The Headmaster

First I want to thank you for your reviews, bring them on. Things get a LOT worse before things get better between Harry and Snape. Harry needs to grow up before they have a chance. Don't expect to like Harry in the foreseeable future.



The Headmaster, Chapter 2

Severus sat staring out on the lake until a firm hand placed on his shoulder and broke the spell. Turning his head, Severus saw a small army of Aurors, all of their wands drawn and pointed at him, waiting, impatiently, for any unwanted movements from the ex-Potions Master. All he could do was shake his head. After all of these years and being cleared of all charges but one, being branded with the mark, he will always be the dreaded Death Eater. Worn and defeated he rose and placed his hands behind his back waiting to be magically handcuffed.

“Is that really necessary?” Dumbledore had come to say his good-byes to Severus. “He is not a threat.”

“He’s a parolee and a Death Eater. What would you have me do, take him to lunch?” The young Auror was a sarcastic little shite, a mere boy, barely out of school. Albus wondered why they couldn’t have sent Tonks or Kingsley, both knew and respected Severus and the sacrifices he gave for the Order.

His proud stance gone, he looked straight ahead, eyes never shifting to take a glance at the ex-friend. “The sooner you take me to Azkaban the sooner my year will be over.”

Minerva blocked their way. The young Auror was about to speak but cowered by the death glare she gave him. “I’ll miss you dear, dear, friend and when the time comes and you think you can bear no more, remember that there are those who truly love and care for you.” She gave Albus a side glance. “Even those who you are upset with.” She reached up and kissed him on his cheek.

“Thank you. I look forward to your visits.”

“Every Sunday, like clockwork.” She patted his cheek.

“We must be going.” The Auror wasn’t quite as cocky under the scrutiny of Minerva McGonagall.

“You treat him with respect Edmund Brock, or your mother will hear from me. Do you understand me young man?”

“Yes ma’am.” He blushed when he heard the snickers from the other Aurors.

Pissed, Minerva turned her sights on the rest of the Aurors. “That goes for the rest of you too. Most of you were in my house and just because you no longer attend this establishment doesn’t mean that I cannot make your lives miserable. Remember, I know your deepest, darkest secrets,” she threatened.

It did Severus’ heart good to hear Minerva come to his aid. His head was held a little higher as he walked down the path of Hogwarts for, more than likely, the last time.

Minerva stood next to Albus as they watched them leave the school and apparate away. She reassured the old man by patting his lower back.

“Do you think he’ll ever forgive me?” Albus eyes were red from crying.

“Severus has never been one to forgive easily.” Nothing else had to be said. Dumbledore knew that he would probably be dead before Severus would forgive him. The two walked silently back to the castle.

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Harry was in the best of moods. Severus was gone and all of his friends were to appear for lunch. His plans were coming together and he was looking forward to surprise his friends with his news.

He had arranged lunch to be served on the patio outside his study. Every time the thought of him being headmaster came to mind, Harry giggled. Life was good and only could get better after he told his friends of his plans.

Remus was the first to arrive looking rather distinguished in a new tweed jacket and tailored slacks. Harry was perturbed. Remus wasn’t supposed to look this good, at least not without his help. He was supposed to be needy and eternally grateful to what Harry was about to offer. Hermione showed up a few moments later, still the dynamo she now wore her hair short and spiked and trousers that looked similar to Remus. They both graciously took a glass of ice tea that Harry offered and settled on the couch.

The three were catching up on their lives when both Luna and Neville flooed into the headmaster’s study.

“As soon as Ron arrives we can start lunch,” Harry instructed.

“Oh dear, I forgot to tell you that Ron is waiting for some news and asked me to apologize for him. He’ll be here as soon as he can.”

Disappointed that nothing was going as planned, he led the group out to the patio where lunch awaited. Lunch was delicious, from the onion soup with mounds of cheese, to the beef Wellington and sautéed mushrooms, to the deserts of baked pears and gorgonzola cheese. Everything was perfect.

“Don’t think I can move.” Remus pushed back his chair and unbuckled his belt. “I can’t remember the last time I ate so much.”

“Harry thank you for having us to lunch. It was wonderful to see you again after all this time.” Once the war was over and everyone graduated, the once close friends went in different directions. When Harry became headmaster he saw a way to rectify that.

“I can’t wait to tell you my news.” Harry beamed. “I have found a way we can all get be together; like we were in school.”

“Harry what have you done?” Remus asked cautiously.

“I have positions for all of you.”

“What?” asked the choir of friends .

“I’m not explaining myself very well.” Taking a sigh Harry continued. “I have made a clean sweep of the teachers to open up positions for all of you. Neville will teach Herbology. Remus, of course, will once again teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.”

“And me Harry? What were you planning for me?” Hermione’s voice was laced with bitterness. She felt Remus’ hand settle on her thigh and gently squeeze it. She calmed immediately down.

Harry swallowed. “Ruins?”

“Harry, it’s not that we are not thankful that you thought of us but all of us have lives that we are happy in,” Luna softly spoke. “My father and I have bought out the ‘Prophet’. I shall begin being Editor in a couple of weeks. Neville has a very profitable green house that grows only the hardest to find plants. He plans to extend his operations to the main land. There is a small piece of property right outside of France that would be perfect for him.”

“I plan to start construction next week. You’ll have to come by and visit,” Neville added.

“Remus and I are working on human rights, werewolves being only a small part of our work. We’ve been working for the Ministry for almost a year now.”

“I… I... didn’t know. But Ron would love to take over for Madams Hooch as flying instructor and Quidditch coach.”

“I would if I just didn’t get a five year contract with the Chuddly Cannons.” Ron was dusting the soot from the floo off of his clothes as he joined the small gathering.

“This was not how I dreamt this would have turned out. I was looking forward having all my friends here with me once again, at Hogwarts, just like it use to be. Now with Snape is in Azkaban we could really enjoy ourselves.”

“Severus. Is. In. Azkaban?” Remus asked, dumbfounded. “Why?”

“It seems that my predecessor had promised Snape the position of headmaster once he retired. He threw a temper tantrum and resigned his post. Since his parole was conditioned on his continual employment at Hogwarts, he was taken to Azkaban to serve his sentence.”

“How could you let that happen?” Ron looked at Harry as if he had never seen him before.

“Come on Ron, you hated Snape as much as I did.”

“That was a very long time ago. Things have happened that changed my opinion of the man.”

“Snape never did anything for anyone unless he got something in return.” Harry argued. His perfect day was quickly going down the toilet. His vision of all of his friends with him at Hogwarts was dashed. When did they all get lives and leave him behind?

“Severus found a Quidditch instructor that worked one on one with me for the last three months, preparing me for the try outs. Without his financial support I could never have been able to afford to live my dream. I was going to return every knut he spent on me once I cashed my first check. He’s not the tyrant that you remember,” Ron explained.

“On Severus’ word alone I was accepted at the most prestigious university there is, Londonderry University of Wizardry. I would never have graduated if Severus hadn’t spent many nights tutoring me. I have my future to thank him for.” Hermione was poking Harry in the chest with every word.

“It was on Severus’ advice that my father and I decided that the Wizarding World needed a major newspaper that was honest and trustworthy,” Luna told Harry in a matter of fact voice. “One that was not corrupt or influenced by the government. He moderated the financing, to where we could afford the monthly payments.”

Harry was getting pissed. Didn’t any of them understand how devious and underhanded Severus was? He wouldn’t piss on them if they were on fire. No, Severus was going to get something back in return or he wouldn’t be helping them all.

“Don’t tell me, Snape helped you with starting your business.”

“All right I won’t tell you that, but he did get me in contact with some of the most influential Potions Masters in the country. With his impact, my business sky rocketed.”

“And what about me, Harry? He got nothing in return by improving the wolfsbane. My monthly transformations are almost painless and stress free, adding years to my life. Should I refuse the wolfsbane because he can be an arse?”

“No.” Harry gave up trying to convince them how evil the bastard really is. One day they would find out that he was right all along about Snape. He relish the day he could tell all of his friends… I told you so. “Let’s not speak of the bast… of Snape and talk about more pleasant things.”

The rest of the afternoon was pleasant enough. The small group talked about old times, the good as well as the bad. Harry drifted in and out of the conversation, only adding to the dialogue periodically, once he became aware of what was being said. He was disappointed… heartbrokenly disappointed, even if he kept a smile plastered on his face. He was expecting them to fall at his feet and kiss the hem of his robe in appreciation of the offered jobs. Why else become headmaster if he couldn’t have his friends with him. Crap, all that studying, all the preparations destroyed, and in Harry’s mind that too was Snape’s fault. If he hadn’t interfered with ‘his’ friends lives they all would be thrilled to be back at Hogwarts.

“Harry… Harry?” Luna shook his arm to gain his attention. “I must be going, my husband should be home from work in a little while and I need to start his dinner.”

“Luna, you got married?”

“Yes, silly. Over a year ago. If you had let someone know where you were, you would have been invited to the wedding.”

“I wanted to surprise everyone when I returned with a degree in Education. It seems that I’m the one that was surprised. Congratulations. Do I know the groom?” He tried to smile but it came across more like a sneer.

“We all went to school together.” Luna was almost tittering. “I married Draco.”

Harry was visibly shaken by this news. “As in Draco Malfoy? Luna how could you?”

“I know, all you can remember is the spoilt boy we went to school with, but he has changed into a fine man. He’s very loving and caring to me and our three month old daughter.”

This bit of information was the final blow to an already upsetting afternoon. “Tell me ‘Luna’ did Snape set you up?” His face was flush with anger.

“Why yes Harry, how did you know?”

“AWWWWWWWWWWW!!!” Harry screamed as he tried to pull his hair out. “You’re all so blinded to the truth.”

“Harry please calm down, you’ll give yourself an aneurysm.” Remus turned to his friends. “I think we should all leave and let Harry calm down. It seems we have overwhelmed him this afternoon.”

They said their good-byes, Luna and Hermione stopping long enough to kiss Harry’s cheek. Remus waited for everyone to leave before he sat Harry down and tried to calm him down.

“This obsession you have against Severus is destroying your judgment Harry. I won’t deny that Severus, even now, can be difficult, surly, sarcastic, rude, unforgiving…”

“I already know that… do you have a point?” Harry spoke between clinched teeth.

“Yes I do. He is also a caring, intelligent, intriguing, giving man. Instead of dwelling on the negative try, as we have learned to, to see the whole man and not the man you remember. I’ve missed you Harry and I’m glad you’re home. It’s now time for you to grow up and see life as it really is.”

“Thanks for coming Remus, I had a wonderful afternoon. We must do this again sometime.” The sarcasm was dripping from Harry’s lips.

“I’ll floo you in a day or two.” Remus smiled as he left.

“You have them all fooled, don’t you Snape? I know who and what you are, and being in Azkaban is where you belong. And if I have anything to do with it, you’ll rot there for the rest of your miserable life.” Harry went to his desk to do some correspondence. The warden of Azkaban might like to know about Severus Snape and who was better to tell him than Harry James Potter.