Harry Potter From Behind The Desk

This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 1: Introductions

There I was, stepping off the stage with my diploma in hand, walking over to my beaming parents when an older woman appeared suddenly in my path. "Good afternoon, Mr. Blackwood," she said. This woman seemed to stare straight though me, yet it seemed as if she was not trying to intimidate. I tried to look relaxed. "Good afternoon," I said as I shook her hand. "If you will excuse me, Ms?"

"Headmistress McGonagall."

"Very good to meet you, Headmistress, but my parents take precedence over all right now."

"Certainly, Mr. Blackwood," she said, and paused for a moment but did not let go of my hand. "This may seem forward, but after you mention my name to your parents, please let me take you and you family to a celebration dinner. There we can discus your immediate career future."

I knew she was a witch but she did not seem to be a Seer. I warmly smiled my 'God, you're deluded' smile and moved on to my parents. My mother Lorene was enraptured with my diploma. With a worried look, I said, "You know I am going to need that for my office wall, don't you?"

My mother rolled her eyes as she usually did when I gave her a hard time, "No," she said matter-of-factly, "I am keeping it with all of your other stuff you left at home."

"I'm going to get that when I've decided where I'm going to work."

My father is always quiet, but says the most when he speaks. "Why don't we talk about your future as we celebrate your graduation at Bar Meze?"

My mouth instantly began to water. This was my favorite place to fill my belly while I filled my mind. The spices seemed to keep my interest in the printed page aflame like the flame in my mouth. I look warily at my father. "You know I love the food, but are you certain you two," I pointed at my parents, "are up to it?"

"We can't wait." A sly smile spread across my mother face. "Who was the over-zealous admirer that got to you before we did?"

"She is some want-to-be seer named McGorable."

The smile immediately fell from my father's face. "Do you mean McGonagall?"

"That is the one," I said, surprised, but my emotions changed to worry when I saw the serious look on his face. "Do you know her?"

"Your grandfather talked about her. They went to school together, from what I hear. She was the only one to beat his scores in school."

I almost jumped out of my skin as a voice over my shoulder interrupted my father. "Actually, your grandfather gave me a real run for my money when it came to being good in grades. I was crushed to hear he moved beyond our existence. The world had lost a great mage that day."

My father smiled sadly. It had been almost thirty years since my grandfather died, but he never really mourned for him. "Thank you," was all he said.

My mother always the one to take charge. "I hear you are going to be entertaining us while our son tells us of plans for the future?"

The two women sized each other up. After a moment they mentally came to the same conclusion. It would be a stalemate if the two women locked horns. "So he told you about our dinner arrangements?" the headmistress continued with a smile.

We all Apparated to the restaurant and got settled in. She and my parents started back and forth about me. As usual, I sat back and watched. I was not certain, considering all the bad press, if I wanted to teach there. I listened intently as she reviewed what I knew the position would entail. Once the formalities were out of the way then I stepped in on my own behalf.

"After the sad loss of our headmaster, Mr. Blackwood…"

"Please call me David."

"David," she stated with a small smile, "would be taking over my position as the Transfiguration proffesor. Depending on what house he is sorted in, he could also take my duties as the Head of one of the houses."

"Um…" I sheepishly interjected, "What are houses?"

"Oh yes, you are not familiar with our schooling organization. Hogwarts is grouped into four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin." She spoke the last house like it left a bad taste in her mouth. "You must be sorted into one of these houses. The sorting ceremony has been kept a secret since the school was first started. You won't know this guarded secret until it happens to you. Each house has their own part of the school they call their own. They have living quarters and a common area in which to socialize but especially to study. There is a Head of House, which is a position for a professor who is sorted into that house. This is also one of the reasons I am looking to our David to call Hogwarts his home."

"It does sound like a great option for the future," I started skeptically, "but after the attack on the school a few weeks ago, how can I ensure the safety of the students and myself? Isn't it true that you might not even open the school again?"

She forced a smile on her face and I could have sworn she muttered something like, "I knew I should have checked for beetles." She sighed. "After the attach on Hogwarts there was a debate among the staff to close our doors. I was convinced not to stop a tradition of over one thousand years just because one man, Tom Riddle, who will only be a sentence in history. If we do, he will already have won." She smiled fully. "I only came to you because I see greatness in you. You would be a great asset in our school. Not only will you be able to step in and easily take over my vacated position, with your degree in psychology specializing in panic disorders, you will be able to counsel and help support the students during this time of unrest."

