AN: I just realized that part of this chapter got cut off, sorry about that, but I've fixed it. Once again, this is my first sex scene, so be nice. Thanks for the reviews.
Of Masteries and Meetings
August 1999
The stars shined brightly in the clear night sky. The moonlight cast fragile shadows in the gardens of Sinister Place. From his position stretched out on a bench, Harry's eyes traced a falling star across the sky. The green eyes closed and the young man made a wish. Let Severus understand what I'm offering.
"Aren't you too old to be wishing on stars?" Devlin drawled from the doorway.
Sitting up, Harry located Devlin in the low light. With a grin he said, "Need all the help I can get."
Devlin strode over and joined Harry on the bench, passing him a glass of amber liquid. Harry took a sip. Mmm, brandy, he mused appreciatively. Glancing over at his companion, Harry asked, "Why are you out here so late?" Devlin raised an incredulous eyebrow. Harry squirmed in his place and hastened to add, "Not that you can't be out in your own garden, and I always enjoy your company."
Letting the young man squirm for a long moment, Devlin sipped his drink. Harry was about to apologize when the older man finally spoke. "I saw you from my window and it seemed you were brooding."
Harry rolled his eyes. That was Devlin's style; he rarely outright asked what the problem was, but instead tactfully offered his assistance in a manner that could be declined without loss of pride on either side. "I talked to Severus earlier."
"Ah, I see," Devlin said. "How did that go?"
Harry took another sip. "Well, he didn't hex me or refuse," he said with a sigh.
"But he didn't agree either?" Devlin asked patiently.
Roughly scraping the hair out of his face, Harry thought quickly. I want some advice, but Snape would hate having his personal life discussed. But Devlin would never let on we'd even spoken. Deciding he needed all the help he could get, Harry explained. "He told me he's not nice, like I didn't already know that," he said with a grin. "But then he kept saying he couldn't share me. Why in Merlin's name would he even think that?"
Devlin leaned forward and caught Harry's eyes. "Harry, he's considering a relationship with a man twenty years his junior," Devlin started gently. "There is no way Severus will tolerate another relationship like the one he had with Luc. He's giving you an opportunity to back out if it seems you have a different outlook."
Harry frowned. "I guess that's why he left and said he'd talk to me tomorrow."
"You need to be certain of your decision for both your sakes. It wouldn't be fair to Severus if all you want is a temporary arrangement," Devlin cautioned. "And I would hate to see you hurt."
Draining his glass, Harry stood. "I get your point. But none of my feelings for Severus are casual." As he walked back to the house, he called out, "Thanks."
When he reached his room, Harry quickly stripped and slipped on his sleep pants. He dropped to the bed to think over what Devlin had said. In all the relationships he'd had, there had been a certain spark missing for Harry. But when he thought of Severus there wasn't a spark - it was more of a raging inferno. All heat and passion, and for a long while he'd feared that it would burn out. That was why he hadn't approached Snape earlier. Until lately, when I realized that sometimes the inferno dies down into a warm hearth fire. No, there was more than passion between them, and Harry was determined to pursue it.
Rolling over, Harry tired to sleep, but his mind wouldn't relax. "I don't want to wait till tomorrow," he grumbled.
He heard the distant chimes of a clock announcing midnight, and grinned. He said to ask again in the morning, and technically it's morning now.
He scrambled out of bed and out of the room. On stealthy feet, Harry crept down the hall to Snape's room. Pressing his ear to the door, he couldn't hear any indication that Snape was awake. With a delighted grin, Harry silently inched the door open and eased into the room.
The moonlight pouring through the window provided enough light that Harry could avoid any obstacles. He paused at the foot of the bed and gazed appreciatively at the man on the bed. The midnight moon highlighted Snape's pale skin, and the only interruption to Harry's perusal was a pair of black silky looking boxers. Harry thought he'd never seen the other man look so sexy. Snape was on his back, one knee bent, covers shoved down around his ankles. One strong hand was splayed across a flat stomach, the other tucked beneath Snape's pillow. Probably holding his wand, Harry thought with a smile.
Fully aware that he might be hexed, Harry slipped onto the bed beside Snape. Slowly, he slid his hand beneath the one laying on the hard abs and intertwined his fingers with the sleep-lax ones. Leaning over till his mouth brushed Snape's ear, Harry whispered, "Severus."
