alisanne

Title: Second Chances
Author:

alisanne
Rating: PG
Word Count: ~4500
Characters and/or Pairings: Minerva McGonagall/Aurora Sinistra, Horace Slughorn, Draco Malfoy, OCs.
Summary: When Horace unexpectedly retires, Minerva ends up hiring an unexpected replacement.
Warnings: Mild angst.
Disclaimer: Nothing you recognise is mine.
Author's Notes: Written for

lash_larue as part of the 2018

hoggywartyxmas fest. Special thanks to

torino10154 for the hand holding, beta reading, and encouragement, and to the ever patient TheRealSnape.

~

Second Chances

~

What a way to spend Christmas, thought Minerva once Horace finished speaking. “This isn’t the best time for this, Horace.”

Horace looked away from her, seemingly fascinated by a spot on the wall behind her. “I know, Minerva, but I really am getting too old for this.” He sighed, looking back at her. “The last time I tried to retire, Albus dragged me back, and given the circumstances at the time I could hardly refuse. This time, however—”

“I understand the desire to retire, believe me.” Minerva looked over the top of her glasses at him and once again he averted his eyes. “And if you’d said you would finish out the year and then leave, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But to retire mid-year, and just before the Christmas holidays, no less, does put me in a bit of a spot, as I’m sure you realise.”

“A resourceful woman such as yourself should have no problem finding a competent person to teach Potions.” Horace smiled weakly, the smile not quite reaching his eyes. “And I know several of my former students who would be perfectly ready to fill the role. In fact, Draco Malfoy would love an opportunity. I’d be happy to have him contact you—”

“Are all your suggestions Slytherins?” At his nod, Minerva sighed. “That won’t be necessary. The Board is going to have to approve anyone I propose, and they will probably take a dim view of anyone who had any sort of…problematic role in the war.”

“Harry spoke for him.”

“All the same, he let Death Eaters into the school and had Voldemort living in his home. He may not be the right fit. I’m not sure anyone from Slytherin is.”

Horace sat up straight in his chair, his eyes going uncharacteristically hard. “Not all Slytherins were on the wrong side, Minerva,” he said quietly. “And before you dismiss an entire House out of hand, perhaps you should interview one or two? We’re not all evil you know.”

“I know that!” Minerva’s words came out sharper than she intended and she sighed. “I’m aware of that,” she said, her tone more modulated. “And I don’t think all Slytherins are evil.”

“Don’t you?” Horace sounded skeptical. “Then why did you consign all Slytherin students to the dungeons during the Battle of Hogwarts?”

Minerva exhaled. “I’ve apologised for that, Horace,” she said, tone stiff. “Several times. I thought it was the best decision given the circumstances. I had no idea they would end up in danger, and I didn’t want them to have to duel family members. How long do you plan to hold this grudge?”

“How long will you continue to see all Slytherins as threats?” Horace smiled sadly as she blinked at him. “Then there’s your answer.” Rising, he continued, “And if it were not for my failing health, Minerva, I would serve out the year. I’m not being capricious, merely practical. If I’m to have any time to…get my affairs in order, I should begin now.”

Minerva gaped at him as he spun away from her and limped towards the door. “You’re ill? Merlin, Horace, you should have said—”

“I shouldn’t have had to.” He paused at the door. “Let me know if you wish for my suggestions for my replacement.”

Once she was alone, Minerva leaned back in her chair and sighed as she looked out the window. Being headmistress was turning out to be harder than she’d dreamed possible.

“He’s correct, you know,” said Headmaster Vulpus’ portrait. “It doesn’t do to dismiss all Slytherins out of hand—”

“And shan’t you be looking to replace Slytherins head of House?” chimed in Dippet. “If so, perhaps he’s right.”

That set all the portraits off until they were all shouting over each other. Minerva’s head began to pound. “Enough!” she finally cried. “When I wish for your opinions I shall ask, thank you!”

The portraits settled, although a few, like Phineas Nigellus Black, were muttering about Gryffindor stupidity. Once they were silent, Minerva rose, walking over to the window to gaze out at her school.

