Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: Sorry for the wait! =)

"I'm sorry Headmaster, I must not have heard you correctly," Snape said flatly. He stared at Dumbledore, who was sitting behind his desk. The day had been going so well. Umbridge was in prison, he and Harry had had a good discussion about trusting each other and not hiding injuries but now the Headmaster had dropped this bombshell.

"Oh, I doubt that Severus," Dumbledore said cheerfully. "But I can repeat what I said if you would like. Remus Lupin is set to return to the Defence position."

"Now Severus, this is good news," Minerva spoke up from the chair she sat in. "The students will be thrilled."

"Yes, the students happiness is always a concern of mine," Snape said sarcastically. He stalked to the other side of the room, glaring at the wall.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I know that Harry's happiness is a concern of yours," He said mildly.

Snape began pacing in the middle of Dumbledore's office. "And what of the parents who will not be happy about this announcement? You recall the outrage last time I trust?"

"Yes, I do," Dumbledore said pointedly.

Snape looked away for a moment as he remembered that he was the one who had let it accidently slip that Lupin was a werewolf.

"As for any parents who express concern, I will write to them myself. I am sure once they hear that the Ministry approves, it will help ease some concerns." Dumbledore said confidently.

"It is surprising that the Ministry is giving support in favor of Remus," Minerva said thoughtfully. Suddenly a knowing look came over her face. "I suppose Fudge is eager to make amends?"

Dumbledore smiled. "He has been most accommodating. He is even having Kingsley Shacklebolt train more Aurors."

"Good," Minerva said. "He should be happy he is still has a job after sending that woman here."

Snape nodded in agreement.

"Oh he is not happy although he is trying to put on a pleasant act," Dumbledore chuckled. "We will see how long it lasts. At any rate, at least we will now have a knowledgeable Defence teacher."

Snape crossed his arms, though he had to grudgingly admit that was true. The only other knowledgeable Defence teacher they had had was Moody, though the man was completely insane. At least Lupin was mostly levelheaded. "Fine. When does the wolf arrive?"

Dumbledore gave the potions master a slightly admonishing look. "Remus is already here, as is Sirius. They both wanted to see Harry."

Snape sighed with irritation and turned to go but Dumbledore's next words stopped him.

"Oh, did I mention that during the times Remus is indisposed that Sirius will take over his classes?"

Snape gritted his teeth and slammed the door shut behind him.

HP

Harry was reading his Transfiguration textbook when he heard a knock on the door. Thinking it was his friends visiting him now that dinner was over, he quickly got up to answer it.

"Pup!"

"Sirius! Remus!" Harry said in surprise.

Sirius rushed forward and grabbed Harry into a tight hug. "Are you alright? I can't believe what that woman was doing to you!"

"You saw the article?" Harry asked after Sirius released him. He was soon pulled into another hug by Remus.

"Yes," Remus said. "Although the Headmaster also spoke to us in person about what has been happening."

"Harry, why didn't you tell me when I visited you what was going on?" Sirius demanded. He looked hurt. "I would have helped you. I know you must not be comfortable confiding in Snape but-"

"No, that wasn't it," Harry protested.

"Oh really?" Sirius looked unconvinced.

Remus gave Sirius a look of rebuke. "Sirius, Albus told us why Harry didn't tell anyone. He thought he was protecting their jobs."

"Moony, he was being tortured! And he didn't feel safe to tell his so called parent," Sirius spat out the last word. "He deserves better."

"And I have it," Harry said firmly. "Snape is a great dad to me. You should know that by now."

"He does," Remus gave Sirius an irritated look. "You know Padfoot, he likes to be difficult."

Harry broke into a grin at the offended look on Sirius's face.

Sirius couldn't help but grin back at his godson's face. He loved the kid, he really did. He knew he had to do right by Harry and put his own feelings aside. It was a difficult thing to do; there was just too much history with Snape for him to ever consider liking the guy. He knew Harry was loyal and stubborn, traits from both of his parents. If Harry had been made to believe that Snape's job was in jeopardy, then Sirius had no doubt that Harry would keep quiet no matter how much he was suffering. He had to let go of the dream that Harry would come live with him. Harry had found family with Snape and there was nothing Sirius could do about it. He had been deluding himself these past few weeks, thinking he could get custody of Harry.

Suddenly the door opened and Snape stalked in, muttering to himself. He stopped when he saw Sirius and Remus in his quarters. His eyes narrowed. "Ah, how nice of you two to drop by uninvited."

"We wanted to see Harry after hearing about Umbridge," Remus offered. "To see with our own eyes that he is really okay after being tortured by that cow."

"We refer to her as a toad, actually," Snape walked over to Harry. "Why are you standing when you should be resting?" He chided lightly.

"I'm fine," Harry sighed but obediently sat on the sofa. He grinned up at his dad. "Better?"

"Less cheeky would be better," Snape retorted before turning to his guests. "So, you've seen he is fine. Thank you for visiting."

"Do you have to always be so difficult?" Sirius asked in frustration.

