A/N: So the tale has come to an end. Please, before you leave, take the time to read the Author's notes after this epilogue.

EPILOGUE

The sun was setting on Monday evening, as Severus Snape crossed the borders of the Hogwarts grounds. He walked casually towards Hogsmeade, one more dark shadow among the shadows of the Forbidden Forest. The night would be calm and warm, at least at Hogwarts. Looking at the cat walking beside him, he wondered if the night would be as calm for the rest of the world.

He halted his stroll and turned to the cat. "Where will you go now?"

Gingerhead sat down. "To a family reunion."

"Really?"

"Yes," replied the cat. "My cousin Belial has just reincarnated and I think I'll pay him a visit. I find it greatly amusing to tease him while he's still a kitten."

Merciful Merlin, there are more cats like him? But he never spoke the words out loud. "Well," he said as casually as possible, "off you go."

"Do you expect me to believe that you will not miss me?"

Snape snickered. "As much as I would miss the stitches on my nether regions."

Gingerheard snarled. "We will meet again, you know."

"Not if I can help it."

The cat gazed at him thoughtfully. "You might be a wizard, but I have three more lives yet. You haven't seen the last of me," he warned him. Then he flicked his tail and disappeared.

Severus Snape was suddenly all alone. He knew he would have a hard time to get used to the silence. Then a grin dawned on his face.

The rest of the world, of wizards and muggles alike, should be very careful from now on.

Gingerhead is on the loose.