Dance with the Devil

by ViciousVixen178

Struggling to find a Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, Minerva finally reaches out to her last hope with the aid of a meddling portrait. Unfortunately for Draco Malfoy, this comes in the form of a devilishly handsome creature that not only catches his eye, but Severus Snape's as well. Did no one warn them against dancing with the devil? [Pretty smutty, not really serious]

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General warnings:

Some out of character references with most characters but hopefully not too over board.

Smutty, lemony content.

Not a serious plotted story, but it will flow.

. . .

Inspiration for a certain character is the cover pic.

. . .

Minerva was in a pickle. A rather large pickle to be precise as she dithered about her office with pieces of paper strewn across the large overbearing desk. Severus was watching with rapt fascination as she unravelled in front of him, almost to the point of cursing. You see, they were a staff member short after the sudden passing of a rather flamboyant and dearly loved, Horace Slughorn. It was truly a terrible time but Minerva couldn't help but let the stress finally get to her.

"If you would calm, Minerva. I might be able to offer a small, albeit temporary, solution." Severus replied coolly, sitting with his legs crossed in front of her.

"Unless you're going to volunteer in taking your old post back, there is really nothing that will calm me." Her Scottish shrill did nothing to help her situation and Severus merely waited patiently.

"I had intended on doing so." Immediately Minerva stopped in her clucking and dropped the wad of Ministry papers she'd been holding.

"You… would, Severus?" The hope was blinding and he sneered at her.

"Of course, with an increase of pay and stricter restrictions on what students I may admit in the higher levels." He was going to fully utilise the situation to benefit his own desires.

There was a long pause, Minerva thinking about what they could do in this situation. Attempts to find a qualified Potion's Professor at such late notice was not easy, as most found more money in doing their passions freelancing. It often interested her as to why Severus Snape would stay within Hogwarts, he had never actively been interested in the teaching aspect to her, though things could have changed. Finding a Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor however, was easier to come by as they now experienced a generation that grew up in a war. Candidates were exceptionally eager and talented but when it came to dealing with children, well… Minerva admitted there had to be a certain calibre of person to take on these children.

Severus had done a wonderful job in her opinion, it was simply unfortunate that a Potion's accident had caused that devastating heart attack on the poor man. He was certainly liked by all students by his manner in which he taught them all. She hoped Severus wouldn't take a backwards step in his teaching methods but alas, this was Severus Snape and he rarely changed.

"If you are serious about this situation, Severus… I would eagerly accept it. As for your position however…" She sighed and tentatively sat in her large chair. "I will oversee Defence for now. Oh, Severus this is simply awful."

The sour Wizard decided to keep any thoughts he had to himself. Horace was a good Potion's teacher but he did not get along with the man and he certainly couldn't understand how the students could stand it when he went off on tangents and side stories just to fill the lessons. Was he completely happy about offering the Headmistress a reprieve by taking back his old post? He decided that he was on the fence and would have appreciated having his classroom in the upper levels of the castle. He rather enjoyed being able to open his office window and let the fresh air breath, circulating around that small room to wake him.

"Horace was a good man. When are you planning on informing the students?"

"We only have two days before they arrive for the start of year, I suppose we'll just have to tell them at the feast."

Severus stood, nodding and excused himself as he now had an extensive move to prepare for and rummaging through the deceased Wizards classroom belongings wasn't going to be a five minute job.

The room was musty when he walked into the classroom and scuffed some dust that was disrupted when he walked in causing a violent sneezing fit to ensue. He hadn't missed this, the dank room and left over fumes that seeped into the wood of each table and into the ancient stone. Raking a hand through his hair when he managed to stop sneezing, he pondered over the offer he'd laid on the table and read a silent goodbye to his clean hair. What reason was there for him to do this again? He forgot.

. . .

"I see the rumors are true then?"

Severus leaned around the corner where he was inspecting various ingredients and huffed when he saw the silvery blonde hair. Draco Malfoy had finally graced him with his arrogant presence and he went right back to what he had been doing.

"Minerva didn't say you'd be upset at the arrangement, should I inform her you are sukling?"

"Malfoy, you are the ideal picture of sulking. I am simply stewing." Severus replied, standing straight and heading towards the large pile of items destined for rubbish.

"There's a difference?"

"Stewing, because Hoarce had so many damn useless items lazing about. Cluttering the room, honestly." Sighing, he stopped and brushed his hands of dust and dirt.

"Thrilling." Draco was playing with the end of his luscious silvery locks that had been worked into a plaited style. "Are you ready? Everyone is meeting in the main courtyard."

Severus nodded and went to the chair, taking his coat before moving off with his junior staff member. He had been somewhat of a mentor to this boy, in life before, during and after Hogwarts but he had come back in the end after a year of being away from the Wizarding world. It seemed the blonde desired a comfortable life away from the mainstream media and conflicts. One really couldn't get into too much trouble whilst at Hogwarts and the castle certainly provided that little bit of extra protection.

"I didn't really see Horace with any family, I wonder who will be there." Draco commented, slipping his hands into his immaculate coal black robes.

"He preferred the company of famous Witches and Wizards than family." Severus sneered at that, it was the one thing he couldn't stand about the man, the way he fawned over talented and bright students.

"I suppose we were never on his list then."

"You can assume correctly, Draco."

They walked in relative silence after this and met the other staff that were ready to go. Minerva was dressed appropriately in her good robes as she had been asked to speak on behalf of the staff at Hogwarts at Horace's funeral. She looked shaken, Severus thought and sidled up to her as they set off to the Apparation point.

"You wouldn't believe it, Severus, but I find myself a tad nervous." She sighed, clasping her hands around a piece of rolled parchment she was carrying.

"You speak in front of hundreds of students and deal with ridiculous Ministry members on a daily basis. A few ex-students of Horace's is hardly going to be cause for concern."

"Your faith in me is touching, Severus." Grumbling at the response, Severus shook his head and walked on ahead of her, wanting to get this over and done with so he could get back to cleaning the man's room out.

Side apparating to a small township out of Bristol, Draco was the one to gasp in disbelief at the number of people wandering about the cemetery. There was a medium sized church that stood off in the distance that people were walking towards and followed the elder Wizard towards it.