Severus woke the instant he felt someone touch his hand, but feigned sleep until he discovered who it was. He recognized Potter's voice and a tiny shiver went down his back when the brat's breath tickled his ear. Snapping his eyes open, he quickly judged the time, and snarled, "Why are you here?"
Rubbing his thumb across the back of Snape's hand, Harry grinned. "You said we'd talk in the morning. It's after midnight now."
Squeezing until the hand in his stilled, Severus glared. "Potter, you were supposed to use the time to think…" he began.
Rolling his eyes in frustration, Harry interrupted, "I've thought about you for months now. I know what I want. You." A tendril of fear crept down his spine as Harry had a sudden thought. Pulling his hand free, he hesitantly said, "If you need time… I'll wait."
A long moment passed and Snape didn't say anything. Harry drew a shaky breath and rolled over, preparing to leave. A hand shot out and grabbed his hip, pulling him back down. Snape was on his side, staring down at him.
Severus didn't need time, but he was having a difficult time believing that Potter had wanted him for months. "You're absolutely certain?" he asked. Wide eyed, Potter nodded. Severus released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
He looked into Potter's green eyes and saw the truth. He moaned in defeat, and crushed his mouth against the younger man's. As soon as the lips under his parted, Severus thrust in his tongue and ran it over the lithe muscle he encountered. He'd done what his honor demanded and given Potter a chance to turn back. But the brat kept insisting this was what he wanted, and Severus could no longer resist.
His moan never made it past his throat, as Harry gave himself over to Snape's demanding kiss. He stroked whatever skin he could reach and did his best to press against the hard body beside him. Desperate for air, he pulled his head up and panted. Snape immediately latched onto his neck and nipped at the tendon, causing Harry to moan.
Feeling Potter give in allowed Severus enough control to gentle his touch. He wrapped both arms around the young man and pulled him close. Potter squirmed in his embrace, and Severus pulled back a little. He was surprised when young man quickly shucked his grey sleep pants. As soon as Potter freed his feet from the garment, calloused hands were at the waistband of Severus' boxers.
Chuckling softly at Potter's impatience, Severus lifted his hips to help. He saw his black underwear fly over Potter's head, and then the brat was back in his arms. A long hissed breath escaped Severus when he felt Potter's lithe body against his.
"Harry," Severus murmured against the pale neck. He dipped his tongue into the intriguing indention at the base of Potter's neck. "Lay on your back."
Obediently rolling onto his back, Harry stared up at Snape and smiled. "I've imagined this for so long," he said softly. Snape simply smirked and proceeded to shred Harry's control.
Long fingers trailed down his chest, stopping to tweak his nipples. Harry arched his back in pleasure. Lips and teeth nipped at his collarbone and then his nipples. Moaning, Harry tangled the fingers of one hand in Snape's hair, and gripped a hard bicep with the other.
Potter arched into every touch. Severus reveled in the soft moans and whimpers at his explorations. He slowly moved down Potter's chest to the firm stomach, carefully mapping the young man's body. Plunging his tongue into the other man's navel, Severus chuckled when Potter moaned. He held the brat's hips still and nipped at his hip bones, nuzzling the Fiannan brand.
Releasing Snape in favor of grabbing handfuls of sheets, Harry growled as the older man avoided his nearly painful erection. "Severus, please," he moaned.
Raising his head, Severus smiled wickedly. He held Potter's eyes as he slowly licked the hard shaft. Potter dropped his head with a groan. Severus lowered his head, and took the cock into his mouth.
He'd desired Snape for so long that the feel of the older man's mouth surrounding him caused Harry to hiss in pleasure. Snape skillfully worked his cock for several breathtaking minutes. Not wanting to come too quickly, Harry pulled the other man back up.
With a last hungry lick, Severus slowly crawled up Potter's body, pausing briefly to lave dusky nipples. Aligning their erections, he let Potter take his weight. Severus relished the feel of the strong, young body below him.
His forearms resting on either side of the younger man's head, keeping Potter in the perfect position, Severus leaned down and ravished the mouth below him. Plunging his tongue in an age-old rhythm, he began to rock his hips, rubbing his cock against Potter's.
