Hogwarts
Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, doing what he liked to do most. No, it wasn't beat it to pictures of Bea Arthur. That was his cousin's grandson's obsession. Wade was an interesting boy. Weird by even Albus's standards.
No, Albus was sucking a lemon drop. Then his fireplace lit and out popped the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
"Good afternoon Dumbledore." Said Fudge.
"Ah, Cornelius, how delightful to see you. What can I do for you this afternoon?"
"I've come to inform you that the Ministry has just passed Educational Decree number twenty two. I thought it would take till late August, but that's the Ministry in action for you." Fudge handed over a roll of parchment to Dumbledore. Albus read over it for a second.
"This is very fascinating Cornelius, but I'm not sure I see how this applies?"
"Come now Dumbledore, you haven't been able to get yourself a Defence teacher for next year. I know it. So, I'm here to inform you…"
"I'm sorry, but you are much mistaken. I found a teacher at the end of last year. Everything's been signed and we're ready to go." The stupid smile disappeared from Fudge's face.
"But I've already told Madame Umbridge that she'll be teaching next year."
"Then you're going to have to apologize to the good Madame. I don't happen to have any vacant spots at the moment."
"Well, is your man, I assume it's a man?" Albus nodded." Is your man up to Ministry Standards?"
"Not only is he the youngest to ever receive an O on his NEWT, but he was the champion in the Tri Wizard tournament, run by the Ministry." Fudge's eyes bulged. He now knew who Albus was talking about. "So I would say he's up to Ministry Scratch." There was a twinkle in the old man's eyes.
"You're telling me you hired a 15 year old boy on as Professor? That's outrageous. I'll be telling Madame Umbridge that she'll be starting September 1st."
"No, she will not be Cornelius. Mr. Potter is very well qualified. He has already signed his contract for the year. And as it is my job to hire teachers, not yours…"
"What about Educational Decree number twenty two?" Fudge was sounding less like a Minister, and more like a child be scolded by the Headmaster.
"It says here that you may only appoint someone in the event that I am not able to find anyone. And as I have already hired someone I consider qualified for the job, I believe this subject is closed." Fudge looked like someone had just kicked him in the balls. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. He was to plant his own person in Hogwarts to take over. Oh well, he'd have to think something new up now.
"Very well then. Since that is all, I'll be getting back to London now."Fudge got up and bee lined for the fireplace.