Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

And Another Life Begins	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 13992 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money from this work of fanfiction

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
Chapter 13

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

Sitting up at the staff table, Minerva was torn between looking smug as she knew who was going to show up and glancing at Draco, eyebrow arched. Already most of the staff were twittering about who was going to be the new staff member. That she was smug about since she knew. Though Sirius and Remus did as well, they, too, were looking curious about whatever was going to happen. Draco—she wasn't sure what was going on there other than he had already made it clear this was his last year teaching. For that, she was happy for him. He had a new job that he would take over at the beginning of summer and did seem pleased about it. However, from what she was seeing, that didn't account for the looks he was giving. He was actually grinning, something all but unthinkable for him. No, he didn't let it show, covering it with his hand, but you could tell by his eyes that's what was going on. She had an inkling, especially since Remus and Sirius, who were seated on each side of him, were poking him occasionally, trying to get him to give up what he knew. He wasn't budging though. That grin however, at least what she could see of it, seemed to keep on growing. Now she was decidedly curious!

As it hit five past the normal start of feast, Albus leaned over and asked, “Is there something wrong? Severus and Lucius aren't here yet. They are always punctual. And our new teacher hasn't shown. I do hope nothing has happened.”

As she knew the three were in the castle, just preparing for whatever this was, something she hoped wasn't too grandiose, she whispered back, “It's fine, Albus. Nothing to worry about, I'm sure they'll be here shortly.”

Just as Albus was about to reply, the doors to the Great Hall slammed open then Severus and Lucius strode in. Both, from Minerva's perspective, had a rather self-satisfied, smug look on their faces. With what she knew happened over the hols, they had every right to have that, something that made her look all the more smug. Sitting there, sipping her drink, she locked her eyes on the two of them and waited. A sidelong glance at Draco was enough to confirm that whatever was going on was starting because he was actually grinning bigger, something that had both Remus and Sirius poking him more with demands to be filled in.

Knowing that them coming in together, being late, was just going to start the whispers about them being in a relationship together, had Severus smirking. Just what he wanted. Though shooting an intimidating glare here and there to the ones that were overly loud about it, he said nothing. When halfway up the main aisle, he glanced at Lucius, who gave him a bare nod. Then they both stopped.

With a long-suffering sigh, Severus pinched the bridge of his nose then looked back over his shoulder and called, making certain his voice was loud enough that everyone in the hall could hear, “Are you coming or not? We're already late. No need to hold up the feast because you want to cause more dramatics!” As this had been worked out between the three of them before starting, he was already grinning internally.

Turning, Lucius looked at the empty door then gave a huff. “Really, food is in the offing and most of those in here are hungry.”

“I'm coming, you two gits,” came a voice from out in the hall. “Keep your undies out of a bunch. International Portkeys do throw you off a little, you know!”

Giving a snort, Lucius took on a look of exasperation, “One does not hold up an entire feast because of a Portkey!”

“If you would, please, everyone wants to be graced with your presence since they can't start without you,” Severus intoned, trying to sound impatient, though still grinning internally.

“Look, you two! Just because we bonded in France does not mean you get the chance to be bossy! Keep your tempers in check, get your undies out of a bunch and hang on. No one is going to starve to death,” the voice said while the sounds of approaching footsteps began to be heard.

Putting a hand over her mouth, Minerva looked down while the conversation buzzed around her, both at the staff table and in the hall. The bonded part was heard loud and clear by all, something she was already aware of, so there was much speculation. A side-long glance at the staff table told her many were recognizing the voice because there were astonished looks. Draco was all but cackling evilly, grinning, not even trying to hide it anymore. Sirius and Remus were both holding their sides, laughing. Oh, this was good! She had to admit that!

After what seemed like several minutes, Harry finally stepped into the hall. Hair pulled back so his scar was on full display, something he rarely did but wanted to for effect this time, he walked up to join Severus and Lucius. Snorting when he reached them, he muttered, though making sure everyone could hear it, “Posh prat and grumpy git! Remind me again why I bonded with you?”

Putting a hand on Harry's back, Lucius told him, smoothly, “Because we're irresistible, Mr. Potter.”

“Exactly,” Severus nodded, also putting a hand on his back then goaded him into walking towards the staff table.

This, more than anything, made the eruption happen. The scar and what was said set off a firestorm from the students. Grinning internally at how well this was working, Harry just huffed, “Keep deluding yourselves there. I don't think it was that.” However, he kept on walking, grinning as he saw the looks at the staff table.

