Professor McGonagall burst into the head masters office to find Professor Snape greeting her with a sigh, "I may have appointed you deputy Minerva, but I still require knocking and awaiting a response." He scowled, although he did have a slight glint of humour in his eyes.

"Why yes, of course. I apologise Severus only I have had a few ideas..." Minerva explained, "Very well, what are these brain waves of yours?" Severus asked, leaning back into his chair and entwining his fingers together. "A point system." The old witch stated proudly, "we have one." He replied lazily.

"Let me rephrase this, a point system that is actually good for the school." "Minerva, there is nothing wrong with our current point system!" Severus groaned becoming irritated, "Oh but there is, students fighting for their houses? Becoming bitter towards other houses? Can't you see Severus, it's all that kind of rivalry that started the war in the first place!" Minerva snapped, she wanted to be taken seriously.

"You are the one that never stops babbling about the schools traditions Minerva..." Severus told her plainly, "yes, well a lot has changed. And a lot of changes need to be made" she demanded, "what are your suggestions Minerva? please get to the point..." Severus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before twirling his quill out of boredom.

"Students will learn to embrace the other houses, students will loose points individually for bad behaviour. I see it as unfair that a whole house suffers because of one incompetent child. Also I believe a points reward system should also be in place to congratulate those who truly deserve it."

Severus thought about what she had said for a moment and then spoke, "I need to think about this Minerva, and I have a great deal of work to do before the students arrive back tomorrow." Minerva took this as the new calmer Severus' way of telling her to fuck off, so she nodded and gave Severus a small smile, before retiring to her chambers for the evening.

Severus thought about what the old witch had suggested, and as much as it pained him to admit it he knew she was right. Hogwarts did need to change, but as the well known dungeon bat it would seem ridiculous happening during his spell as headmaster! Students would be expecting a more military regime, they would be expecting a dictator of sorts.

He didn't want to be that person, granted he would never be kind like Albus, but he wanted the darkness that hovered over the school to disappear as much as anyone.

As he tossed and turned in bed, he asked himself 'what would Albus do?' And more importantly 'What would Lily do?'. He knew the answer, deep down he knew only too well.