A/N: Some of you asked me in your reviews if I had anything against the Slash genre. Not personally no, but I do know that it is not the kind of fiction I want to write. I can't see the Harry/Draco relationship being anything substantial for the kind of writing I do. So while I do respect the genre in and of itself, because it gives readers something entirely different to read, it is not what I like to write. I ask that you please respect that. On to Chapter Three.
May (Three months prior to the start of term)
Harry sighed into his beer. He was meeting Hermione and Ron here in the Hog's Head. He had already asked the two to join him in this new endeavor in his life. Him. Headmaster. Of Hogwarts. His head was still spinning. He had told Ginny the night before and she had been overjoyed. She was now enjoying some time at the Burrow with her mum. They were engaged to be married in the fall and she had some wedding planning to do with Mrs. Weasley.
"Harry."
Ron had spotted him from across the dimly lit bar and made his way over to the booth. He wondered what this could be about. Harry had asked him personally to take over the Quidditch coach position since Madame Hooch decided to leave with McGonagall. It was an honor to be able to teach at the place that got his Quidditch fetish really going. Harry was adding even more fire to his already growing flame for the sport.
"Hey Ron. Please sit, we're going to wait for Hermione before I tell you why I called you both here tonight."
"Okay."
Ron sat and ordered a butterbeer. He didn't feel much like drinking tonight.
Hermione Granger appeared outside the Hog's Head and pulled her scarf close to her neck. For May, it was an awfully chilly evening.
She entered and saw Harry and Ron sitting and talking amongst themselves.
"Hello, boys."
"Hey."
Harry gestured for her to take her seat, and when she sat and looked expectantly at Harry, he took it as his cue to tell them what he had been thinking over the past week.
"Well first off, thank you both for deciding to teach with me this year. I mean, I really wouldn't have wanted it any other way. You both have been my family for so long, you have no idea how proud I am to call you both my friends."
"Harry—"
"No, Hermione. You and Ron are the two greatest friends any bloke could possibly ask for. Thank you."
Hermione and Ron both smiled softly as they looked at the much older looking 18 year old. Harry would never know the respect and adoration both Hermione and Ron both held for him.
"We're always going to be there for you, mate. Thick and thin, remember?" Ron said grasping his friends shoulder.
Harry nodded. This was it.
"I have been thinking about who to name the Potions master for next term. I want it to be Malfoy."
Butterbeer went flying out of Ron's mouth.
"What!?"
"Now Ron, I know your personal feelings for Malfoy are not good. Nor have they ever been, but I need you to stop and think how good he will be for the school instead of your personal feelings for him are right now."
"But-but Harry. The man is a death eater!"
"No, Ron. He isn't." Hermione interjected.
"Oh, so you want him teaching his greatest dark art tricks to little eleven year olds, then?"
"Ron.." Harry said loud enough to warrant Ron's attention. He knew Harry was serious.
"Let me finish first before you make your judgment. I need you both to hear me out on this."
"Go on, Harry. We're here for you." Hermione took his hand and gave it a squeeze.
Harry took a long swig from his mug before continuing.
"It was no lie that Professor Snape favored Draco over all of his other students, even in his own house. It's also no lie that back in school Malfoy made our lives that much less enjoyable because of his mere existence. But you cannot deny that out of all our classes he was most skilled, quite naturally at potions. I have been thinking about this for while guys and I really think he is the most qualified candidate for the job. It was the only subject his grade actually rivaled Hermione's. Anyway, I am going to be going over to the Manor and request his help for next term."
"Wait a minute, you're actually going to go over there, to Malfoy Manor?!"
"Yes, Ron. If I am going to ask his help for next year, it has to be me. I have to do it in person. I think Malfoy will respect that. You have to admit that he has started redeeming himself in society."
"Right. Just because he is giving his house elves wages and doesn't call Hermione mudblood to her face doenst make him a good person, Harry."
"I know that, Ron. But I really feel like this is how it should be. He should be the next potions professor. Period. I didn't come here to get your permission guys. I came here to tell you ahead of time so you could prepare and learn to get along. I want to show Hogwarts that even old school enemies can unite and learn to put the past behind them. Draco will need to prove himself however. I will be watching him for any suspicious activity. But I don't think he will fault me for that."