Hogwarts looked different with her new towers and rebuilt walls. Minerva imagined she also felt different, although, since she hadn’t been headmistress until after the war, she had no way of knowing. All she knew was, the moment she’d been sworn in as headmistress, she’d felt Hogwarts settle with a distant rumble in the back of her mind. It had reminded her faintly of bagpipes, and if she listened closely, she could almost hear a tune. When she’d first asked Albus’ portrait if that was normal, he’d simply smiled and said all heads of the school experienced Hogwarts differently.

“Helpful as always,” Minerva muttered under her breath. His cryptic nature hadn’t changed much since his death.

She glanced over to the one silent portrait, unsurprised to see Snape still unmoving. He would definitely have berated her for hesitating to hire a Slytherin.

A knock at the door startled her, and she winced, exhaling to settle her nerves. “Enter,” she said once she was calmer. “Aurora,” she said, smiling when she saw who was visiting.

Aurora Sinistra was a fine looking woman. More importantly however, was that she was a friend. And Minerva had long cherished those in her life. She wasn’t about to let lust get in the way of friendship. Regal in her midnight blue robes, she sailed in. “Has Horace spoken with you yet, Minerva?” she asked.

Walking back to her desk, Minerva sat down. “He has. I shall have to begin searching for a new Potions teacher. Did you know he’s sick?”

“I did.” Sighing, Aurora walked over to the desk and sat in the chair Horace had abandoned only moments before. “And before you ask, I couldn’t tell you because he swore me to secrecy.”

Minerva eyed her. “While I respect your decision, this is information I could have used before meeting with him.”

Aurora shrugged, and even that movement was graceful. “Well, now that you do know, what are you going to do?”

“Find a new Potions teacher.” Minerva shook her head. “Horace wanted to make some suggestions, but I think I’ll have a better chance if I do my own recruiting.”

“If you say so.” Aurora smiled. “Good luck.”

“I shan’t need luck.” Minerva pulled a parchment out of her drawer. “I plan to begin recruiting amongst my own House. A reliable Gryffindor is just what that post needs. I think Hermione Granger-Weasley would be an excellent teacher, don’t you?”

“She’s pregnant again.”

“What? How do you know that?” Minerva looked over her glasses at Aurora. “Are you friends with her?”

“No, but Neville Longbottom is.”

“And you’re friends with Neville?”

“We’re cordial acquaintances. Actually, I’m friends with his wife. Anyway, Granger’s pregnancy is common knowledge amongst that group.” Aurora inspected her nails. “And are you surprised? That’s what happens when you marry a Weasley, or so I understand.”

Minerva bit back a smirk. “So it seems. Well, perhaps one of the Ravenclaws. Luna Lovegood is—”

“Off in the Himalayas looking for Yeti.”

“Are you going to eliminate all of my candidates?” Minerva asked, tone dry.

Aurora’s dimples appeared as she smiled. “Would you rather not know they’re not available?”

“No. Very well.” Resigned, Minerva rattled off a few more names, unsurprised when Aurora had knowledge of all of them, knowledge that precluded them taking the post. “Cho Chang is Curse-breaking in Egypt?” Minerva sighed. “Well, that leaves—” She paused. “That leaves me out of ideas.”

“I hear Draco Malfoy is available.” Aurora smiled blandly when Minerva sent her a sharp look. “And he was excellent in Potions as a student, or so I hear.”

“He was Horace’s suggestion as well.” Sitting back in her chair, Minerva eyed her narrowly. “I’m beginning to wonder if you’re colluding.”

“Now, now, Minerva, please don’t be paranoid.” Aurora’s eyes sparkled. “Horace and I are friends, after all. It’s certainly possible he may have mentioned Draco to me as a possible replacement for him.”

“Hm.” Minerva eyed her narrowly. “You know, I’ve never asked before. What House were you in?”

Aurora’s smile widened. “No, you never have. What House do you think I was in?”

“I’ve always assumed Ravenclaw.”

“How interesting.” Aurora smiled. “Does it matter?”

Clearly she wasn’t going to get an answer. “I suppose not.” Minerva picked up a quill. “All right, I’m composing a letter to Mr Malfoy. This should be interesting,” she said as she began composing a letter to Draco.

“Indeed it should,” said a deep voice.

Both women looked up at Snape’s portrait. Minerva blinked. He was sitting up, watching them.

