Chapter 9
Harry was sampling the last of the pumpkin pie when he saw Neville's eyes travel up behind Harry's back with a small amount of nervousness and awe.
"Harry, if I might have a word with you please."
He turned around and saw Professor Dumbledore standing behind him. He set his fork down and took a last sip of pumpkin juice as he stood, "See you all back at the common room."
Harry followed the professor back out into the front halls and down to his office and heard him whisper the password, "Buffy rules."
He looked back at Harry and saw the young man's eyebrow quirk.
"I have recently acquired a Muggle device known as a Digital Video Disc player and a friend of mine has addicted me to an American television show. Fascinating, really."
Harry smiled and followed him through the front room to the headmaster's main office.
"Have a seat please, Harry."
The young man sat and readied himself for the talk he was about to receive, "I assume this is about me running away this summer, Professor."
Dumbledore looked up over his half-moon glasses, "Then your assumption would be wrong, Harry. However if you wish to discuss your need to ... what was it," he shuffled through the papers at his desk and pulled one from near the bottom, "Ah yes here it is. '...take control of your life to protect my friends and the people around me.'"
Harry nodded.
"Well then, I would like to give you that chance."
"Um ... excuse me."
Dumbledore lifted a large brown packet that was tied shut and held it up, "Last year, you and your friends began a club of sorts that practiced Defense Against the Dark Arts, with a rather inspirational name if I may say."
"Dumbledore's Army, sir."
He nodded, "Yes, quite right. Well I would like you to continue that club ... on a more official capacity, of course."
"Um ... excuse me?"
The twinkle that was almost a constant in the Headmaster's eye was suddenly gone. Instead it was replaced by a very serious and stern face, "Here it is, Harry. Your chance to contribute to the Order and to the well being of your fellow students."
Harry sat in stunned silence.
"I see a bit more explanation is needed."
The Headmaster rose from his seat and went to tend to the bright colored Phoenix, Fawkes, "We have no Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor this year, Harry. Apparently the position is thought of as cursed, though I am at a loss as to why."
He gave Fawkes a small treat and was rewarded with a small chirp of song.
"With the discarding of those highly useful Educational Decree's from last year I have decided to do away with the Defense class in its present state. In it's place, my suggestion is that you will train with me, personally, and teach what you have learned to the students."
Harry was becoming flustered, "But I'm only a sixth year!"
Dumbledore turned back around, "Were you or were you not teaching seventh years in your club last year?"
"Um ..."
He didn't wait for an answer, "Harry you have faced Lord Voldemort more times than any person to date and survived, including myself. The knowledge that you may be able to pass on to others is invaluable."
Harry looked down at his feet and struggled with a reply.
"You will have limited power of authority akin to those of a prefect at all times. During class, only, you will be given the power to grant and take away house points for performance. At your discretion you may choose an assistant to help you with preparation of your lessons. I would suggest Miss Granger."
Harry looked back up, "What about my studies, sir. I have N.E.W.T.'s next year."
It seemed the professor was well prepared for this contingency.
"Professor McGonagall has informed me of your desire to enter Auror training upon graduation."
Harry nodded.
"Your Defense requirements will be taken through me, You will take private lessons with Professors Flitwick, McGonagall , and Snape for your remaining courses. Your application for appeal was granted, by the way, and you will continue your potions lessons."
Harry ran the schedule through his head, "But ..."
"Sacrifices will need to be made, Harry. Do you think Quidditch is more important than the lives of your friends."
He was insulted at the insinuation, but he was also becoming keen on Dumbledore's mode of thought and knew that he was being baited.
"Of course not."
The Headmaster smiled from underneath his silver beard, "Excellent, then am I to assume you will take the position?"
Harry nodded.
He handed Harry the package, "In here you will find your schedule for the school year and well as some sample lesson plans for yours and Miss Granger's perusal. You will begin tomorrow with first and second years, then graduate as the week progresses."
Harry stood with his head hung low.
"You will find teaching quite a rewarding experience, Harry. These students look up to you whether you think so or not ... even the Slytherins. Keep that in mind when you face them tomorrow."
He was about to close the door when Dumbledore stopped him one last time. "One more thing, Harry. Your rooms have been changed. As an Assistant Professor you will still be in Gryffindor tower, however you will have a private room with a small study for your planning and so forth. A room has been added off of the east wall of the common room behind the portrait of the 'thin lady'. Please do not abuse the privilege."
Harry looked back up and nodded, wondering how the headmaster knew about Hermione. Probably Mrs. Weasley or something.
*********************
When Harry approached Gryffindor tower he saw Ron and Hermione in front of the portrait of the Fat lady talking until they saw him approach.
Hermione rushed to his side, "What's the matter. You look awful. Did he give you detention for running away?"
Harry shook his head and heard Ron say the password.
"Tangled tentacles."
Hermione was getting more and more worried since Harry had not said anything as of yet.
"Harry?"
He looked at her and smiled softly, pulling her to him and placing a kiss on her forehead. "Come on. I want to show you something." He looked at his friend as well, "You too Ron."
They entered the common room and Harry spotted the new portrait of the Thin Lady on the east wall. He motioned for his friends to come along.
The Thin Lady looked down at him as he approached, "Mr. Potter," she nodded. "Grasp the frame at the bottom left hand corner and choose a password."
"Password," Ron questioned. "What's this about?"
Harry reached out and did as directed, "Snuffles."
The Thin Lady nodded and the portrait swung open.
"Bloody hell, Harry. When did they put this in?"
"Harry?" Hermione asked.
"This is my new room," he revealed.
"You've got a study?" Hermione was almost insulted.
Ron rushed into the bedroom. "Not only that he's got a gigantic room, Mione!"
Hermione grabbed a hold of Harry's arm and turned him. "Harry, what is going on. You can't get a private room unless you are Head Boy ... " she gasped and covered her mouth. "You're Head Boy? But you're only a sixth year!"
Harry set the package down on the study table and took hold of Hermione's shoulders, "I'm not Head Boy. I'm ..."
Ron reappeared in the doorway between the bedroom and the study, "Well Harry what is it?"
"I'm the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Ron's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline and his jaw unhinged. Hermione closed her eyes and shook her head.
"I'm sorry. Did you just say ..." she lost her question.
"I'm officially an assistant professor," Harry confirmed. "And it's all your fault."
That snapped Hermione out of the daze she was in. "What's that?"
Harry pulled out one of the chairs out from the table and sat, "Dumbledore wants me to teach because of the D.A. club last year."
"That's ridiculous. You're just a sixth year."
"Thanks, Ron."
Ron shook his head, "Oh, you know what I mean, Harry."
"He had his reasons." He turned to Hermione, "And you're my assistant."
Hermione gasped, "I'm what?"
He pushed the package across the table to her. "He figured I'd need help with lesson plans and stuff."
She untied the package, "Oh, well this makes more sense then."
"Hey!" Harry said, feeling insulted.
She waved him off, "Harry, you aren't really known for your organizational habits. Being a teacher is not all taking and giving of house points and yelling at the students like Professor Snape. It's hard work."
"Blimey!" Ron exclaimed. "You get to do house points?"
Harry nodded, "Only in class, but at least I can put Malfoy in his place when he mouths off."
Hermione scattered the contents of the package on the table, "Oh Harry," she smiled brightly. "This is brilliant. I'm so proud of you!"
She looked at the schedule of classes then she looked stricken, "Your first class is 8:00 in the morning. You two get out. I have to get to work on lesson plans."