The Herbology Assistant

Chapter Nineteen

"Hey, it's just me." Clarice called to Severus from outside his door after knocking. He opened it up to reveal Clarice in a new outfit. She had taken a little longer than expected since she had to run to the lounge to make sure everything was all set up. She helped Minerva hang a few decorations up, but had to rush back to Severus. 

"How many times have you changed your clothes today?" He asked her while letting her inside.

"None of your business." She said. She now wore a velvet emerald green dress that went to her knees and flared out at her waist. She caught him staring at her. 

"I love this color on you." He said and she noticed he had also cleaned up and had on the cape she had gotten him for Christmas. 

"I think I left my Herbology papers in the lounge. I have to finish grading them. Can you come with me? I don't want to run into Goldilocks." She asked him and batted her lashes at him. 

"Of course." He said and followed her up to the lounge. 

"SURPRISE!!!!" 

"Merlins ballsack! What the hell?" Severus stumbled back surprised by the outburst, but then relaxed when he realized it was just the staff. 

"Happy birthday!" Minerva came from the crowd. 

"Did you do this?" Severus asked her.

"It wasn't all me, Clarice helped of course." She said and gave her some credit. Minerva gave Severus a pat on the back and turned to help Pomona get slices of cake ready by the snack table. 

"I can't believe you." Severus said while turning to Clarice who smiled at him. 

"You deserve a nice day and a little party. Everyone does." She said while walking over to the bar cart. 

"Drink?" She asked him and already began pouring the firewhiskey before he could answer. She knew him. She helped herself to a glass of wine. 

"This looks really nice, you and Minnie did a nice job." Albus came up to Clarice as she was sipping her wine. She had told Severus to go mingle with the other teachers.

"Thank you," She replied. 

"You know Clarice, I've been thinking. Professor Kettleburn is retiring this year. I'll have a full time teaching position available. It's yours if you want it." Albus said to her and she froze. Of course she wanted it, but she was sure there was someone else who would want it more. "Why the hesitation?"

"Albus, as much as I appreciate the offer, and I really do appreciate you thinking of me for such a wonderful position... You and I both know Hagrid would be a perfect fit for that position." Clarice replied and gave him a half smile. He seemed to be thinking about her suggestion. 

"You have a point." He spoke. "Perhaps you could assist him."

"Be an assistant for three classes?" She asked him a little shocked. 

"Hear me out. You can stay with Pomona for the first, second, and third years. Help Hagrid with the fourth and fifth years and assist Severus with the sixth and seventh years. It would be like a full time teaching position, just with different subjects." Albus explained. 

"I think I would like that very much." She accepted. 

"Very well, I think I'll go have a slice of cake." Albus said and walked away. Clarice stood there with a stupid grin on her face. 

"Why the goofy grin?" Severus walked up her. 

"Albus asked me to help Hagrid teach Care of Magical Creatures next year!" She said excitedly.