Hey everyone, thank you for all of the continued and new support I have been receiving. I love seeing the notifications of all of you reading my other stories also.
As always this will be Rated M. I got a lovely review from someone who said they loved how Harry is around Narcissa. This is a man crushing on an older woman who he shouldn't be interested in an yet...turns into a bumbling idiot in front of her.
Please enjoy an continue to review for me, I really do love reading them all.
Chapter Four
Harry
After breakfast I got together with Hermione and we slowly made our way up to the Room of Requirement. She seemed lighter today, more relaxed. I couldn't put my finger on it but the spring in her step was something I hadn't seen in a long time. Ever since the war she had never seemed content but for some reason the tension in her face was gone and she seemed free.
Opening the door to the room a large couch and she threw herself down with this cheesy grin plastered all over her face. One look at me though at her face fell.
"OK why do you look like Mr Grumpy pants?What happened last night?" Hermione was like my sister, she was the person who has stood by me through everything over the years. I can trust her with this, she would not judge me.
"After interviewing the kids I just took a wander around the castle, I ended up in the defense corridor. I didn't mean to but I peeked my head into the room, seeing Teddy I was mostly thinking about Remus." She nodded knowing that the castle was full of ghosts for both of us, she knew sometimes how hard it was turning a specific corner or going way out of the way to avoid certain areas.
" So what happened? Did you have a flashback? " I immediately shook my head but felt touched that this caring side of Hermione had probably kept me alive all these years.
"Well Professor Black, Narcissa she was there grading papers and I guess I was in shock at seeing her so casual."A small smirk overcame Hermione and I didn't trust that mischievousness that she very rarely displays.
" Narcissa huh?"Oh sweet Merlins knob, she is a brat. I rolled my eyes at her before she sat back island motioned for me to continue in a very Snape manner.
"Are you going to listen and be helpful, or are you going to continue to tease me? Look I think I might have made a fool of myself and fell in love with her slightly. She just...she was wearing glasses and drinking Whiskey and she was looking all...barefoot and..." A soft laugh erupted from Hermione, it wasn't disparaging or negative in anyway, it was more one of amusement.
"Gorgeous? Harry I think every man and some women have found Narcissa Black appealing, I mean God the woman caught even my eye as the years passed in my friendship with Draco. Alas she is as straight as a poker so widely unavailable but, she is a desirable woman to many. Just remember that she has been through alot Harry." If filled me with a sense of pride at my friends actions, a woman who was on the opposite side of the War and yet Hermione was looking out for the woman.
"Since when did you get so close go the former Mrs Malfoy?" She, shrugged her shoulders at me sprawled across the couch again in a heap. The smile returned on her face and the shit eating smile came back.
"Never mind my idiocy in my non existent love life, why is their a permanent grin on you face? Usually that kind of smile is reserved for you getting laid, but the only people you have been around is Draco, me and McGo...nnoooooo. Hermione Jean Granger! You shagged McGonagall?!" Her face went red and I knew I hit the nail on the head.
"Excuse me this isn't a recent thing, something has been brewing between us for a while, she is extraordinary and I have been in love with her for years." I was genuinely dumbfounded. Hermiones life is as private as could be considering her status as a War Hero, Minerva liked to live her life even more secluded. I don't really know anything about her separated from my teacher, but I do know the both of them deserve happiness.
"I'm happy for you Hermione. Both of you and I will back you from here to infinity. I love you." She rested her head on my shoulder and tucked her arm into my own. She seemed contemplative for a second before she abruptly sat up and looked me dead in the eye.
" Harry, if spending time with Narcissa is something you want to do, you should go for it. Life is too fucking short and you of all people deserve happiness." I hugged her close to me and I genuinely never thought I would ever have such a loyal friend as Hermione but I owe my life to her.
