The young Defense Instructor was released from the Infirmary the next morning, his ribs fully healed. Snape had visited once, in the afternoon not long after Ministry officials had come to collect his memory, to inquire as to how he felt, but had only stayed for a few minutes, and didn't mention Harry's apology. The former Gryffindor thought perhaps he had made a mistake by not, at least, pretending to regret the actions that had led to their previous camaraderie.

Over the next few days, Severus was scarce, and Harry made a point of not seeking him out. A part of him was angry that the man refused to accept his pitiful apology, and the rest of him acknowledged that the Potions Master needed his space. He only hoped that things between them would not remain tense when the students returned. Who knew what it would do to their classroom order?

By some miracle, however, despite the wall that had appeared between them, Severus showed up in the Teacher's Lounge on the 1st to wait with the rest of the staff for Harry's results. The Boy Who Lived was pacing nervously across the room when the man came in, the last to arrive. He looked hopefully into the dark gaze, but Severus broke the eye contact before Harry could make anything of it. He took up residence in an armchair in the corner, where he opened a book and ignored everyone else in the room.

Harry sighed sadly and resumed his pacing, tuning out the conversations of his colleagues. What if he hadn't passed? These were his NEWT's, and he hadn't even finished his 7th Year, only did the majority of the homework. And what if he did pass? He already had his teaching certificate, so if he passed his NEWT's there was nothing except his age to stop the Board deciding he was fit to run his own classroom. If that happened, he'd never see Snape outside of meals. And what of Snape? What if Snape simply decided to pass off his role to Remus? The werewolf hadn't said anything about it, but there were still a few days before the students came back.

The Wizarding Savior stopped his pacing, which had grown more fervent as his mind swirled with these terrible thoughts. He ran a hand through his hair, mussing his ponytail. Why the hell hadn't his results come yet? The officials had said he'd get the owl sometime before one, and it was already ten-till.

With a groan, Harry resumed his pacing. After a moment, he stopped again when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and was somewhat disappointed to see Remus. He shot a mournful glance to the far corner where Snape sat that went unnoticed by either man.

"Harry, it's going to be fine, I promise," Remus said reassuringly.

Harry gave him a soft smile. "I know, but I can't help being nervous. What if I didn't pass, Remmy?"

Lupin gave a hearty chuckle. "After all of your work? I'm sure you did fine, Harry." He grew serious when he saw that this was not allaying his honorary godson's fears. "Harry, I have complete faith that you passed. However, even in the unlikely case that you didn't, I want you to know that I'm proud of you; you've worked so hard the last few months. And I know Lily would be proud of you, pass or fail."

The Defense Instructor couldn't help but grin. "You really think so?"

Remus touched his cheek gently. "I know so." He repeated.

Harry leaned into the touch. "Thanks, Remus, for everything. But, even if I did pass by some miracle, you're going to finish out the year with me, right? For the sake of the Seventh Years, at least?"

"Of course, Harry," The werewolf assured him softly. "For their sakes as well as yours."

The room stilled as an owl swept in through the open window, and Harry saw with a glance that even Snape was watching the owl with mild anxiety. The brown Ministry owl landed on the arm of the couch in the middle of the room, beside McGonagall, who quickly detached it's burden and handed it over to Harry.

"Your results, Mister Potter."

Harry took the letter with shaking hands, stepping back, away from Remus. He struggled to get it open with his trembling fingers. After a breathless moment, he finally broke the wax seal. Carefully, he unfolded the thick parchment and scanned it's contents. A slow grin came across his face as he read through the list. He'd gotten E's and O's on everything except History of Magic, where he got an A.

He looked up at the staff of Hogwarts, all looking at him expectantly. "I passed everything!" He announced. He directed the next at the Potions Master, still sitting in his corner. "I'm not a student anymore, I'm a full-fledged teacher!"

Quite suddenly, the room broke into shouts of congratulations, the majority of his professor's gathering around to either hug him or pat him warmly on the back. Harry grinned around at them all as they moved aside to let the Headmaster through. The aged wizard put a warm hand on his shoulder.

"Congratulations, Professor Potter," The man said meaningfully.

Harry's grin grew wider. "Thank you, Professor."

Dumbledore winked, his blue eyes sparkling maddeningly. "I think, under the circumstances, that you may now call me 'Albus', Harry. You are my colleague now, after all."

McGonagall stepped up beside their esteemed Headmaster. "And you must call me Minerva, Harry. We're so proud of you."

The other instructor's took this as a sign to begin insisting themselves that Harry call them by their given names. The Defense Instructor accepted their congratulations and well-wishes gratefully, but couldn't help but be distracted by thoughts of the first professor to give him the same permission. He looked to the corner where Snape had been, only to find the man had gone. He frowned, saddened by yet more proof that the man wasn't going to forgive him and turned back to his new colleagues. He half-heartedly joined in as they began discussing going down to Hogsmeade to celebrate.