Fic: P is for Potions
Title: P is for Potions
Author: faeriechii
Rating: PG
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Word Count: 3,023
Summary: Snapshots of Harry and Draco as professors at Hogwarts with Snape making occasional appearances to mentor them.
Disclaimer: The world and characters of Harry Potter belong to JK Rowling. The writing belongs to me.
A/N: Much love and gratitude to j_folked for quick betaing my piece. This was written for gurliemoviegeek for hds_beltane's gift exchange.
The problem with assigning long essays on the intricacies of potion-making, Draco soon discovered, was having to mark them. And he wasn't entirely sure that the essays were more of a punishment to his students rather than himself. He had ascertained, after marking the first dozen essays, that the new Wizarding generation was rather hopeless and would soon send their kind to a spiraling path of self-destruction due to their stupidity. He hoped that by the time that catastrophic event occurred, he would be long dead, for having to witness such an event would be worse than serving the Dark Lord. After all, although Voldemort's sanity was rather questionable, at least his intelligence was greater than that of a pea. Draco wished he could say the same of his own students.
Just as he was about to mourn the future of the Wizarding world in despair, a knock came at the door. "Come in."
"If you plan on stabbing yourself with that quill, Draco, I hope you take it outdoors. Blood is so difficult to clean, and those rugs are antique."
"Hello to you too, Severus. Run out of students to invoke fear in?" Draco said, setting the quill down and turning to his mentor.
"Never," Severus replied in a wry but amused tone. "But I find pestering my staff members a more fulfilling hobby these days."
"Do you? I'm afraid your presence has the opposite effect than you wanted. You've saved me from these poor excuses for essays."
"Don't be so sure. I bring the most unfortunate news."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Professor Towler had a bit of an accident while experimenting with defensive spells. He'll likely be a permanent resident at St. Mungo's."
"I always thought his methods were questionable," Draco said, shaking his head. "And who is to replace him?"
Here Severus looked rather uncomfortable. Clearing his throat, he summoned a House Elf, who prepared tea for them before returning to the school kitchens. Reaching into his robes, Severus pulled out a small silver flask and poured a bit of amber liquid into both cups. Handing one cup to Draco, he nodded at it. "Drink that."
"Severus?"
"There was no one else remotely qualified for the position. I really had no choice in the matter."
"You're delaying, Severus," Draco remarked as he took a sip of his tea.
Severus let out a long, drawn-out sigh. "It appears that a Mr. Harry Potter will be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
Draco choked on his tea, resulting in a coughing fit. "Merlin, I didn't realize you despised me that much, Severus."
"I believe I despise myself," Severus replied, picking up his teacup and draining all of its contents. "I expect you to behave, Draco. I won't tolerate any childish rivalries."
"I am hurt that you would even think so poorly of me, Severus," Draco said, one hand over his heart in false anguish. "Hurt."
"I'm sure."
* * *
"Welcome back to Hogwarts, Potter."
"...Malfoy?"
"Potter?"
"Malfoy."
"Yes, you've said that. I'm thrilled that you're capable at retaining names of former schoolmates. I hope such intelligence will carry over to your teaching abilities. Merlin knows we need some competent professors."
Harry blinked slowly at him. "Malfoy, what are you doing here?"
"Why, didn't dear Severus tell you?" Draco said, smiling sweetly. "I work here. I'm the Potions professor."
"You're the Potions professor," Harry repeated slowly.
"Yes, Potter. You're awfully quick today. I hope that means you've inadvertently spent all of your brain cells preparing for your lecture tomorrow."
Harry's confused expression turned into a scowl. "Shut up, Malfoy."
"Ah, there are the barbaric manners that we all know and have come to expect. You almost had me worried there."
"Don't you have anything else better to do?" Harry said, sighing exasperatedly.
"Actually, yes. However, Severus has asked me to help you get everything sorted out. I told him he wasn't paying me enough to do house elf work, but he merely glared at me and shooed me out." Draco shook his head sadly. "That man is getting soft."
Harry snorted. "Listen Malfoy, as much as I enjoy listening to your commentary on Snape, I'd much rather be left alone. So if you could take a hint?"