"We'll leave Severus, we know that Harry needs his rest," Remus said calmly. He smiled at Harry. "I need to get my office in order anyway."

"Your office?" Harry asked curiously.

"I've been asked to take over the Defence position," Remus said happily.

Harry shot back to his feet. "You're coming back to teach? Are you serious?"

"No, I'm Sirius," Sirius quipped.

Harry rolled his eyes but his eyes were shining. "This is great, finally a good professor! Congratulations Remus."

"Thank you Harry, I'm pretty happy about it," Remus said. "And during the times of the full moon, Sirius will fill in for me."

"Brilliant!" Harry said excitedly. His gaze landed on Snape and his smile faltered a bit. "Um…"

"I already have been informed about it," Snape said in a bored voice. "It is fine Harry."

Harry relaxed. He rubbed his hands together. "This is so great. Wait until the D.A. hears…" He trailed off. "I guess we don't need the D.A. anymore," He shrugged.

"What is the D.A.?" Sirius asked.

"Dad and I came up with it," Harry said proudly. "A group of us started learning Defence on our own since Umbridge was useless in teaching it. Dumbledore's Army shortened to the D.A. Umbridge never knew about it."

"That's brilliant pup, worthy of a Marauder," Sirius said approvingly.

Snape snorted. "Except that he wasn't reckless about it. It was well thought out and Harry did the teaching."

"Really?" Remus looked impressed. "I may enlist in your teaching services for my classes." He patted Harry on his shoulder. "I'm proud of you Harry." He glanced at Sirius. "We should go."

"Wait," Sirius said uncomfortably. "I need to tell you guys something."

"What is it?" Snape asked impatiently.

Sirius cleared his throat. "A few weeks ago I was summoned to a meeting with Fudge. He wanted to talk to me."

"What about?" Harry asked.

"Well," Sirius rubbed the back of his neck. "He wanted to offer his help in getting me custody of Harry."

"What?!" Snape snapped.

"Why are you only mentioning this now?" Remus demanded.

"He can't do that, can he?" Harry asked in alarm. "Fudge can't override the adoption can he?"

"No," Snape answered firmly, his dark eyes glaring at Sirius. "A fact I'm sure even the mutt knows."

"You didn't take him seriously did you?" Remus asked.

"Well, no," Sirius said. "Not at first anyway," He amended.

"Explain Black!" Snape glared.

Sirius sighed. "I told Fudge no, but he made the argument that Harry was supposed to be with me, that that is what James and Lily wanted. He said that since I was recovering from being in Azkaban, I didn't have a fair chance to be a guardian to Harry. And then when I visited here and saw that Harry was having trouble and seemed so unhappy…" He trailed off.

"Naturally you assumed it was because I am such a terrible father," Snape said sarcastically.

"Well, it's not like it would surprise anyone," Sirius shot back. He caught sight of Harry's upset expression and grimaced apologetically. "I admit I got carried away with the idea but now I know Fudge was doing all he could to sidetrack everyone about Voldemort trying to return."

"Figure that out all on your own did you?" Snape sneered.

"Actually, the Headmaster explained everything to us," Remus interjected.

Snape gave Sirius a smirk. "Of course."

Sirius took a deep breath, reminding himself that punching Snivellus's lights out would not endear himself to his godson. "I'm trying to apologize."

Harry stepped forward and gave Sirius a small smile. "It's okay, it's just…" He hesitated. "I'm really happy with how things are. I just need you to understand that."

Sirius nodded. "I know pup." He put his arm around Harry and hugged him to his side. "I'd never do anything to hurt you, you know that right?"

"Yeah, I know," Harry said.

"As…sweet as this conversation is," Snape cut in. "Harry does need to rest as well as catch up on some homework."

Harry frowned. He had slacked off a bit in his classes the last few days, too troubled to be able to concentrate. "I did let a few things slide." He admitted.

"Yes, but I asked one of your friends to come by and help you," Snape said.

Harry brightened. "Daphne?" He asked hopefully.

"I suppose that would have been nice of me but I want you to actually get some work done," Snape smirked. "Draco will be coming by shortly."

Remus and Sirius chuckled at the disappointed look on Harry's face. "We'll see you later Harry." Remus said, patting him on the shoulder.

Harry hugged Remus and Sirius goodbye and then dropped back down onto the sofa. "I can't believe Fudge tried to get Sirius to overturn my adoption."

"Fudge is a fool and he is desperate." Snape said. "He is inept at his job and it is finally starting to show. He can't let himself even fathom the idea the Voldemort will return because he doesn't know how he will handle it. Trying to distract us is all he can think to do." He stood in front of Harry, a serious look on his face. "If anyone tried to overturn the adoption, which will never happen by the way, you know I would fight for you correct?"

Harry met his dad's dark eyes, full of sincerity and nodded. "I know," He said simply.

Snape nodded. "Now, Draco should be here soon so get your assignments that you are most behind on."

Harry's face fell. "Aren't I supposed to be resting?" He asked innocently.

