It had been a year since the defeat of Voldemort, and the wizarding world would never be the same. So many innocent people had been killed; so many loved ones were lost. The survivors had been left to pick up the pieces and attempt to let their wounds heal, whilst the pain of the past would stay with them forever. All had lives to rebuild after the chaos and destruction that the war had brought about.
After being in St Mungos for six month following Naginis vicious attack, Severus Snape had finally been released, with the news that, even though he would live, a trace of the venom would remain in his system and would need to take regular anti venom potions to prevent further damage. He'd also have to get used to the fever that had remained with him since he had been admitted all those months ago.
 Severus retired to Spinners End, where he brewed and sold potions to whoever needed them. He'd received numerous owls from the Ministry of Magic who wanted to award him an Order of Merlin, First class for his âheroic and brave effortsâ in the fight against âYou-Know-Whoâ. Severus never replied. He wasnât a hero, and he doubted that he would have been considered as such had Potter not shown them his memories.
 Today, Severus sat in front of the new Headmistress of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry, Minerva McGonagall. He had no idea why she had owled him, and now that he was here all he wanted to do was return home to Spinners End to continue this life in peace and quiet.
 Looking around the office that had once belonged to Dumbledoreâthat he had occupied during the worst year of his lifeâhe noted that nothing had changed. It was still the large and beautiful circular room he remembered, even down to the funny little noises from the curious instruments and items that were still there. The walls were covered in the portraits of the old Heads of Hogwarts, and in the middle of them all was Albus, snoozing, like the rest of them, in his frame. Sitting on the shelf behind the claw footed desk was a shabby wizardâs hat â the Sorting Hat.
Shifting uncomfortably in the seat, Severus finally looked to Minerva. "Why did you owl me, Minerva?"Â