"Just how many people's lives did he cling on to?" Draco kept his voice low as they walked.

"How many years did he teach?" Severus responded before he caught his breath at the sight of bright red hair wandering between people up ahead.

His hope dwindled that nanosecond later and growled, Weasely, he thought and then noted another few red headed individuals that followed in her wake. Not once had he thought that this could be a reunion of his old students but the realisation that could be quite possible made his back teeth ache.

"Well… I could have done without seeing these people." Draco groaned, shoving his hands deep into his pockets as he spied two old classmates, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasely.

"Agreed."

"Play nicely, boys. Remember where you are." Minerva passed them as they stood on the threshold of the crowd.

She disappeared inside quickly after that and the two Wizard's glanced at each other briefly. The blonde resigned himself to being there amongst school rivals, he wasn't that disappointed to see everyone and found it interesting to see how they all changed since the end of their education. He'd managed to isolate himself from the world he used to know quite well, Hogwarts and Minerva had managed that well. Now however, was different and he was forced to face various demons he'd thought were well buried.

Granger for example, he and Severus wrangled their way through the crowds discretely and sat two rows back from her and the red headed mess of a fiancé. Well, he thought he'd heard through the grape vine that they were engaged but he couldn't be sure – there wasn't a ring he could see anyway. The bitter and satisfied thought crossed his mind that Weasely probably couldn't afford one but that was his immature younger self rearing its ugly head again. He was actually rather happy for Granger, she was a smart Witch but evidently not when it came to relationships.

"I wonder where the other one is." Draco leaned over to his older comrade, looking across at Granger and Weasely.

Severus bristled at the mere mention of the Golden Trio and his jaw tightened as his teeth ground together.

"Just think, in years to come you will have the pleasure of teaching their spawn." Severus whispered back, just to take his mind off someone else and saw Draco shudder rather aggressively.

"I'll be retired by then."

"You will be nearly forty, hardly appropriate." Severus wanted to chuckle but withheld that action for later when he could torment his younger prodigy in privacy.

Silence soon came over the church as everyone settled into their seats and a Wizard stepped forward at the podium, wearing royal purple robes and a bishops mitre. He spoke in soft monotonous tones about various religious and Wizarding cultures before passing over to the friends and Ministry officials that had gathered out of respect for the man.

Minerva was the second to stand at attention, she looked a beacon of strength in front of everyone but true to her word, Severus could see that she was nervous. It left him utterly baffled, she was a strong woman for her age and had done things worse than speaking in front of a crowd this size. He wondered what had her so rattled.

"Horace was an integral pillar at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry for many years, his knowledge and skills were valued dearly by all that he taught. His outgoing personality and certain disregard towards certain rules, saw his popularity within the student body grow. Horace was not only a seasoned Potion's Master but also a dear friend. The late Albus Dumbledore often spoke jovially about his afternoon high tea's the two of them scheduled weekly and has wished to convey a short message to our dear Horace."

Severus sat uncomfortably throughout the speech, it was only too like Albus to have this last word like this. They would be seeing each other anyway past the veil, so it seemed a moot point of having the Headmistress of Hogwarts to repeat his words. Perhaps this was what the woman had been worried about, she too thinking that it was odd? She was unlikely to tell him, so he cast these thoughts aside and watched as her gaze fell along the back of the church for a moment. He didn't dare turn around but she seemed to have struck eye contact with another and her hesitance was as obvious as the twang to her accent.

Draco had less decorum and shifted to glance over his shoulder to see nothing of note. The church was rather full, to the point where people were forced to stand along the sides and rear of the chapel. How rude, he thought, eyeing someone who was wearing a cap and sunglasses with the hood of his jumper pulled over his head.

"Some people have no class." He whispered, turning back to Minerva as she cleared her throat to continue.

"Albus was always one for turning a phrase, he believed words were 'in his humble opinion', our most inexhaustible source of magic."

"How tacky." Draco commented, checking Severus out of his daze as he stared at the stained-glass windows.

"What did you expect." Severus's voice was barely audible but Draco heard him well enough.

Once Minerva was done, she took a shaky breath and took one last glance at the back of the room before coming to take her seat once more. She hoped Albus knew what he was doing but now that she was done, she could relax and pay her respects after the others had been.

Staring up at the ceiling, Draco was growing restless, how much longer? He thought irritated, and shifted in his seat once more.

"You're more annoying than a child at dinner." Severus whispered, glaring at the younger Wizard.

Huffing, Draco shifted once more and tried his best to sit still. The seats were not that comfortable and his backside was growing numb, he couldn't understand how everyone could sit so silently in these conditions. However, not long after this the bishop reappeared and addressed the room.

"Horace Eugene Flaccus Slughorn, you have passed on from the living world and in the afterlife we pray that your mind and soul flourish as you have in waking years." He paused, taking a moment to look at the half opened casket.

"I now welcome those who wish to pay their final respects to Horace to come up."

At this the man stood aside, moving to stand behind the casket and clutching his ceremony text close to his chest. Various people stood and when an elderly Witch tried to muscle her way past Draco, knocking his knees fiecely, he grumbled and stood also. He heard the gentle and smothered chuckle from beside but when he managed to wrangle his body towards the aisle, his older counterpart was right behind him.

"Is that it?" Draco asked, feeling Severus next his arm, brushing it gently with his black robes.

"After we pay our respects, Draco. There is no place for rudeness." Severus grunted but holding back until the influx of people had dissipated.

In that time, he manouvered himself towards the side of the chapel, people watching had always been his strength and got to work quickly, noticing how a few people who saw him flinched and others whispered. They were all Draco's age, or there abouts so he surmised they must have been past students but their faces did not look familiar.

Minerva was currently talking to Hermione Granger, the heavily pregnant woman was caressing her protruding stomach looking like she might be ready to start labour any moment. They were smiling and passing pleasantaries but Severus wasn't particularly interested unlike his younger counter part who was simply gawking at his old classmate.

"Oggle her further, Draco. I am quite sure she cannot feel it already. She is pregnant, not a creature."

"If she has triplets I'm handing in my resignation now."