Slowly, Minerva swiveled her chair around to fully face him. “So you’ve finally decided to join us, have you? I was wondering when you’d wake up.”

Staring down at her, his expression impassive, Snape said, “I’ve been awake for weeks, Headmistress. This is just the first interesting thing you’ve done.”

Aurora made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort, but when Minerva shot a glare at her, she assumed a blank expression. Huffing, Minerva looked back at Snape again, but he was gone, the portrait empty. “Infuriating man,” she muttered.

“Well,” said Aurora, getting up, “on that note, I should be going. Lessons to prepare, you know. See you later.”

Minerva watched her go, sighing. She really was lovely, but it really wasn’t a good idea to get involved with staff. Still, that didn’t mean one couldn’t look—

Once the door closed after her, Minerva studied the letter she’d penned to Draco. “After all this, you’d better be available, Mr Malfoy.” Then, shaking her head, she sealed it and summoned her owl.

Draco’s reply arrived within hours saying he was available to interview immediately. Minerva gritted her teeth and replied, extending an invitation to visit the following day.

When he walked into her office, she was ready. “Mr Malfoy. Have a seat.”

“Headmistress. I was pleased to get your owl.” Draco smiled at her, but when she didn’t respond in kind, he sobered and sat, his hands crossed in his lap.

Minerva walked around her desk to stand in front of him, looking down at him from as intimidating a position as possible. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Let me be clear, Mr Malfoy. You were not my first choice for this post. You were not even my fifth. But I am desperate, and you are…available, which is the only reason I’m entertaining the idea of having you anywhere near this school, the school you betrayed.”

Draco’s face turned alabaster white, his hands clenched into fists. “Headmistress, I…that is one of my biggest regrets, it’s something I think about every day.”

“As do I.” Minerva looked at him. “I believe in second chances, Mr Malfoy, but not in third. You are now on your second chance with me. Do you understand?”

His face impassive, Draco nodded.

“I must confess, when I look at you, I see the boy who sat and watched as your fellow students were tortured by the Carrows. I see the reason Albus Dumbledore died. And I see you letting Death Eaters into our school, allowing them to desecrate it. You claim to have been rehabilitated, and I want to believe it, but the proof, as they say, is in the pudding.”

Draco opened his mouth but Minerva held up her hand, stalling him. “I’ll let you have your say in a moment.”

He inclined his head.

“On the other hand,” she continued, “you are not responsible for the actions of your parents or your aunt. And I appreciate you were placed in a difficult position by virtue of your family connections. You are an adult now, however, and I shall treat you as such. The actions you take from here on are yours to own, understood?”

He nodded.

She hummed. “Now, do tell me why you think should I give you this position.”

Draco exhaled. “Because you need a Potions teacher and I need a job.” When Minerva just stared at him, Draco coughed. “And because I would like to rehabilitate my family name and, well, repay all those I hurt because of my inaction in the face of what happened here my seventh year.” He bowed his head. “I should like to do some good in the world, Headmistress.”

Minerva allowed herself to smile. “All right. We shall start fresh.” Extending to him her hand, she said, “Welcome to the staff of Hogwarts, Professor Malfoy.”

“You mean—?” He clasped her hand. “Have I got the job?”

“You have.” She squeezed. “Do not disappoint me.”

“I shan’t.” Rising to his feet, Draco smiled, shaking her hand enthusiastically. “Thank you so much for the opportunity.”

“Just don’t waste it,” Minerva said, reclaiming her hand. “Now, have you thought about your curriculum?”

“Yes, actually.” Reaching into his robes, he extracted a sheaf of parchment. “I took the liberty of preparing something in the event you agreed to hire me.”

“Excellent.” Walking around behind her desk, she sat, gesturing for him to do the same. “I’m pleased you took the initiative to prepare something. Let’s see it.”

Draco really had prepared. Minerva approved his plans, and once they finished discussing the details of the position, she opened her drawer and levitated a letter towards him. “Your offer letter. One you sign, you’re committed.”

He drew his wand, signing it with a flourish.

“You didn’t read it,” she said, amused despite herself.

He regarded her soberly. “I trust you.”

She hummed. “I appreciate that. Still, step out of line, Mr Malfoy, and you will be done. And I will make it my mission to see you never get another job in your life. Understood?”

