed this year. I no longer have a persona to keep up. You will find I can be fair. Yes, I know–shocking."

There were a couple of chuckles among the Hufflepuffs. No one else dared, but he smirked at those who laughed.

"In any case, use the resources that you have here at Hogwarts to ensure that your education is completed successfully."

He brandished his wand, and the reading assignment they were to work on appeared on the board. "We will begin brewing next class. Be sure that you have read these chapters before then. Now, when preparing to create Felix Felicis, why is it important to not heat the cauldron until after you have added the Ashwinder eggs and horseradish?"

Ginny Weasley raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Weasley?"

"Because the Ashwinder eggs and the horseradish need to combine without heat or the egg properties will be neutralized."

"Excellent. Five points to Gryffindor."

Severus ignored the widened eyes and went on with his lecture, asking questions about the potion and giving points to every correct answer.

"Now then, we will be brewing Felix Felicis in the next class. It will be one of the potions you need to create on your own for your N.E.W.T.s so we will be creating it often this year. You will eventually need to memorize the recipe and how to create it, as there are no books in your Potions practical at the end of the year." his eyes roamed the class. "Do not expect to be showered with House points every class. As we are not brewing today, this was a unique circumstance. Please be prepared tomorrow to begin the potion right at the beginning of class. You are dismissed."

He watched them all gather their texts and file out. He sighed. No one looked at him cross-eyed, or even worse, said anything caustic. He hoped that things would go well this year with them and all his classes.

Severus entered the Great Hall for dinner to see that his two 'sidekicks' had preceded him to the table. He gave them each a brisk nod as he settled in.

"So," he began. "How were classes?"

"Those seventh-year Ravenclaws are asking for detention," Jonathan said in a huff.

Hermione leaned forward and gave him an odd look.

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"They thought it would be fun to use their extensive vocabulary to confuse me."

Severus snorted. "Little do they know you'd probably have been a Ravenclaw yourself had you attended school here."

Jonathan laughed. "They won't make that mistake again." He turned to Hermione. "So, how did it go for you?"

"Well, there's something I didn't tell either of you."

Severus arched a brow at her.

"I worked with Minerva all summer to become an Animagus."

"Wait, you're an Animagus?" Jonathan asked incredulously.

"I am."

"Well, don't keep us in suspense, witch, what animal are you?" Severus ground out.

She straightened proudly and grinned at them. "I am a red-tailed hawk."

"How did you pull that one off?" Severus asked.

"What do you mean?" Jonathan asked.

"So, Minerva is a cat Animagus," Hermione began. "On the first day of class, she sat on her desk as a cat and surprised the hell out of us when she transfigured. It really left an impression."

"Not one to be outdone, you decided to become an Animagus and freak out the students," Severus offered.

"Of course! So, I set up a perch in the corner of the classroom and just sat there for a while. I think they were impressed when I took flight and turned into myself mid-wing."

Severus smirked. "Can I see your memories of their faces?"

Hermione chuckled. "If it will make you happy, yes."

"Hey, I want in on that too. Were the upperclassmen surprised?"

"They actually were. And I think it brought me some respect. They weren't expecting me to be able to do anything so technical. They paid attention the rest of the day."

"That's good," Jonathan remarked.

"So, how did it go for you, Severus?" Hermione asked.

He shrugged. "No one exploded anything. Of course, we didn't brew anything, so there's that."

Jonathan laughed. "That's a good way to ensure no accidents."

Severus gave him a smirk. "I thought so."

Hermione shook her head at him. "Did they still respect you?"

His eyes met hers. "I think so. I was sure there would be some pranks or whispered comments, but nothing like that happened. And I had the seventh-years today. If they can contain themselves, I believe everyone can."

"I'm glad to hear that. May we all be so lucky," Hermione replied.

"Hey, Severus, do you have a minute?"

Severus looked up from the book he was reading at his desk. "Yes, of course, Jonathan. Come in and take a seat."

He motioned to the chair in front of his desk.

"I wanted to ask your opinion on how in-depth to go with the seventh-years."

"What are you thinking you want to do?"

"They've been through the war. A war that many of them participated in. I feel like there's not much I can teach them."

"There's always something to teach them."

"That's why I came to you."

Severus smirked at him.

They discussed several advanced defense spells and some curses and hexes that weren't unforgivable but would be formidable against enemies. Jonathan had suggested some and seemed grateful to the ones that Severus suggested adding to the curriculum as well.