"Well, changing the subject since your shagging the Headmistress, could you put in a good word for me? I am going to apply for the defense post, Slughorn is leaving and Narcissa was given the job of Potions Mistress. I hate my job, I am bored and want a new challenge. I am going to recommend a Draco take over for me to Kings." She beemed at me and nodded her head, only she knew how bored I was.
" That is a wonderful idea Harry, you always were my favourite teacher." Both of us just sat catching up slightly before I announced I had a meeting with Minerva. She had already said her goodbyes to her new girlfriend which of course I will continue to tease her about mercilessly.
As she left for the Ministry, I made my way across the castle to Minerva office. It was quiet, and the small click of her door just before I knocked it startled me slightly.
"Mr Potter... Excuse me Harry. I was just on my way out." Narcissa in all her gorgeousness stood aside from the door to allow me entry and I seen Minerva wave from behind her desk.
"I can wait of you need to finish." She shook her head at me and waved to Minerva before glancing back at me.
"That is not necessary Harry. I will see you at dinner Minerva." I watched her as she left, leaving behind this scent that was addicting. Every single inch of her must smell glorious, I hadn't even realised I was staring after her for so long before a clearing of the throat interrupted me.
Realising where I was and the fact that her office door was still open I quietly closed it and made my way over to the desk. Spotting Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape looking down at me, the latter rolling his eyes. Seeing the stern man essentially seeing me undress his friend with my eyes I couldn't help but feel even more embarrassed.
Judging by the amused look from Minerva I wasn't too good at hiding my attraction. God how am I gonna get through this. The woman in front of me looked so different from the straight laced Transfigurstion teacher that used to teach me. In her place was this tall, dark haired beauty that looked like she belonged in a movie set and not a school.
"I have to say I feel a bit jealous of this generation, having such a stunning Headmistress at the helm. At the risk of getting hexed you look amazing Minerva. How do you feel?" She smiled kindly at me and offered me a cup of tea as I sat down across from her.
" I mean between Narcissa and you it doesn't seem fair to this generation to have such distracting teachers. You even have a Charlie Weasley looking all buff riding around on Hippogriffs. Those poor teenage minds." Her smile was huge and I noticed a certain lightness in the woman now I think Hermione and Minerva as a couple are going go be extraordinary.
"If I didn't just witness you devouring my defense professor with your eyes a second ago, I might be trying to ask Charlie to set you up on a date." I flushed at her latent reference to Narcissa and the fact that I was caught red handed.
"Although I do believe Narcissa is probably more confused about the situation, with that damn Legilimency ability she is probably struggling with how to talk to you. If can be quite overwhelming sometimes in the castle. All those internal monologues of people can be hard to escape." My stomach dropped like lead, she was a legillimens? She was able to hear and see every single dirty thought I have had about her in the past two, days. Oh this, is not good, fuck! Minerva seen that I didn't know and held gently onto my hand.
" Narcissa Black is one of the most private and discreet people I know. She will not hold it against you Potter." That did not do anything to help ease his fears, changing the subject seemed like a good idea. We quickly talked over the case so far, I took her statement and realistically there wasn't much more I can do at this point.
We are reviewing the memories of staff and Seventh year students who are of age and added more wards to the castle itself. Minerva did not want Aurors walking around the castle constantly and distracting the children.
"We have had so many years of peace Potter. I dont want to run this school as a Albus did, he sat on his hands allowed things to pass, I will not to that." Glancing up at the portrait if the man in question, even after everything I miss him.
"There is something else I was hoping to talk to you about. I was hoping to apply for the Defense Position if it hasn't already been filled." She looked momentarily surprised for a second before opening a drawer in her desk and lifting out a piece of parchment that had been rolled up into a scroll.
"When Horace informed me he would be retiring I made a list of who to ask to replace him. Open it." Pulling the ribbon open that kept it rolled, I unravelled it.
At the top of Minervas list sat my name, with a question mark followed by a question. Would Harry leave the Aurors? I glanced up at the woman who had became a friend over the years, someone who I admire so much and her first choice was me.
