It's My Life

The kiss didn't last too long between the lovers, but Harry just couldn't take the chance. He was told to keep it private, and no one else was in the room but them. After a few moments passed that they kissed, Harry pulled back and smiled gently at his boyfriend.

"I've wanted to do that since this morning," Harry admitted lightly.

"Was it the last time?" Draco asked.

"That we kiss? I would certainly hope not." Harry remarked.

"You're not gonna try to hide this relationship, are you? Harry, don't you dare. You worked way too hard for this chance and I won't let you ruin it by keeping things going with me. I…I can wait until I graduate and turn seventeen. I can wait-," Draco began to ramble as Harry kissed the blonde again to shush him up. Harry pulled back and stroked Draco's cheek.

"Settle down, Dray." Harry smiled at him. "Come on," Harry offered his hand as Draco took it and Harry led him up the stairs to his office, then over to the snake portrait. "Serpens Dente." Harry stated as the snake bowed its head to Harry and the picture came away from the wall to reveal a small archway and door that Harry non-verbally and wandlessly opened.

Harry brought Draco inside the dark room, then Harry got the lanterns lit with a light wave of his hand. "These are my personal quarters. I've just shown you how to enter them and what the password was. It means Serpent's Fang in Latin. I do have to ask you not to reveal this information to anyone, of course."

"O-Of course, Harry…But why would you show me this? I told you, I'm not going to risk this for you." Draco stated.

"There's no risk, love." Harry revealed. "Sit, I'll explain." The two sat on the couch. "To answer what you asked me in the classroom…No, this is not where I break up with you because of my status as an adult and teacher." He began. "And there's no need to hide it either. I have permission from Minerva, and all the teachers know too. We're fine to continue dating, no risk to my job or getting arrested for sleeping with an underage student."

"Re-Really?" Draco questioned.

Harry nodded. "See, technically, we're still the same age. My status as an adult is in name only for finishing my schooling. Yes, I'm considered an adult, but I am still sixteen, babe. So are you. It would never be looked at that I slept with someone younger than me. You're actually older than me, by almost two months." He explained.

"I promise you there's no risk with things being what they are. The teachers know. The Board of Governors know. Everything is approved because one of my biggest factors in deciding to go through with this was not wanting to lose you." Harry said.

"So we can stay together?" Draco wondered.

"We can. But…There are a couple rules and limits, nothing crazy. I do have to tell you them, though." Harry mentioned.

"Alright, lay it on me." Draco sat ready to hear everything, happy that he and Harry didn't have to break up.

"First is what I just told you. You can't tell anyone you have access to my chamber." Harry informed. "Next still applies to what I said out there to the others. I can't show favorites, act differently towards you when you're in my class to learn. During class, I am strictly your teacher. And that brings me to any work you do in my class."

"To avoid any questioning or risk someone thinking I'm being unfair, or that you're sleeping with a teacher for good grades…I can't grade your work. I can assign it and collect it, but I can't grade it. Severus will be doing that for me. Only yours, though." Harry told him.

"Okay, that makes sense." Draco replied.

"When not in class, I don't have to be professional with you or the others, like I said. Minerva's only request is that if I'm hanging with friends and I'm approached by another student for help, I go teacher-mode. I can't sit with you at Breakfast or Dinner, but lunch is allowed as long as, again, I react as a teacher if needed. Our PDA has to be kept very light. I can hold your hand, hug you, kiss your cheek and kiss you, but it has to be appropriate for the setting." Harry continued.

"Alright, and here's a bigger one…I cannot be in the dorms, not unless it's an emergency. I do have all the passwords to each house, again, for emergencies. The teachers take turns patrolling hallways at night, so if a student was out of bed and needed a teacher while I'm patrolling, that's what that is in place for."

"Okay, I guess that's appropriate reasoning for that." Draco nodded.

"You, though, are allowed in my room. Minerva said so. That's why I gave you access to it. She said that we can still do whatever it is we do, assumingly, I think she knows we've had sex on school grounds before. And she said it's fine…As long as it's kept to my space and you're never in the halls past curfew. I can walk you back to your common room if, after we're done messing around, you want to go back to your room." Harry revealed.

"You said if I wanted to go back…Does that mean I don't have to?" Draco's eyes widened.

"No, you do not." Harry confirmed. "Minerva said that you're permitted to be in my room all night, if you want to. You just can't be in the halls after curfew, which means you would have to come to my room before 10:00 pm. And if you want to go back to the dorm afterward, I have to take you there. It just means you can't be in the halls alone." He explained.

"Wow, I'm surprised this is allowed…" Draco blinked. "Really?"

"Really. Oh, and our relationship can't interfere with your education. Meaning that our nights together only happen if your work is done and you're not failing anything. I have no control over that, unfortunately. It's Minerva's rule." Harry enlightened. "And another one of hers is that if, by chance, you ever get in trouble in my class…I have to be your teacher and punish accordingly with detention."