"I agree with Harry."
Ron looked at Hermione, then at Harry.
"You're serious."
"Yes, Ron."
"Fine." Ron rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was all a load of bullocks in his book. No way could Harry be doing this! It was treading on being blasphemous!
Oh well. When it came down to it, Ron guessed Harry was right. I mean, if he were really being honest with himself, he knew Harry knew what he was talking about. Ron were sure that if Harry could defeat the darkest wizard there ever was, he was positive that he could handle ferret boy.
Harry, Ron and Hermione spent the rest of evening discussing other matters.
Harry didn't return home until the wee hours of the morning.
The following week: Malfoy Manor
When Harry was allowed entrance passed the gate to the Malfoy grounds, he was quite surprised. He was sure Draco would have numerous spells and traps to lure anyone away from its frightening gaze. The house was grand, that much was certain and Harry wondered how in the world it was that Draco could grow up in such a cold looking atmosphere. Then again, it was Draco Malfoy he was currently thinking about.
Harry wandered over to the front door. Or what he assumed was the front door. The front side of the house had about six different doors leading to lord knows where. Harry searched for the doorbell and when he found it about five minutes later, he gave it a heavy push. Bells sounded throughout the manor. Seconds later, footsteps could be heard inching closer to the door. Harry suddenly felt nervous.
The door flew open, and a very disheveled looking Narcissa Malfoy had answered.
"Oh! Mr. Potter. How lovely it is to see you!"
"Mrs. Malfoy.." Harry was extremely surprised to see her standing there.
"Oh, where are my manners? Please, come in. Come in." She said pulling him inside.
"May I take your jacket?"
"Oh, um, yes. Please."
Snapping her fingers, a house elf appeared beside her and she gestured toward Harry and his coat was taken and with a loud pop, the elf disappeared.
"So, Harry. What brings you here to our humble home?"
"Well, see what it is…"
Harry had started, but noticed that coming down the stairs at that very moment was the object of Harry's inquiry.
"Mother…who is—"
Draco stopped in his tracks. Was Harry Potter actually in his home? Was he sleeping? This must be some sort of crazy nightmare.
"Potter. What in the hell are you doing here?"
"Draco. Language."
"Sorry mother." Draco cleared his throat.
"Um, yes, well. I am here to speak to you actually, Malfoy. It's very important. And something I am going to need your help with."
"My help?"
"Yes." Harry nodded.
Draco eyed Harry for a moment and seemed to mull things over.
"Alright then. You may come in the study. Follow me."
Draco and Harry left Narcissa in the foyer to gawk.
They walked along a dark corridor until they reached their destination.
They walked in and Draco shut the door behind them.
"Okay, Potter. Tell me what it is you want."
Harry cleared his throat. He was actually having trouble figuring on where to start.
"Well—spit it out!"
Harry gave Draco an annoyed look. Sitting down in one of the chairs beside the fire Harry rubbed his face with his hands. This was going to be no picnic.
"See. The thing is, I have been formally asked by Professor McGonagall to take over her position next term."
"Wait. You. Headmaster? No." Draco's already pale face had turned an odd shade of grey. He looked as though he were going to be sick.
"Yes Draco. Me. Believe me, I was as surprised as you. But that is not why I am here."
Draco looked over at him expectantly.
"Well, what I mean is, I have been thinking about it and well you're the only logical candidate I can think of."
"Candidate for what, exactly?"
"Potions Master. Professor of Potions and Head of Slytherin House."
Draco actually guffawed. The whole idea was absolutely insane, absurd.
"Potter, you want me? Barely 18 years old to take over as Potions Head? You must have taken too many blows to the head during your battle against Voldemort. Are you loony?"
"No Draco. For once, I am very clear headed. I know this is a lot to grasp. But I really have thought this through. I want you with me in August."
"Potter have you forgotten what I did to you and your friends the last eight years we've known each other? And let's not even think to forget that fateful night when I betrayed Dumbledore and tried to kill him."
"What did I tell you at the end of year celebration? I've already forgiven you. I think its time that you forgive yourself. Draco, I want you to be there. Don't do this for me. Do it for Severus. He would've wanted this for you. As much as I hate to admit this, you really do have a talent for potions. You're the best, outside of Hermione. Look, if you need some time to think about it, by all means. But I will need an answer before the end of July. By then, I will need to have a written agreement and contract on my desk for the new year. A copy will also be sent to McGonagall, she will be at Hogwarts until I take over in September."
