Hi, this is my first fanfic so please let me know how I've done. It will be mainly Harry and Snape but to kick things off, it starts a little while before Snape's involved. I felt I needed to set things out first, rather than jump right in as there's little bits that play a part in the story overall. Thanks for giving it a go, it's very much appreciated. I won't have a regular update schedule as I work odd days and have two beautiful horses that require a lot of my time and attention. Oh, Snape didn't die in DH, otherwise I'd have a very pointless story. Therefore Albus' middle name does not exist. Anyway, on to the story!

Tayla

Chapter 1 - Invitations and Insecurities

The summer holidays were once again drawing to a close and inside the Potter residence James' shins were taking quite a thorough bruising.

"Argh! Gerroff Lil, Dad!" he yelled, "tell her to stop it!"

"Oh for goodness sake, pack it in the pair of you!" Ginny snapped, striding into the living room red faced and with all the force of a tsunami. James was curled up on the floor whilst a five year old Lily swung her little foot back and forth, kicking as much of her brother as she could reach. She stopped when she spotted Ginny. "What on earth is going on?" Ginny noticed Lily was trying not to cry.

"She just started on me!" James exclaimed, unfurling from his self-protecting cocoon and casting wary glances at Lily.

"No I did not! Mum, he's hidden my Nessie! He was there on my bed and now he's gone," her face scrunched up with the effort of holding back tears. Fiery hair and a temper to match, Lily fought ridiculously often with James, another hot tempered child of theirs.

"James." Ginny warned. He looked up and feigned an innocent expression.

"I haven't touched it, why would I want a stupid teddy? I'm fifteen!" He argued, then just as though realising how he looked, scrunched up on the floor at the mercy of a five year old, he clambered to his feet and straightened his clothes.

Ginny conceded with a casual mention of "Alright then, your dad will be back any second, we'll just have to have him find Nessie." It had the desired reaction, she thought smugly, as James' eyes widened and he shifted uncomfortably on his feet. Ginny plopped herself into a comfy armchair and switched on the television in the corner.

"I think I might've seen him though…" James announced. Lily narrowed her eyes at him. "I think he was in the tree perhaps… out the back."

"Hmm, I wonder what he'd be doing out there?" Ginny said, absently flicking through the channels before settling on a Friends rerun.

"Yeah, strange creature that Nessie." He nodded and joined Ginny in watching. Lily glared for a moment and the left through to the kitchen.

"Stop winding her up all of the time James, I'm serious." Ginny turned to face James as the back door closed. "You need to start acting your age and buck up. It's soon to be your O.W.L year and you still have the maturity of a six year old." She made sure she caught his eyes in order for the message to sink in.

"Alright, alright" James said, looking away.

"I'm serious!"

"No, my middle name is Sirius, your name's Ginny… or mum…" He trailed off and Ginny threw her hands in the air in defeat. "Okay, just kidding! I'm sorry mum! Ow!" Ginny had unearthed the wooden spoon she kept hidden and smacked him on the arm.

"That didn't hurt, and you had better listen!" She said, brandishing the spoon like a wand. With James sufficiently cowed, she settled back down to watch Joey mangle the French language. Lily soon joined them with Nessie the Loch Ness monster teddy and all was forgiven.

The next morning dawned bright and clear over the modest stone walled house in Flintshire. The ivy climbing the left wall was coated in a fine layer of frost, sparkling with that magic sort of wonder that only a new day can bring.

Harry groaned as the light filtered through the curtains and landed directly on his face. Rolling over he squinted open his eyes. Ginny lay curled beside him with a hand tucked under her pillow and the other lay between them as though reaching for something. With a sigh Harry clambered out of bed, stuffing on slippers as he went.

After he'd showered and shaved in the en suite, Harry found Ginny still fast asleep. He made his way over and pulled up the blanket to her shoulders and left the room quietly. The concept of quiet was soon shattered when he made his way down the stairs and narrow hallway into the kitchen. It was a beautiful kitchen and one of Harry's favourite places in the house. Many evenings were spent cooking up something nice or baking, something he enjoyed now it was no longer for the Dursley's. A nice peaceful place he could while away the hours now that he'd retired from the Aurors.