"I honestly thought I was going to have to do some sort of sales pitch to you, but you approached me so Potter, would you like to join the teaching staff?" I couldn't stop the small smile that came over my face tfo which she returned it and stood to come over to me.
As I stood she pulled me in for an almost maternal hug and to be fair, other than Molly Weasley, Minerva McGonagall was a mentor, advocate and friend as the years past. Our relationship was a whole hell of a lot more that Professor and student, we had survived a war together. Now we were equals in her eyes and I felt sort of strange.
"I am so very proud of you Harry. You were dealt a cruel hand in life and yet everything you have accomplished is extremely humbling. The man you have become is someone your parents, Sirius, Remus, Albus and even Severus would be proud of." I smiled and hugged her close again.
"Thank You Minerva."She pulled away from me and flourished her hand in a display of wandlessly magic. A large folder came into her hands and I could see handwriting on the file which I immediately recognised as Narcissas.
" Now it is three weeks until term finishes for Christmas and then we return January 6th. How long of a notice do you need to give?" When I informed her of a week but seeing as I secretly sent a letter to Kingsley this morning technically six days.
"OK so how about you have you Christmas and then be at Hogwarts on December 27th?"Upon my nod she handed me the file and I opened it up, each class year broken up into curriculum sections.
"When Narcissa came on board she and I spent countless hours rewriting the whole curriculum to multiple subjects. Defense was the worst, because of the teachers changing in a yearly basis the subject became lazy. With the rewrite the texture subject was revamped. I don't believe it isn't anything you aren't accustomed to." Once our meeting came to an end I thanked her again and kissed her cheek.
"Narcissa is relocating all of her belongings to the new Potions Quarters on the last day of term so it should be all ready for you when you come to the castle after Christmas. I expect you to be working with her on the run up to the new term." I would have to spend time alone, in close quarters with Narcissa, who can conveniently read my mind. Then again spending time alone with the woman wouldn't be the hardest of tasks. A small clearing of the throat broke me from my head before I could start fantasising.
"I can't read your mind Harry but even I know that you need to get it out of the gutter."Shaking her head in exasperated with me I knew I should go.
" I will see you on the 27th Headmistress." Making my way out of hed office I could feel a spring in my step, a weight being lifted. A new career and coming to the castle felt like home despite the ghosts around every corner.
The whole way to the apparition point I couldntg help but feel good about the decision, spinning and landing in the Ministry Atrium felt good. Knowing I had to see Kingsley and talk him I made my way to the Ministers office.
Paula, his secretary smiled at me and told me to go on in, not bothering to knock I was greeted by the large man who shook my hand.
"Harry, I received your letter. Are you sure about this?" Upon the nod of my head he sighed and held out my contract and allowed me to sign the termination to it. I didn't even hesitate to ask King's to offer Draco my Deputy Head Job. Leaving to talk to the team and Kingsley has given me permission to offer the job to Draco myself.
Saying goodbye to Paula I made my way up the lifts into the DMLE. Seeing Draco sitting he waved me over and went to give me an update on his new case he picked up bug before I could let him get a word out I gathered the team together in the meeting room.
One by one they all squeezed in with Draco sitting beside me I looked out at everyone's faces in awe. This was going to be hard but I need this for my sanity.
"So, I have news. This morning I was offered a position at Hogwarts, there new Defense Professor, Narcissa Black is moving to teach Potions due to early retirement of Horace Slughorn. Minerva has offered it to me and I have accepted. Obviously this is a big change, I wanted you to hear it from me before it was splashed across The newspapers." Quite a few looked upset and others couldn't care less.
" So after a meeting with the Minister I am pleased to announce that taking my place is none other than... Draco Malfoy!" A few people politely clapped as Draco jaw hung practically at the floor. He had more than proven himself since the war and had saved my life on more than one occasion.
