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And Another Life Begins	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 13993 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money from this work of fanfiction

Chapter List
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Chapter 10

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Thanks, woman! You're the BEST!

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Stepping into the Three Broomsticks, Minerva made a beeline for the counter. Rosmerta must have anticipated her, something she would expect, and directed her to one of the private rooms up the stairs, saying she was expected. With a nod of thanks, the Transfiguration professor made her way up the stairs. As finding someone to replace Madam Hooch was getting pressing with the looming match after the first of the year, not to mention for other things she did, she was relieved to get an owl inquiring about the position. In her mind, with the fact that she was going to have to replace the Muggle Studies teacher at the start of the next term, she was going to take almost anyone one for this, provided they weren't a complete and utter idiot so she could focus on filling one of the badly needed teaching positions rather than this one. If she did that, and they were at least reasonably competent, she could get them to do other things as well. That pleased her.

Stepping up to the door to the private room, she knocked and waited. As of now, the only thing that she knew about this being is it was a man and he called himself Jay in the letter. There had been a mention that he had gone to Hogwarts and was in her house during his tenure but that could mean anything. After all, she had been head of Gryffindor for a long time now so it could be any one of hundreds of students of hers. When she heard him beckon her to enter, she stepped in. Standing there was the beach bum she had seen in France, something that made her smile. If nothing else came of this meeting, she would probably get to figure out who this was and why he seemed so familiar to her.

Taking the young man's hand and giving it a firm shake, she took a seat he gestured to and let him pour her a cup of tea. After he seated himself, she said, “You're interested in taking over for Madam Hooch I understand?”

“Yes,” he nodded, grinning a little. “Before we start though, I want your assurances that what you see won't go any further. You'll understand that in a minute, I promise.”

Nodding, though a little apprehensive about that, she said, “Of course. It stays between us, even if you don't get the position.”

With a chuckle and grin, Harry nodded then, after strengthening the privacy wards, let the glamour drop and looked at her, grin growing.

Hand fluttering up to her mouth, Minerva gasped, “Harry?”

“Yeah, me,” he chuckled, looking at her. “I didn't want to chance someone seeing that it was me applying.”

Smiling, eyes sparkling, she said, “I honestly don't think that we need even go any further than this. If you want the job, it's yours. I can't think of anyone better to take over that position.”

“Great!” He grinned, liking it was that easy. “However, there are a couple things with me, obviously. You know that. First, though, I've heard you're going to need a Muggle Studies professor at the start of next term.” When he saw her nod, he said, “I'd like to apply for that as well. I know I don't have a Mastery in it or anything, but I think being raised by Muggles is something that will qualify me for the job.”

Oh, she liked that! In fact, despite that their current teacher was so enthusiastic about the job, same with so many before her, the realism was that they had never interacted much with Muggles. Harry would be perfect for it! Nodding, she said, “I think you would be well suited for the job. Managing to get someone in place this soon after finding out will be a relief.”

“I was told that might be the case,” Harry said with a nod. “I'll take it, no problem. If you'll have me that is.”

“The job is yours, Harry, if you want it,” she told him firmly.

“Brilliant,” he said grinning at her. Serious expression sliding into place, he said, “There are a couple things I do need to work with you on, though. Some of them are easy, some aren't.”

As she anticipated this, since it was the case with most, not to mention the being she was dealing with here, she said, “Alright, what are the issues? We'll see what we can hammer out.”

“First, I need at least one afternoon off a week to go back to France to deal with paperwork and other issues for my restaurant. You know, the one you ate at that caters to the expats?” Seeing her nod, he said, “That's mine. It's not much, but I have to deal with it at least once a week and turn up to approve things that are needed. If it's a real emergency, they'll get hold of me another way. I have no issue being flexible with when I can do that as it's never pressing, but I do need to take care of it.”

Thinking that over, Minerva asked, “Does it need to be a set time and day each week or can it be different each one? And how many hours are we talking about? Right now, with just the position you're taking over, it's easy enough. Next term it might be an issue.”

“No, no set time or day. It can even be the weekend if need be,” Harry told her with a shake of his head. “I can even try to work out where some things come via owl to work that way. Most I would need would be like a full afternoon; five hours or so, give or take. Getting back and forth isn't an issue, nor will there be delays.”

“I think that's something we can easily work with. Right now, as you won't have assigned duties for teaching, other than rounds at night, it can be whatever day you wish. Though, if you would, I would prefer the middle of the week. That is the slow time for us where you're less apt to be needed,” she explained.