Severus shook his head and ignored the childish reactions from his colleague. The blonde had matured, yes, but when it came to the past he tended to revert back to an arrogant and immature child. This situation was no different. Instead, he focussed on a mob of red hair, the long threads splaying down Ginerva Weasely's back much like Lily's had minus the waves. She slunk around her friend and laughed along with the other two witches which caused him to sneer silently.

He noticed the other half of Hermione Granger, Ron Weasely who was walking towards the group. He looked subdued, almost bored as if he didn't want to be there. The appearance of Auror robes made Severus think that he was only making an appearance because his fiance was there and had taken the time out of his busy working day to join her. What ever the reason, they made eye contact a few moments later, blue eyes growing wide in recognition of both he and Draco standing by one another.

A comment was made and everyone looked in their direction, Minerva was the only one who seemed unaffected by the news, obviously, and the heavily pregnant Granger smiled in – relief? Or was that understanding? – Whichever, she offered a small wave to which he inclinde his head gently in response.

As the crowds started to thin out, Severus took that as his moment to approach the caskett, not before he felt a chill run through his bones. There was a visible shudder from the blonde who was standing just in front and then the atmosphere changed around them all. It felt cold, unhappy.

Draco was making an unintelligent comment about churches being eery but he ignored the younger Wizard in favour of making his way to his deceased colleague. There was a slim male with long black hair paying his silent respects when he approached, so he stayed back and glanced over his shoulder at Minerva. Oddly enough, she was already looking in his direction with a hesitant expression that was directed at the man who was in his way. There was another chill that filled his soul and this time Severus shuddered.

"Well, Horace… Professor Slughorn…" Draco nodded and closed his eyes as he took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Severus watched the blonde pat the closed half of the casket and stepped aside for him to move forward. Refusing to look at the old Wizards face, he closed his eyes as he glanced down at his polished shoes, quietly saying his goodbyes and thinking about the future in Potion's once more.

When he finally looked at the plush emerald lining of the casket, he let his eyes remain on the Slytherin signet ring the man showed off. It was a reminder of his duties as Head of House and being a Slytherin alumni, something that meant a lot to Severus, so he nodded in respect. However, just as he was about to walk away, something caught his attention. A photo. Frowning and leaning forward his eyes went wide and lips parted in a small gasp as he looked upon a very young photo of Harry Potter.

He would have liked to say that the face looked vaguely familiar but that image of the boy's face had imbedded into his retinas, not something he was going to easily forget. There was also a caption scrawled across the bottom that he recognised instantly as his terrible handwriting.

For the shelf – H.P

So it seemed Harry Potter was in fact alive but he seemed it to be impossible for the man to actually be present. There could be no plausible excuse for him not to habe seen that unruly mop of raven hair, those distinctly atrocious round frames and boisterous attitude. Aparently, however, there had to be as his two best friends acted as though he didn't exist. How was this possible?

"You look like you've seen a ghost, Severus." Draco was toying with his silvery plaited hair, leaning casually on one leg and a hand on the weight bearing hip.

Minerva was now alone and heading towards them as they moved away. Severus was glancing around the room, searching for anything that would indicate a certain rule breaker was still in the church but the only enomally was a slim man wearing what appeared to be a baseball cap and glasses.

"Who even wears that to a funeral? It's so… Muggle." Draco wrapped the end of his plait around two fingers and Minerva gave him a shot glare.

"Shall I wait or are you ready to head back?" She asked both of them but her gaze lingered on the older Wizard who appeared to be searching for something.

"Ready." Draco barged past Severus, snapping him from whatever thought was going through his mind.

. . .

Severus couldn't say he was completely overjoyed with his return to the Dungeons but at least he knew felt like he was coming home each day when he went to teach. As expected, the calibre of first year students was dismal and the further up the years went had him feeling as though the weight of Britains Wizarding community was crushing him. It would be years before he could impliment his strategy to accept only specfic skilled students so he resigned himself to having more work than he intended for at least two years.

Minerva couldn't exactly say she was in a much better situation as he found out a month after school had started. The search for a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher had been dismal, one that surprised them both and the piles of paper starting to stack on her desk was getting ridiculous. It was to the point that when he walked into her office one evening, she was almost asleep in her chair. One look up along the wall where their predecessor sat, confirmed that she was indeed far over her head.

"Minerva." Severus said loudly in the silent room and she woke properly with a start.

"Oh, Severus." She straightened the skewed spectables on her nose before righting herself and sitting upright.

"This cannot continue, you are going to make yourself ill."

"The last thing I need right now is a lecture, Severus. I never thought it would be this difficult to find a replacement. Each one is worse than the last and quite frankly, I think the curse is quite real. You seem to be the only Wizard out of a line of many that have been able to tame it." She sighed and rubbed her temples.

"I am quite sure that should you require support, Draco and myself would only be willing to help."

"You flatter me with your concern, Severus but please do not bring Draco into this. I know he has a full plate as do you."

Severus couldn't agree with her assessment of his own work but that wasn't the point. He knew the content that was being taught in those classes and Draco was more than capable of teaching the first through third years. They could even take it in turns… Anything to get out of the Dungeons.

"I hope you aren't regretting your offer to take over Potions?" She eyed him skeptically but there was nothing that could be done about it, if she was finding it difficult to procure a Defence Professor, imagine what a Potion's one would do to her.

"Of course not, Minerva. I am simply concerned that this extra pressure is putting you into an early grave. When was the last time you had a proper rest?"

"Concern? From Severus Snape? Some one pinch me." She commented dramatically and he couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Despite what you think of me, yes, I am concerned." Severus pulled his wand and summoned a tea service tray, placing it precariously along some papers as there was no other room.

"What is this?" She inspected the steaming porcelain cup and inhaled it's scent.

"Cammoile tea. To aid in your slumber which you will retire to after finishing." Severus replied calmly and took one for himself.

Minerva smiled gratefully at her colleague and took a deep breath once she'd taken a sip. Yes, it was getting frustrating that no one seemed appropriate to fill the post but she refused to subject the children to a second rate education just because she couldn't fill the position. She admitted that perhaps she wasn't the best but her colleague had left detailed descrptions of the content that should be taught and therefore felt she was adequately prepared.

