Chapter Text
Harry stood confidently in the Headmaster’s office, he thought it was possibly for the first time in his whole seven years at Hogwarts.
“Those are my conditions.” Harry said resolutely, waiting for McGonagall to respond.
“Mr. Potter,” McGonagall sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I fully understand what you are asking for and I wholeheartedly agree but I simply cannot do so just because you wish it. I must have definitive word from all parties involved that this is what they want.”
“He’s too proud to ask Professor! You know that!” Harry complained.
It was nearing the end of June and a week before their graduation ceremony. Harry sought out McGonagall to not only accept her offer, at the start of term in September he would be returning to Hogwarts once more but this time as the Defense Against the Dark Art professor. McGonagall had given him Lupin’s lesson plans and told him to build on them as he saw fit but Harry was steadfast that he would not fully accept the roll until his conditions were met. However, before Harry could protest one more, the door to McGonagall’s office opened and Draco came sweeping in.
“Potter, don’t you tire of being everyone’s hero?” Draco quipped. Harry smiled, because that’s what Draco’s snarky comments did to him these days.
“Never.” Harry retorted.
“Headmistress, I came to formally request an interview for the position of Potions Professor. It is my understanding that Professor Slughorn will not be returning the year after the next and I would like the chance to prove that I would be an apt fit for the position once it becomes available.”
“Mr. Malfoy, if you will have the job then there is no need for an interview.” McGonagall waved her hand dismissing the matter entirely.
“Thank you…. Headmistress.” Draco stumbled over his words.
“It will not be easy, in two years time when you return as a professor there will still be students who will not be so open-minded. I suggest for the coming school year you shadow Professor Slughorn, best ease into the roll.” Draco nodded and Harry itched to reach out and squeeze his hand to comfort him but McGonagall continued. “Mr. Potter has also requested joint living quarters, but I will not hesitate to remind you that you are to both be setting good examples for the incoming and returning students. Do I make myself clear?” McGonagall peered at them overtop the rim of her glasses.
“Crystal.” Harry and Draco spoke in unison.
“Good. Now for the final time as students of Hogwarts,” McGonagall spoke, a deep and sincere fondness creeping into her voice. “You are dismissed.” She finished with a smile. And together they left the Headmistresses office then bounded through the corridors, letting their laughter and joy carry through the empty halls and rooms.
In a week's time they’d be packing to head back to Grimmauld Place. Narcissa and Andromeda would be taking a month’s vacation not long after to the Swiss Alps together so Harry and Draco would be left with Teddy, and together they’d settle into their new routine until it was time to return once more to Hogwarts.
Returning once more to home.