"Thanks, Severus. I feel much better about teaching them." He regarded Severus carefully. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"I know you're supposed to be our age, but do Hermione and I annoy you?"

"Why on earth would you ask that?"

Jonathan shrugged. "You're the mental age of a what… forty-year-old?"

Severus' eyebrows narrowed at him. "Thirty-eight," he ground out.

"Oh, yeah, big difference," Jonathan said with a smirk.

Severus raised a brow at him. "Watch it…"

Jonathan laughed. "Just kidding. See though? That's what I mean. Are we too jovial? Too immature?"

Severus sat back and considered Jonathan's question.

"Well, obviously I have more life experience… and horrible life experience if I am to be completely honest. But… I find both of you to be quite mature for your age. I enjoy a good laugh, and you especially are humorous. I enjoy both of your company. I don't feel like there's a big difference. Hermione especially has lived a lot and experienced a lot these last few years. I have found it has matured her way beyond her years."

Jonathan smiled genuinely at him. "I'm glad because I enjoy spending time with you. You're pretty funny yourself."

"I pride myself on my dry humor."

Jonathan nodded. "You've mastered that."

"Thank you." Severus regarded Jonathan for a minute. "I appreciate your friendship. It's nice to have some people I can consider as friends, especially people my age. Well, you know what I mean… I've always been friends with Minerva, but she's much older than me now. Not really someone I would spend my free time with. I hope that the three of us can spend more time together."

"Brilliant. How about we head over to the Hog's Head tonight after dinner?"

Severus nodded. "I would like to get away for a bit. That sounds…" he sighed. "Refreshing."

"Great! I'll see if Hermione wants to join us."

Severus nodded.

The three professors entered the Hog's Head and found a table on the side near the wall. Aberforth sidled over to them.

"Greetings professors. How are you all tonight?"

"Great," Jonathan said with a smile. "Looking forward to unwinding for a bit."

Aberforth nodded. "Severus, good to see you."

"Thank you, Abe."

"We all thought you were a goner. Glad they figured out how to keep you in one piece."

Severus looked down at the table.

"We're all glad for that, Aberforth," Hermione broke in. "Could I get a peach fizz, please?"

Aberforth nodded and looked over at Severus.

"Firewhiskey," he added.

"I'll have a Firewhiskey too," Jonathan ordered.

Aberforth shuffled off, and Severus looked over at Hermione.

"Thank you for changing the subject."

"I could tell you were uncomfortable."

He frowned. "I've let my emotions run rampant since the war ended."

Hermione laughed. "Yes, looking embarrassed is a terrible thing."

"It is for a master Occlumens."

"Yeah, but Severus, you don't have to do that anymore. I mean, unless you want to." Jonathan shrugged.

Severus' eyes roamed between his two friends. "I am not sure what I want. Part of me wants to let others see my real self, but after covering up for so long… It's daunting."

Jonathan shrugged. "Take it one day and one person at a time."

"You make it sound so easy."

"Well, it's not easy, don't misunderstand me. But really, if you show your true self to someone and they accept you, then you can be more genuine. If they are clearly not accepting of you… well, you don't need them in your life."

"Good advice," Severus agreed as he nodded at Jonathan.

"It's taken me some time," Hermione added, "to not care what other people think."

Severus arched a brow. "Come now. I find that hard to believe."

She shrugged. "It's true. I think being on the run and living like a vagrant really puts things like that into perspective."

Severus and Jonathan both laughed.

"I don't know how you did it," Jonathan mused.

Hermione got a faraway look. "We were scared to death all the time, but we kept going. We had to."

"I wish there had been more that I could have done, but no one knew where you were most of the time," Severus said.

She shook her head. "I think we would have hexed first and asked questions later."

"Well, there's that as well," he acquiesced with a smirk. His youthful face seemed even more lighthearted as he did.

"And if Voldemort found out, you'd have been done for," Hermione finished.

"Granted. At least Headmaster Black was able to assure me you all were still alive, even if he didn't know where you were."

Hermione smiled at Severus. "Why, sir, I didn't know you cared!"

Severus rolled his eyes. "Oh, believe me, I didn't, but if you'd all wound up dead, especially Potter, we'd have all been lost."

She huffed. "Just when I thought you were becoming human."

His smirk was glorious. Hermione just shook her head at him. At that moment, Aberforth came with their drinks. They spent the rest of the evening chatting and laughing about the unique challenges of being teachers in a Wizarding school.