Friendship and Beyond 49/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

An Unexpected Offer

Over the next few weeks in between studying for their Newts, Harry, Ron, and Hermione did their best to look like the quintessentially happy couple. By the end of the first week Ron stopped looking so queasy every time they needed to kiss or otherwise be demonstrative. Although they were all vastly uncomfortable but it helped that they were busy preparing for their Newts as well as making plans for after graduation.

Harry had spoken to his friends earlier the day before graduation and he was envious of their sure-mindedness. Considering that Harry never expected to live until graduation, let alone make any long-term plans, he didn't know what to do with himself while everyone else were making career decisions.

During his fourth and fifth year he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become an Auror. While he did indeed have the grades to do that, the fiasco at the Department of Mysteries changed his mind about working for the Ministry. At this point in his life he could probably lead the Ministry if he so choose, but after a lifetime of struggle and fighting he decided to let others handle the responsibility for a while.

That wasn't to say that he couldn't see himself running for political office later in life, but for the time being he had no definite plans. The seventh years had just finished their exams the day before and were languishing around Hogwarts as their family came in to attend the Graduation the next day.

The graduating class were rauctious during the leaving feast where the rest of the students concentrating on stuffing their face until the next year. Harry was busy eating some mash potatoes when the headmaster walked over to the Slytherin table to get his attention.

"Harry if I could speak to you in my office after the feast?" Dumbledore questioned.

"Of course, Headmaster." Harry agreed after he swallowed the last of the potatoes. Although he would never be as close to the Headmaster as he once they had come to a certain understanding during the last two weeks, so that their relationship was no longer wrought with anger and caustic remarks. As soon as Harry sat down across the desk from Dumbledore, Fawkes flew over to perch on his leg, nearly preening as Harry pet her plumage.

"My dear boy, I happened to notice that you don't know what you want to do after graduation tomorrow. Is that correct?"

"Yes. Honestly I never thought to survive Riddle." Harry answered cautiously. "Now that I have I don't know what I want to do with myself. Besides Quidditch, the only thing I was good at was fighting dark wizards and I don't want to become a Ministry lackey."

"I understand, son." Dumbledore assure his student. "I have a third option if you are willing to work hard over the summer."

"What is it?" Harry asked curiously.

"The Defense Against the Dark Arts post is vacant once again as Professor Samprene has found out she is pregnant and will be retiring to raise a family. If you took the teaching certification over the summer I would be happy to hire you as DADA professor. Of course you wouldn't be a professor until sometime next year once you finish your education, but I will be happy to oversee your classes until you get fully certified." Dumbledore explained.

"I don't know what to say Headmaster Dumbledore." Harry stuttered. "Thank you."

"Firstly call me Albus. By tomorrow you will no longer be my student. As for thanking me, there is no need. If you so choose to take this position you will be basically doing the work of two fulltime careers, that of a student as well as a professor. You will also need to come up with a syllabus for the year over the summer on top of your studies. But you will be assigned quarters at Hogwarts as well."

"This sounds amazing, Albus. But I would like to discuss this with Sev- my friends before I make any definite decisions." Harry stumbled over Severus' name. "Can I have a few days to decide?"

"Of course you may, Harry. But do not wait too long. If you decline I shall have to look elsewhere." Albus told him jovially. "Now get back to your friends. I will see you at the graduation ceremony tomorrow."

Harry nodded silently, still shocked over the unexpected offer to stay at Hogwarts. Just as he reached the stairway Albus' voice drew his attention.

"I am sure Severus will love to have you staying in the castle. Perhaps joined quarters?" He suggested smiling innocently at Harry who then walked away with a distracted air about him as he practically floated down to the Slytherin dorms.