BlueWater5: Thank you! I hope to further capture these issues throughout the story.

PearlM21: Yeah, Severus' journey will always be a difficult one. He doubts himself every day. I definitely wanted the aspect of public condemnation to be a significant factor because I find it to be a realistic issue. You'll get more about this actually, in later chapters. I really find Severus' inner turmoil quite interesting (and rather sad), and it's going to be quite a significant feature of this story. Harry's too, of course, but Severus has a lot more to overcome. As of Draco, well, you'll get more a little later. Teddy, however, is getting more fun to write as the chapters go on, and I have so many adorable scenes planned with him. He's a little gem.

Zeugma412: Severus has a lot of conflicting feelings/thoughts in regard to Hogwarts. It would never be an easy decision for him.

Witherwings1972: So glad to see you here to read its sequel! I hope you enjoy this one.

PadmeG: Thank you!

Authors notes: This chapter is a little shorter, but you'll get your first little introduction to Dawn! Hope you enjoy this one!

"Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn't you — all of the expectations, all of the beliefs — and becoming who you are."

– Rachel Naomi Remen

CHAPTER 4: Home Again

January 28th, 2002

[Harry Potter]

Sweat poured from Harry's temple, as he awoke with a startling jolt. It took him a few moments to realize that he had fallen asleep on the couch, with his half-read textbook crumpled in a heap on the floor.

The house itself was quiet, as Ginny had already departed to pay her parents a visit and Teddy was with Andromeda. He had the place to himself which to him, was both a relief, yet worrying for his clouded mind.

His dream had jolted him awake the moment the giant Basilisk lunged at him, jaws widened, about to swallow him whole. It was the time he ventured into the Chamber of Secrets by himself in Second year to rescue Ginny. At the time he had no idea that the diary he had destroyed, was unknowing, one of Tom Riddle's Horcrux'. The diary that had seemingly taken its darkened hold on Ginny, possessing, and controlling her every move like a cursed puppet.

At times, Ginny would dream about the things she couldn't control, thanks to their now long-dead enemy. The slaughtering of the chickens and writing on the school walls with their blood that year. The controlled passing of information through the dark diary. Her forceful compliance to bow unwillingly at his every command. Occasionally she too would have nightmares of her experiences and they had always bothered her since. But she was strong and resilient as opposed to Harry himself usually becoming a crumbling mess. He had always admired her courage and strength to be the most emotionally fortified out of the pair. One of them had to be within their right mind and it was certainly not going to be Harry.

Since the War's end, although he knew the dark soul that had resided with his own was now vanquished, at times he could feel its phantom presence hovering over his own like a dark cloud. He knew the Horcrux within him was destroyed and will never again return, but the idea of his own soul permanently tainted and muddied by the presence of the other, constantly sent shivers down his spine. It was almost like his own soul would never be pure or truly his own again. It was once touched and grappled by darkness, and he could never shake that feeling as hard as he tried to push it away. It was like a cursed stain he could never remove and that constantly made him feel sick to his stomach.

Harry leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, rubbing the tiredness from his eyes. Each dream – each nightmare – tore him away from a well-rested sleep. And each day he would think of them regardless. All the things he wished he had done differently and all the people he failed to save and protect. It was difficult for him not to place blame on himself even now, but it came with the title of Chosen One, or The Boy Who Lived. He couldn't escape that sense of duty no matter how much he tried.

Survivor's guilt would forever cripple him and would always be his greatest burden to bear.

He knew his mission was over and Tom Riddle was finally defeated. But he felt, even with the public still eager to learn more, he was still carrying that sense of duty and influence several years later. He often had families approaching him in the middle of a shopping trip at Hogsmeade, thanking him for bringing their enemy down. He had young children who were told fantastical stories of a heroic Gryffindor, who simply wanted his autograph. He had older witches and wizards wanting to shake his hand as if he was some prophet or something of a healer. He had so much difficulty in dealing with the added fame post-War that it all became a little too much for him to tolerate.