Draco inclined his head.

“I’ll need a verbal answer if you please.”

“Yes, Headmistress.”

“Good. Now why don’t you go and find Professor Slughorn, and he can fill you in on where he is in his current classes.”

Once he had left, Minerva sighed, leaning back in her chair.

“That was generously done, Minerva.”

Minerva turned to face Albus’ portrait. “I’m surprised you approve of me hiring him. Didn’t he try to murder you?”

“No. He had the chance, but could not, even with the lives of his parents on the line. In the end, his better nature prevailed.” Albus’ eyes in the portrait twinkled the same way they had when he was alive. “In fact, he reminds me of another young Slytherin on whom I took a chance many years ago.” He glanced over at Snape’s portrait.

Minerva nodded. “I only hope he has an easier time of it than…some.”

“Only time will tell.”

When the first incident occurred only a week into Draco’s tenure, Minerva was at a meeting of the Hogwarts governors. The constant hum of Hogwarts sang distantly in her mind, soothing her, and then it stopped, morphing into a cacophony of angry bagpipes.

Minerva, mid-sentence, stopped.

“Is something wrong?” asked Bartholomew Vance, one of the newer members. “You were telling us about the budgetary needs for the new groundskeeper mentorship programme—”

Minerva blinked, looking up at him. “Something’s happened at the school. I need to cut this meeting short and return.”

Vance frowned. “Surely it can wait—”

“Go ahead,” interrupted the chairwoman, Bathilda Morrow. She eyed Vance. “Dumbledore would often have similar incidents.”

“Thank you,” said Minerva, standing up.

Apparating directly to the place that felt wrong, she ended up in front of the Potions classroom from where there was smoke billowing. Striding inside, she found Draco standing over a student, arms on his hips. “What’s going on here?” she snapped.

Draco, soot-covered, looked up. The student, upon seeing Minerva, burst into tears.

Scowling, Draco said, “For some unknown reason, Miss Holland decided to add salamander blood to Shrinking Potion and, of course, it exploded.”

“It was a mistake!” the child wailed. “I’m sorry!”

“All right, Holland,” said Minerva, placing her arm across her thin shoulders. “Come with me, dear. Professor Malfoy, once you’ve cleaned up I’d like a word.”

A wary look crossed his face. “Yes, Headmistress.”

The child was weepy, but easily placated with some shortbread and tea. Draco was less easily dealt with. “It was deliberate, Headmistress.”

Minerva leaned back in her chair. “You’re telling me that little girl planned to blow up the Potions laboratory? Why would she do that?”

Draco sighed. “Yes. And yes, I know how it sounds, but you didn’t see the look on her face while she was brewing. She waited until the right moment and then she smirked and—”

“Professor Malfoy.” Minerva eyed him sternly. “Enough. Potions accidents happen. Sometimes they are no one’s fault, sometimes they are the professor’s fault. They are never the student’s fault.”

A mulish look crossed Draco’s face. “But—”

“Enough.” Minerva exhaled. “Go and rest, you’re relieved of your classes for the day. Just remember you are the one responsible for everything that happens in your classroom. Do not allow this to be what ends your career here.”

Tight-lipped, Draco stood and bowed. “Yes, Headmistress.”

When Aurora appeared a couple of hours later, Minerva wasn’t surprised. “I take it you heard about the potions incident?”

“I did.” Aurora hummed. “I also heard you blame Draco.”

Minerva huffed. “He is the teacher, and that laboratory is his domain. He needs to be aware of what’s happening at all times.”

“And no one’s ever taken over a teacher’s domain?” Aurora pursed her lips. “Anna Holland is related to Vincent Crabbe on her mother’s side I believe.”

Minerva frowned. “What are you suggesting?”

Aurora shrugged. “I’m not suggesting anything. I’m saying sometimes the person who appears least powerful in a relationship holds the most power.”

Thoughtful, Minerva watched Anna Holland over dinner. The girl seemed subdued but all right and, mentally shrugging, Minerva forgot about her. Until the next incident.

Head bent over the budget, Minerva had about three seconds of silence in the back of her mind and then the cacophony of bagpipes happened again. That time she simply closed her eyes and willed herself to the location. When she opened her eyes she was on the Quidditch pitch, the stands had collapsed, and Draco was there, standing over Anna, his wand in his hand.

