Harry was employed as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher about two months before school started in September. During that time he had met the current headmaster. Armando Dippet was a smart but clueless man, it was no surprise that Albus was the only one to suspect Tom Riddle of opening the Chamber of Secrets as the current headmaster was quite useless. Harry wasn't sure what he got up to in his office all day but whatever he did Albus Dumbledore was practically running the school in his stead. Albus hired the new staff, did the paperwork for new students. Harry had barely seen the man recently with all the work he needed to do.
Of course that wasn't exactly true, although he had barely spoken to him that didn't stop their odd run-ins from occurring here as well. This time though Harry was certain that the future headmaster had something to do with it. Albus was once again ecstatic any time they ran into each other, Harry couldn't help but notice how they were much closer this time.
While before Dumbledore would simply accost Harry in the hallway to cheerily ask about his day, this Albus would find ways to lightly touch him. He would move past him by gently slipping a hand over his waist, his fingers circling his wrist and his warm mouth blowing hair over Harry's sensitive neck.
Walking through the halls or through the grounds Harry couldn't help the feeling that he was being watched. When he turned around he would find Dumbledore watching him intensely through his office window, but the next second he was gone. Harry thought he might be going mad.
There were a few other teachers staying at the school besides Albus and Minerva. While Harry was pleased to find he could chat with Minerva and Dumbledore at meal times he enjoyed discussions with a younger Flitwick who was often impressed with charms Harry had created with Hermione on the run. Harry also took the time to venture out and visit Hagrid at meal times.
Harry sometimes wondered about when he would go back to the future and why he was here, but he found the safety and break from the war efforts ncie after such a long time. He was free from all responsibility in this place and it was a wondrous feeling for Harry.
Despite enjoying most of his experiences with his fellow staff members, Harry liked to retreat to his DADA office sometimes to get away from Minerva's persistent chatter and a certain muggle studies teacher. The new muggle studies teacher that year had been Milicent Ramley and while she was a nice lady she was often slightly (and by slightly he meant extremely) too persistent in her persual of Harry. The woman was bone thin and tall with short cropped brown hair. She had nice hazel eyes and perhaps her nose was a little too long, her lips slightly too thin but altogether a pretty woman.
She was very helpful to Harry, always offering to assist him in preparing for lessons or offering to carry some of the books Harry could always be seen dragging to and from the library around the castle. He was starting to see her more than Dumbledore which was surprising. She would often try to sit with him at dinner but found herself blocked by a cheeky Minerva. Minerva for some reason could not stand her, always mumbling something about supporting her 'clueless friend'. Harry would question who and she would just pat him on the head saying 'you are not ready'.
But while Milicent was charming in her own way Harry wasn't attracted to her, there wasn't that spark, thrill of danger. He wanted someone adventurous like him, with power and ready to have stimulating conversations and explore the world. Milicent was nice but he wanted excitement. He tried thinking about a type he would have but all of the people he had liked in the past were extremely different. Cho was a seeker like him and he liked that he could ramble about quidditch to a girl without her rolling her eyes. Ginny he had broken up with in the war, she was truly beautiful and kind but she felt too much like a sister. He was mature enough to admit that he may have had a crush on Malfoy when he was younger, but now only respected the man for his attempts to conceal their identities at Malfoy Manor. He liked blue eyes, he thought to himself as he remembered a pair of bright eyes from a dream weeks ago. He decided he would simply wait until the right person came along.
Harry in his time to prepare had started to get excited for his defense lessons. He knew that when he was at the school all the defense teachers bar Lupin had been extremely lacking, he wanted to teach these young people how to protect themselves, after all they would be the adults fighting Voldemort when he was young. He was determined to show them that they were not too young or inexperienced to learn and show them their potential to master the magic. He knew from the past that Minerva and Dumbledore were often revered for their transfiguration lessons but he wanted to thrill the people with his lessons as well.
While relieved he was not in the future somewhat he still felt a duty to return. Harry spent hours pouring over books in the library, scouring for anything that could get him back to the future. Distracted himself from his failures with lesson plans; he often lost sleep because of this. It was the night before the welcome feast that this came to an end.
Harry had just sat at the great table with Minerva, he could see a couple of others arrive, as school was starting tomorrow most of the teachers had come to prepare their classrooms. Headmaster Dippet was in his office Harry was sure doing whatever it was he did.
As he was caught up in a debate over the most useful animagI forms with Minerva he missed the silent battle behind him. Albus Dumbledore and Milicent Ramley walked quickly but casually over to the chair on the other side of Harry. Dumbledore managed to reach this first and shot a satisfied look at Millicent.
It was Minerva's sniggering at something over Harry's shoulder that brought Harry's attention to them but he could only see Dumbledore smile pleasantly at Millicent and so turned back around. Later while eating he wondered about how much room the others had at the table because his chair was so close to Albus' that their arms brushed up whenever they moved while eating. Milicent soon asked a question that snapped him out of thinking about Albus' skin.
"Harry you grew up in the Muggle world didn't you? Would you like to help me go over some of the muggle studies lessons later? It would be really helpful" She said, leaning over the table towards him managing to get a fair bit of her mash in her hair as she did. She then started blinking her eye lids so severely Harry questioned aloud if there was something in her eye.
She blushed "Oh no no, sorry… I saw something" she finished weakly. Harry did not notice Minerva's mocking laughter behind him. "Anyway Harry what do you say? There was something else I would like to discuss as well, maybe we could get dinner tomorrow?"
"Oh?" Harry began, "well that should be-"
"Sorry Millicent but Harry has something to do with me tonight and tomorrow don't you?" Albus quickly interrupted, his grip tightened around his goblet until you could see the whites of his knuckles.