Even now.

Harry retrieved the Animo Silentium elixir from his jacket pocket, being determined to carry it everywhere with him like a lifeline but taking a few deep breaths he decided against using it this time. He knew he had to be extra careful now and maybe be just had to learn to put up with it. Severus was strict in its usage for good reason and Harry needed to learn to use it when he really needed it, and not just out of habit and longing for a measure of quick emotional comfort.

Slowly rising from his chair to stretch his stiff muscles, he went to the bathroom to freshen himself up and settled into a new and more respectable change in clothes for this scheduled visit to Hogwarts that afternoon. As quickly as the snow cleared up much to his relief, Harry threw on his long navy coat and began the familiar journey to his old home.

He had several meetings on the agenda that day, including one with Headmistress McGonagall and his soon-to-be-mentor, Dawn Rheingold, Auror, and current Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Dawn was an intriguing woman – stern, yet patient. Blunt, yet understanding. Protective, yet empathetic. She had worked as an Auror for quite a number of years before accepting the post from McGonagall once the War had ended and the curse on the position had finally lifted. She was also the current Head of Gryffindor and had been a teacher at the Auror academy for a few years prior so her teaching experience sparked an interest in the School Board. Her methods were strict, yet fair, and took pride in making sure all of her students excelled along with her high standards. She really cared for their education and making sure they had the correct skills needed to pass and more. She was highly efficient and knowledgeable, and she was the perfect candidate for the job.

Harry was both excited and a little terrified to be taken under her wing in the upcoming school year, but he knew that she would be able to cultivate his own teaching skills and help him to gain confidence in teaching people he did not know. His experience with the amateur DA was a start, but hardly enough to fully qualify him. He had already spent two years prior studying to be a teacher, with the third year as a student-teacher. But all of his hard work during his studies was about to be tested, and now he would soon be putting his practical skills to use. Soon, he would no longer hand in his own theses and essays and will be eventually marking those of his students.

Oh, joy.

But really, he was truly excited about this new venture. He had convinced himself that studying to be an Auror would be far too much for him to handle and he did not feel emotionally equipped to be pursuing Dark Wizards all over again after his life used to be in constant peril. At first, being an Auror sounded appealing, and he even had the unwavering support from McGonagall. But since the War's end, it was the last thing he ever wanted to be. Especially after spending months after the Battle of Hogwarts rounding up rogue Death Eaters with the Order and the DA, stopping terrorist attacks, and protecting magical dwellings from dangerous onslaughts of Dark Wizards. The Clearwell Caves mission was the final straw to his own mortality, and he never wanted to endure that ever again. He had marveled at Ron for deciding to become an Auror even despite those dangers and he had far more courage and determination to do so than he did.

But Harry was content with settling into something a little more ordinary. Teaching the next generation new life skills and becoming more independent and confident in their abilities, was worthwhile enough for him. This was simply his way of passing it forward to the next generation at Hogwarts, in payment for all the mentors within his life.

Arriving at the stone bridge at the magical boundaries of Hogwarts, he made the familiar journey up to the entrance hall and through the giant oak doors at its helm. The Headmistress had offered for him to travel by the Floo Network directly to her office for a quicker journey, but he simply wanted to bask back into the beauty of the castle he had called home for seven years. It was quiet throughout the corridors as he silently made his way to the Headmistress' office in the main tower, and he knew the students had just begun their post-lunch class period. He passed a few late Hufflepuffs, who had stopped to watch Harry Potter stride through, almost dropping their armful of textbooks in surprise.

Reaching the familiar entrance to the office, he ushered the new password McGonagall had given him a few days prior and the moving spiral staircase guarded by a giant Griffin statue slowly commenced his ascent. Soon enough he stood at the office door and knocked several times before Headmistress McGonagall's' voice could be heard.

"Yes, Mr. Potter, you may enter."