“…saw you fiddling with the stands,” he said. Anna’s back was to Minerva, but whatever Draco saw made him recoil. Then he looked over at Minerva. “Headmistress?”

Anna spun, throwing herself into Minerva’s arms and wailing. “…he’s so mean to me!” she hiccuped.

Draco looked outraged. “That’s not true! She’s a little—”

“Professor Malfoy!” Minerva scowled. “I’ll see you in my office in an hour. Come, Miss Holland, I’ll take you to the infirmary.”

Once Poppy confirmed the girl was fine, just in shock, Minerva retuned to her office to find Draco pacing back and forth in front of her door. “Inside,” she snapped. “Now.”

The moment they were inside, Draco spun to face her. “Headmistress, I swear—”

“Have a seat, Professor.”

Exhaling, Draco walked over to the chair that faced her desk and sat, his back ramrod straight. Once Minerva was seated across from him, she sighed. “Mr Malfoy, I know you recall the discussion we had at the beginning of your term.”

He closed his eyes and nodded. “I do.”

“Then you know what I’m about to say.”

“Please don’t sack me.” Draco looked her straight in the eyes, his expression pleading. “I love this job, and I think I’m good at it. As strange as it sounds, I think Anna Holland has been trying to sabotage me—”

“Enough.” Minerva held up a hand. “All I want to know is how you managed to get Aurora Sinistra on your side.”

Draco frowned. “I don’t know what you—”

“Draco Malfoy, you are hereby relieved of your duties of Hogwarts professor. You will need to pack up your things and vacate the grounds by tomorrow morning. Your last pay packet will be owled to you.”

Head bowed, Draco nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“As am I.” Minerva shook her head. “I do wish this hadn’t happened—”

“There’s no need to lie, Headmistress. I’ve always known how you’ve felt about me and my family.” Draco smiled sadly as she looked up at him, startled. “I’ll see myself out.”

“You must realise I had no choice.”

Aurora sipped her tea and didn’t say a word.

“You do see that, don’t you?”

Aurora exhaled. “What I see is my…friend being used, and another friend being upset.”

Minerva raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’ve become friends with Draco, too.”

“Draco? No.” Aurora inclined her head. “He’s ambitious, smart, driven, and I see something of myself in him, but no, he wasn’t on staff long enough to become a friend.”

“Wait, what does that mean, ‘being used’?”

Aurora sighed, glanced at the clock, then stood. “I’m afraid I have class, but do have a good patrol.”

Minerva groaned. “Don’t remind me. Yet another reason I’m so angry with Draco. Now I have to do his school patrols!”

“You never know,” said Aurora. “Perhaps you’ll be enlightened while out there. One can hear and see many things.”

Hours later, Minerva sat in cat form on the Astronomy stairs, listening to the castle. She heard and saw much better in this form, plus it meant she could treat herself to a mouse here and there, which seemed a treat after the week she’d had. Her tail twitching, she listened to one in the walls, contemplating her pounce, when Anna Holland and two other students came into view.

“…can’t believe it worked!”

“Of course it worked.” Holland smirked, and in the light her face looked cruel. “Once Mummy told me about how Malfoy betrayed Uncle Vince, I knew what I had to do. No one betrays my family. This will be a lovely Christmas present for Mummy.”

“He was a good teacher, though.”

“He was a blood traitor who doesn’t deserve to prosper!” Holland tossed her hair. “Now come on, the Hufflepuffs are having a party and I hear the Headmistress is patrolling. We don’t want to be caught out at night.”

“What do you care? You have her wrapped around your little finger.”

“Good point.” Holland laughed, then assumed an injured, innocent expression. “Oh la, Headmistress, protect me from the bad man!”

They all laughed, rounding the corner.

Minerva listened to their footsteps, letting them get well ahead of her before jumping down from the wall and prowling after them. Her mind calm, she stalked her prey, watching as they were admitted to Hufflepuff, noting the people present at the illicit party.

Walking to Pomona’s quarters, she then became herself again, knocking on the door. When Pomona arrived clad in her nightshirt, Minerva said, “Are you aware your House is having a party?”

