"His portrait," she said, "we all miss him." She said shortly, in a shaky voice. "Anyways," she said clearing her throat, "We both agree that you should be Defense against the dark arts teacher. You've had a lot of experience in the matter and mostly you've received outstanding on your owls." She then smiled, "and Dumbledore knows that you weren't planning on going to school this year he thinks that you would be better suited at Hogwarts. You could practice jinxes and other spells on your off time." Harry was beginning to like the idea of staying at Hogwarts giving someone homework for a change instead of the other way around and he could brush up on his jinxes, and give Snape a present when he sees him again.
"What do you say Potter?" Professor McGonagall said Harry smiled.
"Do they have to call me Professor?" Harry asked, Professor McGonagall laughed.
"Only if you want them to." She said curtly, "So you are accepting?" she said eyebrows raised.
"Yes," he said, smiling thinking about the looks on Ron and Hermione's faces when he came back and told him he was going to give them a load of homework.
"Oh and Harry, I know you aren't used to planning out things they just happen but I suggest you start planning out your lessons."
"Will do Professor," Harry said grinning.
"I should tell you Potter staff members arrive about a week before school starts, I will see you in two weeks." She said walking off. Harry grimaced, it wouldn't be that bad to be at Hogwarts a week before he could visit dobby.
"Kreacher!" Harry called there was a crack and a wrinkly house elf appeared at Harry's side.
"You called master," Kreacher said bowing low, then muttering, "Master is a filthy little brat whom Kreacher does not wish to serve. Oh no, he doesn't."
"Stop muttering under your breath like that," Harry said, "it's annoying."
"What ever master wishes," Kreacher said Harry could practically see him struggling with not mumbling something.
" Look I want you to find Mundungus Fletcher, just tail him for a bit and make sure he stays away from my house." Kreacher was trying so hard not to mumble under his breath Harry nearly laughed with his effort.
"Whatever master asks Kreacher." Kreacher replied, then with a crack Kreacher vanished. He walked back into the Weasley's house and sat at the kitchen table next to Ron and Hermione, who were reading their book lists.
"What did McGonagall want?" Ron asked as soon as Harry sat down.
"I'll tell you in a bit." Harry said dully.
"I wonder," said Hermione.
"What do you wonder?" Ron asked.
"Who the new defense against the dark arts teacher is, they've got a new thing on the book list. It says to bring all of your old defense against the dark arts text books." Hermione said. Ron turned to Harry."Who do you suppose-"
"Is the defense against the dark arts teacher?" Harry finished for him.
"Yeah," Ron nodded.
"I know," Harry said.
"Why don't you tell us then?" Hermione said, "I do hope it's Lupin again."
"I'm right here Hermione." Lupin said strolling across the Weasley's kitchen, "what do you need?"
"Are you the Defense against the dark arts teacher?" she asked him. He frowned.
"No, but that would be a good thing to know who it is." He said scratching his ear.
"Harry said that he knows." Ron chipped in.
"Well Harry who is it?" Lupin asked.
"It's, well it's me." Harry said uncertainly.
"Codswallop." Hermione said."No I'm not kidding it is me, that's what McGonagall asked me. She asked if I would like to be the defense against the dark arts teacher."
"What's this about the defense against the dark arts teacher?" Mr. Weasley asked strolling into the kitchen with Mrs. Weasley.
"Harry's the defense against the dark arts teacher." Ron said, "He says McGonagall asked him if he wanted to be and he said yes."
"Oh Harry, dear congratulations," said Mrs. Weasley pulling him into a hug. There seemed like nothing that could squash Harry's good mood. "So I suppose you'll be going back to Hogwarts then?" Mrs. Weasley asked smiling.
"Yes," Harry replied, he turned to Lupin, "do you think that Slughorn will still be the Potions' teacher?" he asked
"Without a doubt," Lupin replied, "I think he is the only person on hand for the job, and if I remember correctly it was you who brought him out of retirement." Lupin smiled
"Wotcher Harry," Tonks said coming into the kitchen, "What we all doin' in here?" she asked Lupin put his arm around her, Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged smirks. Tonks wrinkled her nose at them and it turned into a pig snout. Everyone laughed Tonks jumped because she didn't mean to change her nose but was soon laughing with everyone. Harry excused himself from the kitchen and walked outside.
"Leaving so soon Harry?" Ginny said walking over to him.
"Well I've got lessons to plan," he grinned and gave Ginny a peck on the cheek, just as a loud roar of laughter came out of the open kitchen window, she smiled at him.
"I'll see you soon then?" she asked,
"Without a doubt," Harry said then with a crack vanished.
As soon as Harry got home to number twelve grimauld place he threw his traveling cloak down on the chair that sat next to the door. Then went into the drawing room where he had, with Hermione's help, set up a television. He had no sooner turned it on then there came a knocking at the door. Harry crept to the door and looked out the peep hole, it was Severus Snape. A cold hatred boiled up in Harry, how dare he come here. Harry took out his wand and held it infront of him, ready to strike if need be.
"What do you want?" Harry called through the door.
"To speak with you Potter." Snape said icily,
"I'm sorry I can't let you in, you see I really don't want to speak with you." Harry snarled in reply.
"I understand that but-"