However, Harry opened the door and was greeted by chaos. Lily seemed to have taken it upon herself to make breakfast and as a result, cereal littered the floor and table, the counters and he could even spot some in Albus' hair as he crouched on the floor with a dustpan. Both children looked up with wide eyes as Harry ran a hand down his face slowly.

"Sorry dad," Albus said with a small voice, "she didn't mean to make a mess, I told her she shouldn't and to wait for me to help. We're cleaning it up." He finished with a vague motion around the kitchen with the pan causing the pieces he'd already swept to scatter even further as they flew out.

Harry raised an eyebrow and as he dropped his hand he twitched his fingers making all of the pieces twirl through the air and land into the bin.

"Problem solved." He said wryly, making the kids grin sheepishly.

Twenty minutes later, James, Albus Lily and Harry were sat around the circular table in the centre of the kitchen and were tucking into bowls of Cheerios.

"This just came through," Ginny announced entering the kitchen wrapped in one of Harry's old dressing gowns. It still made him smile secretly every time. She handed over a familiar looking envelope as she passed and shot him a curious look. Frowning slightly he turned over the letter to see the Hogwarts insignia on the seal. Glancing at the front again it was only addressed to him. Usually when they had letters from McGonagall about James, they were addressed to both Harry and Ginny.

He glanced across to James who was oblivious as he munched his cereal and opened the letter and read;

Dear Mr. Potter,

I do apologise for such late notice and so I shall get straight to the point. I would like to request for you to come and teach Hogwarts' sixth and seventh years. The professor we have at the moment has had urgent family matters arise and as such will not be capable of withstanding the workload of the N.E.W.T students. I ask this of you in the utmost respect Harry. Before you say you are not capable of teaching N.E.W.T level students, might I remind you of the unfortunate and near impossible task you had, during your fifth year, in educating the Weasley twins.

Professor Nicholas will be remaining to teach up to sixth year and so I thought I should ask you. I can honestly think of no one I would prefer for the post and it has been far too long since you've been here at Hogwarts without it being due to that ever-challenging son of yours. Please send a reply as soon as possible, though I do understand if you feel unable to accept.

Yours faithfully,

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry reread the letter and then gave it a thought. Teach? Did he really want to get caught up in the Hogwarts drama again? He'd retired from the position as Head Auror a few months back, the work being severely lacking. Sat behind a desk all day whilst filling out paperwork for petty criminals had gotten too much. What was teaching though? Sat behind a desk marking essays all day. Not much difference really.

"Harry!" Ginny called, waving in front of him, a perplexed look on her face.

"Huh?" He blinked.

"I've been calling your name for ages," she said, "You zoned out. What's the letter about?" James and Albus were sniggering into their bowls.

"Shut it you two," Harry said mock angrily which only made them laugh louder. Instead of reading it out in front of the kids he handed it over with a significant look at Lily who sat quietly, too quietly for someone supposedly not paying attention. Ginny read through the letter and looked up at him, eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Then she nodded and flashed him a smile.

"Yes." She said simply.

"But-" Harry began.

"Later, it's perfect." Ginny picked up the empty bowls and washed them muggle style as she hummed, effectively closing the conversation.

They took the kids to the beach that day to spend some time together with Ron, Hermione and their two children Rose and Hugo before James, Rose and Albus went back to Hogwarts in two weeks time. Ginny apparated and took along James and the basket (which contained far too many things for it to be a normal basket), whilst Harry took the two younger ones, Lily in his arms and Albus clutching onto his hand. As soon as Ginny and James vanished from sight, Harry felt Albus lean into him slightly.

"It'll be quick." He said reassuringly, hitching Lily further up on his hip.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Harry could see Albus' jaw tighten as he braced himself for the unpleasant experience. Harry squeezed his hand gently as he apparated, being sure to pull him close. Albus was as stubborn as Harry sometimes.

He could smell the sea air as they popped into existence standing in the sand, underneath a jagged overhanging cliff face. The beach was a semi circle of sand surrounded by rocks that went in a huge arc and out to the sea on both sides, the perfect place to bring the kids as they couldn't be out of sight. Lily squealed to be put down and as soon as she touched the sand she tossed off her shoes, following James who had rolled up his trousers a fair distance away at the waters edge. He looked down at Albus who hadn't let go of his hand yet. He looked faintly nauseous so Harry summoned a towel from the basket and laid it down, pulling Al with him as he sat. Ginny looked away and was rummaging through the basket as Harry murmured to Albus as he leaned in,

"You'll get used to it." A disbelieving snort. "I was the same, it just takes time."