Pomona sighed. “Again?”

“Mm hm.” Minerva smiled. “I’ll let you handle it. Although there are a couple of non-Hufflepuffs who I’d appreciate you sending to me when you break it up.”

“Of course.”

Humming, Minerva turned away. Anna Holland was in for a surprise.

“You knew.”

Aurora poured herself more tea. “I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“About Holland and her plot against Draco Malfoy.” Minerva smirked. “You should have seen her face when she saw me and her parents waiting for her in my office. She tried to bluster her way out of it, but my Pensieve evidence was conclusive.” She shook her head.

“I’m sure it was, and I had an idea something was afoot.” Aurora sighed. “She’ll bear watching. Ravenclaws who go bad go very bad. And speaking of Draco, I saw him moving back into his quarters this evening. He looked pleased to be back.”

“He ought to be, I had to apologise and give him a pay rise.” Minerva rolled her eyes. “Damn Slytherins. They’re too good at negotiating sometimes.”

“You’re not fooling anyone,” said Aurora. “You were happy to give him a pay rise.”

Minerva shook her head. “I never can fool you, can I? I suppose I was at that. In the end, I was just glad he agreed to return, and that we had a chance to clear the air between us.”

“So he knows you don’t hate him?”

“I should hope so since I never hated him.”

“Good.” Aurora leaned forward. “So, what are your plans for the holidays?”

“Now that I’ve persuaded Draco into staying over with the students, for extra money, of course, I no longer have to, so I suppose I’ll go to a family cottage up north.” Minerva stared into her tea. “You?”

“Oh, I have plans.” Aurora hummed. “Romantic plans.”

Minerva blinked, looking up and into Aurora’s eyes. Her beautiful, dark eyes. “Of course. I should have known.” She looked away. “Who’s the lucky person? Do I know them?”

“I believe so.” Aurora grasped Minerva’s hand, startling her into looking at her once more. “They are a dear friend and colleague who seems unaware of how I feel about them. What do you think I should do?”

“T…tell them?” Minerva stammered. What was it about Aurora that made her feel like a tongue-tied schoolgirl again?

Aurora nodded, then clasped Minerva’s other hand. “Minerva, I’ve seen the way you look at me, the longing in your eyes, and I…I rather fancy you, too. So, if you’re willing, I should love to spend the holiday with you, or you with me, so we can see it—”

“Yes.” Minerva’s brain finally kicked in. “You’ve seen me watching you?”

“Of course.” Aurora grinned. “I’ve been watching you, too. And why do you think I stop by all the time?”

“I thought you were being a good friend?” Minerva’s heart began to race.

Aurora raised one of Minerva’s hands to her lips, kissing it. “I hope I can continue to be your dear friend no matter what else happens this holiday.”

Threading her fingers through Aurora’s, Minerva smiled. “I think we can manage that.”

The music in Minerva’s mind swelled to a triumphant tone. It seemed even Hogwarts was celebrating. As they leaned together, one of the portraits cleared its throat, and they both winced, looking up. Snape was watching them with clear interest.

“You have something to say, Severus?” Minerva asked, clinging to Aurora’s hand and giving him a challenging stare.

“No.” He smirked. “You’re just doing something interesting.”

Rolling her eyes, Minerva stood, pulling Aurora with her. “Yes, I suppose I am, and on that note, we’ll take our interesting selves elsewhere.”

“Indeed.” Snape nodded. “A wise decision. Happy Christmas, Minerva. Aurora.”

Minerva inclined her head. “And a happy Christmas to you, Severus, and all of you headmasters.”

A chorus of holiday greetings followed them as they walked out hand in hand, and as Minerva closed the door, she thought she saw Snape wink. “Did Severus just wink at you?” she asked Aurora.

Aurora smiled. “What an odd question. Why would he?”

Minerva eyed her. “You were a Slytherin, weren’t you?” She frowned. “Or maybe a Ravenclaw?” She huffed. “Am I going to have to tease it out of you?”

Smirking, Aurora pulled Minerva down the hall. “Apparently so, Headmistress. What a way to spend Christmas.”

“What a way, indeed,” agreed Minerva, and hurrying alongside Aurora, she began to plot how exactly she would do that. Christmas was definitely looking up.