A/N- Hey guys. I am so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so SORRY for leaving it that long in between chapters. I am so sorry. I had exams and the school production is in three weeks so I've been busy rehearsing for that. I am doing to post Chapter 4 almost immediately after this one… I know it won't make it up to you…. But it's the best I can do.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS. The names of these characters were made for fictional purposes and if they show any resemblance to any person, living or dead, it purely by coincidence.

CHAPTER 3- Returning to Hogwarts

They made their way through the doors of the castle. They were amazed, not only that they were back here, but at how Filch and Professor McGonagall had fixed it up. They walked into the Great Hall and took their places at the Gryffindor Table.

At the front of the hall, the staff table was filled with the following teachers:

Care of Magical Creatures- Rubeus Hagrid

Potions- Horace Slughorn

Arithmancy - Septima Vector

Divination- Sybil Trelawney

Quidditch/ Flying- Madam Hooch

An unknown teacher

Headmistress and Transfiguration Teacher- Minerva McGonagall

Herbology- Pomona Sprout

Ancient Runes - Bathsheda Babbling

History of Magic- Cuthbert Binns

Charms- Filius Flitwick and

Astronomy- Aurora Sinistra

Harry wondered who the new teacher was. He knew they were for Muggle Studies or Defence Against the Dark Arts. Harry's thoughts were interrupted as Professor McGonagall stood up, signaling for the students to be quite and to take their seats.

"Good evening students. I would like to welcome you all back, and for those who are joining our great school, I hope you find the castle warm and inviting. As always, there are some messages. No student is allowed in the Dark Forrest, on the edge of the grounds. This year we are joined by Professor Cornelius Van Rosenburge. He will be taking Muggle Studies. Some of you may have noticed we are one teacher short. We had Professor Vladimir Stookê lined up to take Defence Against the Dark Arts, however, he has fallen ill, and cannot take over until next term. We are currently looking for a replacement."

It was at this moment, that Harry noticed Professor McGonagall looking straight at him. He couldn't work out if it was pure coincidence or something more.

"Well, you had best have your dinner, and off to bed." As the headmistress said this, food magically appeared upon the tables. Ron as always grabbed his plate and filled it to the brim. Hermione filled her plate and so did Ginny, just not quite as full as Ron's. Harry picked up his plate, and placed some chicken and salad on his plate.

Harry hadn't really noticed before, but he felt alone. Yes, he had Ron, Hermione and Ginny, but none of his old friends. Like Neville or Seamus. Remembering Luna, he turned to look at the Ravenclaw table and sure enough, there she was. However she was to repeat her sixth year, as she had missed out on the majority of last year.

After everyone had eaten, the food disappeared and everyone made their way up to bed. Harry was stopped by Colin Creevy, just as he reached the Gryffindor common room.

"Hello Harry!" He greeted.

"Hi Colin, How are you?" Harry asked.

"Well thanks. Um…. Professor McGongall asked me to tell you, that she wants to see you in her office and that she loves cats."

"Thanks Colin." Harry paused, thinking about that.

"Wonder what she wants?" Ginny asked. Harry kissed Ginny, and told he'd tell her everything upon his return.

Harry walked up the corridor leading to Dumbledore's old office.

"Cats," He said as he approached the door. The gargoyle spun and he stepped up on the step. At last, he reached the door.

"Come in Potter." McGonagall said. Harry opened the door and walked in. Harry felt a surge of rage as he saw her where Dumbledore should have been.

"How are you?" She said.

"Fine thank you Professor, I don't think that's why called me though…" Harry replied.

"Correct. I wanted to offer you a job. As you heard at feast, we are short of a teacher. And who better to teach that subject than you? It would only be for 8 weeks and we would pay you. You would be assessed on how well you teach." The Professor explained.

"Couldn't you get anyone else? I mean… Ginny and I are together, and if I'm her teacher, we couldn't…"

"Oh, Yes, I suppose you are right. Well, you go and talk it over with Miss Weasley and get back to me as soon as possible."

Harry left and entered the Common Room. Ginny was sitting on the couch by the fire reading a book.

"Hey, how'd it go?" She asked. Her face lit up as she saw him. He kissed on the cheek before replying.

"Well, she offered me the DADA post. But I'm not going to take it."

"Why on earth not?"

"Because if I'm your teacher, we can't be together. And we both said we never wanted that to happen again." Harry was deeply saddened by the fact that he couldn't take the post, but nothing meant more to him then Ginny.

"Harry, I'll wait."

"No, I'm not making you do that again!"

"No, you have to. We need a teacher. And you are the best there is. I'll wait, I promise."

"No, Ginny. I can't. Nothing is more important to me, than you."

"Please, Harry. I want you to." Ginny was desperate. She knew they would never find another teacher, and who better than Harry Potter.

"Ginny, only if it's what you want…" Harry didn't want to have to wait 8 whole entire weeks to be with girl he loved. They wouldn't even be able to go out for her birthday.

"Yes, Harry James Potter! You will take this job! I absolutely insist!"

"Ok…." Harry leaned in and gave Ginny a long strong passionate kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too," Ginny replied.

Harry left soon after to tell Professor McGonagall that he would accept the post. He was required to show up for each class, and would only be required to take the classes that didn't clash.

A/N- If you all hate me for breaking them up, I understand but I guarantee you they do get back together…

Please Review… even if it's only to tell me how horrible I am for no updating sooner…. Please please please!

And if you are reading this, it probably means you are one of the few faithful readers who I love so much. Thanks so much guys…

Lily xoxo