Dumbledore sighed as he read the letter. The letter from a former student, Harry Potter. Harry was one of the best wizards he had the privilege of teaching. Harry was brave, wasn't afraid of putting his neck on the line. Unfortunately, that wasn't always the best thing to be.
Dear Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore wrote.
I'm very pleased to hear your interest in teaching at Hogwarts. Give my regards to Ron and Hermione, they have also been sought after for teaching positions at Hogwarts. I would like you to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts next year. I know you have a bit of experience in it, what with all your extra-curricular adventures.
Unfortunately, it has come to my attention that there are several issues affecting the Wizard World today. As you know, Voldemort wasn't defeated, and probably never will be. We will have to battle him forever. I have received word that several of my students and former students have joined ranks with him. I haven't confirmed if they were bribed, forced to, or joined with their own will. I am, of course, too old to go out and face Voldemort himself, although he still is unable to confront me and Hogwarts.
These are the words that I wished I would never have to speak. I am asking you, since you have escaped Voldemort's clutches several times and left him helpless, to keep an eye out and be very, very careful at all costs. He is after you. Still. You are the one that defeated him nearly seventeen years ago. He wants revenge. Your peers are now on his side, I do not know how many, or who. They could be my fellow professors for all I know. Beware, Harry.
On a more cheerful note, I have finally managed to eat an entire bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans without getting an earwax flavored one!
I hope to see you September 1st when the term starts.
Wishing you well,
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
Professor Dumbledore smiled meekly to himself. The letter didn't exactly state the message he wished it to, but it was close. For once in his life, Dumbledore was afraid. He didn't know what to do. Would Tom Riddle, or Voldemort as he was more commonly known, finally win?
* * * *
Harry opened the letter carefully and read it quickly. Once finished, he read it again just to be sure it said what he thought it said. The letter from Dumbledore had arrived, and didn't say what he expected it to say. He was thrilled to teach the DADA class at Hogwarts, but wasn't so thrilled to see the rest of the letter. Some of his friends might be out to get him, no one would be happy to read that.
Harry climbed out of his so-called room and rushed to the telephone. He had been given a few privileges over the past years, and the phone was the only one he still had. The Dursleys figured he couldn't call any of the "bad seeds" if he used "normal people" stuff.
"Hello? Hermione? Oh it's great to hear you! How are you, dear?" Harry spoke quickly.
"Hullo Harry!" Hermione gushed, "It's great to hear from you! How's your summer? I'm so great. I miss you, though." She said pouting cutesy-like, Harry could hear.
"My summer is as always, I'm still with the Dursleys. But, Hermione. There's trouble. I've just received a letter from Dumbledore. There are people we know on Voldemort's side, and they're out to get us." He said. He didn't want to say 'me' for fear of sounding self-righteous.
"Yes, I received that letter also. You should be very careful, Harry. I don't want anything to happen to you. Watch out. Try to stay out of wizard-y areas. What class are you teaching?"
"Um. . .Defense Against the Dark Arts. Maybe I'll stay for longer than a year." Harry said jokingly. He was a bit taken aback that Hermione wasn't more worried about the Voldemort thing.
"I'm teaching Potions, with Snape!" Hermione said happily, "Though I'm not too thrilled to be teaching with Snape." She added hurriedly. She continued talking, but Harry didn't hear anymore of the conversation.
* * * *
Ron - -
Hermione's gone mad! Yes, I know she's my girlfriend and all, and that I love her dearly. . .but I think she's changed or something! I'm sure you received the letter from Dumbledore about teaching (congrats on that, by the way) and about the Voldemort stuff. Hermione's teaching with SNAPE. Can you believe it? She seemed happy at first, but was quick to add "though I'm not too thrilled to be teaching with Snape." I don't know...Do you think...No. Never mind. Well, keep in touch.
Your pal,
Harry
Harry sat up on his mattress. Could Hermione be. . .Could Hermione actually want to teach with Snape? It couldn't be possible. All those years of torment in Potions class, and she actually accepted the job. Harry shook his head. He attatched the letter to Hedwig's foot and sent her on her way. Ron would be able to convince him that Hermione was still loyal and definitely not a Snape-hugger.
* * * *
"Master. There is trouble." The girl said, standing stiffly in front of the fireplace, facing the back of the chair.
"Trouble? What trouble?" Spoke the slithering, hissing voice.
"The Headmaster knows. And he's warned the boy. Careful measures are being taken." She answered flatly.
"But the boy will still teach, yes?" Spoke the voice again. A harsh voice. Cold, unfriendly.
"Yes. Defense Against the Dark Arts. At Hogwarts." She said. She knew her master already knew this.
"Perfect. Perfect." The voice responded, laughing.