Harry pushed the door open and wandered inside, seeing his old Professor seated at the desk with a white and fawn-colored quill in her hand. Harry smirked, "How did you know it was me?"

"I cleared my schedule to allow your booked time. I expected no other guests. Also, I have nosey portraits in my midst, " McGonagall's stern face soon etched itself into a welcoming smile, as she motioned for him to sit in the empty seat adjacent to her, "Have a seat."

Harry did what he was told and sat on the edge of the seat, feeling a little anxious to be there feeling multiple pairs of eyes from the portraits above staring at him from their charmed painted confines. It wasn't the mere return to Hogwarts that had him nervous, but the mere thought of no longer being a Hogwarts student. From September, he will be a part of the faculty and will be working directly under Minerva McGonagall herself. Gone were the days when he would look to her as his Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor. Now, they would soon be colleagues and that was indeed a strange thought to behold.

McGonagall clasped her hands together and folded them neatly on the desk in front of her, "I do have several things we must go over today, including some paperwork you are required to sign. Have you lodged your license application with the Department of Magical Education?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, I did. I have yet to receive the official certification for it, though."

The Headmistress waved her hand casually, "No matter. I will see to it that the Minister can get that approved and escalated right away. That is the least of our concerns and it would take a criminal to have such a license rejected. Have you met with Professor Rheingold yet?"

"In regard to the curriculum?" Harry shook his head, "No, but I was planning on seeing her afterwards, while I'm here."

"Good. By the time we finish here, you'll be able to catch her at the end of her class of Third Years, " McGonagall opened the drawer of the desk beside her and pulled out several inked parchments and placed them before Harry. "These are the remainder of the applications and clearances where I'll need you to sign here, and here. I'll whisk them to Kingsley right away."

Harry beamed as he borrowed the Headmistress' quill, and signed his name messily along the dotted line, "Brilliant. Saves me a trip and having to put up with more curious Ministry officials hounding me with personal questions."

"A welcome relief, then. However next time, tell them to mind their own business, " McGonagall smiled proudly, "I am delighted you'll be joining us soon…Professor Potter."

Harry's cheeks seemed to blush at his new title, "It does have a strange ring to it."

"You'll get used to it, " McGonagall retrieved the still drying inked parchments and set them aside, "You will be a wonderful addition to our staff, no doubt. Mr. Longbottom signed his papers last week. Proud is an understatement for you both and will be a great source of encouragement for our students in the years to come. I have ensured you both receive the correct support in light of your formal training."

"Thank you, Professor, " Harry nodded gratefully at his soon-to-be colleague until he glanced to his side and looked up beside him on the wall to find the empty portrait of Albus Dumbledore. He frowned.

"I had him running an errand, " McGonagall interjected quickly, "He hasn't stopped talking about you since I mentioned you'd be joining us." She paused when she noticed Harry's slightly withdrawn demeanour, " Harry – what is it?"

"Have you – " Harry had to pause for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. He needed to word this appropriately, " – When was the last time you spoke to Severus?"

Minerva studied the younger Gryffindor carefully until she removed her spectacles tiredly and placed them carefully on the desk. "I sent him a letter before Christmas, and he responded with it rather vaguely." She frowned as she retrieved a folded letter from her drawer and handed it to Harry.

Curiously, Harry carefully peeled it open and read the very few words contained in it.

Minerva,

I have been working tirelessly at St. Mungo's, with limited time to spare.

I will contact you again when I am able.

Regards, Severus S.

Harry gently cleared his throat and handed the letter back to the Headmistress, "…That's not true."

McGonagall looks slightly confused, as she held the letter within her aged hands, "How so?"

"For a while I was getting vague letters back, too. Much like that. Some of them were worded strangely and one had a few spelling errors with is unlike him at all, " Harry leaned back into his chair and drew in a deep breath, "So I decided to pay him a visit last week, which he wasn't overly happy about. Turns out he no longer works at St. Mungo's and haven't done so in over a year. He lost his job because of the book Rita Skeeter had published and it had caused a bit of an uproar at his workplace."