"You feel I would be a valuable asset to your school?" I said in awe. It seemed as though a breeze of fresh air blew though the room. I felt needed. My parents beamed at me as my face flushed with embarrassment. "I am glad now I sought a dual degree."

"In my short life, David," McGonagall reminisced, "everything happens for a reason."

We started our negotiations in earnest. I was expecting at least 15,000 Galleons a year. Then she shocked me and exceeded my requirements. I was given 18,000 Galleons, room and board, and full access to all herbs and supplies you will need for teaching, without batting an eye. After nervously asking if this was her lowest offer, she raised it to 20,000. Needless to say I was shocked.

It was when it came to transportation I had to turn her down. Sure I could have had a new cleansweep production model from her, but I was keeping my custom Harley Davidson Racing broom. You know, the one that Transfigures into a Harley Davidson Fat Boy.

This is a one-of-a-kind broom. The handle itself has a Holly Core for flexibility, covered in a brushed metal cover. The tip I customized with a steel skull. Harley Davidson is etched across the cheek bone in smaller lettering. When you are really putting the broom to its paces, the eye sockets glow. The twigs are made from willow branches. You have to keep them moist, or they will lose their flexibility and make you agility as tough as riding a clean sweep. They have a decent speed but a cleansweep can't turn on a sickle. When chasing for the Quaffle or Snitch, and you have a guy close on your heels… make a quick move and the willow braches act like a whip. Sure, I have had a few penalty shots that were my fault, but it was all worth it. Nobody gets close to me on a broom and goes away unmarked.

"All right Headmistress McGonagall…"

"Please, David," she kindly interrupted, "while not in front of the students, call me Minerva."

Smiling, I continued, "Minerva, when would you like me to start?"

Trying not to over play her need, I said, "I would love for you to get sorted as soon as possible and start immediately afterward."

I looked to my parents; they were both beaming at the prospect of me finding a position so quickly. "Would you be insulted if I went from here to my new position?"

My mother spoke for the both of them. "Not at all. Now we have an excuse to visit Stonehenge. Let us take our leave of you. David, would you walk us out, please?"

As we exited to the oddly foggy day, my mother faced me with a serious look. "Are you certain this is what you want?"

My lips went to a thin line while I tried to think of the best answer. Yes, I wanted this, but there was something more, and it came to me. "Yes, I do want this job," I started sincerely. "I am taking this job out of necessity not desire. Everything happens for a reason."

My mother smiled. "When did you get such insight?"

"I was raised by some great parents."

With that my mother took me into a bone-crushing hug. As she held me, I could hear her voice waver with emotion. "I know this is where you are needed. Please be careful, people are getting hurt all over right now."

Hugging back replying, "You raised me to take care of myself. I promise to be careful."

With a watery smile, my mother gave my father and me room. As usual he hesitated for a moment, then gave me a manly hug. You know, the one armed hug with three swift slaps on the back. He pulled back but held on with to my shoulder. His face somber, he said, "My father told me of this Sorting Hat. If at all possible, don't let it put you in Slytherin."

With a nervous voice I replied, "I'll try."

His demeanor changed as he stepped back and took my mother's hand. "See you later, son." With a small pop, they were off on their own adventure.

As I turned, Minerva was exiting the restaurant. "We must be on our way to Hogwarts. You have much to do before the train arrives for the new school term."

"I will need my personal effects," I started.

"Already moved."

"I have to give notice for my apartment."

"According to your apartment manager, you gave notice 60 days ago."

I was racking my brain. I admit this was still a little scary, the idea of starting so quickly. With a look of triumph, I found my small reason. "My broom!"

"Careful, your step, Mr. Blackwood."

"Please call me… Whoa!" I stepped back to see what was in my way, and fell over my cycle. Seems the head mistress had it placed there while I was saying my goodbyes. Fortunately, the fall took me by surprise, so I did not have time to grab hold of the gas tank and pull the bike on top of me. My calves caught on the bike as my body went over. Making my feet catapult into the air. My back landed with a thud on the pavement. "Oof," was the only sound out of my mouth.

Minerva helped me to my feet. "Shall we get underway to Hogwarts?" she said, as she proceeded to get on the back of my bike.

"I can meet you there if you want to Apparate."

She stared at me shrewdly period. "And what, turn down an opportunity to ride one of these American motorbikes?"

