Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of J.K. Rowling's wonderful characters.

Here and Now

Chapter Seven: Aftermath and New Beginnings

Emerald eyes slowly opened to a stained popcorn ceiling. How did I get to my bedroom? Harry groggily sat up. I hadn't realized how tired I was- or how much it would take out of me to talk of the past. The young teacher hung his head. And the person I chose to bare my heart and soul to was none other than Severus Snape! "What do I do now?" the young man all but screamed.

"You listen to my proposal, of course." Potter's head jerked up to see Severus enter his bedroom with a tray of food. "Did you have a nice beauty rest, Potter? If you ask me, you could have used a few more years." Snape hadn't missed the look of surprise on his former student's face. "Shocked that I'm still here? Honestly, did you really think I'd just leave after everything that happened yesterday? I'm not that much of a bastard."

"Sod off, Snape. I'm not in the mood for your witty conversation."

The Headmaster placed the tray on Harry's bedside table. "I know, but wallowing in self-pity will not improve your situation."

"Wait! Did you say yesterday? Have I really been out that long?" The Headmaster nodded the affirmative. "And you've been here- in my house- the entire time?"

"Yes." Severus cast a slightly worried glance at the younger man. "You passed out in my arms"- Harry could see a slight blush on the older man- "and I carried you to your bed. I've spent the majority of the night deciding what to do with you and the better part of the morning making you breakfast." Snape pointed at the tray of food. "You damn well better eat every bit of it too. I don't generally cook and I've never cooked with muggle appliances. Appreciate my efforts."

Harry pulled the food towards him and mentally prepared himself to eat the stuff. It didn't look like any kind of breakfast he'd ever seen before and he wasn't completely sure it was edible. It would be terrible of me not to eat it, if he really worked so hard… He wearily watched the forkful of what could be eggs move towards his face and willed his mouth to open. Severus watched with anticipation as Harry slowly chewed the yellow substance. Potter reluctantly swallowed the stuff with a painful grimace he couldn't hide. "Um, it's delicious, Snape. Thanks."

Severus schooled his face not to betray his amusement. He's actually eating it, ever the brave Gryffindor. "You're welcome. Now then, on to more pressing matters. What do you plan to do? You told me about Voldemort, about the years since, but what will you do now? Continue to live as a squib in a world devoid of magic, teaching ordinary muggles and hiding from everything and everyone you once knew?" Snape locked eyes with Potter. "I find that to be unacceptable and very unlike the brave and headstrong Harry Potter I once taught."

Harry clenched his fist and fought to control the urge to throw his tray at the dark-haired man. "What else can I do? If I had any other options do you think I'd be here now? I have no magic, I'm crippled, and I have no way to return to the wizarding world, even if I wanted to."

"Do you want to?"

The question was softly voiced and Harry almost missed it. He looked at Snape and was surprised to see the eagerness in the man's eyes. This was obviously the question Snape had been dying to ask. The young teacher paused only a moment before answering. "Yes, more than you can ever imagine."

Severus almost smiled at those words, the words he'd been hoping to hear. "Then I have a proposal for you, as I mentioned earlier. You now have a way back to the magical world- you can come with me- and become a teacher at Hogwarts."

Harry jumped up from the bed dumping his breakfast all over the floor. "Are you serious? What could I possibly teach?"

The former Potions Master glared at the mess the breakfast he'd worked so hard to create had become. "Of course I'm serious. I'm proposing that you, Daniel Harrison, take the position of Professor of Muggle Studies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The current teacher, Professor Merriweather, has wanted to retire for years, but I could never find a suitable replacement. It's a subject I'm sure you are capable of teaching and you do have some experience with children from the time you've spent here." Black eyes met green. "Do you accept?"

Potter finally closed his mouth. Stunned didn't even come close to what he was feeling at the moment. A chance to go back to Hogwarts! Even better, to be a teacher! But going back to the scene of so many memories will be hard. The former Golden Boy pondered the practicality of the move. Still, I've missed magic so much, and more importantly, I wouldn't have any more financial worries. Decision made, Harry shook his head. "Yes, I'll be more than happy to accept your offer."

The Headmaster reached out to shake Potter's hand. "Congratulations, and welcome to the staff. My week in town is coming to a close so prepare to leave as soon as possible. I'll meet you here tomorrow morning, Professor. We'll apparate back to the school grounds." Snape turned and began to walk away.

"Wait!" The older man glanced back at the crippled savior of the world. Harry's eyes were a little glossy as he asked one final question. "Why are you doing this for me?"

"Contrary to your personal belief, there are those who still care about you, Harry Potter. Those who never wished to use you as a tool and only hoped to see you alive once more." Harry fought back tears at those words and smiled broadly at Snape.

I've never seen anything so beautiful

Snape couldn't believe he had just mentally admitted that the former bane of his life was attractive. This has got to stop. Time to be the snarky potions master again. "And Potter? Do clean up the mess you've made of my breakfast." With those parting words the older man briskly left the bedroom and presumably the house.

Harry stared at the space previously occupied by Severus Snape before softly laughing. To say something so touching one moment and to follow it up with an order to clean my own house. Severus will always be a bit of a bastard.

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Snape leaned against Daniel Harrison's closed front door. What have I gotten myself into now? He hadn't spent a single second sleeping after Harry's confession and consequential coma. The young man had been exhausted before the conversation and afterwards had been dead to the world. Severus had carried the man to bed and then pulled a chair up to begin his bedside vigil. For some reason he couldn't name Severus had wanted to be by his side in case the teacher happened to need anything during the night.

The dark-haired man sighed and began the walk back towards his hotel.

