Lily's Charm- Severitus fanfiction

Lily's Lie

1996

Harry was waiting impatiently for Dumbledore’s staircase to complete its upward spiral toward the Headmaster’s office. He had received an owl during dinner from the Headmaster, requesting Harry’s presence ‘post haste’ in the old man’s loopy scrawl.

“What do you suppose he wants?” Hermione had asked to which Harry had shrugged. Harry had long given up trying to figure the Headmaster out. To Harry’s thinking, Dumbledore was equally likely to present him with the recipe for lemon drops, as he was to give Harry a complicated reason for offing Voldemort by sundown the next day.

Ron had guffawed loudly when Harry had said as much, while Hermione favored them both with a disparaging look. Harry smiled at the memory of Ron responding by making a face at Hermione while she scooped up a second helping of treacle tart.

Dumbledore’s staircase finally stopped spinning and Harry knocked lightly on the Headmaster’s large door. The door swung open for him and Harry stepped gingerly over the threshold.

“Harry, my boy, do come in.” The headmaster smiled and waved Harry forward. Harry smiled back at the Headmaster hesitantly, as he remembered the wild fit he’d had in Dumbledore’s office at the end of last term; his face heated in embarrassment.

Dumbledore smiled kindly at him. “The past is past, Harry. Please make yourself comfortable.” Harry wondered, as he often did, at the Headmaster’s ability to jump right to where Harry’s mind was. He didn’t ponder it long though as he was eager to get on with whatever the man was going to say.

“Thank you, sir,” Harry said politely and chose one of the plush chairs in front of Dumbledore’s desk.

“Shall we get straight to business, then Harry, as I know you are eager to return to your friends?” The old wizard’s eyes were twinkling merrily at Harry’s sheepish look. Dumbledore nodded briskly and continued, “Our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Sundry,” Harry nodded. He’d had class with the slightly maniacal-faced witch only this morning.

“She has been called back home, I’m afraid, Harry. As our luck would have it, however, I’ve found a replacement. I’ve received his answer in the affirmative just this very hour.” Dumbledore smiled at Harry’s confusion. Why would the Headmaster ask Harry to his office to tell him about a new teacher?

“I don’t understand, sir”

“Of course not, Harry. How could you, when I haven’t explained?” The old blue eyes danced behind the Headmaster’s half-moon spectacles and Harry bit the inside of his cheek in annoyance. Couldn’t the man just talk without all the riddles?

“Perhaps, you will understand in a minute. If you’ll turn your attention to the Floo, Harry,” Dumbledore requested and Harry turned toward the old fireplace, still perfectly befuddled.

Harry was about to ask what exactly the Headmaster was doing when the Floo roared to life and the telltale green flames rose up. A moment later, Harry gaped at the man who stepped out.

“Remus?” he asked incredulously and without another word, Harry threw himself at his friend and Remus immediately had the boy in a tight hug.

“It’s good to see you, Harry,” Remus told him quietly as the werewolf squeezed warmly and then pulled away slightly to look at Prongs’ son.