Professor Dumbledore sat in his office as he waited for the staff to come in for the first staff meeting of the year.. The first staff meeting was always just a formality. They would all convene to discuss teaching applications. Argue over this and that. Always get into a fight with Severus because he didn't get the Defense Against The Dark Arts job. Dumbledore chuckled a little at that thought.
Speaking of an angry and disappointed Severus, Dumbledore would again have to give a long explanation to him. After Severus was done yelling at him of course. This year was going to be no different. Added that this year was also the Triwizard Tournament, his Defense Against The Dark Arts professor would have to be top-notch. And this year, Dumbledore finally agreed to the Ministry assigned professor. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody. Sure he was probably slightly insane, but he was a well-seasoned auror and a veteran death-eater hunter. He was also a highly valued member of the Order Of The Phoenix.
Most of the time, Albus was worried about getting a professor to teach for the Defense Against The Dark Arts post, but this year, surprisingly, he was mulling over the Muggle Studies post. Only one person suddenly decided to apply for the post, and Albus, was of course thankful. Professor Burbage was hired at the Salem Institute of Witchcraft, and Albus needed a professor to teach Muggle Studies. Though this person was of great mystery, and Albus didn't know what to think about it. He sighed, glancing at the clock, Minerva would be coming in any moment.
As if right on cue, Minerva walked in. She was an excellent professor and his closest confidant. She glanced at Albus and said a quick 'Good Morning' and took her seat. Severus Snape came in after her. He was harsh and rude, sometimes Albus would find students running out of his classroom in tears. But Severus did this to make sure that none of the students had their heads blown off. Severus gave a curt nod to Albus and sat down next to Minerva. The last two to walk in were Pomona Sprout and Filius Flitwick, the two were talking amicably. Filius, though diminutive in size, was a master at charms, while Pomona was a master at Herbology and often helped to grow plants for Severus. They both sat down, giving cheerful smiles to all in attendance.
"Good Morning Everyone, terribly sorry to drag you out of bed this early. I hope you all had a wonderful summer," Dumbledore said.
The professors gave small smiles, except for Severus, who sneered.
"As you may have know , the Ministry of Magic and the International Department of Magical Cooperation, had officially declared Hogwarts as their target for this year's TriWizard tournament. With that being said, the Ministry, as well as the Board of Governors have been very keen and focused to ensure the safety, cooperation, and the bonding of the representing schools and nations this year. By higher demand, it has been delegated to me that this year we shall be hosting not only the visiting students and headmasters, but also now the Ministry's staff, who shall be accompanying us as well."
The staff, already knowing this, asked him to continue.
"This year, alongside the accompanying headmasters of our competing schools, the Ministry magic will have its own representatives that will help run and manage the events smoothly and safely for the students. As a result, they have made a few demands and shall oversee duties usually the teachers help manage. Therefore I trust you shall all cooperate and coordinate with them in this year."
The staff nodded their heads, agreeing with what Albus was saying. Except for Severus. Albus sighed, he always looked so bored during these staff meetings. Albus would have to talk with him later. Dumbledore, with the twinkle in his eye, then decided to cut to the chase before he bored his staff any longer. Well Severus. He finally decided to move onto the news that they were waiting for. Sitting up in his seat and giving a smile.
"Among these demands this year, the Ministry has requested that this year's DADA professor be its representative - Alastor Moody"
When Dumbledore gave the look to the staff after that announcement, their eyes immediately shot up
Severus stood up, his face turning a pale color and his eyes widening in shock and indignation. "Alastor Moody?! Albus, you cannot be serious. Sure, he's an auror, sure, he captured death eaters. But Alastor Moody! You are out of your goddamn mind!"
"Severus!" Minerva admonished, "Watch your language!"
"No, no, Minerva," Albus said, placing a placating hand on her shoulder, "Severus' reaction is justified. He, afterall had wanted this position ever since he was hired her. And Severus, this matter is out of my hand. I hold less power than the Ministry." Severus turned his furious gaze toward Albus. "Will that be all Albus? I do must rather get back to my potions that Pomfrey needs for the year. "
"Why yes Severus, I understand your duties, however I do actually a final agenda to discuss for our staff this year" Severus glared at Albus, and sat back down in his seat.
All the Professors grew silent and stared at Albus for what that sentence just meant just now. Dumbledore on the other hand rested within his chair and continued. " It appears this year, our previous muggle studies professor Charity Burbage rather left us this year for a rather lucrative opportunity for the Salem Institute of Magic in America, and as a result we shall not be seeing her no more."
The professors lowered their glances, staring at the table. Charity was a charming, fun lady that truly sought to bridge Muggles and Wizards despite their circumstances. Then they turned their gaze upwards, as they noticed that Albus had opened his mouth to continue.
"This was rather an unexpected move, especially since the Ministry this year has also wanted to implement Muggle Studies more and make it more noticeable. They have decided that only the most competent be aloud, as to show the foreign students that our education is the best." Albus rolled his eyes at that. "
From his pocket he withdrew two pieces of paper, one was a formal application, and the other was a seemingly oddl resume.
" It appears my dilemma was settled rather quickly, and the Board of Governors have approved of my choice. Though he was the only one, so they couldn't really pick and choose." Albus said with a small smile. The Professors looked on in interest as Dumbledore continued. for his mood was steady, slightly amused, and it appeared there was more to this story.
" As a result, it appears we have a rather interested and dare I say, possible qualified candidate. He has had a rather...colorful background over the last 15 years, but he's nonetheless an Alumni of us from a rather unique place "
The professors were stunned and very curious as to who on earth had suddenly decided to apply for such a position and job, and much less further curious as to when they could meet their candidate. Finally McGonagall asked, speaking for the Professors
" Well Albus, when can we meet this candidate, and who is he?"
Albus, smiled with that ever some glint that Severus despised, and casually he grabbed his wand and made a casual flick towards the fireplace in his grand office, then Professors in turn, looked to the fireplace, then back to Dumbledore.
" He should be arriving…...just about now actually"
Almost on cue, spitting out of the fireplace and strutting out of the fireplace came a well dress dressed, fairly tall, disheveled and surprised man. Once the dust settled and he got over his shock, the Professors looked eagerly at the man who flood in.
He was 6'1 with a fairly well built body structure, he had olive skin , dark hazel eyes that was mirrored with dark medium shaped eyebrows and a rather medium pointed nose. His wavy medium hair was combed over, slightly gelled, and parted neatly whilst sporting faintly noticeable 5 o'clock shadow. He was dressed in a light jet black pea-coat that flashed tightly with his dark black suede shoes, cleanly pressed suit pants, and a small dark vest coated with a white dress shirt and bright red tie.
Immediately upon notice McGonagall had a pleasantly surprised and joyous look on her face, whilst surprisingly Pomona had a small smile as she recognized who it was. Meanwhile Flitwick had an inquisitive look as if trying to remember someone. Where as Severus completely had an impassive, neutral, yet very curious expression on his face. When the staff and man in question finally walked over, Dumbledore said with an amused look to his heads of houses
" Please allow me to introduce to you our prospective Muggle Studies Professor: Mr. Francisco Antonio Scaletta"
Author's Note: First off - I would like to immensely thank my BETA the accidental horcrux for helping me begin this story. It has been a big dream to publish and write my first FanFiction story and as such any comments, reviews, or anything would be greatly appreciated!