“Just perfect!” Severus muttered, making sure only his two companions heard it.

“I agree,” Lucius said the same way, smirking. “Wonderful plan, Harry!”

“I rather thought so,” Harry mumbled back, grinning.

Once at the staff table, before Harry seated himself between Severus and Lucius, he was on the receiving end of some hugs and handshakes from the staff, still grinning from ear to ear while he did. Looking at Minerva, he saw her give him a bare nod and the tiniest of smiles turn up the corners of her mouth. She, too, had apparently liked his appearance.

Standing up to start the feast as always when Minerva tapped her glass, a stunned Albus said, “Welcome back, students. I should probably introduce the new person taking over for Madam Hooch since he made a rather grand entrance. May I introduce Mr. Harry Potter!” That's when the entire hall erupted.

Standing and grinning, Harry waved then sat down, taking a drink. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

Smirking himself, glancing at Draco who was still grinning then seeing the thumbs up from Black and Lupin, something he acknowledged with a nod, Lucius said, quietly, “True! It was good, I admit that!”

“Indeed. As you said, if we were to do it, it might as well be done big,” Severus told him, looking at the chaos in the hall.

“Oh, this is great,” Harry grinned, chuckling.

The normal start of the new semester staff meeting that night began with another round of hugs and handshakes for Harry from his old teachers and Neville, who was grinning from ear to ear. Sirius and Remus were cackling at what had happened while messing up Draco's hair in revenge for not telling them, as the youngest Malfoy obviously knew what was coming before it started. For once, though snarling and looking mutinous, Draco took it, grinning slightly. Severus and his father had filled him in ahead of time, so he got to enjoy the show.

Coming in, Minerva took a seat then cleared her throat, quieting everyone down, before starting, “Before anyone asks, yes, Harry will be taking over Muggle Studies next year.” Seeing everyone clap, she looked smug then tapped her papers on the table. Looking at the three that caused the dramatics she said, tone slightly softer than normal, “You have a copy of the bonding record for the school?”

Fishing it out of his robes, Harry handed it over, grinning, “All official, straight from France. As I told you, it's going to hit the papers tomorrow as that's the longest I could delay it, but it should be lost in what we just did.”

Taking it, giving it a once over, seeing the official seal of France on it, she nodded, smiling a little then passed it onto Albus, “Oh, I imagine it might end up that way!” Taking one paper out of the stack, she handed it over to Harry. “That's your animagus registration form. If you fill it out, I'll send it off and it'll be filed so you're legal.”

Taking it, Harry nodded, putting it down in front of him. “Good. I don't want any whinging I’m trying to get away with anything.”

“Exactly!” Minerva agreed with a firm nod. Clearing her throat again, she looked around then said, “Alright, to start off; I've learned that we'll have to be replacing another teacher at the start of next term. Draco is going to be leaving us as well. He's moving on to a new job.”

“Oh? You finally found something?” Albus asked the younger Malfoy looking pleased, eyes twinkling.

“I have,” Draco said, looking smug, obviously happy. Grinning slightly, he said, “I'm going to work for Potter, believe it or not! I'll be running his restaurant for him in France. While on the hols that's where we went and I decided I liked what I would do, so I'll be taking over for him when the semester ends.”

“Wonderful,” Minerva said, looking delighted, nodding. “I'm pleased for you, Draco!”

Nodding, Draco said, “Thank you. This should be enough notice that you can fill my position.”

“It is,” Minerva said with a firm nod. “I know someone working at Gringotts that I'm going to talk to. I think she can be persuaded to come in and take over. She is very suited for this and would like the more relaxed atmosphere. Don't worry, we'll find someone.” Stopping, she looked around then continued, “That does bring me to what else I want to talk to everyone about. There are some major staffing changes coming in the next two years and some need to be prepared for now. I think, with Albus' approval,” she declared with a deferring nod to the headmaster who nodded as well, “I’ve come up with something workable here. Before I launch in, I'll say I did get with all parties involved over the break and hammered out what I think is the bare bones of this.”

Shuffling her papers around, she told them, “Pomona is leaving us. We all know that. Neville is here to train and make sure he has everything ready to step in, but we haven't figured out yet who is going to take over her head of house duties. Albus is retiring the year after next. I'll be taking over for him. That will leave my teaching position and head of house duties open. What I've come up with is this--” Stopping, she looked around, “Filius has informed me that he wants no part of taking on the deputy position.” Seeing the diminutive man nod firmly, she said, “So, I've asked Severus to step in and do so. Because of Potions and being head of Slytherin, what I've done to take the load off is ask Lucius to share head of house duties with him. That will make things more manageable.”