“Whatever works best for you, Minerva,” Harry told her. “Just let me know and I can adjust around it.”

“Yes, this is workable,” she said with a nod. “I take no issue with it. Especially, since the food was sumptuous,” she finished with a smile.

Grinning, he nodded, “Yeah, its good. I thank the people that run it for me for that. They know what they're doing.”

“Alright, what other things are issues that you see?”

“I would rather answer directly to you on things. I know you understand the history there with me and the headmaster. Right now, I'd rather not deal with him more than I have to. From what I'm to understand, you're going to be taking over anyway in a couple years and this is possible. I do understand I will have to deal with him, as he is the headmaster, but I'd prefer most of it be through you for obvious reasons.” Harry explained, looking at her seriously.

Taking that in, Minerva looked down then nodded slowly. She could understand where the young man was coming from with this. Harry went through a lot during his school tenure and the relationship with Albus had suffered because of it. It would be normal that after the bit with him being set up to die that there would be problems. Though a forgiving being, Harry had apparently not gotten over that, as would be expected, honestly. She had hoped that he would, of course, but it was understandable that it hadn't come to pass. Looking back at him, she said, “I can work with such a compromise and will put it in place, making it clear to Albus. Though I would ask that at some point before he retires, the two of you talk it out. I know what happened wasn't the best and mistakes were made, but forgiveness might be best for both of you, Harry.”

“I have forgiven him,” Harry told her softly, an intent look on his face. “I forgave him long ago. That doesn’t mean I want to deal with him though.”

Again, that was something the old witch could understand so she nodded. “Alright. Just, at some point before he retires, please talk to him about it. He has hopes this will be all smoothed over. I understand why you don't want that but I do think he deserves to hear it from you. It's also my feeling that you need to do something like that.”

“I will at some point,” Harry assured her. “It's just not going to be right away.”

“That's all I ask, Harry,” she told him with a small smile. “Anything else?”

“Well, yeah, a couple more things, but they are the easiest of the lot.” Seeing her motion for him to go on, he gave a sheepish grin then said, “I'd like it set up to room with the beings I'm in an established relationship with.”

Completely blindsided by that, Minerva looked at him, eyes wide. “You're in a relationship with one of my teachers?”

Sheepish grin growing, he nodded, “Yeah, I am. In fact, I have to confess I've been in the castle every night since the start of term to spend time with them. I actually came back from France for that reason, as you know.”

She remembered that Harry had told everyone he was back because of a relationship, though he never said who it was. She had also heard that it was a man he was involved with. Of course, that didn't bother her in the least. Now, though, she was curious as to who it was. Clearing her throat, she said, “As I know you're in a relationship, I'll grant it to you, no issue there, despite the sneaking.” That brought on a glare which he just grinned at. Unable to stop herself, she smiled a little then asked, “Who is it, Harry? I do have to know, of course, though I can keep it a secret.” The only being her mind was skipping to there was Draco, as they were about the same age, but it made no sense. From what she knew of the younger Malfoy, the issues that the two of them had at school were still firmly in place and going strong, at least on Draco's end. Harry she wasn't sure about.

Rubbing the back of his neck nervously, he said, looking at her, small grin firmly in place, “Lucius and Severus.”

Completely floored, the older woman looked at him, mouth dropping slightly. “Lucius and Severus? As in Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape?” She asked, pitch of her voice rising. Honestly, she was certain she had heard that wrong. “Harry-- just--” stopping as she didn't know what to say, she just looked at him.

“Yeah, you heard me right,” he chuckled, grinning at her. “We hooked up in France while the lot of you were there and it just went. They are why I came back so we could continue on.”

Fanning herself slightly as she tried to wrap her mind around it, Minerva then nodded, “Well, of course, since the relationship is established, you can room with them. I take no issue with that. However, this is one that's going to come out. There is no way we can keep that from the students. Once they hear it's going to end up plastered all over the place.”

“That's fine,” Harry told her firmly. “I expect it and have something planned for it. All I'm asking is you keep it to yourself until the feast when everyone returns from winter break. Same with the fact that it's me taking over. After that, let them. We'll be prepared.”

Looking at him, she said, tone soft, “You're up to something, aren't you? All three of you?”

Grinning bigger, he said, “Well, I have a plan in place, of course, they're involved though they don't know what it is. However, there is, as Severus said, trepidation there about it. Nothing bad, I promise. It's just if it's going to come out, I want to do it my way and make it big. No more than that.”