"Just want to make sure you know that. I have to be professional with you at that point." He added. "Do you understand, Dray? These are the terms of our relationship continuing under this arrangement of me being a teacher and you, a student. If this is too much and you don't want to put up with it…Then I'll accept your response and we can end it now."

"Harry, this isn't crazy hard to follow." Draco smiled. "Don't tell anyone I can get into your room. Don't be in the halls after curfew. You can't be in the dorms. I'm allowed to spend the night. Keep PDA light. Can have lunch together, but not dinner and breakfast because everyone is present for those."

"You can't grade my work. Professional in class. If I get in trouble, you have to be my teacher and punish me. Make sure all work is completed and do good in school. I honestly thought there would be way more and far more strict." He admitted. "No, this is fine. I'm good with this."

Harry smiled at his boyfriend. "I am sorry about keeping you and the others in the dark. There was a lot riding on this whole thing,"

"Don't worry about it, Harry. I'm not upset. Hell, I'm impressed," Draco held Harry's hand. "And ridiculously aroused by the idea." Harry had to laugh a little.

"I know Ron is pissed. Kind of expected it, to be honest. I think Neville and Luna are fine with it. I couldn't get a read on Hermione and…I don't know about our friends in Slytherin." Harry admitted.

"They're fine. Surprised, but supportive. You know that. The snakes are loyal." Draco reminded. "Weasley will come around, like he always does. Or he won't and it just proves he was never really your friend. That goes for anyone who gives you a hard time over this. You're officially the youngest teacher at Hogwarts, at sixteen, Harry. You earned a mastery in Defense and Potions."

"Your accomplishments will go down in history and certainly be very hard to ever beat." He said. "Don't let anyone who doesn't support you get you down. You've done amazing things, Harry. Be proud of them. I know I'm proud of you." He smiled. "I can't wait to see what class with you will be like, if it's anything like the Defense Army was, it's gonna be a great year."

"I hope so." Harry smiled as he pulled his boyfriend over for a close hug and then they shared a kiss. "You mentioned being aroused?" He asked as Draco blushed some, but nodded. "Well, let's see what we can do to fix that before you go back to your dorm?"

"Aw, I can't stay tonight?" Draco pouted.

"All your things are in your dorm, babe. Another night you can stay, when you have some stuff to change into in the morning." Harry told him. "Maybe if you're good, I'll let you leave a set here for the future." Draco nodded.

"I'll be on my best behavior!" Harry chuckled lightly as he drew his lover close and leaned in. "So about fixing that arousal?" The blonde asked.

"I think we can help each other out," Harry captured his boyfriend's lips.

. . .

It had been a good first night at Hogwarts after Harry told Draco they could continue dating as long as they minded the rules set. It wasn't hard for either of them and they still got to spend time together. The first night did involve them having sex, but it was quick and Draco got back to his dorm before curfew. The week passed pretty peacefully and Harry was more than settled into his position as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

The nervousness was gone to be teaching students he once had class with, or had known since coming to Hogwarts himself as a student. While people were still surprised or weary of the idea, it was clear that it would not be changed, so everyone was respectful to Harry, and acknowledged he was not only their teacher, but a damn good one too. Harry maintained his professionalism in all classes, very fair with assignments or punishments.

Sadly, Harry had to hand a few out and take points. But he'd been able to give points too and taking a page from Remus's teachings back in third year, Harry always tried to make the lessons fun between equal amounts of book and physical work. Yes, Harry loved working as a teacher and nothing about anyone's anger or jealousy about the matter bothered him.

It was now Friday the 6th of September and dinner had just finished. "Harry, would you mind if we spoke briefly?" Minerva asked sweetly.

"Not at all, Headmistress." Harry replied. "Your office?"

"If you wouldn't mind, but I can come to you if you're busy?" Minerva questioned.

"Just have to finish grading some things, but I can do it after. Plenty of time." Harry informed. "What time would you like me to come?"

"In an hour, if you're amendable?" Minerva hoped.

"I'll meet you there." Harry responded before leaving the table and walking by the Slytherin, making sure to give Draco a light hug and kiss on the cheek in passing before he continued on. Harry went on to his office and got things set up for when he returned later after this meeting with Minerva. Harry still had a lot of grading to do and it was going to take him all weekend.

Harry watched the time closely until he saw it was time to leave to get to the Headmistress's office, he'd spent all his time since getting back trying to get more grading done. Harry moved to the office quickly, but not speeding and activated the spiral staircase with the password Minerva had changed it to. Harry reached the door and knocked.

"Come in." Minerva's voice called through the door.

Harry wandered into the room and stood before the desk. "You wanted to see me, Headmistress?" He asked.

"Yes, Harry. Come sit, if you would." Minerva invited. "Tea?"

"No, thank you. Still quite full from supper." Harry informed before taking a seat.

"You're not in any trouble, Harry. Please, relax." Minerva smiled. Knowing this, Harry relaxed a little in his seat. "I asked to speak with you regarding two matters. The first, with Albus's death; it's come to light that he left a few things to you."