"That's all you brought with you, Potter?" Draco said, eyeing the two small trunks as they entered Harry's quarters. "You do realize you'll be living here for an entire year, don't you?"
"Shut up, Malfoy. Some of us don't need the entire inventory from Madam Malkin's just to live."
"And some of us like to live better than paupers. It's really a pity; you're letting that Potter fortune go to waste, sitting in a vault like that."
"And it's my money, Malfoy. If I don't want to spend it on some ridiculous, poncy robes, then that's my choice. Now, will you go away?"
"Gladly," Draco sniffed, brushing off invisible lint from his robes. "And my robes are not ridiculous or poncy. They're classy. But of course, a boor like you could hardly know the difference."
"Whatever," Harry said, closing the door after Draco walked out.
* * *
"Snape lied to me," Harry said blandly, dumping a pile of parchment onto the desk before him.
"Why, yes, Potter. Of course you may dump your students' assignments on my desk. Thank you for asking."
Harry glared at Draco for a moment before slumping into the chair opposite of the blonde. "He lied to me."
Draco sighed, setting down his quill on the small pile of essays he was marking. "Okay, Potter. Obviously, you're not going to go away until you've had time on your little soapbox. So tell me, what did Severus lie to you about now?"
"He said I could make a difference! He said that they would respect me because I had the experience, the credentials. All a bunch of bollocks, if you ask me. These papers? Half of them are marriage proposals. The other half whinge about having to write theoretical papers when Defense should be about application and practice."
"So what's your plan?"
"Plan?"
Draco rolled his eyes. "Yes, Potter. What are you going to do about these delinquents?"
"Er- I don't know? Fail them?"
"Oh, you're so creative. My muse's heart flutters for you," Draco said, covering his heart with one hand. "And then what will you do?"
Harry frowned in thought. "Lecture them about doing their assignments properly?"
"Yes, Potter. That'll have them quivering in their robes. 'Oh no! Professor Potter gave us a lengthy diatribe on essay submission. I was nearly bored to death. To death! Better not repeat it.'"
"And what would you propose I do, since you appear to be such an expert, Malfoy?"
Draco smiled, but it was not a pleasant one. "I would give them the application and practice they so desire."
"But they're not ready! If they don't know the theory behind each defensive spell, they'll most likely fail at it."
Draco's smile grew wider. "Precisely."
Harry stared at Draco with mild shock. "That's just not right, Malfoy."
"Perhaps not, but it gets the job done."
Harry looked appalled.
"Tea?" Draco said, offering a cup with a smirk.
* * *
"So how is Potter getting along?"
"Oh, he's doing just fine now that he's taking my advice," Draco said, chewing carefully on a scone.
"Your advice?" Severus asked, one eyebrow raised doubtfully.
"Of course. I taught him nearly everything I know."
"Naturally that implies that you taught him everything I know and took credit for it. Silly child."
Draco didn't look one bit contrite. "Honestly, Sev, as if he'd take the advice if he knew where the teaching methods originated from. He practically despises you."
"And the feeling is mutual," Severus said, sounding amused. "But as long as he respects me and continues to teach Defense in a competent manner, I could care less what his other feelings are."
"Hmm," Draco replied noncommittally.
"What does my impudent godchild have in his thoughts now, dare I ask?"
Draco smirked. "Just that you're getting soft."
Half a scone went flying into Draco's direction. The blonde dodged and snickered. "I rest my case."
"You're fortunate that it's against policy to hex those who are employed under me. But don't forget, Draco, accidents do happen."
"Around you, Severus? Highly unlikely coming from a man whose every move is planned and deliberate."
"Perhaps I am merely getting sloppy with age."
Draco snorted but drank his tea silently.
* * *
"Malfoy?" Harry peered around Draco's quarters and spotted something unexpected.
"Why, Potter, come to see me again? To what honor do I owe this visit?"
Harry ignored Draco and pointed to a black, sleek instrument that magnificently stood in the center of the room adjoining Draco's study. "Malfoy, is that a piano?"
"Why, yes, Potter. Yes it is. Very good. Ten points to Gryffindor for your astute observation," Draco drawled pleasantly.
