A/N: Sorry the updates have been so sporadic. I haven't really been encouraged to write for this. I personally like it, but…

Anyway, let me know what you think.

Preparing

"Father… are you sure you want to do this?" Severus asked, watching apprehensively as I straightened my robes and surveyed myself once more in the mirror.

"I don't want to do this, no, but ask me if it's necessary. Lucius is a brilliant man, but he cannot do this on his own. Hogwarts is a large school, and the current Governors are stuck in their ways. With Dumbledore keeping a close eye on the two of you, there isn't much that can be done without his notice. Once I join the staff, we'll have more access to the students, and he has nothing to fear or worry from me. The good Lady has seen to that."

"But what if he finds out?" he asks, fidgeting in a manner quite unlike himself, "What then?"

"Trust me son, he won't. Not as long as you and Lucius remember to call me Helios as agreed. Even in private you are to go by my assumed name. I need not remind you how the walls at Hogwarts have ears, nor to whom those ears report."

Silence met this declaration, and I turned from my reflection to face my son. Naturally fair (much like myself), Severus' features were more pallid than usual, and his posture had taken on the kind of rigidness that was typically reserved for times when he was severely distressed or offended. It was clear that the pinched look about him was due to the former more so than the latter.

"Severus, son…" I said, crossing the room to clasp his shoulder in an effort to comfort him, "don't worry. Everything will work out in according to plan. It's not like it's Defense that I'm teaching – Dumbledore might have a reason to be suspicious then, but what would he have to fear from a Muggle Studies professor? The position itself practically guarantees that he and whomever teaching it are on the same side. All of my paperwork is taken care of, and all of my references will check out. He has no reason to be even mildly suspicious. Relax son… you worry too much."

Severus smiled, some of the tightness around his eyes vanishing, to my great relief. "I don't worry, I'm just paranoid. Some would say that I got it from my father."

Shaking my head, I only smiled at his cheek "That you did son, that you did."

Xxx

Several days after the interview, a letter arrived.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Albus P. W. B. Dumbledore, Headmaster

Dear Mr. Titus,

It is my pleasure to inform you that due to your expertise in Muggle culture and pleasant, professional nature, you have been selected to assume the post of Muggle Studies professor with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As I am sure you realize, Hogwarts is the premier magical institution on this side of the English Channel, known primarily for its outstanding programs and the individuals who teach them. It is the belief of myself and the Board of Governors that your presence at will benefit not only the students and staff you will undoubtedly interact with, but the very atmosphere here at Hogwarts School.

We will be expecting your arrival no later than two weeks prior to start of term, at which time you will select the classroom and suite that are to your liking. Please send an owl care of Albus Dumbledore with a copy of your syllabus and lesson plan, as well as the title and author of any required text(s) as well as any additional supplies necessary post haste, so that information may be distributed to the students in a timely matter. Congratulations again on your new position, and I speak for all members of the staff and faculty when I say that we look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Order of Merlin First Class, et al.