Chapter 19 - Epilogue

'Well that could have gone worse.'

Harry nodded to Bennett, who had just joined them after the debriefing at the ministry. 'It could have gone a lot worse. I think I was lucky.'

Severus looked at Harry as if he was insane. 'You were captured, tortured and forced to defend yourself by using an unpredictable unknown magic! You think that was lucky?'

Bennett hid a smile behind her hand.

'We're talking about the ministry here Sev, they aren't exactly reasonable when it comes to handing out punishments.' Harry said, thinking of chasing Dementors away from Dudley at the age of fifteen. He'd been in more trouble then.

'Don't call me Sev.'

'Noted.' Harry turned back to Bennett. 'I can't thank you enough for what you did. Truly. I know you may well get into some trouble as a result so, thank you.'

Bennett shrugged. 'It's unlikely to be honest. Despite our deliberately ignoring orders and going off on our own, no one seems to be angry. In fact no one has even mentioned it… And you don't have to thank me Harry, I didn't really do anything. You saved yourself in the end.'

'We couldn't have stopped him without your help. We'd still be stuck… and he'd still be taunting me.' Harry said gratefully.

Bennett shifted her feet slightly, clearly feeling awkward. 'Well, anytime. I have to get going but it was great to meet you both, and to work with you. It's not every day I get a chance to work with wizards.' She held out her hand.

Severus shook it with a small smile. 'Thank you for your help Bennett. I appreciate what you did more that I can express.'

Bennett gave a tight nod.

Harry took her hand next, shaking it firmly. 'Thanks Bennett, keep in touch now.'

'It's Sophie.' Bennett said with a smile. 'Call me Sophie.'

It was true that no one had really mentioned anything about Bennett and Severus going rogue and tracking down Joseph Andreev on their own. Severus thought that it was likely because Harry had been tortured, and Andreev had confessed, so no one was really fussed about how he had been caught in the end.

Harry suspected that Bennett would be in trouble from her own agency though, as Muggle law enforcement had proved to be stricter that the ministry (who tended to do whatever they liked no matter what the rules said). It helped that the Bulgarians had been horrified that one of their own wizards had committed such atrocities. There had been no issues from them at all, particularly since the murders had happened in London, as well as the capture and subsequent killing of Andreev. In fact the only argument now was what to do with Andreev's remains. The ministry wanted to send them back to Bulgaria, and the Bulgarians wanted the ministry to deal with them.

Harry had been questioned at length that morning, and his memories submitted for examination. He was then expected to be present while they were reviewed, which was possibly the worst part. He had no desire to relive the previous few day's events and thought his testimony should have been enough. Thankfully he was immediately cleared of all wrong doing, and only had to sit through a ten minute lecture from Kingsley on what a foolish thing it had been for him to slip away from the Auror's assigned to him that night. Harry had taken the lecture quietly, he knew he deserved it.

'It feels strange.' Harry said, as he watched Bennett leave the room.

'In what way?' Severus murmured, his hand on Harry's shoulder.

'It's over, no one to chase, and no one chasing me.'

'Feels wonderful to me.' Severus said drily. 'Though if it helps', his eyes darkened, 'I'll chase you.'

Harry smiled and leant in close. 'That sounds perfect.'

'Let's go home.'

…

One year later

'Minerva, what's this all about?' Severus asked with a heavy sigh, as he sat in the headmistress's office reluctantly. He didn't have the fondest memories of this room.

'You're owl was very cryptic.' Harry added.

'Well yes.' Minerva placed both hands flat on the desk and fixed them with a piercing stare. 'I figured if I just told you outright in my message you would have ignored it.'

'Get on with it.' Severus growled. 'I hope you aren't about to offer us positions on the teaching staff again?'

Minerva rolled her eyes. 'Severus I'm not foolish enough to assume that you'd ever be interested in teaching again. Besides it's not a Potions Professor I'm after.'

'Defence against the dark arts?' Harry guessed. 'I thought that curse was lifted when Voldemort died?'

Minerva leant back in her chair. 'It did. Professor Blackburn is retiring after four years in the position.'

'So you want me to take it up?' Harry frowned, his stomach giving a flip at the thought.

'I taught Defence as well as Potions.' Severus said icily. 'In fact in case you've forgotten it was my preferred choice.'

Minerva rolled her eyes. 'Do you want the position Severus?'

'No.' Severus folded his arms. 'But I am not sure why I'm here.'

'You and Harry have been a family unit for some time now; I am indeed offering him the position, however I am sure that you will both have questions and concerns and out of respect to you both and your relationship I wanted to give you the opportunity to raise any issues you have with me directly.'

Harry raised an eyebrow. 'I'm very young to be a professor.'

'That's irrelevant. You taught a full class of students on this subject at the age of fifteen very successfully. Are you interested or not?'

Harry slid his eyes to look at Severus, who was sitting tightly in his seat. 'I am interested…' he began slowly, 'but I don't think it would work.'

'Why not?' Minerva asked.

'If you're interested you should do it.' Severus said quickly. 'Don't let me hold you back.'

'You aren't holding me back. I don't want to be away from you for weeks at a time. I don't want a long distance relationship.' Harry bit his lip. He loved living with Severus this past year and had no desire to ever stop.

'Potter. You don't have to live at Hogwarts.' Minerva sighed impatiently. 'It is preferred of course, however you are quite capable of apparating in and out of Hogsmeade each day.'

Harry tilted his head. 'I don't know why I never thought of that.'

'You will of course be provided with quarters in the castle, and I will ensure they are equipped for two, in case you both wish to stay there together. In addition Severus…'

Severus sat up slightly. 'Yes?'

'I would like you to become our regular supplier of potions for the infirmary.' Minerva said. 'We would be happy for you to brew them at Hogwarts or at your home if you prefer. Harry's quarters will include a workshop for you.'

'What's wrong with your Potions Professor?' Severus asked with a growl.

'There's nothing wrong with him, other than he isn't you.' Minerva paused. 'Also healing potions are really not his thing. We've had some… issues.'

'I'll consider it.'

'Would the two of you like some time to discuss it between yourselves?'

'Yes please.' Harry said, though he already knew what he wanted.

Minerva nodded. 'Send your Patronus to find me when you're ready.' She left the room.

'You want to do it don't you?' Severus asked quietly, as he took Harry's hand.

'Yeah I think I do…' Harry said awkwardly. 'I miss teaching defence. I can't bring myself to teach one on one anymore but a classroom that's controlled… It does sound appealing.'

'You should accept the position then.'

'What about you?' Harry asked tentatively.

Severus shrugged. 'I suppose I can manage to stay at the castle every now and then. Especially if I do supply them with potions, it would be convenient.'

Harry felt a smile stretch across his face. 'I'll come home most nights I promise!'

'I know you will. But we aren't spending Christmas there.' Severus said firmly. 'I refuse to partake in anymore over the top Hogwarts celebrations.'

Harry pouted. 'Really? Never?'

Severus threw up his hands. 'Fine. But not every single year.'

Harry lunged forward and threw his arms around Severus' neck. 'I love you.'

Severus leant forward to kiss Harry deeply, 'I love you too.'

Finis

A/N - If you managed to stick with this story for the million years it took me to finish this, this is for you. Much love x