The Offer

Harry made his way to Dumbledore's office. when he got there he sat in the chair that the older man gestured for him to sit in. "You wanted to see me sir?" Harry wasn't sure what he had been summoned into the Head master's office for and felt a bit uncomfortable as he and Dumbledore sat in silence for a few minutes while the older man looked into his student's eyes smiling. As Dumbledore didn't reply Harry asked again. "Sir did you want to see me about something?"

"Would you like some tea Harry?" 'Tea?' Harry thought to himself 'I haven't been asked here just for a bloody cup of tea, why can't the old wizard ever just say what he's got to say and get on with it?'

Harry shook his head, smiled nicely and answered "No thank you sir, I'm fine. I'd just like to know what it is you asked me to come here for today?"

Dumbledore chuckled slightly to himself thinking just how alike Harry and Severus was, both wanting to get straight to the point. "My dear boy, I can't believe how much you've grown and matured over the years" Indeed Harry had grown very much so in mind and in body. He was now six foot tall, with a lean, well toned body. His piercing green eyes no longer covered by glasses as he had a correction spell cast on them in his sixth year. "I know you have shown a strength and passion for teaching and since there is only two weeks left of your 7th year, and the Dark Lord has been defeated, I was wondering if you had thought about what you were going to do after you graduate?"

Harry looked at the wise old wizard for a moment, then looked down at his hands on his lap as he quietly answered "I haven't thought about my future Sir, I wasn't too sure I'd have one." He then looked up at Dumbledore "You're right I do enjoy teaching, and I don't want to do what people expect of me and become an auror. I want a job where I can also have freedom and not have to worry if my friends will get hurt because of my career."

Dumbledore smiled at Harry "Well in that case, as you know every year we've had to find a new DADA teacher" his eyes twinkled as he continued "and this year is no exception. Would you consider becoming our new DADA professor?"

The young wizard looked shocked for a moment "Sir I would like that very much, but are you sure you want me to teach here?"

"My dear boy, of course I want you to teach here, and I'm sure Severus would appreciate being able to talk to another member of staff who understands him, especially after you managed to put all your differences behind you in the last year." Dumbledore's eyes seemed to fill with hope as he looked at Harry.

"Ah, um sir, I thought professor Snape wanted to become the DADA professor now that the Dark Lord has been defeated? He told me how much he'd like that position when he was teaching me occulemency."

Dumbledore looked at Harry honestly and answered "Harry don't worry, I did indeed talk to Severus about my plans to ask you about the position first, as I have known about his interest in this position for years. He told me he didn't think he'd be happy not having the time to make his potions and thought you would be the ideal person for the job. It seems Harry, you have rather impressed Severus over the years."

Harry was a bit shocked; 'but surely' Harry thought to himself 'Snape wouldn't want me around longer than necessary? yes me and Snape had put our differences aside before the war whilst training and during the war, fighting side by side looking out for each other, but that was for the good of the world, surely Snape hadn't agreed to this!'

But Harry looked at Dumbledore, smiled genuinely at him and said "In that case I would love to accept the position of defense against the dark arts professor".

Dumbledore smiled one of his famous smiles at Harry and replied "I'm glad you've accepted my offer, and I hope that you become close friends with Severus, you know how I think of you two as my sons and I know how alike, in many ways, you two are. It would be nice for Severus to have someone to talk to who he can relate to, as would it be for you young Harry. Harry noticed Dumbledore's eyes seemed to be twinkling more than usual whilst he was talking to him.

"Well I can't promise anything sir, I know Professor Snape has tolerated me so far, but I think now we have nothing to keep our fragile friendship together, since the defeat of the Dark Lord he will probably want to keep to himself again."

Dumbledore realized Harry looked a bit saddened after saying that and told Harry "Well I was thinking since Severus knows so much about the dark arts he'd be able to teach you a bit more about it, so you'll be able to teach the students better of course. I'm sure Severus would love the chance to teach you more and may even enjoy having your company, as I know how lonely he used to get stuck in the dungeons with his work and no-one to distract him for a while. He doesn't even talk to many of the professors here unless he absolutely has to. You two making your friendship grow stronger could do you both the world of good."

Harry nodded at Dumbledore, knowing better than to argue with him, what's the point he'd never win, and said "If that's all sir, I am feeling a little tired", it wasn't a lie, he was quite tired because it was past 11pm and he'd been up since 5am after having 'weird' dreams about a certain Slytherin Potions master.

Dumbledore nodded and Harry got up and made his way to the Gryffindor dorms, thinking he'd go to sleep and think about all this in the morning.

'Why is it things never go according to plan' Harry thought to himself as he saw Ron sitting on his bed looking right at him. It was obvious Ron had been waiting for him to return from Dumbledore's office. 'Wanting to know what Dumbledore called me to his office for no doubt' harry thought.

Harry carried on walking past his dorm mates' beds to his own which was right at the end of the room next to Ron's bed. "Hi Ron, wasn't expecting to see you still awake" Harry whispered to his mate.

"And wait till morning to find out what Dumbledore wanted with you? I don't think so. You know me better than that Harry. So, what was it he wanted to see you for anyway?" Ron whispered back.

"you wont believe it Ron, he asked me if I'd like to become the new defense against the dark arts professor for next year."

"Wow, really? That's fantastic! You going to take him up on the offer? 'coz I know how much you don't want to become an auror, and well, according to you this place is like home. And maybe you and Snape could..."

"Ron!" Harry interrupted "Yes I'm taking Dumbledore up on his offer, but what is it with you thinking I'm gonna get with sev...er...professor Snape? It's never going to happen!"

"Was that a little slip of the tongue calling your beloved by his first name? Oh come on Harry, everyone can see what a great couple you two would make, Snape can probably see it too! And it's not as if it's 'coz you two are straight, 'coz I know damned well you are gay for certain as you have told me. And lets face it, Snape is just as bent as you, if not more so...if that's possible. You're perfect for each other."

"Ron, I'm too tired for this, all i want to do right now is go to sleep, instead of arguing with you about my personal life"

"Ok mate, we'll go to sleep now and talk in the morning. We can carry on this conversation with Hermione, she'll want to know about this too"

"Thanks Ron"

"You probably want to get to dreaming about your beloved Severus anyway" Ron teased.

"Ron!" Harry whispered, almost laughing, "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

"Yeah, but you like me as i am, night Harry" Ron said with a yawn.

"Night Ron." They both fell asleep quite quickly after that.

TBC