It was quiet. Too quiet. The hallways were dim, shadows everywhere. And Harry was sure someone was lurking in those shadows. After the Quidditch game, Harry was on edge. He knew Draco would be wanting revenge. So when Harry decided to cruise the hallways that night, he was on alert.

Harry hugged the wall, his wand in his hand and his arm by his side. He narrowed his eyes as he scanned the hallway and doors around him. Harry crouched down and did a quick roll to the other side of the hall, a move he had seen in Muggle movies. He sat still as he heard a faint creak of someone coming nearer.

"Not today, motherfucker." Harry whispered to himself before he rounded the corner with a battle cry and launched himself at the intruder.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, Potter?"

Harry stopped his attack and looked down at the man beneath him. Not blonde. "Headmaster!" Harry squeaked in a pitch that he didn't know he could even reach. "I'm so sorry! I thought you were Draco!"

Snape pushed Harry off him with ease and stood, "Do I look like Mr. Malfoy?"

Harry scrambled to his feet, "Of course not. I just didn't expect you to be out this late and I thought I heard something and Draco is trying to get payback for the quidditch match and I…" He trailed off, knowing he sounded like an idiot.

"You're in a castle full of people, Potter, it could have been anyone."

Harry nodded frantically, "Yes. Right. Sorry, sir."

Snape wiped his robes clean of any soot that may have collected on them, "Whatever are you doing out at this hour?"

Harry could ask the man the same question. "Couldn't sleep. My quarters seemed a bit…stuffy. Wanted some fresh air."

Snape looked at him with interest. The scrutiny made Harry blush. He was probably wondering why he hired such a fool. "If you're finished attacking innocent bystanders for the night, I can accompany you back to your room." It wasn't a question really, but there was a hint of something at the end that Harry felt made it one.

Harry stared for a second before giving a curt nod. Snape gestured for Harry to lead the way.

It was an amicable silence, considering one had just attacked the other. Harry couldn't help but keep glancing at the older man as they walked. He was still in his formal robes that he had worn that day, which means he hadn't been to bed yet either. Harry looked at his face and saw the dark circles under his eyes.

"Must you stare?" Black eyes were on his. Harry blushed. Again. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately.

"Sorry, sir. It's just, what are you doing up this late?"

Snape looked forward, not saying anything. Harry didn't think he was going to answer anyways. He wasn't quite sure why he even asked. This was Snape he was talking about.

But then. "I also could not sleep. I seem to be in a bit of a predicament." Harry watched Snape's face as he talked, and saw the glimpse of sadness pass over his mature features.

"Oh." Harry responded stupidly. "Um, is there anything I can do to help?"

"Unfortunately, I do not think it is something that can be helped." They had stopped and Harry wondered for a moment why, before he realized they had made it to his chambers.

"Would you like to come in? I can make us some tea. Or warm milk. Something to help us sleep?" Harry didn't know why he was extending the offer. Only Draco had ever been in his rooms. And this was the Headmaster. It was Snape. But just a mere week ago he had been in the other man's rooms. So maybe this would put them on even terms.

He was eager for the man's answer. He briefly wondered if his face betrayed such a notion.

"That sounds acceptable."

Harry gave him a wide smile and opened his door for the man.

Harry felt subconscious about his living quarters all the sudden, not sure if they would meet the older man's expectations. They were warm and cozy, as close to a home Harry would ever get. But it was a stark contrast to the darkness of Snape's bedroom. Harry watched Snape as the man looked around. At least Harry had cleaned up that morning.

Harry cleared his throat, "Um, make yourself comfortable. I'll put on the kettle."

Snape seemed to take the suggestion to heart as he took off his outer robes, before sitting in Harry's favorite armchair. Harry watched him as he busied himself with tea. The headmaster wore a simple grey shirt and black slacks under his robe. It was unsettling to Harry. He had never really thought about what the man wore under his robes, but if he were to guess, it would have been more robes. Harry much preferred the reality. Maybe he was wrong the other day, maybe Snape was a little more comfortable with Harry than he thought.

