DADA Curse

Summary: Harry receives a letter, that leads him into a new adventure, not only does he still have to face the Dark Lord, but also First Year students and his own colleagues.

Rated T right now, but rating may go up have to see where my muse takes me.

anything in italics is a thought

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Dear Mr. Harry J. Potter,

Congratulations on your compilation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Your NEWTs results will be arriving within the month, but I would like to take this time to tell you about the exciting world of teaching. With the results that you have achieved on your NEWTS you will be able to enter into the world of teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. I have taken the liberty of including the schools that are currently looking for such teachers; feel free to contact the schools to arrange an interview.

Respectfully Yours,

Niffer Dew

Teacher Recruitment Office

"What the hell kind of letter is the, Tom's newest ploy?"

Harry asked his friends as they gathered around the kitchen table at 12 Grimmauld Place. It had been only 3 weeks since the trio had graduated from Hogwarts, and already they had gotten way too much information about possible careers for them to go into. Hermione had gotten the most mail out of all of them.

"How the hell can I even think about a career, there is still that pesky little problem involving Voldemort," Harry said as he looked over the letter again, "Even you didn't get a letter involving teacher Hermione."

"Yeah I did," Hermione said, ''It just wasn't what I wanted to do, but everyone gets those letters when they get a certain score or their NEWTS in a subject. It doesn't mean that's what you're going to do or anything, besides normally it's just small no-name schools or parents looking for tutors for the children, who are either to young for Hogwarts or need help with summer work, but look over the list for yourself Harry."

"Whatever you say," Harry said as he rolled his eyes at Ron.

He pulled the other piece of paper out of the envelope and started to read the different opportunities.

"Alright, so you were right Hermione, it does seem to be just parents looking for tutors, except for this last one at the bottom, I wouldn't call that a no-name school. Would you?" Harry asked as questioning voice.

"Well you know Harry, it must be a No-Name school, since Hermione is never wrong." Ron said suppressing a laugh.

"When will the two of you grow-up?" She huffed as she poured herself more tea.

"Never!!" The boys said together.

As the laughter died down Harry looked back down at the paper,

"I think I will apply," he said as he got up from the table and headed up towards the library.

"Harry, you can't be serious, you have none of the training or anything" Hermione yelled as Harry ran at the door.

"I'm just applying 'Mione, besides I have training for the fight and they still have me doing that at Hogwarts." Harry yelled as he went out the kitchen door and up the stairs.

"He'll never get it' Mine, don't worry, well we only have a few more weeks before we enter the real world, what do you want to do today"? Ron asked as he stretched before getting out of his chair.

"Don't know yet, let's see what the one upstairs wants to do" Hermione answered, stretching as well before getting up and following Ron out of the kitchen.

Meanwhile up in the library Harry carefully got a quill and parchment out of the desk.

Now what to write

Dear Headmaster Dumbledore,

It has come to my attention that Hogwarts is once again without a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor; I would like to apply for that position.

Sincerely

Harry J, Potter

He read it over twice, as he called Hedwig over to him,

It's short and to the point

Before he lost the nerve he tied the letter to his owl's leg and gave her instructions,

"Take this to Professor Dumbledore girl," Harry told her as he opened the window and watched her go off into the sky. He turned from the open window and headed back out of the library.

"So what are we doing today" Harry yelled through the house.

"Just going to ask you the same thing" Ron said as they meet the first floor landing.

"Well we have to finish the research for the Order," Hermione reminded them,

"Just because VoI-Voldemort went into hiding again after the battle in May is no reason for us to forget what the goal is."

"Alright 'Mine we can work on the project, but still this is the first summer in six years that we have no homework to do, I just want to enjoy it a little more before I have to remember and face the bastard again," Harry wined.

''Do you want a little cheese with your wine there Harry," Ron said holding back a laugh.

"Oh shut it Ron, you know you were thinking the same thing, just didn't have the balls to say it." Harry said trying to hold back his own laughter

"When will the two of you grow-up?" Hermione yelled for the second time that morning.

"Alright, alright we'll work, as long as we can go out somewhere this afternoon" Harry said ending the conversation and heading back into the library.

"By the way Harry, when is Remus coming back?" Ron asked as carried his pile books over to his desk.

"In about a week,'' Harry said, ''It was great of your parents to let you say with me while he's gone, don't know if I would have been able to stay here alone." Harry said as he sat down in front of his own pill of books.

"Anytime you need us Harry, besides we were almost living here as it was, flowing over for breakfast than not going home till after dinner it's easier just living here," Ron said as he opened up his first book.

"As long as you're sure you don't mind?" Harry asked his friends as he got the parchment and quills, putting them onto the tables

"Never Harry, now stop worrying and get to work." Hermione said as she too opened her book and started writing.

The staff that was left a Hogwarts during the summer holiday was just sitting down for lunch in the staff room as a snow white owl flew towards the Headmaster. Once relieved of the note, Hedwig flew back out the open window.

