The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 99: The Snap

Harry was confused and it was easy to see, he wore it plainly on his face.

"Is something the matter, Mister Potter?" Dumbledore asked, plainly amused.

Harry smiled wryly.  "Well, nothing wrong really.  Just a bit confused.  Why me?"  He was standing in the Headmaster's office.  It was only two weeks into the school year and at first, he thought it was for the breaking of the horcruxes, before realizing that there was still a little more than a month away for that.  He felt better when he saw McGonagall, Remus, Snape, and Flitwick in the office as well.  Flitwick's presence meant it should not have anything to do with Voldemort.

"I'll never get over how humble you are," Remus said with a laugh.

"Very different from your father," Snape said almost pleasantly.  "Your mother on the other hand was never shy about appropriate praise however."

It was still really weird to hear Snape talk about his mother like that, but Harry still liked hearing about her so he was getting used to it.  It was even weirder to hear the lack of pure venom from Snape's voice when he talked about James.  Harry liked that too though.

"Allow me to reassure you," McGonagall said with a faint smile.  "You have done incredibly well as Prefect so far.  Your marks have always scored around Exceeds Expectations for Charms and Transfiguration with close to Outstanding for Defense.  You are a licensed Medic.  Need I continue?"

"You have also been trained by an Auror," Remus said.  "Not officially but that is still something to consider."

Harry felt his face heat up.  "I mean, that doesn't mean I'd be a good teacher or that others will listen to me."

"I beg to differ, Professor Potter," McGonagall said evenly.  "The second years and the first years have naught but good things to say about your tutoring."

Remus and Flitwick chortled and Snape's lip curled slightly.  "Professor Potter?" Snape said blandly.  "I retract my statement about you and your father."

"Blame Professor McGonagall," Harry protested.  "I didn't ask to be called that."

Dumbledore chuckled.  "All that taken into account means you are quite qualified to be the student teaching assistant.  I would be remiss if I also did not mention about the way you handled yourself last term."  He turned grave.  "Many parents want more emphasis on practical defense and you have shown you have an aptitude for it.  We cannot force you to accept the role, but we sincerely hope that you do."

Harry thought for a long moment.  He never expected to be asked to help with a Practical Defense Club by the Professors and the Headmaster.  He knew he could handle himself somewhat.  Tonks did say he was very good at dueling and defense spells.  He did not think he was as good as a tutor as McGonagall said but if all the younger years were saying it, it had to have some iota of truth.

"I would be equally...remiss...if I did not mention that I have had some trouble dealing with things after the duel," Harry said eventually.  "I also...can't really cast the Severing Charm anymore.  I get really anxious."

"Perfectly understandable," Dumbledore said kindly.  "Remus will be the head of the Club with Filius and Severus assisting.  I believe the Club will be very popular and since you have had practical experience in training as well as being there to help with potential injuries, you seemed the natural pick for assistance.  We will not force you to do anything you are not comfortable with.  You would be a true asset and I do believe you sell yourself short to your teaching abilities."

Sell myself cheaply, Harry thought with a smile.  He looked around the office.  McGonagall looked at him with bright-eyed expectation.  Remus looked encouraging.  Flitwick looked happy and excited.  Snape looked...oddly pleasant.  Dumbledore looked eager.