McGonagall's stern face had begun to border on furious at the mention of the infamous publicist she hated almost as much as Harry did, "That lying, intolerable, filthy – " The woman had stopped herself from proceeding with further expletives until she paused to take a deep breath against her fury. " - Yes, I remember the pair of us approaching her to withdraw the publication. Turns out riches are worth far more to her than the truth…Oh, Severus…He does not need this."

Harry nodded, feeling rather disheartened about it all, "He's not doing very well. He was very…erratic. Almost, well…depressed. I finally convinced him to visit mine just to get him out of the house and that's when he finally told me. He didn't want to bother either of us about it, so he kept it to himself."

He didn't want to tell her about the unkept appearance, the messy house, the accumulated dust, the lack of light, or the scent of stale firewhiskey. He didn't want to tell her that he tried to put on a brave face and pretend everything was okay when he most certainly knew that he wasn't. He didn't want to tell her that seeing him so defeated and sad, broke his heart. He didn't want to tell her the things he noticed, because he wanted McGonagall to make that assessment for herself. Harry wanted the woman to validate what he had seen, so he didn't feel like he was seeing things that weren't there. He needed the confirmation that what he had seen, was concerning at the very least.

They knew that either one of them was the only two people in his life who could get through to him because he would not care to listen to anyone else. If they could work on convincing him to return to Hogwarts, maybe they could redirect him into a less painfully isolated life. To resume teaching in a subject he was still passionate about and yet at least, he would be able to teach in his own approved curriculum. That alone had to be somewhat of a good drive for him, but the mere thought of stepping back onto those hallowed grounds frightened him immensely. As he mentioned to him once before, he was now so worried about what everyone now thought of him, that he was hesitant to face people again.

Deep down, Harry did understand that.

"It appears I might have to pay him a visit, myself, " McGonagall was deep in concern, "Did he elaborate on it?"

"Not quite. I just knew he seemed upset about it."

"Right. Perhaps I'll try convincing him again. Professor Slughorn had brought up the idea of retirement, but I could possibly make some adjustments to his schedule if, somehow, I can convince Severus to return to us."

Harry bit his lip, "I did bring that up with him and he got mad with me. I think, if anything, he is scared to return. You know, after the whole Dark Year thing."

McGonagall nodded in understanding, lowering her voice gently, "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Harry. You are as worried of him, as I am."

"Yeah. Leaving him alone kind of worries me. He refuses to see anyone and by the looks of it, he barely leaves his own home, " Harry swallowed thickly, "Hopefully he'll be able to listen to you, rather than myself, this time."

"Leave it to me, Harry – " McGonagall spoke firmly, " – I'll see what I can do. Merlin forbids, he's still as stubborn as ever. Now, go and see Professor Rheingold. I'll get this paperwork sent off and I'll owl you any updates that may arise."

Harry nodded gratefully as he stood up, "Thank you, Professor."

With a bid of farewell, Harry Potter exited the office and made his journey back down to the main corridors where he climbed the familiar staircases towards the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. The solitary walk enabled so many rampart thoughts within his mind about Severus as he continued forth and worry seeped deeply within his chest. He knew Severus was still struggling from a mental standpoint and Harry felt powerless to do anything. He vaguely recalled Ron and Hermione trying their best to comfort Harry in Fifth year, when all he could think about was Cedric senselessly slaughtered before his eyes. That pain carried with him even now, and he knew he was not an easy person to approach when his darkened thoughts took a tight hold on him. His pain was something he had to bear on his own and he knew very well how difficult that was to deal with. Severus felt alone with his thoughts and even though Harry very much understood, he had difficulty convincing the man that he felt the same, too.

