A/N: When my sister proofread this for me, she wanted to know why Harry was so angry with Dumbledore. There is a good reason, well good in Harry's mind, but I do not want to reveal all that at this moment. His reaction to Dumbledore's visit is due to ten years of bottled up anger and resentment, so that is why he acts the way he does. I hope that it all makes sense!

Disclaimer: I have forgotten to put these one the other chapters, but as we all well know, I do not own any characters except Esme, Sidney, and Serena. All other characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

Harry Potter ran a hand through his black hair and looked down at the unopened letter lying on his desk. The familiar scrawl seemed to mock him. No matter how old he got, any message from Dumbledore made him feel like a child called on the carpet to answer for some misdeed or be told of some plan that he wanted no part of. It was one of the many reasons that he had not visited Hogwarts in so long. After the defeat of Voldemort, the relationship between the two had become strained to the point where it was uncomfortable for Harry to even be in the same room with the Headmaster. It seemed once he had fulfilled his 'destiny', he was no longer needed.

Grabbing the letter, he walked over to a chair near the hearth and sat down. He threw the letter on the coffee table and waved his hand toward the dark fireplace. A fire leapt to life with a roar and created a warm intimate glow in the quiet room. He closed his eyes and listened to the popping and crackling of the wood, wondering why he was putting off the inevitable. Opening his eyes, he reached for the crystal tumbler on the table and the bottle of scotch nearby. Pouring a generous amount into the tumbler, he capped the decanter and sat back, holding the glass up in the firelight. He loved the way the light shone through the amber liquid. Taking a sip, he grimaced as it burned a path down his throat. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. It was now or never. He leaned forward, set the glass on the table and picked up the letter. Turning it over in his hand, his broke the seal and read the short note.

Dear Harry,

I hope this letter finds you well. I know it has been awhile since we last spoke, but you are always in my thoughts. There is something that I need to speak to you about. Would it be possible for me to floo in tomorrow night at 8:00? This is something I need to address in person. I hope that whatever issues you and I have had in the past, you will put them aside for the good of Hogwarts. I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

A. Dumbledore

Harry dropped the letter back on the table and smirked. It must be pretty important for Dumbledore to suggest coming to Harry. He was never one to give up the advantage of meeting on his terms and in his office. Rubbing his eyes, he felt a sudden weariness. Why did he think he could fight against Dumbledore's will? He had never succeeded before and it didn't seem like he would be succeeding now. Standing up, he trudged over to his desk and sat down, pulling a sheet of parchment toward him. Picking up the quill, he jotted a quick, terse note.

Fine. Tomorrow at 8:00.

Harry

He folded the parchment and addressed it. Calling for Hedwig, he tied it around her leg and said, "Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts."

At her disapproving look he just groaned and waved her toward the window. "I know, I know. I swore I would never again let him dictate what I should do."

He smoothed her feathers down and smiled. "This is the last time, I promise."

Hedwig just eyed him, as though she didn't believe him. He sighed and opened the window, watching as she spread her wings and glided through the moonlit sky. He closed the window and contemplated what Dumbledore could possibly have to say and how he could say no to whatever it was.

Harry sat in front of the fireplace, awaiting the arrival of Dumbledore. He nervously ran a hand through his hair, despising the fact that he was allowing a visit from the Headmaster to disrupt his life. As the clock on the mantle struck eight, Dumbledore stumbled from the fireplace. Wiping the soot off his robe, he looked up and smiled at Harry, his eyes twinkling in a way that made Harry feel even more nervous.

"Harry, my boy. I am so glad that you agreed to see me. I must admit I was a little fearful that you would refuse my request." Albus took the seat opposite Harry, smoothed his beard and straightened his glasses.

Harry shifted in his seat, "Have I ever refused when you have asked me for something?"

Dumbledore pursed his lips and studied Harry. He was no longer the awkward teenager he had been when he graduated from Hogwarts. He had grown a few inches taller and filled out, probably due to his physically demanding job as an Auror. His once unruly hair was now tamed into a smooth shoulder length style that was tucked behind his ears. He still wore the wire-rimmed glasses, but they appeared to be new and properly framed his face. Dumbledore's eyes swept over the familiar scar that, though slightly faded, was no longer hidden behind a curtain of bangs. Dumbledore smiled slightly. Harry no longer seemed to be hiding his identity. Not that he could when his face was splashed on the front page of the Daily Prophet every other day.