Harry rolled his eyes. "What's a piano doing in your quarters?"
Draco tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Actually, I'm not sure. It just appeared one day." He paused before turning to Harry with a look of absolute horror. "You don't think it's a dark arts object, do you? Do you think if I touch it, it'll suck out my soul? Oh, Potter, you're the expert. Advise me."
"Er- you said it just appeared one day? Out of thin air?"
"You're so gullible, Potter," Draco said, sighing. "Of course it didn't just appear. I brought it here."
"...You brought it here?"
"Yes, from home. Took Severus a great deal of convincing too. He thought it'd interfere with my work. Silly man, as if anything could distract me from discouraging my students and showing them how absolutely idiotic they are."
Harry stared at him, blinking confusedly. "You play the piano?"
"No, it's just for decorative purposes. The keys don't even work." Draco sighed again. "Yes, I play. I've had private lessons since I was five."
"Private lessons..."
"It's Pureblood tradition to learn a classical instrument, Potter. You're considered a barbarian otherwise."
Harry continued to stare.
Draco snorted and stomped over to the piano before sitting on the bench. Carefully placing his hands on the keys, he began playing a quick-tempo melody, his fingers flying across the keyboard like the fluttering of wings. His body moved to the time of the music, and it was the first time that Harry saw pure pleasure in the grey eyes. The musical piece must've been difficult, but the man exuded confidence, his fingers dancing along the keys with ease. When Draco finally played the spectacular finish, Harry could only stare in awe.
"You're drooling, Potter," Draco pointed out but was obviously pleased.
"That was amazing, Malfoy."
"Was it?" Draco said smugly. "It was nothing really."
"It wasn't nothing. I couldn't play like that."
"Of course not, Potter. You're a barbarian."
Harry's awed look faded away into a glare. "Last time I give you a compliment, Malfoy."
"Oh, I highly doubt it."
Rather than replying, Harry stalked off in a huff.
* * *
"Happy Christmas, Potter."
Harry stared at the small silver and green gift box that Draco held out to him. "For me?"
"No, I'm only pretending to give it to you," Draco said rolling his eyes. "Can't you accept a gift gracefully?"
Harry took the gift slowly, turning it over in his hands. "What is it?"
"Dungbombs from the way you're looking at it. Just open the bloody thing."
Feeling conscious of the blonde's scrutiny, Harry unwrapped the box carefully, trying not to rip the wrapping paper. The paper gave away to a small black box, which he too opened cautiously. Inside was a familiar tiny sphere: a golden snitch. Harry looked up at Draco questioningly.
"I thought you would appreciate one on one seeking games," Draco explained. "Would be a nice break from marking papers."
"Oh," Harry said, looking a bit surprised. "Thanks Malfoy."
"You're welcome."
"Er, I didn't get you anything…"
"Don't worry about it, Potter. Happy Christmas," Draco said, walking away to join the other staff for the holiday party.
Harry stared after him for a long moment. "Happy Christmas."
* * *
"This is a complete nightmare," a student muttered as he quickly left the Potions classroom, followed by his housemates.
"I thought Professor Malfoy was bad, but the Headmaster's worse!"
"Where is Professor Malfoy anyway?" a girl piped up.
Harry listened carefully as the students passed him in the hall, but no one knew what had happened to the Potions professor. He frowned. He hadn't seen Draco in a couple of days, but things had been rather busy. He had been heading down to the dungeons to chat with the blonde, as it was rather strange not having heard from him. He hated to admit it, but he sort of missed the sarcasm and wit that Draco tended to bring into his life. As he walked down the last few steps that led to the Potions classroom, he found Severus Snape tidying a few of the potions ingredients.
"Hello Headmaster."
"Mr. Potter," Severus said in that reprimanding tone without looking up. "I was wondering when you'd finally show up."
The tone brought Harry back to a time when he had been a student, learning Potions from Snape. He felt defensive but quickly remembered that this was another time, and he had learned that Snape was harsh whenever he was worried.
"Where's Draco?" Harry asked, suddenly hit with a fear that something was horribly, horribly wrong.