Suddenly, he could hear a strong voice echoing through the corridor as he approached his destination, knowing full well that it was Professor Rheingold in teaching mode. Once he arrived, Harry leaned against the doorframe of the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, watching as Professor Rheingold moved swiftly around the room with her deep purple and silver robes sweeping about, flicking each slide on the board with her wand to various images enough to scare a child. Her voice was firm and absolute in her soft Welsh accent, yet there was a glee in her pale blue eyes which told him she was enjoying her role. She was youthful, except for the hardened lines in her constant stern frown as she addressed the class. Her gaze could definitely petrify someone.

Harry smiled in interest as he watched her interact with the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Third Years.

Professor Rheingold raised her chin, looking down at the students seated before her, "Now, what is the primary goal of the Boggart? Yes, Mr. Waters?"

A young Hufflepuff raised his hand eagerly, until Rheingold pointed to him, "To change into the thing that it thinks will scare us the most."

"Precisely, yes, well done. Five points to Hufflepuff. It thinks – The Boggart will assume the form that will enact the most fear within ourselves at that time. It can be a simple fear or a representation of one. That is to say, it may be one of many fears and as we grow and learn, our fears can change over time. Can anyone tell me what its true form is? Yes, Miss Leons?"

"No one knows what it really looks like."

Dawn smiled, almost mischievously, "Exactly. It is a mystery as to what its true form is because it can alter itself rather swiftly. Since we now know that a Boggart uses fear, how can we conquer it? Any guesses?"

" – Ask it out on a date?" A few students in the back of the class sniggered.

The Professor raised her eyebrow, looking amused, "Nice try. Keep guessing!"

" - Happiness?"

"Almost – what can make us happy?"

" - Laughter?"

"Well done – Five points to Ravenclaw! Laughter is the best way to combat a Boggart. And next lesson, I will be able to show you exactly how we can do that during our practical session. In the meantime, I'll set a little homework task for you. List several things that would make you laugh, and we'll incorporate that into the next lesson. Class dismissed! Stevens, stay behind, and for the love of Merlin, Miss Pierce, please do not leave your wand behind in my class again. Peeves almost stole it the other day."

"Sorry Professor!" The sheepish brunette clutched her wand tightly to her chest and raced out of the door in a flustered manner.

The porcelain-toned Professor with slightly rosy cheeks looked up at the appearance of her new guest. "Mr. Potter! Nice of you to drop by."

Harry gave a half-wave, "Hello Ms. Rheingold – I had a meeting with the Headmistress, and she told me to drop by to your class. I think we had a few things to go over before September. I know I'm a little early."

"Ah, yes. Are you able to drop by my office in twenty? One of my students requires my immediate assistance."

"Yeah, sure, that'll be great."

"Perfect – do excuse me!" The Professor turned to the last remaining student of the class and Harry took that chance to sidestep out of the classroom.

It felt strange to be interacting with her now since she had taught his Defence class in his Seventh year. Now that the student is training to be a teacher, their interactions will be vastly different now that they were soon to be colleagues.

Harry realized he had time to spare, so he decided to venture down to the grounds to pay Hagrid a well-needed visit. The last time he saw him was when the half-giant was adorned in a brown suit, complete with a red bowtie and his hair neatly presented, at his wedding. Madam Maxime had accompanied him to the event, and he was elated to see his old friend so happy. Hagrid was very much a part of his family.

Once he arrived at the hut at the base of the forest, he knocked at the large door several times until it swung open to reveal the Hogwarts groundskeeper himself.

Hagrid's eyes lit up in surprise, "'Arry! Blimey! What are ye doing 'ere?"

Waiting not a second longer, Harry was suddenly enveloped in a hug from the half-giant, feeling his own head buried amongst the man's furry coat which smelled a combination of pine and raw fish. He wrinkled his nose subtly as he pulled away, "I came to sign some papers with the Headmistress, and I'm supposed to meet with Professor Rheingold soon, so I thought I'd stop by for a quick visit."

"It's great to see ye! Quickly – come on in. I have the fireplace runnin', " Hagrid motioned for Harry to enter the hut and he did so without question.

