The hand on the sword only makes Severus feel justified. "My point proven a dozen times over before I've even made it," he smiles, although not especially nicely. "Power on its own is nothing, mere force, and has very little draw except as a tool. It's only when combined with realism, intelligence, empathy, purpose, and grace that it's worth supporting. And although your question doesn't deserve the dignity of a fraction of a response, I will say that Minerva has retired, and has not so far shown signs of developing a new purpose. She would have been a good employer and is a good friend, but she leads nowhere at the moment and so cannot be followed."
...Just tell me you're imagining them in their current youthened states... (brainbleach) Is the Iago-thread annoying you, btw? Am sure it can be relocated somewhere if it's cluttering up your inbox. :)