"How long has it been, Harry?" Albus asked, trying to ease the tension.

"Not long enough," Harry muttered under his breath. Looking back up, he said quietly, "It's been ten years since you and I last spoke, seventeen since I left Hogwarts. How time flies when you're saving the world," he said bitterly.

Albus stared at him, clearing his throat before speaking. "Harry, I'm not sure exactly what it is you think I've done, but you know that I care about you. I have been very concerned about you, and I am not the only one. I have spoken to Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger and they say that you refuse to speak to them as well. Whatever you may think, you are not alone, my boy."

Harry's eyes blazed. "What gives you the right to speak to anyone about me? I am no longer your student, your savior, or your responsibility."

"But you are someone I care about, Harry. In many ways, I consider you to be a member of my family. I tried to treat you as such."

"Well, you'll have to forgive my ignorance, but I have little experience with families and what would be considered appropriate treatment." Harry gazed into the fire, feeling the familiar ache that settled in his chest whenever he thought about his family.

"Harry," Dumbledore began.

Turning his icy eyes back to the Headmaster, Harry interrupted, "Wasn't there something that you wished to discuss with me?"

Albus mentally sighed and nodded, clearly understanding Harry's signal that this part of the conversation was over. "I am sure that you heard about Professor Serena Snape's death?" he said, quietly.

"Yes. I know that she was in Diagon Alley when she disappeared and that the body was found in the Forbidden Forest by a student."

Dumbledore winced at the cold, clinical tone in which Harry related the details.

Harry continued, "The Ministry is looking into several different leads." He gave Albus a reproving look. "But you know that I cannot share with you any information from those leads."

Albus shook his head, "I didn't expect you to, Harry, and that is not the purpose for my visit."

Harry looked at him suspiciously. "Then why exactly are you here?"

Dumbledore rubbed his lip, trying to consider how to word the purpose of his visit, without angering Harry, which almost seemed a difficult and impossible task. "I am trying to fill several different faculty positions. Professor Flitwick has finally retired. He's been contemplating it for several years now, but he finally made the decision. Thankfully, I have recently filled that position. Also," he paused and looked at Harry over the rims of his glasses, "due to Professor Snape's death, I am in need of a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. That, my dear boy, is why I am here. You are my first and only choice. Who better to guide our students than the boy who defeated Voldemort and then went on to become the youngest and most successful Auror?"

Harry gaped at the man. "Are you still so presumptuous? What in the world makes you think that I would consider giving up my position to become a teacher?"

Dumbledore smiled sadly. "Consider it a sincere hope that I could convince you to return to Hogwarts. And maybe more selfishly, I wanted to try to mend our fractured relationship."

Harry's eyes narrowed as he looked at the Headmaster. Crossing his arms, he asked, "You've had ten years to seek me out and to, as you so eloquently put it, 'mend our fractured relationship'. Why now?"

"Serena Snape's death has reminded me that time is precious. Nothing is more important than making each day count and having your loved ones close."

Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes and snort. He hadn't heard such sentimental drivel in a long time. Probably since the last time that he had spoken to Dumbledore. But he presented an intriguing offer. Harry was weary of the life of an Auror. In fact, recently he had even contacted several magic schools and universities inquiring about available positions. Harry would have laid money on the fact that Dumbledore was aware of this and was one of the reasons that he approached Harry about this particular position. Besides it wouldn't hurt publicity for Hogwarts to have the Boy Who Lived as a faculty member. He smirked. He was well aware that his status as a celebrity, however that status was earned, was more important than who he truly was. It was something that Harry had grown used to, but never appreciated. However, returning to Hogwarts held a lot of appeal for Harry. It was the last place that he had been truly happy. He bit his lip and watched the fire blaze. Perhaps he could find that elusive happiness once more.

Looking the Headmaster directly in the eyes, he said brusquely, "I can give you one year. No more, no less."

Albus breathed a sigh of relief and hid a small smile. "That's all I was asking for, my dear boy. That's all I hoped for."

Well, please let me know what you think. Any feedback is appreciated!