Severus led Katrina through the halls of Hogwarts and to the Headmaster's office. An owl had arrived during their breakfast with a request from the Headmaster that they both join him for lunch. It was a month before the start of the school year and Severus found the emptiness of the halls to be rather eerie.
The gargoyle moved out of their way without a password. During the summer, no passwords were needed outside of the teacher's personal quarters. They walked up the moving staircase side by side, Katrina's hand nervously clutching his.
He wasn't quite sure what the Headmaster wanted to talk to them about, nor did he bother considering it. After all, he knew they would find out soon enough.
The door at the top of the stairs was open and they both entered without hesitation. "Ah, Severus, Katrina, good morning to you both."
"You wished to see us, Headmaster?" Severus asked, taking immediate note of the small table which was set for lunch for three.
Katrina sniffed at his side, "Ignore him, Albus. It's good of you to invite us to lunch," she said brightly.
Severus glared at her for a moment before turning to watch Albus making his way to the table. He glanced at the old man's cursed hand and was gratified to see that the damage didn't seem to have spread.
"Well, Katrina" Albus began, seating himself and gesturing them to join him, "we haven't really had an opportunity to speak." He glanced at Severus and then at Katrina, "How are you feeling, my dear? You look quite radiant."
Severus saw her blush slightly before responding and he silently agreed that Albus was right, she was practically glowing.
"I'm doing very well, Albus. Severus brewed me something to control the morning sickness." She stopped as the food appeared on the table. "Oh, this looks fantastic, Albus."
He only smiled in response, gesturing that they should help themselves.
Severus silently helped himself to a portion of shepherd's pie. He wanted to know why Dumbledore had called both of them to his office, but he knew there was no rushing the older wizard. As frustrating as it was, Dumbledore would get around to his purpose in his own time.
"Severus, how is your daughter's tutoring coming along?"
Chewing and swallowing the mouthful of food he had just taken, Severus replied, "She is currently working on the fourth year curriculum in all of her subjects except for Charms. Professor Flitwick is becoming increasingly frustrated with her difficulty in his subject. Also, while her knowledge of the practical aspects of these lessons is comparable to that of a fourth year student, her knowledge of the theoretical is lacking. There is only so much reading she can be assigned in these subjects. And of course, there are those subjects in which she is barely versed. Learning about certain plants which have appeared in potions thus far is fine, but she is sorely lacking in herbology beyond that."
Dumbledore seemed to consider what he had been told, "Severus, do you think she will be able to attend Hogwarts in a month?"
Sighing, Severus nodded, "She will need further tuition outside of regular lessons. I do believe, though, that she will be on par with her peers in Potions, Transfigurations, Defense, and Arithmancy."
"Indeed, Minerva has been very excited with her progress in Transfigurations. She has even said that Maggie may well be beyond her peers when the year begins," Albus said with a smile. "I will contact the Ministry and request a proctor to administer the O.W.Ls to her in three weeks. I will explain that she is a transfer student. She will need to return to Hogwarts a week before the other students to have time to take all of her exams."
"I will inform her of that and work to prepare her for them," Severus assured the Headmaster.
"This brings me to the other reason I asked you both here today," Albus said, wiping his mouth on a napkin and setting it beside his plate. "Katrina, I would like to know if you are interested in continuing to teach Muggle Studies. Our Introduction to Muggle Studies teacher has expressed his desire to retire. It would mean living and working in the castle."
Katrina smiled brightly, "I would like that very much, Albus." Her smile faded slightly, "But what about my pregnancy? They are due in March…"
"I'm sure that we can make some arrangements to cover for your absence," Albus assured her. "Regarding the pregnancy, though," he began glancing at Severus now, "I believe it would be wise if you made it publicly known that Severus is the father." Before Severus could raise his objections to this, Albus was continuing, "There will be those students who already know. I doubt that Voldemort will keep your forced bond a secret from his other followers."
"And her living quarters, Albus?" Severus asked, glancing between his mentor and his wife. To be honest with himself, he would prefer that his wife live in his quarters, but the choice was not his alone.
"There are empty quarters directly above your own, Severus. With a bit of alteration, the two can be connected. That way, they will be large enough for your growing family."
"I think that sounds absolutely perfect," Katrina said brightly, a broad grin on her face. "What do you think, Sev?"
"Hm, it should be acceptable." Silently, he decided that it was more than acceptable, but he wouldn't voice that in front of Dumbledore. There was no need for the old man to become even more full of himself.
"Splendid! Now, Severus, I have decided that you will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year."
Severus' fork clattered to the table as his mouth dropped open in wordless shock. He felt stunned and rather badly betrayed. Contrary to popular belief among the students, he didn't truly desire the DADA position. Instead, he had been told he should request it year after year by the Dark Lord. Apparently, his 'master' had decided that the point at which Dumbledore actually gave it to him would be a demonstration of the Headmaster's absolute trust. No, Severus was more than content with his Potions. He was also well aware of the curse placed upon that position. "Albus?"
"Now, Severus, you will accept the position. I have already found a replacement for Potions." Albus' voice and countenance were as serious as Severus had ever seen them.
"Who?" Severus growled.
"Horace Slughorn," Albus replied, his tone still very serious.
Severus didn't respond as he couldn't find anything negative about his old Head of House.
Suddenly, the Headmaster was smiling brightly again as he turned to Katrina, "Poppy tells me you are late for your monthly check-up. I told her I would send you down to her after we had lunch."
"Ok," Katrina said softly as she rose to her feet. "Sev, you coming?"
"I need to discuss my lesson plans with Albus," he responded gently. "I will meet you down there shortly."
She gave him a small smile before she leaned down and kissed him. Straightening up, she smiled at Albus, "Thank you for lunch."
"It was my pleasure," he responded, his eyes twinkling at her.
She turned and left, leaving the two men alone. Severus waited until the door had closed solidly behind her before he swiftly stood and towered over his mentor. "What is the meaning of this, Albus! Are you honestly trying to get rid of me?"
"Calm down, Severus," Albus said, rising from his own chair. "You are the one who told me what you suspect Draco Malfoy has been instructed to do, and I agree that it's quite plausible. You told me of your vow to assist Draco in any way possible." Albus raised a hand to stave off Severus' immediate argument, "And yes, I am aware that your vow came well before you suspected the nature of his task. That doesn't negate the fact that, within a year, you will probably need to leave the school in one manner or another." Albus paused and moved to sit behind his desk. "Have you told Katrina any of this yet?"
"No, nor do I intend to," Severus said adamantly. "She has enough to concern herself with between Maggie and the pregnancy. She doesn't need the additional burden."
"And if it should be necessary for you to take action…?"
"I am making provisions in case of such an event," Severus responded. "Both Katrina and Maggie will be taken care of."
Albus nodded, "Speaking of Katrina, you should probably join her in the infirmary now."
Severus gave a small nod and began leaving the office. He hesitated at the door before turning to give another glance at his mentor and friend, "Thank you for lunch, Albus."
"My pleasure, my boy."