She eyed Albus who was watching her closely in his frame but she shook her head. There was one person that could fill the role, he had always been an option but sourcing the location of that someone and attempting to reach out had been an issue. She wasn't too sure in that moment which was more frustrating… The lack of information on this particular individual or lack of general talent for Defence.

"We will manage." She said suddenly, breaking the silence and placing her empty cup on the tray.

"Indeed." He responded, taking his leave as it was offered.

When the room was empty, save the Headmistress herself, Albus chose to voice his thoughts on the situation. He felt awful that she be placed in this predicament and seeing her slowly crumble was difficult to watch from the confines of his frame.

"He was there at the funeral, Minerva. He heard what I had to say, I only hope that he heeds my advice."

"I am not holding my breath you daft fool and I'm certainly not going to wait idly by whilst this plan of yours works away. No. I have advertised the position and if he is interested then we will hear from him. Until then, I think I may take Severus's advice. This paperwork can wait."

. . .

True to Albus's quirky and sometimes eerie ways, Minerva came barrelling into her office three months from the start of term holding a piece of parchment in her hands. It was such an immediate release of pent up stress and the took a moment to gather herself but turning away from all the portraits and wiped a tear off her face.

"He replied to you, Minerva?" Albus sat upright in his chair.

"Not directly. Through the means of another, a certain Witch that we shall not name. He is willing to meet with me, nothing is confirmed just yet."

"When you tell Severus, please do so in here. I would very much like to see the look on his face."

"Albus, I have no such desire to jinx this response so until I have met with the man, there will be nothing of the sort occurring. Don't make me bar you from the office again, you know how well that went last time."

"My own office too." He replied wistfully and the Headmistress shook her head unimpressed.

Also unimpressed was Draco Malfoy who was walking into the Great Hall for dinner. Three months, three damn months he'd been listening to the complaints from his Slytherins about their Defence class and he couldn't help but empathise with them. Unbeknownst to the Headmistress he had been adding some dueling spells into his content to make up for the lack of practical experience they were getting. It wasn't like they weren't getting a good education; the Headmistress had done a wonderful job in the interim but it was getting tiresome.

He grumbled to the Slytherin head of house daily about this, but he found that they were landing on deaf ears recently. Perhaps he had been complaining too often, whatever the reason, he wanted someone to take note of what he was saying and not just nod away like a Muggle bobble head.

"I guess Minerva has finally given up attending at all now." Draco mused as he came to sit next to Severus.

"You would not think that finding a Defence teacher would be this difficult." Severus responded.

"It might interest you to know that there are rumors she has found someone." Both Slytherin's turned to the roughened voice of Neville Longbottom sitting down from them.

"And you came across this information, how?" Draco and Neville always bickered, almost like an old married couple which often spurred Severus on to bait them, however in this case he remained silent.

"She told me."

Severus huffed silently to himself but Draco had no such decorum and grumbled openly about blatant favouritism. So, she has found someone yet decides not to inform me. They better be bloody good or a known felon. Each very plausible, Severus thought to himself as the two children bickered over who was the favourite. Honestly, it was embarrassing.

"All I'm saying is that she should have a little more faith in the Slytherins, we are out numbering the staff right now – "

"Enough!" Severus snapped finally, standing with a huff, he was done with their quarrelling.

Minerva wrung her hands nervously as she sat in the Three Broomsticks, waiting for a man to arrive that could alleviate her worries. It had been a long stretch, she couldn't quite believe that after all this time she had finally been able to track him down and secure this meeting. She wondered what he even looked like now, surely he didn't look too different, seeing his old school friends at Horace's funeral supported that idea.

She sat in the corner, he coat and robes wrapped tightly around her frame as the edge of the pub was rather cool on this evening. It was far from winter outside but in the old buildings of Hogsmeade, you could mistake it for such. Taking a deep breath, she saw the door open with a quiet clank and a hooded figure walked in. Attempting not to make it obvious that she was staring, she found the man looking directly at her a moment later, his blazing reddened amber eyes piercing through her composure and she swallowed.

There was a point during this where he reached for her wand, refusing to be intimidated by a character she did not know, and when he came fourth, the light showing his face she squared those bony shoulders. A lot had changed evidently.

"Minerva." The deep voice took her off guard but she straightened and stood, holding out her hand.

"Is it really, you?" Her confidence was back and she held herself well.

"Time changes us, as you can see."

They both sat, the man removing his hood and showing off his dark raven locks that were highlighted with deep autumn tones that matched his eyes. He kept his head low and away from the other patrons, though they were few, and trained his attention on the Headmistress of Hogwarts.

"The short of it, for now, is that I am in desperate need of a Defence Professor. You and I both know you're over qualified but I come bearing sanctuary. We can help you… Provide for you." The man's eyes flamed, giving off an odd light in the dark corner as he listened to what she was saying.

"You will find some familiar faces amongst the staffing, perhaps even some rivals but we are adults. I do hope that this is a good fit for you. The Wizarding world does not need to know your true identity if you don't wish it."

A low growl sounded from the man, his black lengths falling around his face and shifting to reveal a deep red scar that ran down from his forehead, over the right eye and partially down his cheek. After a snarl, he regained composure and shook his head.

"There is no need to hide any longer. It has been ten years, the children won't be an issue. Their parents on the other hand…"

"All can be managed."

The figure was considering something, before an animalistic huff emanated from his body and he stood. Minerva didn't have an answer, she didn't want the only hope to just simply walk through that door, never to be seen again.

"Run from this all you like, there will be no closure until you face the demons that claimed you." The figure stopped, pulling his hood to cover the raven locks and scared face.

"What do you know of demons, Minerva?" He growled, glancing back at her before walking off.

Blast, she thought sadly, before sitting back down at the chair she'd suddenly occupied. It seemed he was not interested, her last hope vanished. It was time to swallow her pride and concede that a lesser value Professor was going to have to take this task on. At least for the short term, perhaps even make the role part time and teaching the lower levels whilst she maintained the O.W.L and N.E.W.T students. Yes, this was going to be all she could do.

. . .

Buried deep within the forests surrounding Hogwarts, a dark entity took up residence. It let his energy float freely around his body and surrounding fauna, freeing his soul. The darkness wrapped around everything it touched, suffocating that wildlife in the oppressiveness. Eyes were stilled on the towering pillars that disappeared into the night sky clouds. Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress. She seemed frail and elderly, more so than he ever remembered her to be.

Coal black hair shone with what little full moon there was, highlighting the amber accents in those long tendrils. Ten years… ten long and vicious years. This world had been particularly unforgiving to him, so why not take up the offer. Beasts and creatures were family, they called to him in only their way. A buck for example, kicked its hoof into the dirt not too far from where his energy stood. Possessing an animal that was a beacon of purity seemed cruel but if he were to live here, they would submit to his power.

Yes, Hogwarts was home.

. . .

"Word is, you have someone lined up for the job, Minerva?"

Severus was sitting casually in the Headmistress's office, sipping some barrel aged Whiskey at the end of the week. Minerva mirrored his relaxed form and shook her head solemnly. She hadn't heard anything back from her meeting during the week and as the days passed she was losing hope.

"It was all very dependant."

"Dependant on what, precisely?"

"He would have made a good addition, he seemed the most qualified and I know he would have done a fantastic job. Alas, we cannot have it all."

Severus narrowed his eyes but the glare slipped off his face as he took another sip of Whiskey. He'd rather not talk about school right now, he was already left with impending migraines after each school day due to the short comings he was attempting to compensate.

"I hope you understand that informing Neville Longbottom of your plans over your deputy is considered disrespectful. What I want to know is why?"

"Minor details, Severus." She sighed painfully and reached forward for the decanter of Whiskey, "Top up?"

Severus nodded and leaned forward, offering her his nearly empty glass. He nearly dropped it on the table when he felt the magical force coming up from behind him and he was up at his feet promptly, wand pointed at the blood orange wisps of light that began forming an image. Minerva, feeling the buzz from her third helping of Whiskey, blinked several times before she realised what was forming in front of her.

The corporal Patronus that stopped its hoof in front of them both seemed impatient and its head jutted about spastically before its eyes finally came to rest on the Headmistress and it stepped forth, ignoring the other occupant in the room completely. It's almost golden threads that emanated from the form had Severus mesmerised, never had he seen such beauty in a Patronus.

"You have a deal."

The deep voice was unrecognisable to Severus who then promptly shifted his gaze to the Headmistress, her eyes wide, almost in disbelief. But as soon as it was said, the dark orange body faded into the dimly setting of the room, silence reigning over both adults. The Potion's Master was about to speak when a small relieved smile spread across the older Witches face before she made eye contact with her colleague.

"Everything is finally what it should be."

Not understanding what the elderly woman was on about, he found himself paving his way towards the dungeons, still put out that he didn't know what was happening. He was almost happy to see the back of another man in the distance as he descended the stairs, the long blonde hair giving away his mystique. His long strides managed to catch up with the younger Wizard.

"Loitering about here, Draco? Isn't it a little late, even for you?"

"I was actually on my way to see you." Draco sniffed at the man's abruptness.

"And what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Gossip." The blonde replied and slipped in behind the taller man as he opened the door to his quarters.

"Idle chatter? Rumor mills churning? I do not interest myself with such nonsense."

"Then you won't want to hear how Minerva met with a stranger one late night this week. Aberforth is quite the knowledgable man."

"Aberforth is many things, none of which are good." Severus crossed his legs as he sat in his favourite high wingbacked arm chair as Draco flopped onto the couch gracefully.

"Just imagine it, Severus. A dark and lonely night, an elderly woman sitting – "

"That is no way to talk about the Headmistress." Severus lightly chastised but it fell on deaf ears.

" – in the corner of a destitute pub off the beaten track – "

"If Aberforth heard you say this…"

" – A dark character slinks into the room as lightning cracks from behind, casting a dark shadow across the inn – "

"These are grossly exaggerated."

" – He removes his hood, revealing black as night hair, fiery red eyes and a dark presence that sets a chill in your bones."

Severus deadpanned the blonde with his famous unimpressed expression but it seemed he wouldn't be deterred as the next breath caused Severus to blush uncharacteristically and splutter his astonishment.

"Minerva is not playing the field. Honestly, sometimes I hardly believe you were able to graduate." Severus shook his head.

"Then why is she meeting a younger man in the dodgy depths of Aberforth's crusty Inn?"

"I would hazard a well calculated guess that it was the new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor that moments ago confirmed his contract to the school. I believe we will meet him soon enough."

"What?" Draco gaped and crossed his arms, leaning against the arm of the couch.

"Indeed, I only know this as I was there."

"Hmph." The blonde took a section of his silvery blonde hair and started plaiting the end of it as he thought, "This Wizard seems ominous then, I wasn't joking about the hair or eyes. Aberforth was adamant they glowed in the dark Inn, like they could be used as a light."

"I would always take what that man says with a grain of salt. His brother was Albus Dumbledore, after all."

The younger Wizard couldn't disagree with that but he liked to think that he and Aberforth were more than just associates. He and Neville liked to sit and have a chat with the man over the weekends when they had the spare time, he was always a hive of information.

"I wonder when we'll meet him."

"One would hope sooner rather than later." Severus commented, standing stiffly from his chair and walking to the mantle, "Night cap?" He offered and the blonde nodded.

. . .

Severus looked at the empty spot at the head table where Minerva was absent and sighed, he had hoped to question her further about this mystery man everyone had started speaking of. Draco hadn't been able to tell him much more and what he was hearing, he'd gotten out of the blonde. At last however, he caught sight of her robes as she entered the Great Hall for dinner but it wasn't the Witch he was looking at when he caught sight of a man walking behind her.

Well, well, he thought, Aberforth may spin a good tale but it seems he was correct this time. True to the rumors, this man had long raven hair that stopped just above his hips and hung over part of his face, obstructing the view of one eye. He was slender for someone who appeared to be Draco's age and well dressed. Coal black dress pants that clung in a form fitting manner.

"Aberforth forgot to mention he looked like this…" Draco whispered but Severus heard clearly enough but because he was so wrapped up in watching this strange man walking towards him he didn't have the mind to roll his eyes.

"Careful, Draco… Your homosexual is showing." Neville was chuckling beside the blonde but he too was looking at this man, his grey eyes piercing the opened shirt that showed a pendant of some sort and pale chest.

All eyes in the hall were on this man now, a lot of the students had stopped talking and were now whispering. Rumors were that this was their new Professor and some of the older students batted their eyelids across the hall at him. A Gryffindor that didn't know what the definition of quiet or whisper, commented rather comically about how attractive the Wizard was, so playing into their hands, he winked an amber eye at her.

He had both hands in his pockets as he followed the Headmistress obediently, revelling in the storm he'd caused with one simple action. The woman didn't seem impressed with his display but it was water off a ducks back in his opinion, they would come to heel eventually once their first classes were done with.

"Please allow me the honour?" Minerva offered her new Professor the empty chair to her right and he nodded, taking the seat promptly, but not sitting until she herself had.

The room had been subdued, but now roared back into its usual bustle of conversation. The new comer had tuned hearing, so most of it he could in fact identify over loudness of their excited tones but chose to ignore them and focus on the rare steak placed in front of him. He could tell there were gazes from the other staff, some heated and others curious. He wouldn't be entertaining any of them for now, the reveal and interactions would be tomorrow at a staff meeting once he had been made comfortable.

"Draco, you may want to close that gaping mouth of yours before you find it filled with something." Severus goaded, reaching for the wine in front of him.

"He's right you know." Neville whispered.

"Oh, shut it, both of you." Draco blushed and leaned forward so he could get another glimpse of the sensual specimen down the line.

"Bringing back memories? I suppose it feels a little odd from this perspective?" Minerva asked candidly, taking note of the glances, her new Professor was getting.

"Strange, yes."

Whilst a short reply, Minerva didn't take anything to heart and relaxed into her chair, overlooking the students under her control. It would be an interesting week coming as people came to terms with their new Defence Professor and wondered what many would think to appointment.

. . .

The staff gathered quietly within the teachers lounge awaiting for the Headmistress to arrive. It was most bizarre to have a meeting through the weekend but as most had observed that night, the new Defence teacher had to be introduced, as mysterious as he appeared. Neville parked himself next to Draco who was staring helplessly out the window at the sunny day he was missing out on and nudged his arm to pull the attention.

"Don't you think he looked familiar?" The Gryffindor asked, leaning towards the blonde.

"Who?"

"Your fancy man."

"My fancy man? Hardly. I would have remembered a face like that." Draco's voice was dreamy and wavering but the Herbology Professor simply smiled knowingly and sat comfortable in his chair.

Minerva was wondering where that particular man was that she had intended on introducing to the staff. She waited patiently outside the teachers lounge for as long as she could before she knew her other Professor's would grow restless. Opening the door, she smiled warmly at them all and went to stand at the side of the room to address them when a shadow in the back corner caught her attention and her nerves disappeared. Without hesitation she began the rare meeting by gathering their attention.

"I do apologise for taking time out of your weekends, however I thought now would be the perfect time to introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. Why don't you come up here?"

The figure moved from his dark corner and his amber eyes shone in the light of the fresh day as he stepped forward, lingering up the back. Minerva smiled at him with warm eyes, flicking between the younger Wizard and Severus who's own obsidian orbs were glued to the new comer. She wondered if anyone recognised this Wizard, it didn't appear to be the case and in the bright lights of the morning, she would have thought someone other than Neville Longbottom would have said something.

"Taking into account the lack of recognition, I assume none of you know who this charming young man is?"

Severus frowned at her briefly, seeing a twinkle in her aging eyes before focussing back on the slender figure lazily making his way forward. Naturally, he couldn't see who this was from behind, only that he let off an odd aura. Draco on the other hand was appreciating the Wizard, cocking his head this way and that, leaning towards Neville in the process.

At last, the raven haired man was standing in front of them all and slowly turned, his head haphazardly turning before his body did so they could look upon the good side of his face. He had long hair for a reason and it draped across his right side. When he hung his head, looking through his lashes at the staff he first noticed Hagrid looking innocently at him before moving across the room to his left, spying old classmates huddled together. He ignored the right side for now, he didn't dare pay it any attention.

"I do not expect them to. Years have changed us."

Neville felt the shudder through his chair from the blonde Charms Professor and smiled at the new Professor knowingly. He received a nod in return as silence fell across the room. Obviously, people were confused, no one had seen this person before but the Headmistress seemed so set that he should be obvious.

"Indeed, Harry. They have."

Casting his eyes downward, instantly he could smell the outrage and confusion from each individual member within the room. He used their surprise and dismay to his advantage and brought his right hand up to his face, gathering hair between his fingers and raking them back to expose his full face. His eyes were hard and jaw tight as he fought the smirk threatening to stretch across his mouth and looking up to meet the eye of their Grounds Keeper, Hagrid. It was then that everyone noticed the large clawed scratch that cut through his right brow and cheek, his eye unaffected.

Neville was the first to stand and moving forward he extended his hand out to his old classmate, now colleague. It was returned without hesitation and the raven haired man stepped forward into it, placing his free hand on Neville's shoulder. He gave a small warm smile at this, not wanting to show too much about himself and nodded once again as he stepped away from his friend.

"It's good to see you again, Harry." Neville commented but the stage was then suddenly taken by Draco.

"You're telling me, this – this right here – is the Great Harry Potter?"

"Hello, Draco." He replied smoothly and he caught the scent of guilt as the blonde stared at him floored by the revelations.

"Yes, Harry has kindly agreed to take up the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts and I have every confidence that he will do a marvellous job." Minerva was simply beaming though she tried to hide it best she could.

One glance over the at the silent but brooding right side of the room, she noticed the colour had drained from Severus's face but he made no other attempt at joining in the current conversation. Most of the shock and surprise had worn off now with the other staff and Hagrid was marching his way over to where he friend was standing, taking him in a bone crushing hug. Silently, Harry growled at him but tensed his muscles in an attempt to not break his back.

"'Arry?"

"Hagrid." He responded, flattening down his top attire.

"Blimey…" The giant was in awe and the new Professor could tell there were plenty of questions dying to burst forth.