"Did you throw up the first time?" Albus asked. Harry was pleased to see a bit of colour had returned to his cheeks.

"Uh, no. Almost though. It's normal to throw up, I've told you before. Nothing wrong with it." Albus turned his head to look up at his dad.

"Then why didn't you do things normally?" There was a sudden snort-turned-cough from Ginny and as she emerged from the basket the laughter in her eyes was unmistakable. Al just looked confused. Harry hid a smile of his own when he answered.

"I don't do many things normally Al. So don't go judging normality with me."

Not much longer later, the tell-tale crack of apparition sounded from further along down the beach and sure enough, when Harry turned Ron's flaming hair caught his eye immediately. He seemed to be trying to keep his two under control whilst Hermione struggled to slop sun cream on each of their noses.

Ginny followed his gaze and laughed loudly, "You'd think they'd have remembered to put the sun cream on before they arrive."

"Yeah," he chuckled, "but that's Ron too you're talking about. For all his strategy, he has absolutely no common sense." They continued to laugh as Ron and Hermione made their way over. The battle was over and Hugo and Rose were running down to the sea, shouting and waving to James and Lily. Al shifted next to Harry, obviously embarrassed to be sat with his dad and holding his hand still. Harry nudged him playfully, giving him an out.

"Why don't you tell Rose about that dog you found at the creek the other day?" He suggested as Ron and Hermione said their 'hellos'. Hermione's gaze lingered on their clasped hands for a moment before she caught on.

"Oh yes, I bet she'd love that. Though don't go giving her ideas! We are not getting a dog." Hermione teased and Albus got up and jogged down the beach towards the shouts from the other kids.

Ron and Hermione joined them on the enlarged towel and Ron was already digging through the basket scavenging for food. Hermione made a disapproving noise and turned to Harry.

"I'm hungry!" He protested. Hermione ignored him.

"Still clingy?" She asked instead. Ginny passed out some sandwiches to Ron.

Harry ran a hand through his hair, "Not really, he's loads better… dunno what started that today though. Usually he's alright once he gets his bearings." He shrugged, unsure.

"Hmm, did anything happen?"

"No Hermione, same old you know." Harry shrugged again and took a sandwich. He leant over and grabbed a plastic plate, putting on some sandwiches, crisps and fruit Ginny had packed.

"He's always been like it though, we know that." Ginny said looking at Harry; she gave him a wry grin. "Daddy's boy, always had been always will be." Ron joined in,

"Yup! Ever since he was a baby, never settled for anyone but you mate, remember?" Hermione and Ginny both filled plates of their own whilst nodding in agreement. Harry wrinkled his nose and kept his eyes on his food.

"He's twelve though, aren't they supposed to grow out of it? I mean, I don't understand James, sometimes…like…" Harry trailed off awkwardly.

"What?" Hermione's attention was caught now and she paused with her handful of grapes.

"Harry." Ginny said quietly, tenderly.

"I know, sorry." He said, eyes still firmly downwards. He could feel Hermione's gaze on him and Ron's bewilderment. Just as he thought Hermione would ask, the sound of the children sprinting up the beach when they'd spotted the food broke the moment.

"Hey Uncle Ron, Aunt Mione." Lily exclaimed as the kids tumbled onto the blanket.

"Her-my-oh-nee" Al corrected as he took a plate and handed them out to the others, "say it properly. It bugs me." Albus retook his space next to Harry and Hugo sat on Harry's other side with a plate almost as full as Albus'.

"We found this cool rock pool dad," Rose explained, "I bet there's gonna be loads of creepy things in it, like grindylows and giant crabs!" Lily nodded enthusiastically as she munched on a sandwich.

"Yeah, but we need a net Aunt Mione! A bucket too!" She said through a mouthful of food.

"Alright, I'm sure we've got one in here somewhere." Hermione said as she searched the basket. "Can't go to the beach without a net now can we?"

"Yeah, there are a few in there somewhere, underneath the airbed I think." Ginny chipped in.

Everyone stopped eating and looked at Ginny.

"It could be needed!" She said defensively. Ron laughed and then grimaced.

"Don't want to know why it'd be needed thanks. Take many midnight picnics you two?" Harry shook his head with an alarmed expression whilst Ginny just chuckled.

