Wrong, All Wrong

Part title

Luckily, I was correct. 'The old one came inside before the others could react. The old one angered the canine when he sat down in the silent one's chair. The fiery one was but a dwindling flame the entire time.'

I totally did not understand half of what Saphyr said, but I had Harry to translate. 'Dumbledore walked in and sat in Severus' chair. Sirius was angered as Severus is his Alpha, in other words his mate and superior. Mother did nothing as she was caught between respect and anger.' I wanted to prompt Harry into saying Uncle Severus and Uncle Sirius but hearing him address Mother as 'Mother' was enough for now.

Then the old man broke the silence again. "I have come here today to offer Lily and Severus teaching positions at Hogwarts. Luckily you happened to be visiting Severus, Lily." Mother and the two uncles were obviously shocked. Uncle Severus' glare even went away as he stared at Dumbledore. His hand, which reached out towards Mother, froze in midair. From what I could see I guessed Saphyr was on top of the mantel facing the couch where Mother and Uncle Severus were seated. Uncle Sirius was in his own chair. Unfortunately from Saphyr's position I couldn't see the old man's face, but I could see him taking another sip of his tea before continuing. "As many throughout the Wizarding World know, both of you have achieved the grand accomplishment of getting your Mastery; Lily as a Charms Mistress and Severus as a Potions Master. Very few people ever get their Mastery in their chosen field and even fewer acquire one at such a young age. It would be an honor to have both of you come and teach at Hogwarts."

Mother was the first to reply. "What happened to Professor Flitwick? He isn't ill is he?" I knew about Professor Flitwick. He was Mother's favorite professor when she was in school and was the one to teach her everything she knew about Charms.

"No, Filius is not ill," the old man replied, "he merely wishes to teach dueling at the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts. He had been endeavoring to start a Dueling Club at Hogwarts again when Minerva jokingly stated he should give up and go for teaching the subject. Unfortunately he was delighted by the idea and plans to leave Hogwarts in a couple of years. I believe all three of you know of his love of dueling and his enthusiasm in teaching it, being former students yourselves."

"Lily-"

Uncle Sirius looked furious when Dumbledore completely disregarded and interrupted him. "You don't have to decide right now, Lily." With the bubbly tone of a school girl Dumbledore turned to Uncle Severus, "What about you, Severus? Your accomplishment in Potions has inspired Horace to retire earlier than he had originally planned. He adores all of his students but believes they deserve a younger, 'fresher' teacher to hone their talents."

"I do not care to suffer the presence of idiotic children, Dumbledore," Uncle Severus drawled in reply. Sitting next to Mother he looked perfectly relaxed though I could see his eyes were narrowed at the old man. There was also a hint of a sneer on his lips.

As if he had not heard Uncle Severus the old man added, "Horace also recommended you as the next Head of Slytherin."

Uncle Severus' eyes widened. "Head of Slytherin?" It was the first time I had seen Uncle Severus act like that. It looked like he wanted to say more but couldn't quite find the words to say. His posture was still straight and confident but it didn't seem as intimidating as it had been before.

Dumbledore took another sip of his tea. "I do know you cherished your House, Severus, even if you did not quite care for those who inhabited it." The old man turned back to Mother without missing a beat, "Do think about my request, Lily."

Mother looked at Dumbledore and then down at her lap, "I..." She trailed off, looking unsure of herself.

"While it's likely it'll be time for his first year when you begin, I'd be more than happy to allow Aster to stay at Hogwarts while you teach." Dumbledore said.