Chapter Eight- Welcoming Surprises
The train pulled into the station and Harry, Neville, and Luna exited their compartment in their uniforms and onto the platform before trudging up the path to the carriages, joining Ron and Hermione along the way. Entry into the castle took a little longer than usual as Filch was using Secrecy Sensors to check people for Dark, forbidden, or dangerous objects. Harry saw him confiscate a shrunken head from Goyle. Once he was past Filch and in the Great Hall, students from almost every House greeted him and some came up to either scratch his ears or stroke his hair. His tail wagged with pleasure and he heard a couple of girls giggle whenever his tail moved. He soaked up the attention and felt quite content.
"Take your seats, the Sorting will soon start," McGonagall scolded, though that didn't stop her from scratching an ear.
The Sorting did indeed begin soon afterwards and Dumbledore simply opening the feast, the announcements to be held afterwards. Harry looked forward to that as Snape had hinted of a second surprise before he boarded the train and that it would be revealed at the feast. His anticipation, however, did not overshadow the wonderful food or keep him from chatting with his house mates. At long last, the food melted away from the plates and Dumbledore stood which brought silence to the Hall.
"I welcome our new students to Hogwarts and welcome back our old ones. All of you will have noticed our increased security and I assure you that this is to make sure that all of you are safe while attending school.
"We have some staffing changes to take note of. I would like you all to welcome Professor Slughorn who has consented to resume his post as Potions Master."
Potions? Harry thought. But if Slughorn's teaching Potions, then that must mean…
"Meanwhile, Professor Snape will assume the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Slytherin table burst into cheers and applause and Harry couldn't help grinning at that. Severus was teaching his most desired post and he, Harry, would be attending his classes! This was the big surprise he hinted at. Brilliant!
"Now, those wishing to try out for their House's Quidditch team must submit their names with their Head of House and those wishing to audition for Quidditch commenter…"
Harry was almost to the Great Hall's doors when he heard Snape call out, "Potter, a word." The black and silver fox stopped and turned as Snape came up beside him. "My office, Potter." He guided the teenager out into the Entrance hall and down the stairs to his office. Once the door was closed, Severus dropped his Glamour, took Harry in his arms, and kissed him. Harry returned the gesture happily and when they parted, Severus said, "Dumbledore has granted me permission to have you sleep with me this year."
Harry's eyes lit up at this, but then the light faded. "Severus that will attract attention."
"Yes. It may be time to tell your House about us and my being a fox as long as they swear not to spread it around."
Harry stepped away. "I think I'll do that now."
"Go ahead. Your trunk has already been placed in our room."
Harry headed out and Severus entered their room, taking fox form as he did so. He planned to snuggle his mate while they slept.
Harry bounded up the stairs with glee and apprehension. For several months, he and Snape had kept their relationship secret; only Dumbledore, Hermione, Ron, Sirius, and the Weasley family knew about it. Now, he was about to tell all of Gryffindor about it, except the part of Snape being a fox perhaps. Although Severus did say I could tell them as they might wonder why Severus would let me choose him as a mate when it was common knowledge that we hated each other. Yeah, I think I will tell them that Severus is a fox.
He spoke the password and it swung forward. He climbed in and saw his friends. He went to them and said, "Could you get all the Gryffindors down here? I've got a big announcement."
"What about?" Hermione asked.
"It's about Severus and me."
"Oh," Hermione said softly. "Okay, Harry, we'll gather everyone."
Hermione was true to her word; within ten minutes, every Gryffindor was in the common room. He cleared his throat and all eyes were on him. "Hi. I know what I'm about to say seems strange, but please hear me out. A year ago when I found out I was a fox, I discovered that Professor Snape is one too. He took to teaching me how to use fox magic. Then, after Halloween, during a lesson, we realized that we…love each other. It's more intense on my side as fifteen is when a fox seeks a mate and their need to be with him or her is equally intense. Professor Dumbledore knows about our relationship and has granted permission to room together."
The whole of Gryffindor House stared at Harry as he finished his announcement. "Really?" Seamus said. "You and Snape are mates and will be sleeping together this year?"
Harry nodded. "And possibly next year too. Now, remember. You all promised not to spread it around school. If you have to discuss it, please do so here." He saw still stunned nods and grinned. "Thanks, everyone. See you in the morning." He left Gryffindor Tower and headed down to Snape's office, closing the door. "Severus?" he called.
"I'm in bed, Harry. Come in and take your fox form. I'm in the mood to snuggle," came Severus' telepathic voice.
Harry grinned as he changed into a fox and trotted into the bedroom to find a red and black fox lying in the bed with a fox's grin on his face. Harry leaped into bed and Severus took Harry in his forelegs, forcing Harry onto his side. Severus buried his cheek in Harry's fur as he snuggled Harry.
"How did they take it?" Snape asked.
"Reasonably well, considering I told them that you're a fox and that we're mates. They promise not to speak of it except in Gryffindor Tower. Severus…I'm happy you're teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"I am, too. Trust me, your classes will become a bit more demanding."
"Of course I trust you and I look forward to the new challenges." Harry yawned and his eyes slid shut. It had been a day full of surprises and he couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.