Harry slid his hands down Snape's back till he grasped the tight arse and followed the other man's tempo. The feel of the other cock sliding against his own was sublime. Harry gasped when Snape began rolling his hips; the sensations caused a ball of heat to grow low in his stomach.
Slowly the pace accelerated; panting, Harry met it. Too soon it was irresistible, Harry felt his pleasure peak, and he buried his face in Snape's neck, moaning, "Severus..."
The sound of Potter coming was more than he could resist. Severus rocked against Potter again and again, moaning as his climax approached. Feeling like a gauche teenager, Severus sprayed the young man's stomach with his own release.
Dropping his head to the pillow, he took a moment to catch his breath. He shifted slightly and left a string of soft kisses on Potter's neck. The young man turned his head and captured Severus' lips in a languid kiss. After several moments, he rolled off Potter. Waving his hand, Severus cleaned them both. He immediately pulled Potter into his arms and held him close.
Eventually Harry's heart rate calmed and he snuggled closer to Snape. He absently raked his fingers through the other man's chest hair. He was content lying wrapped securely in strong arms, but Snape was unusually quiet. After minutes passed in silence, Harry asked softly, "What are you thinking?"
"That you're irresistible," Severus murmured without thinking. When he realized what he'd admitted, he winced. Thinking it was bad enough, but to actually admit it to the brat was worse. Seeing no other way now, Severus growled, "I haven't climaxed because of simple rutting in years."
Harry laughed. "But it was brilliant rutting."
Severus snorted, but didn't respond. He lost track of how long they lay intertwined. But when he felt Potter yawn against his chest, Severus shifted them until the young man's back was nestled against his chest. With a possessive arm around the brat, Severus said softly, "Go to sleep, Harry."
His eyes drifting shut, Harry sighed. He was finally where he belonged: in the arms of Severus Snape. Content, Harry snuggled back against his lover. Lover, he thought fuzzily. About time. Sure Snape couldn't see him, Harry grinned at the thought of someone trying to call Snape his boyfriend. "Goodnight," he muttered as sleep overtook him.
Severus stayed awake for a long time afterwards, amazed that such a beautiful creature was in his bed. And to all indications, Potter intended to stay. With a tender smile that no one had ever seen on his face, Severus kissed the black locks of his lover and slept.
Morning found Severus once again curled around a warm body. This time there was no question of who it was. The night before was the first thing on his mind. His morning erection rested against the curve of Potter's arse, and Severus wanted nothing more than to slip into that tight channel. But he had no idea of the young man's feelings on anal sex as of yet. A glance at the clock showed it was time to be up anyway, so he reluctantly released Potter and headed to the loo.
He showered quickly and dressed for the day. A quiet conference with the house-elf garnered him two cups of coffee. Severus sat beside Potter, and smoothed the loose hair from the other man's face. Potter stirred in his sleep. With a smile, Severus leaned down and pressed a string of kisses to the soft, sleeping mouth.
Slowly coming awake to the feel of lips against his, Harry smiled. His eyes flitted open and he murmured, "Morning." He was rewarded with another kiss; he lifted his arms and looped them around Snape's neck. After several moments, Snape pulled away and handed him a cup of coffee. Harry took an appreciative sip and said, "A very good morning."
They sat sipping coffee for the next few minutes. Once he felt alert, Harry noticed Snape was already dressed. He frowned. "Why are you ready so early?"
Severus' eyes swept over Potter; the brat presented a very pretty picture in the morning. Sheet riding low on his hips, hair disheveled… all in all, the young man looked edible. Rolling his eyes, Severus drawled, "I felt it best to have as many layers between myself and temptation as possible."
"What temptation?" Harry asked. He thought he'd very clearly offered Snape anything the older man desired last night.
Honestly, he can't be that naive. "The temptation to plunder your firm, young arse while you slept," Severus snapped irritably.
Harry chuckled. "Wouldn't have had any objections from me," he admitted sincerely.
Shocked, Severus stared disbelievingly at Potter for a long moment. "I was unsure that you wanted me to know you in that way," he said hesitantly.
Sitting up, Harry slid a hand onto Snape's thigh. He leaned forward and held the older man's eyes. "I want you to know me in all ways," Harry said earnestly. "And I want to know you in any way you'll let me."
