Past, Present and Future

Chapter 2

After finishing reading the letter he continued to just stare at it for a few minutes before the information sank in. McGonagall had not wanted him to come back to finish his education; she wanted him back as a teacher, Harry was speechless to say the least. Sighing Harry looked over the letter for a second time, the headmistress had not been able to find a new DADA teacher for the upcoming term and was pretty much begging Harry to become the new teacher. He had been her last resort, that would probably have offended anyone else but Harry knew that the older had done that out of respect. She knew the ex-gryffindor did not want to return so having him as a last resort actually made him quite happy. That was a lie he no longer knew what happiness was but he was a little happier than he would have been if she'd have come straight to him without even trying to get anyone else. With a sigh he got up and grabbed his wand. With the wand in one hand he snapped his finger on the other. Arriving in Diagon Alley he walked straight to flourish and blotts. Looking for books to use for the two upcoming terms, thinking terms, thinking and walking around for a moment he found the perfect ones to use, buying them all he then went straight home not wanting to draw too much too much attention. Back at his house he wrote a letter to McGonagall saying that he accepts the offer but he won't be present during the start of year feast. Wanting to keep his pretense secret for as long as possible. Hoping McGonagall would understand, which she thankfully did. Days turned into weeks and soon it was time to leave for Hogwarts. As Harry apperated to outside the Hogwart gates where McGonagall waited on him. The castle the boy and now man had loved since the first time he had seen it at the age of 11. The once beautiful mysterious castle where so much had happened, so many friendships made, so many rules broken, so many laughs heard. Then there were also the bad memories: all of the lives lost, all of the supposed enemies made, the heartbreaks, exams and lost friends. This was where the war had in a way been both won and started, the place he had lost his best friend and lover. The castle was as beautiful as ever and Harry just like all the previous years couldn't take his eyes off it and was somehow still amazed by it's beauty, the sun was setting at the horisont as the two professors made their way up to the big oak doors. Inside the castle looked just like it had before the war, not even one stone was different. Firstnow Harry could really understand the power of witches and wizards working hard together with the same goal, not being scared of asking for help. Together they had won the war, together they had been able to rebuild the castle, and together they could change the future. Together, a word that holds more power than any spell known and ever will be known. Harry and McGonagall walked in silence through the castle till they came to Harry's room and classroom when they got there she said

Here is your classroom as well as your room. I'm guessing you already know your schedule and who you have first thing in the morning. Yes?

Harry nodded, not having spoken to anyone for months was not the best now that he would have to with his new job. Opening the door to the classroom he walked in looking around, he'd been in this room before, this was the room he and Fred often had used when the were meeting up during the night just to talk or cuddle, he looked his hands or more specifically at the silver ring on his finger with an emerald, it was simple yet stylish and harry loved it, Fred had given it to him before he had left with ron and hermione, it was a promise, a promise that once all this was over they would get married and live happily ever after, a promise they both survive. A promise that had been broken. Harry sighs and turns to McGonagall nodding once more. The older professor saw how tired the other was and decided to let him be. She knew that it must have been an emotional rollercoaster coming back to the castle and decided to let him be. Telling him goodnight and leaving him alone to go and greet the both new and returning students. After the sorting she stood up, getting all the eyes on her once more. After going through all of the rules she said,

We also have a few teachers to introduce, first Slughorn has retired after all that happend and thanks to a graduated student as well as Madam Pomfres Magical hands we have Severus Snape back as our potions teacher. Then as you can see we have an empty chair, this chair belongs to this year's new DADA teacher who because of personal reasons could not attend the feast. Last year will be having him first thing tomorrow morning, that means all returning 8th and 7th years. All schedules will be in the dorms, now dig in.