"I don't want anything from him; he did quite enough over the years." Harry said respectfully, but a hardness to his tone.

"I know, Harry…But the magical world is very specific on final bequeathments. No matter what you choose to do with what was left, the required process is ensuring they are passed to who they were left for. I have to pass them on," Minerva informed.

"Well, I don't want you getting in trouble. I'd hate to cause you grief." Harry smiled lightly.

"Such a good boy. Oh, man now." Minerva used her wand to levitate a somewhat small or medium-sized box to Harry. "I don't know what's in it. I received it earlier today from the bank, instructed to give it to you." She stated.

Harry opened the box and pulled out Tom Riddle's diary, not understanding why Dumbledore would leave it to him. Harry then found a smaller box, but as he went to reach for it; he got a bad feeling. This thing was radiating dark energy. Harry decided, for now, to leave that be. Harry found some pendant with an S on it, but didn't understand the reason for it. More and more this whole thing was confusing him. The next thing Harry pulled out was a wand, now that one really got to him.

"Why would he leave me a wand?" Harry asked.

"I don't know, Harry, but I assure you that is not Albus's wand. Not the one he received as a child. This one, I do not know what it is or why he had it. He used it over his chosen one." Minerva stated. "You were also gifted the Sword of Godric Gryffindor, but unfortunately, I don't know where it ended up after your adventure with it down in the Chamber of Secrets." She informed. "I'm sorry I don't have more answers for you, Harry. Perhaps this might. A letter that came with it." She levitated it from the desk to Harry.

"Thanks, I'll read it over later. I have more important things to do than wonder about Albus's last items to give me for whatever reason." Harry stated as he set the letter in the box and closed it up before shrinking it down and setting it in his pocket. "Was there anything else? You said two matters?" He asked.

"The second is regarding a school situation. Still, you're not in trouble. It's more of an offer." Minerva told him. "As you know, I'm pulling double duty as Headmistress and Transfiguration teacher, as well as actually, a triple place being a member of the Order of the Phoenix…" She began. "I'm afraid I've become too busy to hold one of my places in the school and I'd like to ask for you to take it over to help an old woman out."

"Minerva, you are not that old." Harry complimented. "But I can understand the need to relieve yourself of work when there is too much on your shoulders or back. What is it I can do to make it easier for you?" He questioned.

"I would like, if you consent to such, to take over my place as Gryffindor's head of house." Minerva stated.

Harry's eyes widened a little. "M-Me, as Gryffindor's head of house?" Minerva nodded. "Headmistress, I'm a Slytherin…I was led to believe that the head of house had to be a teacher and also a member of that house. Or so is the pattern I picked up. Pamona is a Hufflepuff, Filius is a Ravenclaw. Severus is Slytherin and you, are a Gryffindor." Harry informed.

"Well, that's not really how it works…But I can see why you'd think that. Even so, if those were the terms to the position…Harry, you were sorted into Gryffindor when you first came to Hogwarts and resided in that house for four years. I believe it's also been stated quite clearly that you are a true Gryffindor as the sword presented itself to you in a time of need. It only does that for true Gryffindors, or so legend goes." Minerva explained.

"You might have been re-sorted to Slytherin, Harry, and that the hat always wanted you there…But it also picked you for Gryffindor when you did not believe you were a snake. You have traits of both, Harry…Embrace them. The hat said you wouldn't thrive in Gryffindor anymore, but that doesn't mean you were never meant to be one. You represent the traits as much as you do Slytherin."

"Minerva, I'd love to…But I don't think it's a good idea." Harry admitted. "What I said would happen when you announced me as the Defense professor. Silence, whispers, even glares. I've already had to take points for disrespect and the first week is just ending. Most of them are the ones giving me the most trouble in classes, I don't think it'd be wise to push the envelope of peace by having me be their head of house."

"Unfortunately, Harry…I took that into account and I felt this would be good because it meant they'd report to you with problems. I thought it could remind them you're still always there to help. Someone they can turn to." Minerva remarked. "If you truly don't desire this, I'll ask Severus to take over the lions and you can take his place as Slytherin head of house."

"No, no…Don't do that. Dad is proud of his position there and dare I say that might be worse." Harry told her. "Can I have the weekend to think about it?"

"Of course, Harry." Minerva nodded.

"Thank you. I'll have an answer for you by Monday at breakfast." Harry promised.

"Thank you, Potter." Minerva smiled. "Sorry, old habits die hard."

"Oh, I know. Goodnight, Professor." Harry winked as he left the room.

As soon as Harry was out of the office and down the staircase, he sighed softly before beginning his way back to his office. The lions would lose it if Harry became their head of house on top of the fact he was already their Defense teacher at sixteen and considered a fully trained wizarding adult. Harry would need to give this some consideration over the next two days. But right now, he had grading to get done and that would be taking most of his night until he went to bed. Harry sincerely hoped there wouldn't be any problems tonight because he needed to de-stress himself with a stiff drink and good night's sleep.