Harry wandered over to the oversized chair at the kitchen table, whilst Hagrid took the adjacent spot. There was a plate of his favored rock cakes on the table, and he could only hope he can get away without having to risk eating one. He'd much rather have all his teeth intact. "So, how is everything?"

Leaning forward on the table, Hagrid smiled warmly underneath the mass of beard the man sported, "Oh, same ol', same ol'. I've been tending to the Bowtruckles in preparation for the next Care of Magical Creatures class. Oh, and Buckbeak says 'ello!"

Harry beamed, "Oh, brilliant! How's he settling in with the others?"

"He loves it. Took some time getting him to the Isle of Skye without being seen, but he seems to be alrigh' with the others. He's definitely glad to be with his own kind. I think he was getting agitated with the Thestrals, but as ye know that was a temporary measure."

"I'm glad he's safer now. You chose a great place for him."

"I miss the feathered ball o' fluff, but it was for the best. He's isolated and well-hidden away from Muggle eyes, " Hagrid said, "So, September, eh?"

Harry shrugged a little nervously, "Yeah, September. Can't believe it, honestly. It'll be strange coming back as an actual Professor now."

Hagrid clasped Harry gently on the shoulder, "You'll do fine, 'arry. Don't underestimate yourself. I know you can handle it."

"I hope so. Teaching the DA was one thing, but officially…I can't help but feel a little nervous, " Harry responded, wondering how on earth he was going to manage this new venture.

"You'll be alrigh'. You've got our support, and lots of it, I might add, " Hagrid said, encouragingly, "Everyone is excited to have ye on board. Even Sir Nicholas was happy about the news!"

Harry nodded, gratefully, "Thanks Hagrid. If I can just get over first-time jitters, then I'm sure it'll work out."

"Yer a natural teacher. I mean, if I can make it this far, you've got it handled, " The half-giant reassured with a chuckle, "So, how's Ron and 'ermione?"

"They are doing great, " Harry nodded, "They've both been busy, but Ginny and I will be meeting up with them next week. We have a lot to catch on."

Hagrid bowed his head, suddenly looking sad and undoubtedly a little nostalgic, "Blimey, you lot 'ave all grown up. I still remember picking yer up from the Dursley's tha' night."

Harry smiled warmly, remising his childhood which felt like ages ago now, "You took me to my first visit to Diagon Alley. I still remember that quite clearly, Hagrid. That meant a lot to me."

Hagrid's eyes began to water, looking like a proud uncle, "As do I, 'arry."

Fang, who was curled up by the fire, had suddenly perked up and nudged Harry's leg. The oversized dog happily wagged his tail, earning a few scratches behind the ear, "Hello Fang – It's been a while."

"He's been a good boy. Thinking about getting him a companion of sorts, " Hagrid said, "He's getting a little old and could do with the extra company when I'm out teachin'."

"I'm sure he'll love that – Just, no three-headed dogs, please, " Harry chuckled, " Let's keep the size-defying creatures to a minimum for now."

A tinge of color appeared on the half-giant's cheeks, "Yer, sorry 'bout that. Well, yer can't see me with a Pomeranian, do ye?"

Harry laughed, as an image of a tiny dog nestled in Hagrid's oversized palm sprung hilariously to mind, "No, definitely not. Just be sure to adopt something that can actually fit into this hut." Wishing he could stay, Harry slowly pushed himself off the oversized chair and responded apologetically, "Sorry for the short visit. I'm due to meet with Professor Rheingold soon."

"It was really nice to see ye'! Hope you can stop by again soon – and bring the others with ye. Good luck today!"

"Thanks, Hagrid. See you at the match in a few days!"

Waving goodbye, Harry quickly scurried off out of the toasty warm hut and back to the castle to meet with Rheingold in her office. He knew he was going to be slightly late, and he wished he was able to stay longer with Hagrid, but he had several things on the agenda that he had to complete. Bounding up the final lot of stairs, Harry finally stopped before the classroom and allowed himself a few seconds to catch his breath. Drawing in a deep breath to calm his strange sudden bundle of anxiety, he walked calmly to the office attached at the back of the room to notice the office door slightly ajar.