" I will be here for the next week only so get you paperwork into gear so I can sign off and don't haze Draco too badly." Malfoy was still sitting she'll shocked as everyone stsrted to disperse.
"Malfoy! Do I need to get a medic for you?" He shook his head at me and pulled me in for a manly hug.
"Thank You for trusting me Potter. I will not let you down. I promise." I nodded my head at him and told him I trusted him.
The rest of the weeks passed pretty uneventfully and once everything was handed off to Draco and the obligatory goodbye party I slowly made my way out of the DMLE for the last time as an Auror.
I was expecting to feel sad but this new chapter of teaching is exciting. I had already read through the curriculum and made notes and questions for Narcissa when we get together after Christmas. The changes to The subject was incredible and I was genuinely looking forward to teaching.
My godson the troublemaker would be great to teach and I can't wait to tell him about it. I knew it would be posted after Christmas but I wanted to tell him myself so I got permission from Andi to pick him up from the train and talk to him.
When I told Andromeda she was thrilled for me and glad to hear that I would be in the Castle keeping an eye on a troublesome eleven year old boy. I would be spending Christmas with them both as I did every year. Hermione and Minerva always join us too. The friendship between Minerva and Andromeda was a surprise to everyone but apparently had been friends since Minerva helped Andi run away all those years ago and then did the same for Sirius.
Standing at Platform 9 and 3/4 I kept an eye out for a neon bright colour of hair which stood out. Imagine my surprise when I see him chatting to Narcissa who stood with Neville. Both of them must have made the decision to get the train back to a London, Neville usually stays with his Gran over Christmas and then goes back to the castle on Boxing Day.
"Uncle Harry!" Narcissas eyes snapped up and those perfectly straight, white teeth smiled in my direction. Teddy ran toward me and I hugged him close to my body.
"What are you doing here?" I set him back down on his feet as his bright blonde hair flopped into his eyes. Seeing the shade matched the tall, regal looking woman I smiled.
Once I explained to him that his gran let me pick him up and I needed to talk to him he hugged Narcissa and high five Neville before I shrunk his trunk and took his cat carrier and made our way out of the station. My eyes met Narcissas as I left and she smiled at me before heading to her own home for Christmas break.
When we reached the park close to his house he sat on the grass and got comfortable beside me. I was in awe of the little boy, I loved him so much and realistically I could see so much of his parents in him.
"So what's going on Uncle Harry? Are you OK?" He really was too inquisitive for his own good and could read me like a book.
"Well I have left the DMLE, I'm not going to be an Auror anymore." He scrunched his eyebrows together in confusion but didn't interrupt and let me continue my story.
"I hope I don't embarrass you too much because, I am your new Defense teacher." His grin spread ear to ear and threw himself at me with a shout.
"Seriously?! I get to see you everyday?" I nodded and his grin was infectious at this point. "This is wicked! You could never embarrass me Uncle Harry... Sorry Professor Potter!" He giggled in that joking way he does and I handed him a sandwich which I picked up before getting him from the train.
"What about Auntie Cissa, is she leaving?" I shook my head and was glad that the boy had a good relationship with his Aunt, maybe it might make it easier if I ever do manage to convince her to go out on a date.
"No, she is moving to Potions, Slughorn is retiring and I start in the new term. So you're OK with it, I am gonna be your teacher." He nodded like a doggy on the dashboard and swallowed a bite of his sandwich before turning to me.
"You have always been my favourite teacher anyway before I started Hogwarts. It's gonna be so cool to see you every day." We sat and ate our lunch before heading back to Andromedas to drop him off. She took the news relatively well but she had a slight smirk on her face which usually meant she knew another person's secrets. These Black sisters were such an enigma, and now I have to spend close quarters with one of them who has the ability to read people of which I had never seen. Saying goodbye to Teddy and Andi, I promised both of them I would be over on Christmas Eve.
That's us folks, I will try and post another chapter over the weekend. Please Review!