Overwhelmed at what Potter was offering, Severus couldn't find the words to express what he felt. "I wouldn't object to that," he said in an inadequate attempt. Giving up on words, he pulled Potter to him and kissed him deeply. Severus desperately tried to pour his ardent desire to have all of the other man into his kiss.
Harry wasn't sure exactly what Snape wanted, but he figured from the way the man was devouring him that his offer had been well received. Allowing Snape to pull away, Harry tried to lighten the mood. "I take it I'll be waking up tomorrow with your cock up my arse?" he asked airily.
"Be careful what you wish for, brat," Severus growled.
Grinning unrepentantly, Harry drawled, "'Cause I just might get it?"
Severus shook his head at Potter; the brat was incapable of being serious for long. "You have your Mastery tests this morning, you should dress," he said, changing the subject.
Harry smirked at Snape's avoidance of his question, but got out of bed. Unselfconscious about his nudity, Harry headed for the bathroom. He paused in the doorway with an idea. "Will you meet me for lunch this afternoon?" he asked.
Severus nodded his agreement. "I'll look forward to it," he admitted softly. "Now get dressed, you exhibitionist imp."
As Harry strode briskly from the Ministry building, he growled as another stranger tried to approach him. Apparently he looked frightening enough that the badly dressed man stopped and watched him walk by, wide-eyed. It had been a trying morning for Harry, between the tests and complete strangers fawning over him. He'd never fully realized how much of that burden Snape and the Bar had handled for him.
A glance at his watch showed he was fifteen minutes late meeting Snape. He walked faster to the Apparition point and quickly Apparated to Diagon Alley. Once there, he hurried to the restaurant. With a sigh of relief he saw Snape sitting in a corner booth. Ignoring the hostess, Harry slipped into the seat across from Snape. "Sorry, but the Ministry was full of idiots," he explained.
Severus raised an eyebrow. "How could you tell the difference?" he asked snidely. He covertly looked over Potter; it seemed the brat had faired well on his tests. There was no obvious damage.
The arrival of the waiter forestalled Severus' questions. After they'd both ordered, he waited till the server was out of earshot. "How did your tests go?" he asked curiously.
Harry plucked out a roll from the basket on the table. "Pretty good," he began. "The defense test was a breeze." He tore off a piece of bread and popped it into his mouth. After swallowing, Harry added, "Transfiguration was a little more challenging."
Eyeing Potter shrewdly, Severus drawled, "You still have not told me your Animagus form."
"I haven't?" Harry asked with mock innocence. He laughed when Snape glared at him. "Devlin said it would drive you insane if I didn't tell you," Harry admitted. He sat back and watched Snape expectantly.
After glaring at the stubborn brat for several long moments, Severus sighed. "Would you be so kind as to share your Animagus form with me?" he drawled sarcastically.
"Why certainly," Harry said cheekily. "It's a big, black, panther," he added quietly. He'd had to register when he'd taken his test, but didn't want the fact he was an Animagus to get out if he could help it.
Severus rolled his eyes. "Wonderful," he moaned. "Yet another way for you to cause trouble."
Harry tossed half of his bread at Severus. He laughed when the other man snatched it out of the air before it his face. "Git," he growled affectionately. "I'll promise not to cause you trouble, if it makes you feel better."
"Oh, I feel infinitely better now, Potter," Severus said with a smirk.
The talk turned to other matters, and the two men spent an enjoyable lunch hour verbally sparring with each other.
Harry paid the bill and joined Snape outside. "I have to go to a meeting of the Wizengamot in a little while," he began. Keeping track of his companion's expression out of the corner of his eye, Harry asked, "Would you like to come with me?"
Caught off-guard, Severus whirled to face Potter. His brow furrowed, he asked slowly, "Potter, do you realize what having my company in the chambers will signify?"
"Yeah," Harry said softly. "I want you there." He knew that having Snape accompany him to the meeting would publicize their alliance. Harry's apprenticeship to Snape was not widely known. "It's past time the wizarding world knows I trust you," Harry stated firmly.
Stunned that Potter would publicly acknowledge him, Severus closed his eyes briefly. Regaining his composure, he opened his eyes and said simply, "It would be my honor to accompany you, Harry."