"Um do-, uh yes?" Harry said uncomfortably, he felt bad but he truly was tired and helping her plan an hour's lesson about how a Television worked did not sound thrilling.
"I'd be happy to help if you find yourself incapable Millie" Said Minerva smirking, Harry was too preoccupied by Albus' intense stare to notice the viciousness of Minerva's grin.
"No no it's fine, i'll manage" Millicent protested.
"Alright then Harry,shall we go?" Dumbledore asked, gently pulling harry up and taking his hand to lead him from the table.
"Wait" Harry began seeing Milicent's despairing face as they left, "Milicent seems upset, shouldn't we stay to comfort her?"
Albus was oddly still and said tensely "no no i'm sure it's just a misunderstanding, Minerva will handle it" he said, dragging Harry out.
Harry found himself forced up to the astronomy tower. They sat for a minute admiring the stars before Harry suddenly shivered into the cold night and Albus removed his cloak to settle it over the two.
"Harry" he began, before suddenly shaking his head, he had intended to speak to Harry about… But decided against it. He moved onto the second reason he had brought Harry here instead.
"I have heard some disturbing news, there is unrest within Tom's followers" Albus swallowed. "There are rumors he is working with someone new"
"Albus?" Harry asked, wondering why his friend had suddenly stopped.
"Harry, you said you have the elder wand?" Harry slowly nodded
"Well it was in Voldemorts possession before it appeared with you it's master in this time, I believe that Voldemort may have too been dragged to this time with the wand when it followed you." The more Albus thought about it the more it made sense. "This is likely to be the reason you were brought to this time Harry '' He said reassuringly.
"We shall have to see what they are planning but in the meantime be on our guard. Harry once again nodded. Dumbledore didn't want to ask this but felt he had no other choice now. "Harry I need to know, did I mention anything in the future, anything that could help us?" He questioned. Harry's sudden tension told him all he needed to know.
"You did not make it " Harry muttered, sad to see his new friend have to face his demise so young. He thought back to Dumbledore's death, how he was forced to watch it, told not to interfere by Albus himself, who knew what would occur.
"I think you knew, you told me to hide, while it… happened". Tears gathered in Harry's eyes.
" It is alright Harry, I am comfortable with death, I am sure I only asked you to be for my comfort, do not blame yourself.". He squeezed Harry's hand gently.
They spent the next few hours telling each other stories, he learned of Albus's childhood, Grindelwald, Arianna, Aberforth. Many had thought Albus was romantically involved but Grindelwald was simply a friend who appeared to have common ideals with Dumbledore. He told Harry how wonderful it felt to have someone truly like him to explore the power of magic with.
"Of course I knew not what partnership was then" he said looking intently into Harry's eyes as if he held all the answers. Harry found himself once again comforted by the man as he too told him of his past, his childhood and they understood each other like never before. They were joined, brothers against the world.
"I like this cloak you know" Harry spoke later, fingering the soft thick silk of Albus' coat, "I think I might keep it" He smirked cheekily looking up at the slightly taller man.
"Really" Albus teased. "How can you when it clearly belongs to me?" He questioned.
"Well" Harry sighed "I guess i'll just have to change that" .He enforced this by using magic to engrave the initials HJP into the top.
"P?" Dumbledore questioned and a wary look emerged from Harry's eyes. "I know Harry,'' he said, '' you look too much like a potter. It would make sense you are related to the peverells being a master of death and all"
"What" scoffed Harry. "I understand that the three hold power but it is just a story."
"Hmm" Albus simply replied, earning a glare from Harry. "Let us go, it is late."
"Ah" said Harry "you know I am not tired I think i'll go look at some of the work I have arranged for the students, can't be too prepared you know" he said jokingly before choking at the chastising look sent to him in response from Albus.
"Let's get a drink" said Albus, having decided something.
Over the drink Albus aked Harry a question seeming innocent but much more personal than those they had asked each other earlier that night.
"You know Harry I am sorry I pulled you away from dear Millicent" he said in that same odd tone from earlier. "Were you hoping for some alone time with her?'' he asked. Harry thought the question seemed casual enough however there was that familiar intensity.
"I… -uh". Muttered Harry stumbling over his words. He took a deep breath before speaking. Blushing all the way he explained "I think she is truly very nice but personally I want a spark, someone adventurous, someone to explore with and passion". The dangerous glint in Dumbledore's eyes cut him off and he coughed. "Yeah, someone like that,'' he said, rubbing the back of his neck and ducking bashfully to peer intently at the table.
"Don't be embarrassed for what you want Harry" said Albus carefully. "I am sure you will find it, don't you worry". The certainty in which Albus said this unnerved Harry.
"Okay" Replied Harry suddenly downing his drink in one gulp to get away from the conversation.
"Oh-ah-Harry" Albus said, however it was too late. Oh bother, Dumbledore thought as Harry began to sink into his chair, his grip on the cup going lax. Albus had seen the sizable bags under Harry's eyes, he needed sleep and so he sipped a mild sleeping potion into Harry's drink.
He just did not expect the man to gulp it all at once. It was intended to slowly cause him to feel more tired as he headed toward bed. Dumbledore instead carried Harry in his dorms, through the portrait and laid the man on the bed. He magically changed Harry's clothes and watched him for a while. He brushed back some of Harry's long hair from his eyes, looking at him and his masculine beauty. He ran his fingers over some of Harry's possessions as he walked about the room. A photo album with the initials HJP laid on the desk and he saw the similar handwriting and initials now engraved onto his cloak. He liked his things being possessed by Harry, he declared. He made the decision there and then to give it a proper chance with the man even with the looming problem of Harry's eventual return to the future.