Harry joined Snape in the living room, sitting in the much less used chair across from the headmaster. "Have you found a replacement to teach potions yet?" He asked in what he hoped was a casual tone. But inside he was on edge. Snape was in his rooms!

Snape nodded in affirmation, "I'm surprised she hasn't told you, but I offered Ms. Granger the position this morning."

Harry smiled at that, "That's great."

"Yes."

Silence. Dammit. He was better at making conversations than this. "Was it difficult to give up the position when you became Headmaster?" A question that had been on Harry's mind.

Snape gave him a calculating look. "No."

Harry's eyebrows rose. He didn't expect that answer. "Really? I mean, we all knew you wanted the DADA position but I thought you rather enjoyed teaching potions."

"I never really wanted the DADA position. It was ruse. For the Dark Lord. I did enjoy teaching potions, but sometimes it is good to have a change of scenery."

Harry considered his response thoughtfully. He understood that, considering the three years that Harry spent changing scenery often before he came back to Hogwarts. "Before Albus… before the position became available, was Headmaster something you had considered?"

"No. Albus was always perfect for the job. I couldn't imagine Hogwarts running without him."

"It's running pretty well so far."

Snape watched him carefully, obviously not sure if it was a compliment or not. And Harry had definitely meant it as one. He agreed with the Headmaster, he couldn't have imagined Hogwarts without Albus Dumbledore either. But Snape was a fair headmaster and Hogwarts was thriving as it was meant to under his command. "Thank you. I appreciate the sentiment."

Harry nodded at the older man and stood to get the kettle, knowing it would be whistling soon. He didn't want to end the ease at which they were conversing though. "So in a perfect world, where Albus was still alive and Headmaster, what would you be doing right now?"

"There are no perfect worlds, Potter." Snape responded in his deep, rich voice. Harry snuck him a look. "But very well, I was always interested in healing as a child."

"Really?"

"Don't think I have the ability to heal, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked casually, his eyes following Harry around the kitchen.

Harry had a tray with the kettle and teacups, along with a plate of chocolate biscuits and was trying to balance it as he walked towards the living room. Snape rolled his eyes and levitated the tray away from Harry and sat it on the table between their chairs.

"Thanks." Harry said quietly as he began to prepare his own tea. "That's not it at all," answering Snape's question, "I just figured you would want to do something more exciting."

Snape took Harry's lead and began to make his tea as well. Harry watched as he dropped in one sugar cube and twirled it with his spoon before lifting it to his mouth. Figured he liked his tea almost black. Harry smiled at the thought, which earned him one thin eyebrow raise from his companion.

"I've had plenty of excitement in my life," Snape answered, putting down the cup.

"Yes. I suppose so."

Snape said nothing in response. He just sat there, watching Harry. Harry squirmed in his seat. He took a sip of his tea to distract himself. The silence was heavy, and Harry felt it crushing him. He wanted to say something, do something, but he felt like he could barely even breathe.

It must have been affecting Snape as well, for he stood suddenly, grabbing his robe, "Thank you for the tea, Mr. Potter, but I think it is time for me to return to my own quarters." His tea was still half full.

Harry scrambled to his feet to follow the man, trying to reach the doors before Snape could. He opened the door for the headmaster and leaned against the edge of it as he watched the man step out of his rooms. The air was much colder already.

Harry looked at the other man, who stood still, as if waiting. "When is Draco's big date?"

Harry didn't expect the sudden question, "Um, next Saturday."

Snape nodded and made to turn. Harry didn't want to say goodnight. "You could call me Harry, you know." He said suddenly.

Snape watched him with cool eyes and a soft expression, "I shall think about it. Good night, Potter."

Harry grinned and waved to the man, "Good night, Headmaster."

Hermione made her appearance as the newest professor on Friday morning. Harry woke up early to meet her before breakfast. He got up and dressed quickly in his every day robes. He had class after breakfast, so made sure he had everything ready before he headed out.

