There was no sign of humour on the face of Severus as he entered Hogwarts and headed straight for Albus' office. A busy headmaster was shocked to see him, but managed to force out a welcome anyway.
Deciding there was no point in putting this off, all the information would soon become public knowledge, Albus just dove right in. "Severus, to say I have news would be an understatement. Pomona, Filius, Septima, Bathsheda and Poppy have all resigned."
This barely registered a raised eyebrow from Severus but Albus knew the next part would get his attention. "I managed to coax Horace out of retirement, he demanded to be head of Slytherin again though."
The sarcasm was dripping from every syllable Severus uttered. "I'm not sure if you are aware, Headmaster, but that is currently my position within Hogwarts…"
Dismissing his sarcasm out of hand, Albus cut right across Severus. "I had intended to install you as my Deputy, and have you teach Defence Against the Dark Arts."
That would indeed have been a more than acceptable compromise but Severus was well acquainted in dealing with Albus. "You said intended, Headmaster. Am I to understand those plans have changed?"
"With Minerva already resigning, I was forced to go to Fudge with my hat in my hands. He's agreed to support me, but that support has a price. He want's Umbridge here as Deputy, mainly to keep an eye on me and the tournament. I would still like to offer you the defence professorship, and will of course continue paying you the same salary as you are on now."
Severus gave the impression he was deep in thought, while inside he was doing his happy dance - well as near to happy and dancing as he got. He was here to ask a favour of Albus, one he was sure would now be granted. Severus was also going to be receiving the same pay for a lot less work, and doing the job he really wanted. While being Deputy might have sounded nice, Severus was well aware of the extra work that came with that promotion. He couldn't see this Ministry person doing all Albus' work for him, like McGonagall had for years. Rather than giving Albus an answer, he played the old wizard at his own game and went off at a complete tangent.
"Are you aware the Potter brat has declared a Blood Feud against House Malfoy? Narcissa has approached me and asked for help, since Lucius somehow managed to squander the entire Malfoy fortune before getting himself killed."
Albus never even heard the last bit, he was far too busy concentrating on this opportunity to solve a couple of his own problems. Helping Narcissa would see a grateful Severus accepting his offer, meanwhile Albus solved two of his currently pressing problems - recruiting a pair of Professors to fill Hogwarts vacancies.
"If my memory serves me right, I remember Narcissa Black being particularly gifted at charms. It just so happens Hogwarts has a vacancy for someone possessing those talents, a vacancy I would be more than happy to interview her for. Free boarding would of course be available for young Draco, and I'm sure we could swing free tuition too - if his mother was a professor here."
"I will gladly pass on your offer, while taking some time to consider my own position within Hogwarts. I assume you've considered people for the other three vacant head of house posts? Aurora I believe was a Hufflepuff, and I'm certain Hagrid was a Gryffindor."
Knowing Severus was only suggesting appointing Hagrid as Head of Gryffindor to see that house suffer, Albus ignored that part but confirmed Aurora was the new Head of Hufflepuff.
"And what of the Potter brat? Will my godson be safe inside the castle."
"I will have a meeting with Harry after the welcoming feast, we'll need to know what tutors he has engaged too." A thought struck Albus. "I met with the Steward of House Potter and was assured Harry would be on the train come September first. I wonder if all these staff changes will affect those tutoring plans? I must contact them and make Harry aware of these changes in circumstances."
Severus sported the ruse immediately, saying Potter would be on the train did not mean the brat would be attending Hogwarts. He was about to make Albus aware of this but stopped himself. Albus tended to believe whatever he wanted to, and Severus would certainly be celebrating if Potter was no longer in the castle. Now, if only Potter would take a few of his friends with him, that would make Severus even happier.
Both wizards left Albus' office thinking they'd come out ahead in the negotiations, a sure sign of a good meeting.
.....
Want to read ahead by more than 60 chapters. Then join my p@treon Right Now.
Link: p*atreon.com/BookReaderBoy (Remove the *)
Also Free members get 2 advanced chapters for Free as well.