I started to chuckle. "You could have sent this to Hogwarts too."

She gave me an innocent smile as we ventured on our way. Even though the ride would have been much shorter flying we drove to Hogwarts. The adventure took most of the day stopping here and there for something to drink and to relax. When we reach the gate to Hogwarts I almost laughed when she turned and looked at me; it seemed she was almost giddy. This did not seem to be an emotion she showed often so I did not want to ruin the moment for her.

After getting back on the cycle we rode slowly down the trail. When I first saw the castle I was in complete awe. It was the biggest I had ever seen. Even my wildest dreams or the pictures had not prepared me for the visual onslaught. This truly has to be appreciated with your own eyes.

Unfortunately, as we got closer to the structure of my dreams, I was suddenly ripped out of my seat. This huge mass that felt alive, a steel vice covered in flesh, gripped me by my neck and shoulders. All I could do was tug to no avail at the steel fingers that did not budge. The lack of oxygen made it impossible for rational thought. The world was closing in darkness around me. In the back of my mind I thought I could hear McGonagall yelling at someone who must have been the owner of the elephant trap encased in skin. I was just about to pass out. This is what I saw in the Pensieve later on.

There I was riding with the headmistress on the back of my bike. The expression on my face was priceless. Hagrid came out of his hut to see what was roaring up the grounds. He took one look at me and saw red. Completely ignoring Minerva on the back of the cycle, he took a few strides and was on top of us. He ripped me off the bike with one hand. It was fortunate that Minerva was not slow in her reactions, or I would have lost both the headmistress and my bike in a spectacular wreck against the castle. Minerva quickly righted the bike and ran back to Hagrid. He had me dangling from his outstretched arm.

When she was close enough to see my eyes were rolling up into my socket from lack of oxygen, her voice crack in panic, "Hagrid, put him down!"

A roar like a lion came from the huge man's mouth period. "This is a Death Eater!"

I could see panic in her eyes while she could hear the muffled sound of bones breaking in my body. I am so glad I was not awake for this part. She pleaded with Hagrid, "Put the man down. David is no Death Eater. Please, you are going to kill him."

I landed with a sickening thud as Hagrid unceremoniously he dropped my limp body. In a dangerous whisper, he said, "I was only knocking him out so the Aurors can come and ship him to Azkaban. Don't you see he looks like a young Sirius Black? Even a bad copy of his flying motorbike," he said, pointing over to my cycle.

Minerva was only half listening as she was checking for breath and pulse. Absently she replied, "David Blackwood, who you see here, this morning graduated from Oxford University with his doctoral. I have been with him all say any spell to look like Sirius would have worn off by now. So when Dr. Blackwood awakes, you will apologize." The huge man was now over come with guilt from his reactions. Minerva continued in a stern voice, "I have immobilized his body so you can carry him to the hospital wing."

Hagrid picked me up, like he was trying to carry feathers and not bend a single barbule. As he headed toward the hospital wing he said in earnest, "I am sorry, Professor McGonagall, when I saw him he looked so much like him and after all that has happened with the attack on the school we can't be too careful. When I saw this young man looking like Sirius, I thought he was trying to do an impersonation to get to Harry."

With a stern but soothing voice, McGonagall said, "I understand you looking out for the safety of the school. There are reasons he looks so much like our fallen friend." She was about to explain but they had reached the hospital wing. That is where the Pensieve memory ended.

Reality came crashing down on me. My body felt sore and stiff. I slowly opened my eyes to a blinding white room. I found myself lying on a bed still in my clothes. Standing at the foot of the bed was Headmistress McGonagall. On my right was a nurse tending to me. I was in a large room with many beds the same as mine. My eyes froze on the hulking mass standing at the door wringing his hands. By the size of the hands I assumed this was my attacker.

I went to yell but it came out a small croak. "Look out! He is going to attack!"

To my shock, as these words left my mouth, the great man crumbled. His massive hands covered his face. His body started to shake to the rhythm of his sobs. Even though he was my attacker, I could tell he was truly sorry and hurt that I was afraid of him.

I slowly raised my hand to try to get his attention. My voice was now just gravelly and rough. "You were trying to protect the school. I am going to be okay."

The nurse next to me piped up and said, "I thought your doctoral was in psychology, not medicine. But, yes, you will be fine."

I carefully sat up, still looking at the huge man crying. Speaking to the nurse, I said, "Is it okay for me to move about the room?"

