Chapter Text
“Good to have you back, Severus,” Albus Dumbledore said heartily, pulling Severus Snape out of Minerva McGonagall’s fireplace into her Hogwarts’ office.
“Welcome back for season 1992-1993, Severus. Happy to have you here, as always,” Minerva greeted him behind her desk, as formal as always yet able to put out a few kind words there. Severus thanked her and was about to return the courtesy by asking how her summer vacation had been but Dumbledore interrupted his intentions.
“Here, let me help you with this,” Dumbledore jerked Snape's old suitcase out of his slim fingers and shoved it to the arms of surprised Argus Filch, who was hovering behind Dumbledore's back, apparently taking care of some maintenance task. Severus gave a polite nod to the caretaker before taking a good look around McGonagall’s office. A small smile appeared on his thin lips. It felt good to be back at Hogwarts after the summer. The good old castle was always there, no matter what.
“Was the floo pleasant?” Dumbledore asked, while dusting something off from Snape's shoulder.
“I must admit, Severus, that I would rather have the personnel travel by Hogwarts Express too.”
“Oh nonsense, Albus, we teachers do not have the time to sit around and play in the train,” Severus refused, pulling his shoulder back, getting out of the headmaster's reach. Although he knew Dumbledore was only showing care and fondness towards him, the headmaster was sometimes being a bit silly with his acts.
“But I hear the trolley-lady sells Pumpkin Pasties,” Dumbledore insisted.
“I see,” Severus answered somewhat dryly, eyeing the headmaster like trying to figure out if he was joking or had finally lost his mind. Dumbledore smiled his mysterious smile that gave nothing out and opened the door and gestured Severus to step out of McGonagall’s office in the dim, soft-lit hallway of the castle.
“Minerva, please receive the next comers on behalf of me. Argus, please take care of Severus’ luggage. I’m going to see Severus to his chambers.”
Severus arched his eyebrow and looked puzzled, but stepped in to the corridor before Dumbledore.
“So Albus, are you just going to walk me to my chambers or do you have something to say?” Severus asked right outside of the office. The headmaster was attending to him with uncharacteristically a lot of fuss.
“I can assure you I haven’t forgotten the way, if you need to be elsewhere.”
Severus didn't want to be a bother for Dumbledore, as he knew the headmaster was a busy man. Usually the busiest, he might add. Besides a peaceful stroll alone in the empty hallways of the castle was the perfect way for him to relax before the evening. He had always liked the castle most when the students hadn’t come yet. Thoughts like this made him question whether he liked children at all. Or people in general.
“Well, Severus,” Dumbledore cleared his throat,
“You see, we have hired new staff for the upcoming year. A couple of teachers—” he started, but was cut off by a shriek and an angry Minerva McGonagall running past them, hasting her way to the Great Staircase.
“I can not believe my own eyes! That fool!” They heard McGonagall yell.
“We can not have that on school premises, we just can’t!”
“It indeed seems I am needed elsewhere. I am very sorry, Severus. You go and make yourself home in your chambers, I’ll catch up with you later.”
And with that, Dumbledore stormed after McGonagall.
For a second Severus thought of going after them, but because Dumbledore hadn’t asked for his presence he decided not to. After all he could use a good soak after the floo and wanted some rest before the evening. He shrugged and began to ascend towards the teachers’ personal quarters, hoping that it wouldn't take too long from Argus Filch to bring in his suitcase.