Harry was glad of Snape's presence on the lift to the second level. No one would dare to approach him with the forbidding man at his side. As they made their way to the Wizengamot Administration Services for the meeting, someone called out, "Mr. Potter! Oh, Mr. Potter, please stop."
Turning around, Harry watched as a small man in blue robes rushed towards them. Panting, he said, "Mr. Potter, so glad I caught you."
Not recognizing the man, Harry asked, "What can I do for you, Mr.…?"
"Mr. Trimble," the little man said importantly. The name meant nothing to Harry, but Snape leaned down and whispered, "He authored a dismal book on Defense, I believe it was assigned by Quirrell."
Harry managed to bite back a snort and turned back to Mr. Trimble. "Was there something you needed?" he asked politely.
"I have been given the privilege of informing you of the results of your Mastery test," Trimble began. "In the last one hundred years there has been a handful of applicants as…"
"Will you get to the point, you self-important midget?" Severus snarled. He had no patience for listening to fools who liked the sound of their voice.
Trimble squeaked as Snape insulted him, and Harry had to cough to hide his snickering. After a couple of stuttering starts, Trimble eventually managed to get to the point. "Mr. Potter has the highest score on a Defense Mastery test in the last sixty years," he said quickly.
"Did I pass the Transfiguration Mastery?" Harry asked. He heard Snape intone, "Headmaster." Harry whirled around and narrowed his eyes as Dumbledore passed them. The old man nodded at them and continued to the meeting.
Harry turned back to Mr. Trimble. The short man nodded, "Oh, yes. You passed that one as well." Trimble took a deep breath and shot a nervous look at Snape. "We at the Ministry would like to congratulate you, Mr. Potter, on your outstanding success at…"
Severus growled at the imbecile and pulled Potter down the hall, leaving the Ministry stooge speaking to himself.
"Oh, come on, Severus," Harry laughed. "He was just doing his job. You didn't have to terrify him."
Sneering, Severus stalked down the hallway. "I was under the impression you loathed such fawning." Ignoring Potter's laughter, he said seriously, "Despite the obsequiousness of the idiot's manner, he was correct." With a glance around to insure they were alone, Severus said quietly, "You have accomplished amazing things, Potter. You should be proud of yourself."
Harry stopped Snape with a hand on his arm. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "That means a lot to me, coming from you."
Severus squeezed Potter's hand briefly before removing it from his arm. He nodded and walked on. "Don't get used to it," he muttered darkly.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Harry said lightly.
An Auror with a clipboard was standing guard at the door to the meeting room when the two men reached it. Upon seeing Harry, the Auror straightened and smiled widely. "Harry Potter, it is an honor to meet you. Will you be attending the meeting today?"
"Yes, Professor Snape and I will be attending," Harry said politely.
The guard directed a scornful glare at Snape, and said coldly, "Death Eaters aren't allowed inside."
With disdainful slowness, Severus rolled up his left sleeve. He turned his arm palm up and showed his unmarked forearm. "I am not a Death Eater," he said contemptuously.
Without looking at the clipboard, the Auror stated, "Snape's not on my list. Mr. Potter is free to go in."
"Look, you pompous arse," Harry growled. "He's here as my guest, so let him in or..."
Chest swelling, the Auror demanded, "Are you threatening me?"
"Not yet," Harry snarled. He was so intent his altercation with the guard he didn't notice the two people approaching from behind.
"Harry, it's bad form to scare the Aurors," Devlin said lightly. "What's the problem?"
Relieved to have some help, Harry quickly explained the situation to Devlin and Vane. He kept an eye on Snape who hadn't spoken since showing his arm. He knew Snape's past was a sore spot for the older man and hated that the guard had made such a production of it.
Once apprised of the situation, Devlin turned to the Auror and drawled, "If you lack the authority to admit a guest of Harry Potter's, perhaps you would be kind enough to inform Minister Fudge of the dilemma."
Paling, the Auror stuttered, "Fine, he can go in." He turned his back on the group, seeming content to ignore them.
Harry glared at the guard's back, and then Snape grabbed his elbow and propelled him into the room. "He was a rude bastard," Harry muttered.
With a pained sigh, Severus slowly explained, "Potter, if you continue this relationship, you will face this situation again."