The hallways were always quiet early in the morning. It was one of Harry's favorite times to explore the castle. But today he had to refrain from it. He walked briskly towards the castle entrance. It was a cold November morning. The sun was not quite out yet and there was a layer of fog clinging to the grass. Harry didn't know why he hadn't thought to grab his cloak. He crossed his arms over his chest to conserve heat and leaned against the cold stone wall of the castle. Hermione had said she would there soon.

Moments later, Harry wasn't surprised when the doors opened again. Of course the Headmaster would also be out to welcome his new professor. It was customary. He had done the same for him 4 years ago.

"Good morning, Severus." He greeted the man calmly, only slightly stumbling over his name. Although the man had not extended the same curtusy that Harry had the other night about using his given name, Harry had taken it upon himself to do so anyways. It gave him a little more confidence.

Severus glanced at Harry, who was slightly shivering as a breeze hit him. Severus had on a long cloak that looked warm and cozy. And big enough for two. Harry wanted to laugh at that thought. Severus reached inside his cloak for his wand and cast a warming spell on Harry.

The warmth was instant and Harry wanted to groan at the feeling. Much better. "Thank you. Um, I guess I could have done that myself."

Severus shook his head, "Always the martyr." Harry grinned at him in response.

They stood in amiable silence. Both were looking out towards the lawn of the castle. It did not take long for Hermione to appear. She was wearing an elegant cloak with the hood over her face to block out the wind. Her bags were following behind her. Once she was close enough, Harry ran to greet her. "Mione!" He exclaimed as he went to hug her.

"Harry!" She replied, hugging him in return. "You didn't have to wake up this early!"

"Of course I did. It's not everyday that my best friend becomes my colleague."

They let go of each other and finished walking the rest of the way to the castle. Severus stood with his hands at side stiffly. He was watching the two of them with a cool look. "Mrs. Granger. I hope your trip was well."

Hermione stepped closer to him and extended her hand, "Good morning, Headmaster! Yes it was fine, thank you."

Severus shook her hand swiftly, "Welcome back to Hogwarts. Let us go inside before Potter catches a cold." And he gestured towards the door.

Harry glared at Severus, but also began to blush. Must he always make himself look like an idiot in front of Severus. He sulked as he walked behind the two. Severus held the door open for both teachers. "It's Harry." He quietly reminded the man as he passed by him. Severus gave him a very knowing look that made Harry swallow hard. He had to stop himself from reaching out to the man. What was he doing? Harry didn't even know if Severus was gay.

Harry stood next to Hermione as they politely waited for Severus to shut the door. Once the other man was next to them again, they made their way towards the Great Hall. "How's Ron?" Harry asked his friend.

Hermione smiled at him, "He's great. He's been busy this week with some crisis." She smiled fondly as she spoke of her boyfriend.

Harry nodded, "Yea, he mentioned that in the last letter he sent. Hey it just occurred to me, how are you guys going to live together now?" He hadn't ever thought about how a professor would live if they were married or had a family. And now that he thought about it, he wasn't even sure if any of the professors even had families.

Severus was the one that answered, "I have connected the floo in her room to the one she shares with Mr. Weasley. She can go home when she wants and he is welcome to come here. It is not often we have to make these kinds of arrangements but we can when needed."

"Oh." Harry answered.

"I appreciate that, Severus. You have been very accommodating. Thank you." Hermione gave Severus a smile.

"You're very welcome."

Harry thought that was pretty great of him, and smiled at the thought of being able to see Ron more often.

They had reached the Great Hall. It was almost empty at such an early hour. The Head Table only had one professor sitting there. Draco stood and walked towards them. "Hey Granger! I heard you were coming today. Welcome to the team!" He gave her a hug that was only slightly awkward.

Hermione chuckled and gave Harry an amused look over Draco's shoulder, "Thanks, Draco." While they were hugging, Severus excused himself and made his way to his spot at the table. Harry watched him, trying to be subtle about it. He decided to be brave and followed the man, since Hermione was busy talking to Draco.