"Yes, a lot has changed. It does feel good to be back." He refrained from saying home to this lot, they didn't need to know that life had been hard and unkind for many years.

"Not only will Harry be teaching, but he will be taking over from Neville in house duties and – I believe you've agreed to take Quidditch also?" She turned part way through to address the man directly.

"No hard feelings, Neville?"

"Absolutely none, Harry. You take them." His friend nodded and genuinely smiled before tucking his hands into both pockets.

"Back already and I see you're trying to take over." Draco sulked, subtly moving to stand behind their Herbology Professor.

The raven haired man ignored the jab in favour of turning his attention to the Headmistress before excusing himself. He wanted to start making preparations for his classes and had no idea what he would be expecting. Actually, he wasn't entirely sure why he agreed to take on teaching in the first place.

The man left without company and when the door to the lounge shut, everyone erupted in a chorus of questions for the Headmistress who simply put her hands up to stop them all.

. . .

Severus was pacing a hole in the carpet before the fire in his private rooms. Harry Potter. Harry blasted Potter. The last time he'd even heard that name was at least five years ago and it was the five prior that he disappeared off the face of the earth. He remembered that night clearly…

The bed was stiff, just like his back felt as he was propped at an odd angle. The medications for the cut to his throat were working wonderfully but it was still hard to lay down flat without feeling as though his oesophagus would collapse. Biting back a groan as he repositioned himself, rummaging of items and bare feet on the stark marble tiles in the intensive care unit could be heard in the next cubicle over. The area that was occupied by Harry Potter, but no one would tell him why he was there and he'd found himself curious as days passed.

Any attempt at craning his neck was thwarted as he tried to get a glimpsed at what was happening between the gap in their curtains. A grunt and a groan, they sounded like the boy was in pain and Severus attempted to sit up further. He was going to attempt standing so he could check the boy.

A loud strangled roar made him freeze and in the dark room he thought he could see the shadow of someone running the opposite way to the exit. With shattering glass and a distant scream the room went quiet. Those few minutes, Severus hardly breathed. Had the boy completely lost his senses? There wasn't even anything he could do to see what had happened.

Severus took a deep breath, the hospital hustle and bustle fading out only to make way for the pounding on his door. It seemed panicked and urgent so he opened it quickly only to be bowled past by the wildly untamed silver hair of Draco Malfoy.

"Harry Potter? As in, Harry bloody Potter?" Draco seemed unusually flustered by the sudden appearance of the Wizarding hero.

"So, he can just turn up after ten years of doing – Merlin knows what – And we're just supposed to accept the fact that something horribly bad has happened to him in that time. Did you see his face? What's with that? No normal person has the eyes of a feral animal unless they are one." Severus raised an eyebrow but remained silent, letting his colleague vent.

"What if he decides to eat me in the night?" Draco let his arms go wild and at this Severus couldn't hold back a chortle at the sentence.

"Get your mind out of the gutter. This is Harry Potter."

"So you have said. Three times now."

"Aren't you angry about this too? He just left you, without saying another word?"

"Potter and I had nothing of consequence, the fact that we both survived this war was the only connection we shared." It was a lie and one that Severus was committed to reminding everyone, including himself.

Draco huffed but shook his head and turned away. He didn't exactly know what he was feeling. It could have been anger, but it could also have been hurt as well. He wanted to know what had been happening the past ten years. Wanted to know where he'd been and who he'd been with. His frustrations weren't helped by the fact that he found this new version of Potter ridiculously appealing to look at. He didn't make a habit of getting amongst the staff but there had been a few over the past years that had been fun to play around with. This new Professor, his old rival, was proving to be a temptation with fate.

"I would refrain from pursuing this."

As always, Severus was correct and Draco knew it but he couldn't help but shudder as he remembered the Veela man he'd experienced two years ago. The mystery and creature was extremely appealing in a man… He couldn't help what his heart desired.

"You cannot claim sympathy from me if you do." Severus commented, seeing the same heated look in the grey eyes that he'd seen many times before.

. . .

The announcement of Professor Potter's appointment was going to be mentioned at dinner before the new week commenced. Severus had been privy to many conversations that had been overheard by many female students about the exotic new staff member and he ground his poor abused teeth at each comment that was made. Between them and Draco, he was seriously considering removing himself from the hall and hiding away in his chambers where he could be in peace.

Alas, here he was sitting between the Headmistress and Draco as dinner was approaching and waiting for the main reason why they were required to attend this evening. Minerva kept looking at the place setting then to the door and back, which equally irritated the Potion's Master.

"By simply looking at where he should be, does not mean he will just… appear." Severus commented and she clucked at him.

"There he is, Draco." Neville whispered beside the blonde, who bristled at the reminder that he had been drooling over Harry Potter.

"I didn't need a reminder, thank you."

"What's wrong? You were lovestruck just yesterday." Neville sat comfortably in his seat as they watched a casually striding missing war hero making his way over.

"That was before I knew who it was." But even as he said it, there was that nauseous churning in his abdomen that screamed otherwise.

"Will both of you shut it?" Severus had had enough, and leaning towards the Headmistress, with an elbow on his chair he rubbed the tender temples.

Minerva welcomed Harry as he took her right side and gracefully sat. He had managed to command the attention of all students by this point and the hall was alight with whispers and gossiping. At this, the Headmistress stood and held her arms out to get everyones attention, which considering they were all looking at the man with long raven locks sitting beside her, it wasn't hard.

Severus gently turned his head to the right and looked over the man who he'd believed could have been dead. His amber eyes were piercing the crowd in front of them, and it seemed that he was unaware of the prying eyes in his direction. The Potion's Master allowed himself those brief moments to appreciate the facial structure, a strong jawline and tell-tale Potter nose. At this, he realised the man hadn't changed, aside from growing out his hair and the odd change to his eyes. There were many plausible reasons for this, the brat might have decided to change them to avoid being recognised.

"… Welcome, Professor Potter."

Severus had completely missed what Minerva had said but figured introductions had been made when the man he had been looking over stood, his right hand poised mid air to almost wave in royal style at the students. Grumbling and tearing his eyes away from the figure, he was aware of how enthusiastically his silver blonde counterpart was clapping and rolled his eyes.