"Obviously not here, Mr. Potter," Severus said coldly. "You may find him in the Hospital Wing if you are fortunate enough to convince Madam Pomfrey to allow you a visit."
"Hospital Wing? Is he alright? What's wrong with him?"
"I suggest you find out for yourself," Severus said curtly before turning around and completely dismissing Harry's presence.
Harry wandered through the corridors of Hogwarts with a million thoughts flying through his head. He couldn't stop worrying that something was really wrong with Draco, and that thought itself was a strange one. He almost wanted to laugh; it was odd how quickly their relationship changed once they were out of school. Draco was still himself, the sarcastic and snarky blonde who could tear anyone apart with his words, but Harry found the banter securing rather than irritating. He was glad that some things would never change.
"Professor," Madam Pomfrey said, interrupting Harry's thoughts. "What can I do for you?"
"I came to see Draco. Will he be okay?"
"I think he's gotten over the worst. Draco had a rather serious case of Vanishing Sickness, but he should recover in a few days."
Harry blinked. "Vanishing Sickness?"
"It's a magical illness where one's body starts to disappear. Left untreated, one can lose their magic permanently," Madam Pomfrey said. "It was a rather close call this time."
"Can I see him?"
Madam Pomfrey frowned severely for several moments before sighing and finally nodding. "Five minutes. He needs his rest."
Draco, being a professor, stayed in the private hospital quarters, away from any students that may need Madam Pomfrey's care. As Harry entered the quarters, he studied Draco, noting how pale the blonde had become.
"Er, hi."
"Why, hello, Potter," Draco said without a single movement. "Come to offer your condolences to the almost Squib?"
"No, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"Considering I nearly brought shame to several generations of Malfoys due to a silly little illness, I think I'm quite well."
"They would've understood."
Draco gave him a look. "Yes, Potter. I think you've forgotten that my father is the Lucius Malfoy? He would disown me for breathing like a Muggle."
"But at least you still have your magic?"
"Brilliant. I may live as a Malfoy for another year."
"I'm sorry I didn't visit sooner," Harry said uncomfortably.
"Madam Pomfrey wouldn't have let you anyway. Vanishing Sickness is highly contagious. Besides, I assume you've been busy writing exams."
"My students are probably getting off easy compared to yours. I heard them whinging about Snape earlier."
Draco offered a fond smile. "I think he almost misses tormenting the students. But that reminds me, he's punishing me for being ill."
"Punishing you?"
"I most unfortunately have to chaperone the Beltane Ball next month, and you will be joining me."
"I will? He never told me anything about it."
"Yes, you will. If I have to suffer, then you have to suffer," Draco said, smirking.
Harry was about to open his mouth to make a retort but Madam Pomfrey stepped in to shoo him away. Settling for a glare at the blonde, he left, feeling a little better knowing that Draco would be okay.
* * *
"I can't believe you talked me into this," Harry said, sighing with long suffering as he watched the students of the school dance at the ball.
"I can be very persuasive if I want to be," Draco said, sipping a glass of champagne. "It's in the genes."
"I hardly think getting me smashed with firewhiskey and then having me agree is being very persuasive, Malfoy."
"And a Gryffindor never breaks his promises," Draco said smugly.
"I can't help that I have morals… unlike someone around here."
"Oh, stop your whinging and dance with me."
Harry turned red. "I'm sorry?"
Draco set aside his champagne glass and pulled Harry into his arms, brushing his lips against Harry's ear. "I said, 'dance with me'."
To his horror, Harry shivered violently before trying to separate himself from the blonde. "You're drunk, Malfoy."
"On the contrary, I've never been more sober in my entire life," Draco said, pulling Harry closer. "Oh Potter, you're hopeless."
Harry stared at the blonde blankly.
"I've fancied you for months, you insufferable prat."
"You- oh..." Harry turned even redder. "You do?"
"Yes, Potter," Draco said sighing. "What are you going to do about it?"
"I... er- I think I feel the same way."
Draco gave him a small smile, but his grey eyes were dancing with joy. "So, now will you dance with me?"
Harry smiled shyly. "Yes, I think I will."