"How many times have you had to do that floo thing before?" Harry asked as he leaned his bottom against the table so he could face the Headmaster as he sat.

Severus looked up at him, "This is the first time since I became Headmaster that I've had to do it."

Harry considered that. "Do the teachers here just decide to become celibate when they join then?"

Severus rolled his eyes, "Of course not. If they decide to seek out a relationship, it is often from within." Harry furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Severus sighed in annoyance, "They date other teachers, Potter."

"Harry." He answered out of habit now. "But I never see anyone dating each other."

"Some people don't feel the need to flaunt it." Severus answered, looking away from Harry and reaching around him for the pot of tea. His arm brushed against Harry's side as he did so.

Harry looked down and watched the arm with interest. He had a million thoughts going at once. He desperately wanted to know if Severus was dating anyone. And more importantly, if that someone was a man or woman. He caught the other man's eye again, "What about you? Have you ever dated anyone from within?" He asked nervously. He didn't know if he wanted to know the answer.

Severus stopped in the middle of putting the teacup to his lips. He lowered it and looked like he was going to say something when Draco made his appearance again. "Where would you like to sit, Hermione?" He was asking. Harry was watching Severus, who was looking at Draco and Hermione standing mere feet away. He was so close to getting an answer. If he was even going to answer. He could have been about to tell Harry to shove off. Which would have been appropriate. It was none of Harry's business.

"I don't want to take anyone's seat. I'll just wait for everyone to sit and then sit in the open spot." Hermione was answering.

Draco scoffed, "That's stupid. Just pick somewhere. Harry and I can sit by you too if you want. No one will mind. Tell her, Harry!"

The sound of his name snapped Harry out of it, he turned to Hermione and smiled, "He's right. Everyone understands being new. We normally sit over here." He gestured to his and Draco's seats and went to move from his spot, ignoring the Headmaster. He was hoping his disappointment wasn't showing. Draco and Hermione moved to the spots and Harry went to follow. But a hand on his arm stopped him.

Harry looked down at the man holding on to him. The look on Severus' face was unreadable as usual. "No." He said simply and quietly so only Harry could hear. Harry was confused again, which must have shown on his face, because Severus continued, "I have not." And Harry understood. He was answering the question Harry had asked. Before Harry could say anything, Severus dropped his hand and went back to his tea.

Harry gave him a wide smile and went back to his friends. That simple confession gave Harry a lot more hope than he had before. He sat between Hermione and Draco, who were discussing classes. Harry filled his plate and began to eat, interjecting into the conversation when needed.

Once most of the students and faculty had arrived, Severus stood to address them all. "Good morning everyone. I wanted to make a quick announcement. Please give a warm welcome to our newest Potions professor, Hermione Granger. Professor Granger will begin on Monday. Thank you." There were many cheers for Hermione, as she was well known among the students. Everyone knew the part she played in the war. Hermione stood and waved to her students, mouthing the words "Thank you" before she sat back down. Harry smiled reassuringly at his friend.

He pushed back from his chair and rose, "Well Hermione, some of us still have to teach today. I'll come find you during my free period and help you unpack!" He said while giving her another quick hug. She nodded and smiled. He gave Draco a quick wave and headed off. He tried not to, but he couldn't help but peak at the Headmaster as he passed. Harry saw him look out of the corner of his eye. Harry gave him a wide smile, hoping to portray…something in it. Harry was in a good mood the rest of the day.

The next evening, Harry and Hermione were sitting in Draco's rooms while he fussed over everything. Tonight was the big, fancy date with Ginny. In the amount of time that they had been in there, Draco had showered three times, couldn't decide on a pair of shoes, and if it weren't for Harry, would have cut all his hair off.

"Dude. You have got to chill out." Harry told him for the hundredth time. "How can you expect to have any fun tonight in this state?"