Stopping in the walkway, Harry ignored the protests of the people behind him. Leaning towards Snape, he hissed heatedly, "I'm not giving you up because some people are too stupid to live."
"And what are you going to do, Potter?" Severus whispered silkily. "Challenge the entire wizarding world on my behalf?"
Head held high, Harry continued to his seat. He called back to Snape, "If I have to."
Harry ignored Snape's muttering as he located his seat. Securing an extra chair for Snape, he settled in beside Vane and Devlin. The group chatted for several minutes until Minister Fudge entered the room. Excusing himself, Harry crossed the room and ambushed the minister. "Minister Fudge," he began affably. "As you can see, I'm here to take my seat. Well, one of them, anyway."
Fudge turned and gave Harry a pained smile. "Mr. Potter, I always knew this day would come," the smaller man said. "Congratulations on taking up your responsibility. Now if you'll pardon me, I must start the meeting."
"One second, Minister," Harry interjected. "There is the matter of Devlin's seat to settle."
Sputtering several times, Fudge finally managed to spit out, "What seat?"
Folding his arms across his chest, Harry raised a brow and stared down at the minister. After several seconds, Fudge sighed. "Very well, I'll announce it in the opening of the Wizengamot." Huffing with apparent frustration, the minister asked, "Was there anything else?"
"Not at the moment," Harry said with a smile. "I'll be sure to let you know if I happen to think of anything." After giving Fudge a half bow, Harry returned to his seat.
During the ceremonial opening of the Wizengamot, Harry fidgeted restlessly, tapping his fingers on his thigh until it seemed he'd driven Snape spare.
Rolling his eyes at Potter's incessant tapping, Severus snatched the offending hand from the brat's thigh. Careful to appear attentive, he laced his fingers with Potter's and squeezed warningly. "Be still," he hissed under his breath.
Harry stopped fidgeting, but was still bored. Eventually the minister announced Devlin's appointment to a seat, causing a minor ruckus. It held Harry's attention for several minutes. When he tired of that, he turned to Snape, who was still in possession of his hand. "I know you just wanted an excuse to touch me," he whispered mischievously.
Severus glared. "There are spells designed to control impertinent brats such as yourself," he drawled. "Would you prefer I used them?"
"Oh, relax, Severus," Harry complained. "This shite is so boring. How can you sit there like you enjoy it?"
Smirking, Severus leaned closer. "By imaging various ways to torture Fudge, should he ever be at my mercy," he said menacingly.
Pressing his lips together, Harry fought back his laughter. Leave it to Snape to liven up the boring meeting. Leaning back, Harry squeezed the hand he held appreciatively. After what felt like an eternity, Fudge asked if there was any new business. Harry let go of Snape and stood.
"Minister Fudge, esteemed members of the Wizengamot," Harry began respectfully. "The Fiannan warriors' council has requested that I represent their interests before this body."
Pandemonium followed his announcement. Harry held his position proudly as the chamber exploded in a whirl of shouting. He smirked when neither Dumbledore nor the minister was able to regain control. Hearing Snape, Devlin and Vane laughing behind him, Harry turned and asked, "Should I shut them up?"
Devlin grinned wickedly, but didn't get the chance to speak. Severus spoke quickly to prevent Devlin from encouraging Potter in some reckless action. "Do not silence them," he said firmly. "Perhaps, a voice projection charm would be appropriate."
"Spoil-sport," Devlin muttered.
Harry rolled his eyes. He knew Snape thought he was foolhardy, but even he wouldn't be so audacious as to silence the Wizengamot. Casting 'Sonorus', he turned back to the assembly. "Can I have your attention?" he asked with a magically magnified voice.
The shouts continued. Harry tried again, politely, twice more. Finally fed up, he added more power to the spell and shouted, "If you idiots will shut it, I'd be happy to answer your questions."
Silence fell over the room; members of the Wizengamot stared at him sullenly. Harry had to hide a smile at the sight of the most powerful members of society looking like scolded children. Removing the spell, he spoke again, "Thank you. Now if there are any concerns, I will gladly address them."
Minister Fudge and Dumbledore were having an intense conversation with a couple of witches Harry didn't recognize. After several minutes, Dumbledore sat back with a pleased expression and Fudge stepped forward. "Mr. Potter, it is my understanding that only a fully fledged Fiannan warrior is authorized to speak on their behalf."