"What is it Albus?" Minerva McGonagall asked.

The Headmaster quickly opened the note. After reading the short massage the Headmaster chuckled to himself. When he looked back up, the twinkle in his eye had doubled.

''It seems that we have an applicant for the defense position this year!" Albus said just as the door to the staff room slammed shut.

"And what will you be hiring this year Albus?" Severus Snape asked as he took the last open seat next to the Headmaster.

"Well Severus, since you think this one to will be a, and I quote "incompetent moron" I shall assign you to be his mentor. Who better, with your knowledge in both dark arts and defense I feel that you will be the best choice that we have."

"Excuse me Headmaster, and why not Minerva, you have been giving all the new teachers to her for years now." Severus said as he took a long sip from his goblet.

"Well since you seem to think you can do better and the fact that Minerva already has one new teacher to mentor for the up coming year, I am giving you this chance. Now the new professor will be arriving on August 1st, so you have until than to prepare for your new menti, he is fresh from school so you might have to start at the beginning of exactly how to teach, something that I more than agree you need a refresher course in. Also, as normal your chambers shall be joined together by a common door." Albus than turned back to Minerva to continue talking, dismissing the matter.

"But Albus, you know that I have other obligations which could come to light at any moment." Severus said in a dead whisper, looking directly into the Headmaster's eyes.

"Be that as it may, you will be doing this, Severus, you with all your knowledge will be able to let us know if this person is to be trusted and learn a few things along the way." The Headmaster finished with a look that left no room for anymore arguments, again turning back to Minerva to finish their conversation.

Why did I have to open my bloody mouth?

He thought as he settled down into his meal, never seeing the knowing looks that went around the table.

As the meal finished the Headmaster excused himself and headed up to his office, he had a letter to write.

Dear Mr. Potter

Thank you for your interest in the DADA position here at Hogwarts, if you are serious about your application than, I would like to welcome you to our staff, Professor Potter. You are required to arrive at Hogwarts on August first at 9am to meet with myself and your mentor. Owl back at your earliest convinces. You will be required to go through different training and classes during that month before the school year begin.

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

When the group of friends returned from an afternoon spent walking around muggle London, it was to great smells coming from the Kitchen.

The group walked in to find Mrs. Weasley standing in front of the stove and Ginny sitting off to the side looking through one of the Quidditch Weekly's that was left on the table.

"Mum, what are you doing here?" Ron asked as learned in the pots to see what was cooking.

"Well since it is only Ginny and I at home right now with your father working long hours between the Ministry and the Order, I figured I could cook you three up a good meal." Mrs. Weasley said as the dishes started washing themselves.

"Oh Harry dear a letter came for you, well you were out, its up in the library."

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley and dinner smells great." Harry said as he walked out of the kitchen. Ron and Hermione tried to follow, but Mrs. Weasley got to them first,

"Now you two set the..." was all Harry heard before the door closed and he ran towards the library.

Carefully Harry opened the letter and read through it twice before putting it on top of his desk.

"I got the job" he said to himself, "The old coot actually gave me the job."

But do I really want it, I just got out of school, I am ready to go back, even if it is to teach this time.

Harry closed his eyes and thought back to DA, the group that he had started in his 5th year and ran the rest of his time at Hogwarts. He did enjoy teaching and it came relatively easy to him, and the group that he prepared did better on the NEWTs or OWLs than the normal students.

Harry closed his eyes and smiled,

Hogwarts is and was the only place that will ever, really be home.

He thought than for the second time that day Harry took a quill and parchment and began writing,

Headmaster,

I will be honored to accept the position. Thank you for this opportunity, I know that I might be young, but I believe that I will be able to do an amazing job as your professor. Thank you again Sir.

Harry Potter

He read it over once before setting it aside for Hedwig to take in the morning.

"Dinner is ready," Mrs. Weasley shouted out the kitchen door, just as Harry was walking down the stairs.

Upon entering the kitchen, Ron and Hermione both gave Harry a look,

"Later," was all Harry said as he moved to sit next to Ginny.

The meal passed with relative ease, with light the conversation going on all around. Soon it was time for Mrs. Weasley and Ginny to say goodbye.

"Now look after yourselves, I will see all three of you for dinner Sunday night at The Burrow." Mrs. Weasley said as she stepped into the green fires.

"I'm sorry you can't stay Ginny," Harry said as she to said goodbye, than followed her mother into green fire.

"Well," Hermione said as the two disappeared.

"Well what?" Harry asked as settled back down in one of the kitchen chairs grabbing an old copy Quidditch Weekly.

Hermione ripped the paper out of his hands and hit him over the head with it,

"Did you get the job or not?" she asked again

"I'm not going to tell you, you hit me" Harry said in his most childish voice as he got up and sprinted from the room before she could get any more hits in.

Ron followed right behind Harry in running out of the kitchen.

"Boys!!" Hermione yelled as she chased her two best friends up the stairs.