WHEN STRANGE MET GRANGER
CHAPTER 1
Stephen and Wong were walking across the hall of Kamar Taj, after a peaceful session of mediation with their students. All pumped up and ready for their usual work (mostly in the library with a cup of coffee), both of them headed back to New York Sanctum. They were talking about their encounter with Kalkartho which, though, was a history, kept them occupied. Almost losing their souls in the fight, they had successfully banished it to a realm where it could have its energy needs satisfied. They were walking through the library, nearing the doors of the Sanctums.
"...but I love our vacation home, Wong. You definitely thought HOLY MOTHER OF...!"
A woman twisted out of thin air, wearing an emerald green cloak with square glasses on her nose. Her black hairs were tied into a tight bun. She held a stern look at first but then gave a small smile.
"Good morning, Stephen! Hello, Wong. Sorry to startle you, I did not intend to do so."
Strange, who had almost conjured a shield, dropped his hands. "Professor McGonagall, what a pleasant surprise! It's been ages since we had met. How are you doing?"
Professor McGonagall had met Dr. Strange a couple of years ago when she had been to Kamar Taj, accompanied by Shacklebolt and Samuel Quahog, to talk with the Ancient One about some issues which were, unfortunately, unknown to others. She had instantly liked Strange's personality, but just like everyone, hated his arrogance. Very near to McGonagall's (but lacked the arrogance). Strict but caring. Strange himself was interested in learning new spells and charms which, neither were in the books nor were they taught at Kamar Taj.
"As great as I could be!" replied McGonagall. "But I'm here on business, my dear. Can we talk at the Sanctum?"
"Sure we can," said Strange, waving his hand towards the door.
After getting all comfortable, Strange ordered Wong to excuse them. Wong, with a Sometimes-I-Hate-Stephen-Strange face, was about to leave when McGonagall stopped him.
"Oh please. That won't be necessary Wong. Rather, we could use your opinion."
Wong sat across McGonagall, beside the Sorcerer Supreme. Strange, as though knew, asked McGonagall, "How's everything at Hogberts?"
"Hogwarts, Stephen," corrected McGonagall, "And maybe you should pronounce it correctly. You don't want the students to hear you saying that."
Strange raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, the students. I, on the behalf of the school, would like to offer you a post at Hogwarts."
"Um..." Strange got lost after this.
McGonagall continued, "Hogwarts' current Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher has recently injured himself while studying Imps. The injury, unfortunately, is very serious and requires constant medical attention. The Healers could...oh sorry. The doctors could not guarantee us a quick recovery, leaving the seat vacant. Therefore, you, being an experienced wizard, and the Sorcerer Supreme..." Strange could feel his face twitch, "...are an excellent person for the job." McGonagall waited for his reply.
A few seconds later, Strange spoke up.
"I think I'll need some time to ponder over it, Professor. I can't just leave my responsibilities and teach at a wizarding school. I have other productive work..."
"Like eating my pizzas when I'm not the room?" Wong countered immediately.
Strange did his best to ignore him, "The Sanctum will be endangered under my absence and..."
McGonagall cut him short, "That's where Wong comes into play. Don't you think he could look after the Sanctums, while you are gone? I believe he is more experienced than you are and knows all about the labours of the Sorcerer Supreme, don't you?"
Wong found himself extremely flattered at this statement. He was not used to it. Though Wong knew Strange didn't undermine his abilities, but he also knew that Strange didn't give out compliments for charity.
"How long would he be away?" asked Wong.
"I wouldn't say less than a few months."
"You should go, Stephen," said Wong, with a queer smile.
Strange looked at him as though the Beyonce lover spanked him really hard.
"Wong, are you ok? You are allowing me to go away?"
"Yes, I am. I'll take care of everything. And if anything goes wrong, I have my sling ring." said Wong, flickering his fingers towards him.
"Oh, if you can spare me a few months, then why was going out with Christine forbidden? I was not going to spend my whole life in Le Bernardin!"
"Not answering that one."
Both of them had forgotten that McGonagall was still there. "Look, Stephen, it's your choice. No one is forcing you. But I would be happy if we had you at Hogwarts."
Everybody sat silently, sipping tea from their cups (McGonagall preferred tea over coffee). After a few moments, Stephen spoke, "Okay, there's a problem. I don't know much about your kind of magic. Werewolves, vampires. I don't even know what an Imp is!"
"That won't be a problem. We will have Professor Granger to introduce you to the syllabus. A month would be enough, I suppose. Your photographic memory could come to use again."
Wong tried to control his giggles.
"I'm going to kill you." Strange murmured, turning towards him. Nevertheless, he trusted Wong with his life. And maybe teaching in a new environment, teaching new stuff wouldn't be that bad, he thought.
Turning towards McGonagall, Strange said, "Well, after considering all the quid pro quos, I accept your offer. And I hope this Granger guy loves coffee."
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A/N: It's my first one. Hope you guys like it. :)
