The last year of the war wears Severus down to a shell of a human. After the war, he is put on trial and subsequent parole. When a trial witness turns neighbor, how will they change his life?

A new school year means a new set of changes at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Severus Snape is introduced to new teacher Professor Kalina Oakblood who will be teaching Herbology as well as assisting Snape and his students for the new year, courtesy of Dumbledore. Argumentative, rude and spiteful are many words that Kalina could use to sum up Severus Snape, a hot-headed and miserable professor who has the longing to make students lives a misery. Sweet, cheerful and reliable are the many words that most people would use to sum up Professor Kalina Oakblood but not everyone is convinced. With a dark secret within and the Chamber of Secrets opening, can Severus and Kalina be prepared to push their problems aside or will it all be too late and their complications hinder their lives? *slow burn*