"Correct you are," Harry said airily. "I am a Fiannan warrior."
The disruption wasn't as loud this time. Shocked whispers and startled denials were quickly silenced by the minister. Once control was reestablished, Fudge started, "Not that I doubt your word..." His gaze flicked to Dumbledore, who nodded imperceptibly. "…But I would be remiss if I did not seek more substantial verification."
"Oh, I understand," Harry said darkly. He glared at the headmaster; he knew who was behind the request. As he reached for his robes, he heard Snape mutter, "Potter, it's inappropriate to shed your clothing in these chambers."
"I'll keep my clothes on," Harry hissed softly.
Harry pulled a scroll from his pocket and floated it over to the minister. "Inside you will find a letter from Ronan Brody, the Fiannan captain." He paused until the minister broke the seal and read the letter. "I trust his word is sufficient."
"This seems to be in order," Fudge admitted weakly.
Amelia Bones stood, and asked, "Mr. Potter, why are the Fianna now rejoining our world?"
"Madam Bones," Harry acknowledged her with a small bow. "The Fianna feel that they may be needed in the near future and wish to end their isolation."
"Well, I welcome them back," Madam Bones said. "And congratulations, Mr. Potter, on such an achievement."
Harry bowed again. "Thank you." He turned back to the minister. "Was there anything else?"
Fudge seemed unsure of what to do; he looked to Dumbledore. The old man was chatting with the witch at his side and ignored the minister. "I'll have to take this under consideration," he began nervously.
Devlin climbed to his feet. "What's there to consider, Fudge?" he drawled. "I'm sure you're familiar with Section 158 of the charter, stating that the Fianna are allowed representatives of their choice with no interference from the Ministry."
Fudge sputtered; it seemed all his support had deserted him. "Very well," he snapped after a moment. "Next order of business," he demanded.
"Thanks," Harry whispered to Devlin as they took their seats.
Devlin shrugged. "I always enjoy putting Fudge in his place," he said nonchalantly.
The remainder of the meeting passed uneventfully. Harry managed to sit still throughout the boring session, but resolved to attend only the important meetings in the future. When the meeting ended, Harry and his friends remained seated and waited for the crowd to clear.
They were standing to leave when the headmaster approached. "Harry, could I have a word?" Dumbledore asked jovially.
Harry stiffened; he hadn't forgotten what Dumbledore had asked of Snape. "Headmaster," he said tightly.
Dumbledore looked at the three men flanking Harry. "Privately, if I may, "he said pointedly.
"Don't bother," Harry said with a smirk. "I'll tell them as soon as you leave anyway. Might as well have them stay."
Dumbledore sighed, but didn't protest. "I overheard Mr. Trimble's statement about your Mastery. Well done, my boy," Dumbledore said, the twinkle in his eyes was back.
Harry raised an eyebrow and waited for the old man to get to the point. He no longer needed the headmaster's approval.
"Yes, well I have a proposition for you," Dumbledore went on.
When Dumbledore didn't continue, Harry looked pointedly at his watch.
It seemed the headmaster caught the point. "I wish to offer you the Defense position," he said hurriedly.
Harry's eyes widened, and he heard Snape snort behind him. What was the old man playing at now? "Why?" he asked.
"Your scores were outstanding, child. Surely you can understand why I'd want someone so accomplished at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said. He looked at Harry expectantly.
"You only discovered his scores a short time ago," Severus interjected. "Let us stop pretending, Headmaster."
"Yes, tell us how having Harry at Hogwarts will further the 'greater good,'" Devlin drawled coldly.
Dumbledore looked hurt. "I have been unable to fill the position," he admitted. "And I didn't wish to see another Ministry official in that position." Dumbledore gave Harry an imploring look. "Surely you don't wish to see a repeat of your fifth year," he said softly.
Rolling his eyes at the headmaster's attempted manipulation, Harry thought quickly. It was too big of a decision to make hastily. "I will consider it," he began. "I'll let you know in a few days."
Nodding, Dumbledore spoke again, "There is an Order meeting in two days. I planned on inviting you to attend. You could give me your answer then."
Harry agreed and the headmaster left without further comment. Sighing, Harry turned to his companions. "Is it just me, or does the old man get crazier every time I see him?"