Epilogue

o-o-o-o-o

'Severus, this is going to be fun!' Minerva purred, eyes shining. 'Let's go, run!'

The next instant a miniature dachshund and a tabby cat raced the cellars and halls of Hogwarts Castle, on a Friday evening two weeks later.

'Come on Severus!' Minerva cried.

'I'll have you know that I'm a dachshund and as such I have very short legs,' Severus answered grumpily. It annoyed him to no end that she was so much quicker than him in her Animagus form. The woman was over twenty years his senior! But he took a deep breath and chased her through the empty Great Hall, barking happily.

She ran downstairs to the more deserted cellars and there they met a big ginger monster.

'Crookshanks!' Minerva greeted him. 'This is Severus, he's one of us.'

'Are you sure?' the big cat growled. 'He used to be a dark one.' Severus felt a bit insecure; that ginger beast was twice his size…but Minerva danced around him.

'He is no more Crookshanks! Look at him, the Mark has gone, he is free now.'

Severus had to endure a slightly uncomfortable screening by Crookshanks' green eyes, but it seemed the beast approved of him.

'Congratulations dear sir, and welcome to our small crew of Animagi and other mixed species at Hogwarts! In your animal form you will be a much appreciated extra pair of eyes and ears in this castle, and report to me, as I am sort of in charge. Until then, let's play!'

A rubber ball appeared from nowhere and the three animals enjoyed themselves playing with it for almost half an hour. Then, Minerva kept the ball between her paws and looked at her companions, looking extremely relaxed and eyes brimming with joy.

'I want to hunt Mrs Norris!' she said. 'Please, let's go and pester her!'

'Minerva! I am ashamed of you!' Crookshanks muttered.

'Oh come on, she is a nuisance!'

'I agree,' Severus put in, 'and she's mouldy.'

'Oh, very well then,' Crookshanks agreed, 'but only because I dislike her just as much as you do. Let's go!'

They ran to the corridor of Sir Cadogan on the second floor and had fun by kicking over several harnesses and play football with the helmets. Despite his short legs, Severus appeared to be quite the goal getter. 'It's all tactics,' he told Minerva, who snorted.

Soon the racket of the harnesses being kicked around had Mrs Norris come up to inspect.

'Ha!' Minerva screamed.

'Gggrrrr!' Severus growled.

'I'm sorry Mrs Norris,' Crookshanks explained politely, 'but you had it coming.'

Mrs Norris startled and made a run for it.

Severus yapped and ran after her. Minerva hissed and followed, full speed.

o-o-o-o

Hours later, Professors Snape and McGonagall found themselves in her private quarters, both feeling extremely relaxed, sharing a dram of whisky.

'I told you Severus, there's no stress relieve like this. I had a wonderful evening and the best part was seeing Mrs Norris on top of the North tower, screaming for Filch to help her down. Do you think she's still up there?'

'Who knows,' Minerva smiled.

'You were right, I haven't had this much fun in ages. Do you think next time we could hound Trelawney a bit?'

'Severus, I can't allow that!' she protested.

'No because you're the deputy…but I know you love the idea.'

She chuckled.

o-o-o-o-o

THE END

A/N

A great big thank you! to all you lovely readers, reviewers and followers. You made my days! Love, george