Sighing, she shook her head but couldn't help smile a little. “Alright, Harry, I'll keep it to myself. I imagine it will shake things up a little. No, it'll be my secret until the feast. All I'll do is make sure everyone knows that I have someone for the position.”

“That's fine,” he told her dismissively. “From what both of them plus Remus and Sirius told me, you lot need some extra hands with things.” Seeing her nod, he said, “Once I start, count on me to help wherever. I don't mind. After sitting around doing nothing, having something to do will be enjoyable. Whatever you need, let me know, alright?”

“I will hold you to that, Harry,” she told him with a firm nod. “There is much to be done with help that's needed in many areas above and beyond the normal. Helping with my paperwork alone would be a boon to me. We're all so busy anymore that an assist is needed in all kinds of ways.”

“I assumed,” Harry nodded. “I’ve been helping Lucius and Severus with theirs at night so they can at least keep up. From what Sirius and Remus said, it's the same on their end even though there are two of them to tackle it.”

“We will keep you busy, if that's what you want, Harry,” she told him with a smile.

“Keep me busy,” he grinned. “I like feeling useful again.”

“We will,” she assured him, nodding. “Now, let's make this official.” Pulling the contract out, she handed it to him then began to go over it point by point so he understood just what was needed of him, what his duties would be and other issues that came with the job he was about to take on.

Grinning from ear to ear, he nodded, listening intently.

As the staff meeting that night started, right after rounds were done, Minerva was sitting there looking smug. After going through the basics, Albus looked at her then asked, “You said you have some news on upcoming staffing needs, Minerva?”

“I do,” she nodded, look growing slightly.

Arching a brow, he looked at her then chortled before saying, “Alright, fill us in.”

Looking around the table, she announced, “I have not only found a replacement for Madam Hooch, I've secured a Muggle Studies professor for next year.”

“Oh, this is good,” Filius said, nodding in a pleased way. “Who are we getting?”

“That is the rub,” she said, an amused twinkle in her eyes. “I can't tell you. It will be announced at opening feast when we return from winter break. However, I will say it's someone most of us will be pleased with and is uniquely suited for both positions. Beyond that, I give no hints.”

“A mystery instructor! That is rather exciting, isn't it?” Pomona said with a grin.

“I assure you all, most will be pleased with who it is. I will say no more than that,” she said, waving a dismissive hand.

Sharing a surreptitious glance, Lucius and Severus both just smirked, liking what they were hearing.

Still looking smug, Minerva shuffled some papers around then pressed on with other business that needed attending to.

Just as the meeting was breaking up, Minerva cornered both Severus and Lucius. Giving both of them a sharp look, she said, “I would like to talk to the two of you before you retire, if I may.”

Though slightly apprehensive, Severus nodded, “Lead the way, Minerva.”

Having them follow, she led them to her office. After shutting the door and putting privacy spells on it, she seated herself behind her desk and looked at the two as they took the chairs in front of it. Once they were seated, she said, “As I know both of you are aware of who it was that applied, I'm sure you realize I gave him the job.” When she saw them nod, she pressed on, “He, of course, asked about rooming with the two of you. As it's warranted, I granted it. When you go downstairs, I imagine your quarters are now one room. I take it there is no issue with this?”

“None whatsoever,” Lucius told her with a shake of his head, pleased.

Unable to stop herself, the usually stoic deputy headmistress, smiled gently at the two men then said, softly, “I think I now get why the two of you are in a considerably better mood this year than you usually are. It is --well, it's decidedly odd, you have to admit that. The three of you seem happy with it so if it's working, who am I to question it? He did say he's been coming into the castle at night. I've given him permission to keep on doing so. Normally, there would be some chiding over this, however, given who this is, I can understand why none of you told me.”

“We were not trying to circumnavigate around the rules, as it's something that is allowed. As you said, though, the identity was the problem. Our concern was keeping that a secret so that it didn't come out that he was back. We assumed that it would come, but we were trying to stave off the issue as long as we could.” Severus explained to her.

“Considering who we are talking about here, I can fully and completely understand that. If you had come to me, though I would keep it hush hush, it would have eventually come out, that I know. Something, somewhere, would slip and he would be found out. No, I don't take issue with it once the whole thing was explained. Though I do admit to being completely blindsided when he told me who it was he was seeing. I don't think anything would have prepared me for that,” she admitted.