“Good idea,” Albus nodded, smiling, eyes twinkling.

“We thought this might work well. Both of them are more than capable of taking on the demands and the students respect them. Now, I've gotten with Sirius and Remus about the issue of head of Gryffindor. We discussed it and neither want the position. Next year Remus' son will be attending so he doesn't want to take on doing that. Sirius has no interest in taking on such a responsibility.”

“And him being head of house? Bad idea unless you want something that made Fred and George look calm,” Remus chuckled, grinning.

“There is that too,” Sirius chuckled, scratching his goatee, grinning. “Not exactly prime leadership material, am I?”

Smiling slightly, Minerva shook her head then pressed on. “That leaves us with both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff needing a head of house. My teaching position I'll put out feelers for and should be able to find someone.” Stopping, she looked around then said, “I think for the houses I've come up with something. It's odd and not done often, but it works.”

“What I've come up with is this-- talking to Neville, he's more than willing to take over as Hufflepuff's head of house. Though in Gryffindor during school, he has the kind of personality that will work with Hufflepuff. For Gryffindor,” stopping, smirking a little, “I've asked Harry to take over. He can co-lead with me, same as what Neville is going to do with Pomona this year, until I take over as headmaster. Again, he's someone that is uniquely suited for the role. There is also the fact that he is bonded with the heads of Slytherin. That should eliminate a great deal of the old rumors and prejudice from the past. Once I take over as headmaster, he will step in and run Gryffindor. Any objections or discussion?”

“Oh, this is a good idea, Minerva!” Filius said, nodding. “We don't usually get a transition period for any of it. It will give not only the staff but also the students time to get used to the new ones before they step up.”

“That's my thought, Filius,” Minerva agreed.

“I do like it,” Albus said with an approving nod. “Both are more than able to take on the demands of running a house and are suited for such a thing. It will also show a more united front on rivalries than we've been able to accomplish in the past. The relationships already here are something good and that will show to the students. I do like this!”

“I thought so as well,” Minerva nodded. “We're also going to be able to show them just what is needed and how some things have to be handled the way we haven't in times past because of the transition period we're giving them. That will work well and they won't feel like we are tossing them to the dragons.” Looking around, she asked, “Any objections?” Seeing everyone shake their heads, she pressed on, “Now, to what's coming this spring. I have been able to confirm that Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes will be opening a shop in Hogsmeade.” Hearing multiple groans at that, she smirked a little then said, “You knew it was going to happen, so we can start to prepare now!”

Walking down to their room after rounds, where they would meet Black, Lupin and Draco for a drink to rehash their grand entrance, the three men were talking quietly. No, it wasn't about much, really, just some of what was coming.

Putting a hand on Harry's shoulder and giving it a squeeze, Lucius said, quietly, “I can't say I'm displeased with this. Though much happened very quickly, it's all good with me.”

“Same here,” Severus nodded. “It just means we move on to something else. Problems will come, we know that, especially after the story hits the paper tomorrow, but we'll wade through as we've always done.”

“Just the beginning of another life is all,” Harry said with a shrug. “It isn't like we've all not done that one before. Only thing is, it's different this time. There are three of us facing it rather than trying to do it alone. That should make it easier.”

“Very true, Harry,” Lucius nodded. “We make a formidable trio, if I do say so myself.”

“We do,” Severus conceded with a nod. “Now, I want to get down to our quarters. I don't trust Black to not redecorate them with something cheesy and gaudy to celebrate!”

Laughing, Harry said, “Yeah, didn't think about that! He might!”

“That's my biggest fear,” Severus sighed, speeding up.

And, it's done! Hope you enjoyed it! I hadn't planned to continue this on as most didn't seem interested in it, but the HPNewbie group on Yahoo begged nicely so you lot got it! :D

Now, on to my normal thank yous--

First, as always, to Tenchi, my most amazing, stupendous beta. Thank you, Tenchi, for sticking with me this long and putting up with all I chuck your way when your life isn't easy to start with. You mean the world to me and I can't do this without you anymore. Love you, woman!

To those that took time to review. Thanks! Sometimes this gets frustrating and even words as simple as 'I like it' help more than you know! For those that took the time, I thank you!

To my readers; even the ones that don't review, I thank you for giving it the time to read. You're great, all of you!

Now, off to have my post-story drink and celebrate! After all, you don't finish one very often so you should when you do! Care to join me?

-That Tomato Person
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And Another Life Begins