Harry Potter and the Year After

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Ginger Snaps

Chapter 28: Ginger Snaps

Harry didn't sleep well that night. First thing in the morning, Bilius woke Harry by gently nipping Harry's finger. The owl had a message.

Harry read:

Mr. Potter,

Please meet with me at your first available convenience to attend to an urgent matter.

Thank you,

Headmistress McGonagall

Harry read it twice, thanked Bilius with an owl treat, and then quickly dressed. Before he'd eaten anything, he Apparated to the gate of Hogwarts.

Though Harry had known it to have been locked for years, the gate was open.

Walking up the lane to the school through the sparse trees, he couldn't help but look up at the castle. From here, it appeared to be intact. Normal, even. It certainly hadn't looked that way the last time he'd seen it.

After he passed by the lake, he made his way up to the front entrance. The huge front doors were shut but again, they weren't locked.

It was dead quiet in the school. Lost in thoughts of Ginny, he'd made his way up to Professor McGonagall's office before he knew it. He knocked. No one answered.

"Of course," Harry said to himself. He glanced around and then continued on up the steps. He had to go to Dumbledore's old office if he wanted to find Professor McGonagall.

He made his way there and was surprised to find that the gargoyle was standing at attention. No other place had been locked in the whole castle, it seemed.

"Sherbet lemon?" Harry tried. The gargoyle didn't move. "Lemon drop? Berty Bott's Every Flavor Beans? Oh, how about ginger snaps? She likes those I think."

To Harry's surprise, the gargoyle jumped aside. He rode the turning stairs up to the door of the Headmistress's office and waited.

"Enter," she called almost immediately.

Harry came in.

"That was quick," she said. "Sit down, Potter."

Harry did as she said. She sat down at Dumbledore's old desk, across from him.

"Well, you are right, I do like ginger snaps. Would you like one?"

"Yes, thanks. Skipped breakfast." Harry took a ginger snap from the proffered tin and took a bite.

"I believe you intend to come back to Hogwarts for your seventh year after all, just as Mr. Weasley wishes to do?"

"Yes, Professor," Harry said.

"Well, I don't know if you heard, but we have yet to find a Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor for this year."

"I had heard you were having trouble," Harry said.

"Well, as you will be at the school anyway, I have a proposition for you." She flicked her wand and a piece of parchment flew up from her desk and fluttered down into Harry's hands.

He read:

Mondays and Wednesdays:

Period 1,2- 7th year Charms with Professor Flitwick

3- Teach Gryffindor/Slytherin 1st year DADA

4- Teach Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff 1st year DADA

5- Teach Gr/Sl 2nd year DADA