"Ron! Don't be so immature, there's children here!" Hermione scolded.

"They can't understand, merlin's pants, it's a midnight picnic! Sharing a blanket, sharing some food, sharing body fluids- OW!" Hermione thumped him on the arm.

"I'm not hungry anymore." James pushed his plate away as the adults all looked over.

"Oh, woops. Forgot you're getting older now." Ron said with a sheepish grin, rubbing his sore arm. Ginny apologised for her lousy brother and Harry coloured spectacularly putting his face in his hands as James went off with Rose to look in the rock pools.

"Can't we just do things a little normally for once." Harry mumbled.

"You don't do normal Dad." Albus announced after a moment. Muffled laughter came from Harry and soon the rest were following suit.

They parted ways a few hours later, apparating home as they did going there. James went off upstairs with Albus and Lily was sat colouring in the living room when Ginny approached Harry in the kitchen.

"Hey," she said softly, coming up behind him as he looked out of the window above the sink. The garden was changing ready for autumn already, the green leaves tinted with yellow. Ginny rested one hand gently on his hip and ran her right hand up through his hair, gently carding it. Harry tensed at first then exhaled deeply and relaxed into the touch, head tipping forwards.

"Mm?" he sounded.

"Have you thought about the job?" She asked, running her fingers down his back.

"A little." Harry mumbled. Ginny stopped her fingers at his waistline, hoping he'd turn around and take the initiative. "Not sure though. I mean, wouldn't it just be like before. Paperwork." He said with a grimace. He walked away and pulled out a chair, plopping himself down and leaving Ginny feeling a mixture of disappointment and resignation.

"Not necessarily," she reasoned, "Of course you'd be marking essays and stuff, but these are N.E.W.T students, they're not going to be kicking up a fuss, they're there to learn and they took the subject for a reason Harry. Don't you remember how it felt after those DA meetings?" He looked at her and smiled slightly.

"Yeah, that was good." He remembered the feeling of accomplishment and pride as he watched them all learn and improve. Yeah, he'd like to do that again, he supposed.

"Exactly." She said. "It's perfect. You're not doing anything now anyway and otherwise you would be here bored stiff all year. It'll be good for you, not to mention, perhaps James might make more of an effort to keep in line with his father there." She sat down with him at the table and smirked as he gave an alarmed frown.

"Oh god, I didn't think of that."

"It'll be fine, they'll get used to it." Ginny reassured. "Plus it'll be Snape you want to watch out for." Harry's expression was comical, mouth open, eyebrow raised and a look of dread.

"Shit, I forgot he still teaches doesn't he?" He shook his head, "Absolutely not then, no way, not a chance in hell. He hasn't changed a bit since the war and I am not putting up with his comments all year."

"Oh come on, he's not that bad." He gave her a look. "Okay then, so he's a little frosty… you just need to get to know him, I'm sure he must have changed, even if it's just a little Harry." Harry still looked rather sceptical. "Don't you think he deserves a chance? Minerva told Hermione that she thought he was only there because he had nowhere else to go. Isn't that sad?" She said, appealing to Harry's more sympathetic side. She knew it would be good for him to speak to Snape. They'd barely said a few words to one another since they were in school and the air had always been strained, too much bad history between them.

"Ugh Gin." He moaned, running his hands over his face in frustration.

"I think you should take it Harry and if you two can sort things out between you then even better."

"He hates me Ginny." He complained. "I'll make the effort, but he'll just throw it back in my face. What's the point?" He glanced at Ginny then looked away, insecurity written all over his face.

"Oi." She nudged his hand with hers, effectively snapping him out of it. It scared her to see his mood flit so quickly into insecurity. "Of course he will," she started and he looked away again so she carried on, "of course he will, he's Snape. But you don't have to be the best of friends you know, I don't think Ron would be too appreciative of that anyway." She joked, pulling a reluctant smile from him. "Take the offer Harry. It feels right." He looked into her eyes at that, searchingly. A few moments passed and he nodded.

"Alright." He stood up, "Though if this all goes tits up, I'm blaming you." He said, poking her arm playfully as he passed and left for the study. Ginny sat staring into space for a while, thinking. Yes, it felt right that he take the job. She would miss him though and sighed as she stood up to prepare dinner.