“It is odd, that we all admit,” Severus conceded. “Even I am sometimes surprised it's happened and is working. However, as it is, I'm willing to let it go on and not question the whys behind it. It pleases all of us, so why try to over analyze it?”

“Very true,” Minerva nodded. “A couple things I want from both of you on this matter.” Seeing them nod, she pressed on, “I'm gathering Draco doesn't know this is coming?” Seeing the two shake their heads, she said, “I would like you to tell him and see if you can't head off some of the issues that will come from it. I'm hoping that both are mature enough that they won't delve back into the rivalry of the past, but I want it to be kept out of view of the students if it is there.”

“I will handle Draco and ensure nothing like that takes place,” Lucius told her firmly.

“Good. I hope it won't but I don't want to take it on if it does. That would not make me happy to do.” Feeling that was all that needed be said on the topic, she pressed on, “I believe he and I have worked out most of what the problems might be with this when we signed the contract, however, he did mention he has something planned to make it known he's back. Knowing him the way I do and how he put it, it sounds big. Any idea what it is?”

Groaning, Severus pinched his nose and shook his head. Lucius just gave a soft whimper and let his head drop back, giving a helpless shrug of his shoulders.

Giving an amused snort, smiling slightly, she said, “I take it you two don't know either?”

“We have no clue,” Severus groused. “With him being, well, him, we know it's going to be big, whatever it is. He has said, very clearly, that he didn't come back to be with us only to have to hide the relationship. Whatever he's up to is big. We just don't know what it is!”

“And, trust me, we want to! I want to be prepared for whatever comes our way from this. I know he's not like in the past and impulsive, but this is something that is filling us both with trepidation.” Lucius said, still rubbing his eyes.

Unable to help it, Minerva shook her head, still smiling, “Well, it should be entertaining at least.”

“For you lot,” Severus scowled.

“It's us we're worried about!” Lucius conceded.

Looking decidedly amused, Minerva said, “Ah, things will be entertaining come next semester.”

“That's what we fear,” Severus said, looking dour.

Stepping into what was now their quarters after finishing with Minerva, Severus and Lucius both looked around, pleased. As the deputy headmistress had said, they were now all encompassing and big enough for the three of them to comfortably reside in. Stepping in further, the two men spied Black and Lupin talking with Harry. Though not knowing ahead of time, this was something they understood.

Seeing his two lovers come in, Harry grinned then passed them each an empty glass. Producing a bottle of good champagne, he filled it for them as well as one for himself then Sirius and Remus'.

Taking it, smirking, Severus said, “I'm gathering celebrations are in order here.”

“We understand that too, but Harry said we had to wait for both of you.” Sirius said. Looking at his godson, he said, “Alright, Harry, what's going on?”

Unable to wipe the smile off his face, Harry said, “First, it has to stay between us here for now.”

“Of course,” Remus said with a nod and smile. “It will, you know that.”

“Alright, here it is-- I signed the contract today to take over for Madam Hooch. I'll also be the new Muggle Studies professor come next term!”

Grinning from ear to ear, Sirius gave a whoop of joy, “That's great, Harry! I was wondering who she got! She definitely looked pleased tonight!”

“Congratulations, Harry!” Remus said, giving him a clap on the back.

Holding up his glass, Lucius said, “I believe a toast is in order. To Harry; our newest teacher.”

After several here, here's, they all took a drink.

Looking around the room after that, Sirius couldn't help but grin then said, “I take it Minerva knows about you lot now? You admitted to sneaking in?”

“Yeah, I told her,” Harry said. “As I said, I didn't come back to be with them to hide it. So, we're going to room together. She's fine with me coming in at night now. In fact, I think she's going to put me to work from the sound of it. I'm good with it.”

“Harry, as long as you're happy that's all that matters,” Remus said.

“Oh, this is going to be good!” Sirius said, rubbing his hands together with sadistic glee. “We have to plan something good for when you show!”

“Plans already in place and something that would make the Marauders proud,” Harry told him smugly, evil grin firmly in place.

“We're doomed,” Lucius groused as Black tried to get out of Harry what it was he planned on doing.

“I think it goes beyond doomed,” Severus sighed, shaking his head. “And I doubt there is any way to get out of it.”

“Oh, well, I suppose that it'll give us something to look back on in the years to come and will be humorous then,” Lucius said, seating himself.

“Well, yes, if we live through it without getting hexed or cursed!” Severus told him, flopping into a chair and sipping at the champagne.

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And Another Life Begins