"I wonder when they will connect the dots." Harry said quietly to the Headmistress, who smiled and shot him an empathetic glance.

"If anything, their parents will be the ones who will have most of the say."

Harry nodded mutely, looking down at his plate and the rare cook steak that had been presented to him. His mouth watered as he picked up his cutlery and started eating, even the vegetables were cooked perfectly and to his liking. Hogwarts meals were unlike anything else and he knew that he would be enjoying them for times to come.

Draco was leaning forward, bent over his meal and shooting sly glances across the table, trying to work out what it was about the man he found oddly arousing but from the angle he was leering, he couldn't see much. He sat back frustrated and crossed his legs, big mistake. He attempted to cover up the groan as his sensitive prick rubbed between his pants and thighs but couldn't cover the light blush dusting his porcelain cheeks.

That was it for Severus, he couldn't stand this any longer and stood suddenly, excusing himself from the table. Neville was smothering a knowing smirk and Minerva simply watched the situation whilst Draco attempted to suffocate himself with the gravy on his plate. The Potion's Master found a certain pair of eyes watching him as he walked the length of the Great Hall but he didn't dare turn around, it was an unnerving gaze and imagined it tenfold if he had been locking eyes.

"Someone get the man an ice pack." Neville muttered to himself but Draco heard him clearly enough and grunted his displeasure.

. . .

At dawn break, the fifth year students that had Defence for their first class of the week slowly trickled into the room. There were whispers of confusion as they found the classroom empty save for the large ornate high backed wooden chair that sat up the front of where a teachers desk would be. Noting the small white crosses lining the floor, the students hugged and slung their bags for what of a better action as they could not sit down. Their Professor was standing at the front of the room next to the oppressing chair, leaning against it casually as his dark, almost lava orange, eyes focussed on each and everyone one of his students.

"Uh, sir… Are we in the correct class?" One of the boys asked, standing the closest to where their Professor was.

"Fifth year Defence Against the Dark Arts, Mr. Slamander?" The deep, almost gravelly and glossy, voice replied.

"Then where are the desks?" Another asked rather abruptly and they collectively took a step back when they felt the temperature cool drastically in the room.

"Deposit your bags and other unnecessary items in the lockers provided at the back then find yourselves a spot on a marker. You will only require your wand, drawn and held at your side. Do it now, do it quickly."

The students looked at one another sceptically but did as they were instructed. It was slower than Harry had anticipated and preferred but he would get them to heel over the next few months to a standard that he saw fit. There were a couple of girls that appeared to be fighting for the front row, he assumed that would be so they were close to him but the joke was ultimately on them.

"The next time you are in this class you are to complete such a task with efficient muster. I expect you to be assembled as such promptly and tidily. Mr. Cavanagh, you will present yourself better starting with that untucked shirt and dismal attempt at fastening your tie." At this, the raven haired man stepped forward and towards his students.

They were in lines, six across and five deep. He made his way down one of the aisles, sliding both hands into his pockets as he went. It was clear that the females in the front were itching to brush past him but he stuck well away from them as he eyed them strictly.

"This year, you will experience a flipped class style. What that means is prior to class you will have read the allocated chapters and extra reading I assign. In class, we will then practically apply that knowledge… and if you are diligent, committed even, you will be granted class time in which to start the next lot of content. You will answer questions; every correct question will gain you a house point… and wrong answers, will lose you a point."

There were a couple of groans that were heard and whilst they were music to his ears, he sneered in the direction in which they came.

"If you are serious about your education… If you actually care, then we will become great allies. However, failure to show your dedication and studiousness towards my class…" He let the words hang for a moment, "Will find you in very unpleasant circumstances that will not end well for you."

Some of the students shifted uncomfortably as he let off an unsavoury aura to emphasise his point. Now that they had preliminaries out of the way, he slowly stalked back to his chair and stood in front of it with his hands still in both pockets.

. . .

After a long day, dinner approached rather rapidly and Draco was stalking the corridor to find out if what his students had said were true about their new Professor. It sounded barbaric, so here he was slowing his pace as his footsteps rounded the corner. When he stepped past the classroom, it was empty – literally – save for the lone chair and he couldn't see Potter inside. He back tracked, his curious grey eyes getting the better of his judgement and peering into the classroom.

If he were to be caught, it was clear he'd look like a right idiot but he wasn't thinking when he stepped further into the classroom to note the lockers at one end and markers on the floor. Raking a shaky hand through his silvery hair, he went to take a step backwards so he could get to the safety of the Great Hall. When he turned to leave however, he gasped and stumbled backwards when a casually leaning Harry Potter stood smirked at his lack of grace.

"What do I owe the pleasure, Draco?"

The shudder was completely involuntary and the Charms Professor hated it with all his being. Unfortunately, it seemed the Defence Professor had seen it and what started off as a smug demeanour soon turned into something more mysterious. The hairs on the back of Draco's neck stood at attention and he felt another shudder wrack his body.

"I had to see if the rumours were true."

"Rumours?" Harry exuded mirth even though he appeared calm.

"It seems you're running a tight ship. This doesn't seem like beneficial learning." Draco almost spluttered as he felt heat rising in his cheeks.

"Quite the contrary, Draco. You will see."

The blonde took deep breathes to control his rapidly beating heart as he was stalked down like prey. Those tempting amber eyes commanded his attention, he couldn't look away. He didn't even flinch when they were so close to touching, Harry's hand reaching up but then diverting to pull the door closed to his classroom. Bringing their faces close, Draco could feel the warmth of light breath on his cheek, he couldn't look away from those mesmerising orbs that had him captivated.

When the man pulled away and had taken several steps away, not once looking over his shoulder, Draco slumped against the door and let out the breath he'd held. He felt disappointed in one breath, frustrated the next and then finally aroused. Harry Potter was making him hard and horny but he wasn't a school boy any longer, he was a man… a man with needs and desires.

That was why, on this night – the first night their new Professor had been teaching – Draco locked himself away in his private rooms, unable to face the delectable man after their encounter. What he needed now was a cold shower and something to take his mind of the ravenous hunger he felt towards bloody Harry Potter.

. . .

So... continue?