My feelings about the boy have always been so confused. First, as a student, he annoyed me to no end and then, as a fallen soldier and my emancipator, I longed to find him and thank him for his efforts. But now, as a grown man found, what do I feel? Not irritation, not just gratefulness and sadness for the past he shoulders, but something more…something I'm afraid to confront.

The Headmaster nearly growled. And what have I done? I've given him a position at Hogwarts, where I'll be continuously plagued by his presence. Severus regretted the decision only a moment. But his happiness, and that smile… "It will be worth it."

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The next morning found Severus at Harry's doorstep bright and early. The Headmaster had just raised his hand to knock when the door opened. Harry was dressed, cane in hand, but with no other baggage. Snape raised an eyebrow. "I don't have much here anyway, and certainly nothing of much monetary value. I'm ready to move on, whatever the future brings."

"Indeed. Well then, follow me." Potter looked slightly confused. "I have to visit someone before we can leave." The teacher merely nodded and fell in step beside the Headmaster.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to say good-bye to the Penningtons before we go. They've been my saving grace over the years and I'm going to miss them." Severus said nothing.

Harry used the time to analyze Snape's appearance. The man had previously been dressed in muggle clothing but now had reverted back to his black robes and cape. The former Boy Wonder smirked mischievously. "You know, Snape, you looked pretty good in blue jeans and button down shirts." The Potions Master continued in silence but Potter could see the upwards curve of his lips.

Quarter of an hour later Harry found himself at a very familiar residence. "Alex! Of course! I forgot you invited him to Hogwarts this year!"

Snape nodded. "Today his parents promised to have an answer for me. If he has agreed to enroll I plan to take him with us as we apparate. I know you are quite fond of the boy. Now you'll have to opportunity to remain his teacher and still return to Hogwarts."

"Yes. I'd almost forgotten in the excitement of the past few days. He's been like a younger brother to me more than a student these past years. He reminds me so much of Ron."

"He does resemble a member of the Weasley clan. I had the same thought when I first saw his picture."

Harry finally realized the oddness of Snape's visit. "Headmaster, why are you here? Don't students receive invitations by mail to enter Hogwarts? I remember mine very well."

Frowning, the older man answered. "That's true, usually. For several years now some students have not received their invites. I've looked into the matter but found no answer to the reason for this. All of the students in question are attending other schools, according to their parents. I've personally invited many students over the last months, hoping to discourage whomever or whatever is causing the disappearance. Alex is one such student."

Harry only nodded, but inside, his thoughts were a whirlwind. I definitely want to research this further when I get to Hogwarts- just in case.

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An hour later, after several tearful good-byes, the trio was preparing to apparate to Hogwarts. Alex was more than a little keyed up. "Mr. Harrison, I can't believe you're coming too! It's so awesome!"

Harry laughed and Snape smiled. "Well, I was a little surprised myself, but I'm glad to have the opportunity."

Alex grinned widely. "Yeah, I didn't want to leave you behind, Teach. I knew you would be lonely once I left with Headmaster Snape." Mr. Harrison's smile faded slightly and Severus was bothered by the change in the man. The wizard cleared his throat.

"Mr. Harrison will never be lonely again at Hogwarts. He'll have you and all of his students to keep him company."

Green eyes met black. "And you? Will you keep me company, Headmaster?"

Snape's insides grew warm and his heart beat faster as those hopeful, emerald eyes pierced his soul. "I will, if you wish me to." Harry gave Severus another of his million megawatt smiles. Snape grabbed the teacher's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Hold on, Alex. It's time to go."

A loud pop sounded as the trio suddenly disappeared.

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Harry, aka Mr. Harrison, fell ungracefully to the floor. Severus offered his hand in help. The prone man smiled a little. This seems familiar; but last time, I refused his help- my pride and embarrassment wouldn't allow it. This time, I won't be so foolish. I will accept his help, and anything else he has to give. The green-eyed man grabbed the offered hand and was pulled to an upright position.

"Man, this place is amazing! It's a huge, old castle! This is the school?" Snape replied in the affirmative. Alex couldn't contain his excitement. "I'm gonna go explore! Is that okay?" Another positive answer. Alex took off down the nearest corridor.

"Will he be okay on his own?"

The Headmaster smirked. "Unsafe in Hogwarts? Never." Harry laughed at the dark humor. Snape was quickly becoming addicted to that sound; he wanted to hear more of it as often as possible. "Come with me. I promise Alex will be just fine. There is someone wishing to see you."

"Oh? I can't imagine who it could be." Potter's brow furrowed in thought. "Snape, how many people know my true identity?"

"Only myself and this one another person."

Harry sighed in relief. "Good. You know I'm not ready to claim my old name. I want to remain Daniel Harrison while I'm here."

"I understand."

The former Potions Master led the way to the Slytherin dungeons. Harry was overcome by a sense of déjà vu as they traveled the halls he once knew so well. So many memories, both good and bad. To be here again, as a muggle no less, will be a bittersweet experience. He glanced to his side at Severus. But I feel, as long as he's by my side, I'll be able to face my past and move on towards a brighter future. If anyone knows about dark secrets and pushing past them, it's him.

A cold feeling of dread enveloped Harry as they neared the entrance to Snape's old office and quarters. Unbidden scenes from memory filled his mind: a crush on the mysterious Potions Master, ordered lessons with said object of affection, the Pensieve incident, and the consequential further falling out between the two.

The Headmaster whispered the password and Harry followed him inside the chambers. A tall, platinum blonde man stood in front of a roaring fire. Severus spoke, "Our guest has finally arrived."

The man turned towards his visitors to greet them. "Harry Potter, it's been far too long."

Harry's jaw figuratively hit the ground. "Draco Malfoy?"

TBC…

School's done so I should have more time to write now. Thanks to everyone who's read this story and especially to those who have reviewed it. You are appreciated!