"Which is why you may rest on the sofa while you study, instead of sitting properly in a chair," Snape replied, raising an eyebrow. He smirked to himself. "However, if you are still not feeling well, perhaps you shouldn't return to Quidditch anytime soon-"

"No, but I feel completely fine!" Harry burst out. He saw the satisfied look on his dad's face and glared. "Stop being sneaky like that."

"Cunning," Snape corrected him.

Harry rolled his eyes as he went to get his school books from his room.

HP

"So what are you most behind in?" Draco asked as sat next to Harry on the sofa. He'd been happy to drop by and help his friend out. Everyone was still upset about what had happened to Harry and he was glad for the excuse to check on his friend.

"History of Magic," Harry answered, pulling out his history book. "The essay on Giant Wars is due in a couple of days."

"How far have you gotten?"

Harry held up a blank sheet of parchment.

"You haven't started it at all?" Draco shook his head. "Okay, what else?"

"I'm almost done with my Potion's essay and I did do some studying for the Transfiguration quiz coming up but I haven't done the essay on Jupiter's moons for Astronomy yet. It's not due until Friday though," Harry said as he tapped his quill against his Astronomy book.

Draco ran his hand over his face. "Merlin, Harry. Both the history and astronomy essays are long. The Astronomy one is especially complex. I'm still working on the Jupiter's Moons and I started it days ago. Have you at least done the reading for the classes?"

"Yeah, most of it," Harry said. "I did take some notes on the chapters for the Giant Wars essay," He suddenly remembered, rummaging through his bag to find his notes.

"Well, that's something," Draco muttered. "Start on that essay for now. I'm going to start an outline for Astronomy for you that you can use as a guide."

Once Draco had sketched out an outline, he helped Harry with the history essay. After seeing the sloppy notes Harry had taken, he showed him a better system for note taking.

Harry laughed. "Hermione takes notes like that."

"Yeah, I know," Draco grinned. "She showed me and I had thought I already took good notes."

"You two spend a lot of time together," Harry commented as he began a new paragraph.

Draco cleared his throat. "I guess we do." He was silent for a moment as Harry wrote. "How did you ask Daphne to be your girlfriend?" He blurted out.

Harry looked up. "Um, well I hadn't planned on asking her during the train ride but it just came out. I'd wanted to ask her for awhile…wait. Why?" His eyes widened. "Oh, you and Hermione. Are you going to ask her?"

"I want to," Draco admitted. "I think she's pretty amazing. But I'm nervous that she might not feel the same way and then there's Ron…" He trailed off.

"Ron's been spending time with Lavender," Harry said, leaning back. "I think, well, I think he liked her but honestly, they do argue a lot. I don't know. Maybe he thought about something happening between them but now he has Lavender and Hermione has you. I don't think you have to worry about her not feeling the same way," He said honestly.

Draco sighed. "I guess I'll have to think it over some more," He murmured. "I was a little worried of upsetting the group, you know? Now, in the past I wouldn't have cared but since you became my friend…" He made a face.

"Aw, Draco has a heart," Harry teased.

Draco pretended he was going to hit Harry over the head with one of his textbooks. "Get back to work Potter."

Harry snickered. "Sure thing, Professor Malfoy."

Draco shuddered. "Ugh, who in their right mind would want to be a professor and deal with annoying kids all day? Annoying kids except myself, of course."

"A question I ask myself on a daily basis, Mr. Malfoy."

Harry and Draco stared at Snape who was looking at them evenly. "I trust the study session is going well?" He peered at his son's work, nodding approvingly at the redone notes. He could have helped Harry catch up on his homework himself but figured seeing one of his friends would be more fun for him. He had decided Malfoy or Granger would be best to ensure that some work actually did get done as he didn't want his son to fall behind.

"Harry has got a good start on his history essay and we've got an outline for his Astronomy essay started." Draco answered promptly. "He's pretty much caught up with his other subjects, though he still has your essay to finish Sir." He grinned at the irritated look Harry shot at him.

"I'm almost done with it," Harry protested.

"Continue with your work," Snape said. "Harry, we can go over your potion's essay later. I suppose I can give you a day's extension on it as it is due tomorrow."

"I'll get it done," Harry said, returning to essay. "I only have to do the conclusion. An extension on these two subjects however," He grinned hopefully.

Snape crossed his arms. "When is your Astronomy essay due?"

"Friday."

"You have plenty of time to finish that one," Snape said dismissively.

Harry's face fell while Draco hid a laugh. "The history one is due Tuesday." He said with a sigh. He was surprised at his dad's response.

"Perhaps I can speak to Professor Binns and ask that you have until Friday," Snape said finally.

Harry's face lit up. "Really? You'll get me an extension? Thanks Dad."

Snape pointed at him. "Don't get used to it."

"I won't," Harry promised.

Snape cast a tempus. "Finish this hour and then stop for the evening," He said.

"Yeah, okay," Harry said easily as Draco nodded. They settled back into their work and Harry smiled to himself, feeling the most content than he had in a long time. No more Umbridge, he was back on good terms with his friends and his dad and Remus and Sirius would be around more. Things were finally looking up.

TBC: