𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐇/𝐃/𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐄 2008

P is for Potions

Title: P is for Potions
Author/Artist: faeriechii
Pairing/Threesome: Harry/Draco
Rating: PG
Warnings: Snape didn't die.
Word count: 3,022
Summary: Snapshots of Harry and Draco as professors at Hogwarts with Snape making occasional appearances to mentor them.

The problem with assigning long essays on the intricacies of potion-making, Draco soon discovered, was having to mark them. And he wasn't entirely sure that the essays were more of a punishment to his students rather than himself. He had ascertained, after marking the first dozen essays, that the new Wizarding generation was rather hopeless and would soon send their kind to a spiralling path of self-destruction due to their stupidity. He hoped that by the time that catastrophic event occurred, he would be long dead, for having to witness such an event would be worse than serving the Dark Lord. After all, although Voldemort's sanity was rather questionable, at least his intelligence was greater than that of a pea. Draco wished he could say the same of his own students.

Just as he was about to mourn the future of the Wizarding world in despair, a knock came at the door. "Come in."

"If you plan on stabbing yourself with that quill, Draco, I hope you take it outdoors. Blood is so difficult to clean, and those rugs are antique."

"Hello to you too, Severus. Run out of students to invoke fear in?" Draco said, setting the quill down and turning to his mentor.

"Never," Severus replied in a wry but amused tone. "But I find pestering my staff members a more fulfilling hobby these days."

"Do you? I'm afraid your presence has the opposite effect than you wanted. You've saved me from these poor excuses for essays."

"Don't be so sure. I bring the most unfortunate news."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Professor Towler had a bit of an accident while experimenting with defensive spells. He'll likely be a permanent resident at St. Mungo's."

"I always thought his methods were questionable," Draco said, shaking his head. "And who is to replace him?"

Here Severus looked rather uncomfortable. Clearing his throat, he summoned a House Elf, who prepared tea for them before returning to the school kitchens. Reaching into his robes, Severus pulled out a small silver flask and poured a bit of amber liquid into both cups. Handing one cup to Draco, he nodded at it. "Drink that."

"Severus?"

"There was no one else remotely qualified for the position. I really had no choice in the matter."

"You're delaying, Severus," Draco remarked as he took a sip of his tea.

Severus let out a long, drawn-out sigh. "It appears that a Mr. Harry Potter will be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."

Draco choked on his tea, resulting in a coughing fit. "Merlin, I didn't realize you despised me that much, Severus."

"I believe I despise myself," Severus replied, picking up his teacup and draining all of its contents. "I expect you to behave, Draco. I won't tolerate any childish rivalries."

"I am hurt that you would even think so poorly of me, Severus," Draco said, one hand over his heart in false anguish. "Hurt."

"I'm sure."

* * *

"Welcome back to Hogwarts, Potter."

"...Malfoy?"

"Potter?"

"Malfoy."

"Yes, you've said that. I'm thrilled that you're capable at retaining names of former schoolmates. I hope such intelligence will carry over to your teaching abilities. Merlin knows we need some competent professors."