Draco threw something at him, which Harry quickly dodged. He was currently in front of the mirror, trying to smooth out the nonexistent wrinkles on his robes. Hermione was quietly laughing at the two of them from her position on the bed. Harry went over to her and flopped down on his belly.

"This isn't funny." Draco growled at them.

"Draco," Hermione's sweet voice interrupted them, "She is going to love tonight."

"And Hermione would know, she talks to Ginny all the time." Harry and Hermione nodded enthusiastically at each other.

Draco looked at them through the mirror, "You guys are not being helpful."

Harry laughed and lay his head on this arms. Harry tried to imagine being in Draco's shoes. Getting ready to go on date. Having to worry about impressing his date, wanting to make sure there were more to come. It really was intimidating. But he probably didn't have to worry about ever being in that position. He couldn't imagine Severus going on a date. Let alone agreeing to go on one with Harry.

"So Hermione," Harry decided to change the subject, "when are you and Ron going to take the next step?"

"Yea, when are you going to let the weasel get to third base?" Draco asked, obviously happy with the change in topic.

Harry glared at Draco, "No not that step. I'm talking marriage and babies."

"Third base and babies kind of go together." Draco mumbled.

Hermione was blushing. Harry thought it was cute. "Shouldn't that be a question you need to ask Ron?" Hermione answered.

"Come on, Mione. You're a strong, independent woman. You can ask him!" Harry insisted.

Hermione shook her head while laughing, "Can you imagine Ron's reaction if I took that chance away from him?"

Harry laughed as well, "That's true. He would take it as a hit to his pride."

Draco turned away from the mirror for the first time in the past hour, "Should we drop some hints, Granger? How do you want the moment to happen? Fireworks?"

"Big brass band?"

"Surrounded by a million books?"

"Oh oh! An engagement ring made from a book?" Harry and Draco broke down in hysterics.

Hermione was watching them with amusement, "You guys are almost as bad as Fred and George."

Harry had to wipe away the tears from his eyes. Draco was grinning at him. "Crazy to think how far we've come in a short period of time." He mused out loud.

Draco nodded in agreement, "You'll always be scarhead to me though!"

"And you're always the ferret."

Hermione just shook her head at their antics. "I'll take fireworks and grand theatrics. I want him to put in some effort, not just pop the question at home in bed."

Draco wriggled his eyebrows, "That sounds perfect to me. I ask the question, she says yes, and we're already in the perfect position to celebrate."

"Gross, mate." Harry answered with a disgusted look.

Draco laughed, but all of the sudden he froze, "Wait? What time is it?"

Harry looked at the clock on the other man's desk, "Quarter till 9?"

"Shit!" Draco exclaimed. He took one last look in the mirror and went to grab his cloak, "I'm supposed to meet her in ten minutes!" He rushed to the living room. Harry and Hermione quickly jumped out of bed to follow him.

They fussed over him, making sure his clothes were straight. Harry helped him with his cloak. Hermione handed him his wand. Harry opened the door and Hermione pushed him through. "Go get her, Tiger." Harry said and shut the door with a wave. Hermione and Harry stood quietly facing the closed door.

Suddenly the door opened and Draco's angry face appeared, "Get out of my rooms!" Harry and Hermione laughed as they exited through the door behind him. They waved as he walked quickly down the hall. "Don't forget the flowers!" Harry called after him, which made Draco curse and take off in a run.

Harry glanced at Hermione, "How long do you think it'll take him to realize he could just conjure a flower?"

Hermione laughed "This job is much more fun than I thought it would be." Harry nodded in agreement. "Well I'm going to go home and see Ron. Do you want to come?"

Harry considered it, but knew that Ron probably missed his girlfriend and he didn't want to get in the way of that. He shook his head and smiled, "Not tonight. Maybe another time."

Hermione looked like she was going to protest but Harry did the same he had done to Draco and pushed her towards her rooms, "Go on. Have fun."

"Goodnight Harry!" She said as she began to walk away.

Harry just smiled after her. And suddenly he was alone. He looked around the hallway, sighed, and began to make his way to his own empty rooms.