Harry poked his head in to find the Professor had seated herself at the chair and stared up at Harry with her intense blue eyes. She didn't look all that impressed.

The Professor raised an eyebrow, "You're late."

Harry felt a little sheepish, "Sorry, Professor." He ducked his head a little shamefully as he walked over to the empty chair.

"You will have to learn to be a little more punctual before September. The teacher must ideally arrive before their students to prepare the classroom as needed, " The Professor thinned her lips, "And you may call me Dawn in private, as after all, we will be colleagues. I can make an allowance to drop the formalities."

"Of course. Yeah, sorry, " Harry bit his lip. She seemed a little intimidating, but as long as he could remain on her good side, he should be okay.

"Now, we'll go over a few things briefly today but during the summer holidays, we must re-convene in preparation for the new school year, " Rheingold tilted her head slightly to the side, as a lock of wavy dark blonde hair fell off her shoulder. "I've spoken to Minerva in regard to this and we will have a hectic schedule teaching year one to seven, especially given the recent expansion of the curriculum. After your first official trainee year, she has suggested that you take the novice to OWL years, and we can work from there."

Harry nodded, trying to process it all, "Okay."

Rheingold raised her chin, eyeing Harry carefully, "Since the curriculum is constantly evolving, we will be going over some of the new content later in the year. Furthermore, I will ask you to choose a subject or two, and I will allow you to teach that class as you feel comfortable. I hear many a great thing with your experience, Mr. Harry Potter, and I daresay you'd have no trouble teaching them. "

"You want me to take over some of the classes already?" Suddenly, Harry felt very worried.

"In due time. Obviously, I'll give you time to be comfortable in the role. When you are ready, I will allow you to lead some of the classes while I oversee, " The Professor explained, "We'll start small and work you up from there. Sounds reasonable?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, it does. I'm guessing that means you'll be taking the NEWTs?"

"Well, I still am an Auror, and I'll be needed back with my team again eventually, " Rheingold crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back in her chair pursing her lips sternly, "Your traineeship will aid in the transition. After all, my team also consists of your good friend Ronald Weasley. His future as an Auror is promising, but my group still needs another senior out in the field."

Harry already knew this of course. When Ron was enlisted with his new squad, he was already aware that Dawn was one of them. The team was initially enlisted in guarding the boundaries of Hogwarts when it was at risk of being infiltrated after the War had ended. But since the Clearwell mission, they had lost one of their own when Hogsmeade was attacked, and Ron soon became the new addition after he had completed his Auror training. There were five of them in total and were enlisted by Kingsley Shacklebolt himself to keep track of any potential new threats within the wizarding community. Ron had told them that they would at times trace leads all the way to France and at one point, Portugal. They frequently traveled and moved around, and Ron had really enjoyed that aspect of his job. So, it was understandable that Dawn needed adequate time to work with them.

Harry himself didn't really have any desire to travel the way Ron did, but he was happy for his best friend for persevering through a highly dangerous career path.

Nodding in agreement, Harry responded promptly, "I understand that. I'm sure we can work something out. But I am more than happy to give this a go."

Professor Rheingold looked pleased, "Wonderful. We'll be happy to have you on board. I will be sure to owl you the new curriculum once this school year ends and give you time to sift through them – I want to give you sufficient time to prepare yourself. This is not an easy job; I'll have you know."

"I accept the challenge, " Harry replied with a little more confidence, "Thank you for meeting with me today, Dawn."

"Likewise, Harry, " Dawn smiled, with a gleam of intrigue in her blue eyes.

Feeling a slight nervous jump within his stomach, Harry departed the DADA office and began to make the short trek home in the comfort of his own space.

Nervous about his future prospects, was an understatement. He only hoped that he made the right decision to become a teacher.

Just another expectation of The Boy Who Lived.

Leap of faith, right?