"Does mean I will have to call you Headmaster, and sir?"
"Only in public." Harry replied winking.
Draco rolled his eyes.
"God, you're annoying, you and your friends."
"And you weren't?"
"Touche."
"Listen, Malfoy. Give it some thought. Discuss it with your parents. But let me know soon. I will expect you there on the start of term feast where you will be introduced as Potions Head. I have all the faith in the world in you and your abilities. But I shall be watching you."
"I thought you just said you had faith in me."
"It's not you I'm worried about. It's the temptation that comes with being who you are. Your name still has people in a frenzy Draco. I want those kids to know they are in good hands with me and you. They need to know Hogwarts will no longer be a divided school. I will unite it. I have to. Not only for them, but for us as well. Dumbledore would've wanted it that way, and so would Snape."
"Alright, Potter. Give me a week or so to think on it. You'll have your answer by then."
They shook hands and Harry left by Draco's flew.
One Week Later: Harry's Flat: London
"You mean he's going to consider it?" Hermione asked Harry after he had recounted the story to her. Harry had invited Hermione over because he figured she'd be the voice of reason and actually listen to what he'd have to say on the matter. Not that Harry didn't value Ron's opinion it's just that well, Ron was quick-tempered and tended to jump to conclusions.
"Yes. He said he would give me an answer sometime this week."
Hermione nodded her understanding and stood up.
"Well, I better get going. Even though I have a job at Hogwarts waiting for me, I still owe Ollivander some of my time." Hermione had been working for Ollivander over the past few months. She had grown to love the work that was involved in wand making.
Just then, green flames rose to life and Draco Malfoy stepped through Harry's flew.
"Potter." Draco acknowledged nodding at Harry.
"Granger."
"Malfoy."
The three odd pairing stared at each other for a moment before Hermione found her voice.
"Well I'd better get going. Ollivander's waiting. Goodbye Harry. Malfoy."
And with a pop she was gone.
"You sure made it easy for someone to step through your flew, Potter."
"It's only that way if the person coming bares me no ill will."
"Ah."
"Anyway, do you have an answer for me, Malfoy?"
"Yes. I do. Yes, I mean." Draco scoffed at himself.
"Yes Potter. I'll do it. I'll take the job."
Harry gave a sigh of relief.
"Great. Good. Well, um I'll expect your signed papers soon, then?"
"Got them right here."
Draco handed them over and Harry pushed his glasses up on his nose to read the details.
"Okay, right."
"See you then, Potter."
"Malfoy—wait."
Draco stopped turned around and looked at Harry.
"Thanks."
Draco looked at Harry strangely.
"You're welcome."
"See you at the start of term feast."
Draco nodded, and left the way he came.
Flashforward to the present, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Headmaster's Quarters
Draco was looking expectantly at his new boss.
"Thank you all for coming. For doing this. Believe me when I say that you are not the only ones who feel an absurd amount of pressure to perform well this year. I not only have every eye on me by every student but it seems every professor old and new, alive or dead, " Harry gestured to the portraits all looking towards him, "are now watching my every move."
The new professors nodded.
Harry turned around to look at his old Headmaster.
Professor Dumbledore was looking expectantly at them all.
"I cant tell you what this does to an old man. You have all made me exceedingly proud."
The former students nodded.
Even though Harry was now the Headmaster of this most prestigious school he couldn't help but still feel like an eleven year old boy when under the steely gaze of Dumbledore.
"I just hope you know what we're doing." Harry said grinning.
Draco, behind Harry, grinned at the Professor.
"Potter. I believe he knows what we're capable of. But now I think is the time we find out the same."
Harry turned to face Draco.
"Malfoy. I couldn't agree more."
A/N: This ended on an odd note. I know it did, but I couldn't figure out a way to end it properly. So I hope this is okay. I will try to update every Saturday because I work. Sounds weird, but on Saturday's work is exceedingly slow and dead and for nine hours I have nothing better to do for nine straight hours. What better time to update then during work? Read/Review!