I did not wait for her reply as I swung my legs from the bed and slowly made my way over to the man. Grabbing a hand towel from the end of one of the beds, I offered it to the man period. "My name is David. What's yours?"

"Hagrid," the man said, taking the towel and using it like I would a small hanky.

"This breakdown isn't about me, is it? It's the stress over last month."

"How did you know?" he replied comma, with shock stopping his crying abruptly.

Smiling, I said, "I studied in school and read the papers. If I had spent that last month here, I would probably be crying too."

With a calculating eye comma, Minerva watched, but did not intrude. "This is why we invited you here. I would have to say, you are going to be busy the rest of the year and end of term. Not to mention your classes." Turning to the nurse, she said, "Madam Pomfrey, does he seem well enough to be sorted and take on his responsibilities?"

"Knowing how important his role at our school is, he is definitely ready," she said with pride. Turning back to the now moist-faced, but happy Hagrid, I said, "After I am sorted, do you want to go and talk?"

He was still beaming. "Thank you for the offer, but you already have somebody needing you more than me."

I did not have time to think about what he said as I was whisked away to what I could surmise was the second floor. Who knows? With the size of this castle and the crazy staircases, it could have been the seventh. Minerva stopped at a gargoyle. I was going to speak up when she shouted, "Sherbet Lemon."

The gargoyle came to life and jumped over to reveal a spiral staircase. We both started up the stairs when, to my surprise, it started moving. It stopped at the top of the stair, and we went in what I assumed was her office.

The room was full of motion and noise. On the walls were portraits of older-looking wizards, which were sleeping. There were tables filled with odd spinning and chirping magical devices. On the far side was a huge ornate marble and oak desk with a few comfy chairs in the front and a large overstuffed leather executive chair.

She moved behind the desk and spoke to me with her back turned. "Please have a seat, and we will have this finished in a jiffy." She turned, holding a tattered hat.

Confused, I said, "Really em–thank you, but I have my own hat for teaching. I do understand about the need to keep with traditional dress as a professor"

"No, Mr. Blackwood. This hat is how we sort you." She stated walking toward me. As she placed the hat on my head, she said, "The experience is different for everyone. Relax and let it do the work."

The brim fell around my eyes and the world went dark. It felt like a cool liquid flowed though my head. As it touched different parts of my mind, I saw flashes of my life, both good and bad, my triumphs and pitfalls. I also felt the emotions and pains of life. I felt the pride of stepping off the podium for graduation, and the butterflies and joy of my first kiss.

My revelry of the emotions was interrupted by a voice in my head, "Hello Mr. Black… Blackwood. I know you don't understand what me sorting has any effect on you as a teacher. Let me tell you how I work with what I told my students two years ago."

I won't bore you with what he sang. I was told it was a repeat from two years ago, urging the houses of Hogwarts to unite or they won't survive. I felt little more relaxed as the words swam in my head. I hoped I could help unite the houses. The liquid feeling returned, and the voice came back. "You father told you, "Not Slytherin." Don't worry. You will not disappoint your father. You have the true bravery of Gryffindor. You just need a place to prove it. Gryffindor will be the perfect place for you. So I say…"

"Gryffindor!" To my shock, it spoke out loud. Minerva immediately took the hat from my head and was smiling with a certain authority.

"You are now ready for your first task, Mr. Blackwood," she stated, placing the hat back in its original resting place. "You are going to visit three students who have chosen not to attend next year. The three have the potential of being great wizards, but they need to realize that Hogwarts is the safest and best place for their future."

"Where are they and is there any information I can reference about them?" I replied eagerly.

She waved her wand, and three fat files flew into the room. "I will give you their location in a moment. Their names are Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, and Harry Potter." After taking the files, I realized she said location. "Why are they at the same location?"

"It is best if you talk to them about their living conditions."

I stood and started for the door. "Is this a test to see how well I will do as a new professor?"

"I ask you because you are an outsider. Sometimes bringing in a fresh perspective will help shed light on a situation."

I reached the door when I remembered. "Where am I going?"

McGonagall wrote on a scrap of paper and brought it to me. "There is not a Fidelius Charm on the home, but we tried to keep it a secret for Harry's protection."

With my broom, and a few private files, I was on my way to my first real assignment as a new teacher and therapist. I hope I will have the wisdom to know what is the best action to take.

To be continued…