New Professors For Defence Against Dark Arts
"You asked to see me?" Sirius sauntered into Dumbledore's office and addressed the headmaster.
"Yes, Sirius. Please take a seat," Dumbledore gestured at the chair in front of him. "There's something I need to discuss with you."
Sirius raised his eyebrows quizzically.
"How would you like to take on an appointment in Hogwarts?"
"You mean?"
"Moody is hoping to relinquish the Defence Against Dark Arts position. I think you are the best person to take on the job."
"Why did you choose me?" Sirius queried.
Dumbledore smiled at the former Hogwarts student. "If my memory serves me well, you topped your year several times. You were especially gifted in the areas of Transfiguration and Defence Against Dark Arts."
"I was only top in the first five years. It was a tie with James for my second year," Sirius said, trying his best to sound modest. "James clinched the top position in our last two years at Hogwarts."
Dumbledore smiled at the memory. "Yes, you're right. Mr Potter spent an exceeding amount of time in the library in his sixth and seventh years in the school."
"That's because Lily made him. They had most of their dates in the library," Sirius had a faraway look on his face.
Dumbledore knew that it was unwise to leave Sirius to his memories for much longer. "So how do you feel about talking on the position?" he asked, bringing Sirius back to the present.
Sirius did some fast thinking and sorted out his thoughts quickly. "I must admit this proposition is tempting. I love Hogwarts. It holds lots of good memories for me and I spent the happiest time of my life here. The position will also allow me to stay close to Harry. I really appreciate your offer." He paused, then added, "But I have to decline."
Sirius could tell that Dumbledore was waiting for an explanation, so he continued, "There's someone who's more suitable for the position."
"You are referring to Remus Lupin?"
Sirius shot him a look of surprise. "Yes," he conceded, "Remus did a great job. I heard from Harry and his friends about how good a professor he was."
"So you're declining as you feel Remus needs this job more than you do?"
Again, Sirius was amazed at how the elderly man was able to read his thoughts. "You're right. I have enough in my Gringgots vault to last me a long time. But Remus has it tougher. He does not have any family inheritance and he has problems getting a job. No one will employ a werewolf. No one except you," he said, looking pointedly at the headmaster.
"I see," Dumbledore looked at Sirius kindly. "I shall consider your suggestion."
Sirius stood up to make his departure. Then he hesitated and turned to face Dumbledore again. "I was wondering…have you heard from April lately?"
"The last I've heard, she's doing well at Flamel Fortress," Dumbledore gave him a knowing smile. "Why don't you send her a note?"
Sirius shrugged.
"Would you like me to send her your regards in my next letter?" Dumbledore asked.
"No, that's fine. I'll write her a note myself," Sirius answered quickly.
Dumbledore's eyes suddenly darted towards the door. "I believe there is no need to do so in the near future," he said, much to Sirius' confusion before calling out in a slightly louder voice, "Come in, my child."
The door burst open and April stood outside, looking slightly crossed, "I meant to give you a surprise! How did you know…" she stopped abruptly when her eyes met with Sirius' own dark ones. "Oh hi, Sirius. Didn't expect to see you here," she mumbled.
"Hi," Sirius replied.
"The two of you are behaving like strangers," Dumbledore observed, eyes twinkling.
April shot the headmaster a mock reprimanding look and went forward to give him a hug. "Albus, I miss you so much! I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "No, we had finished our discussion just before you came in. I offered Sirius a job and he has turned me down."
"What job did you offer him?"
"Professor for Defence Against Dark Arts."
"But that's Moody's job!"
"Moody would like to concentrate on other things and Sirius has graciously suggested that the position be offered to Remus Lupin instead," said Dumbledore, with a twinkle in his eyes.
April looked at Sirius with newfound respect. "That's a nice thing to do," she said.
Sirius seemed pleased and faintly embarrassed at the same time.
"Why don't you employ both of them, Albus?" April asked, turning back to the headmaster.
Dumbledore read her mind at once. "You are suggesting that I divide the classes between Sirius and Remus?"
"Yes. You can let Sirius teach two Houses while Remus take the other two."
Sirius flashed a cunning smile. "That sounds great. I'll take the Gryffindors and Slytherins," he made up his mind quickly.
Dumbledore looked thoughtful for a few moments. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Sirius. It will not be fair for students of the same year to be taught by different professors."
Sirius face fell.
"But that does not mean we cannot arrange for different professors to teach students of different levels." Dumbledore continued. "One of you can teach up to the fifth-year students and the other can teach the older ones."
"That's brilliant!" Sirius agreed readily. "One of us will get them past O.W.Ls while the other will get them past their N.E.W.Ts."
"Remus should take the sixth and seventh-year students," April said thoughtfully. "Parents of the younger ones will be less willing to let their children be taught by a werewolf."
Sirius agreed with her, but he couldn't resist remarking in a playful manner, "Are you trying to ensure that I get the heavier workload?"
"Was it that obvious?" she laughingly replied.
"So that settles the matter. I'll have a talk with Remus later," said Dumbledore, satisfied that the issue was resolved. Turning his attention back to April, he asked, "Did you come alone?"
"Oh no! I almost forgot about them. I was escorted by my two favourite guys."
"Your favourite guys?" Sirius raised an eyebrow. He did not look too pleased.
"Yes, my favourite guys. They're the best," April giggled. "Would you like to meet them?"
"That's not necessary," replied Sirius coldly.
"C'mon, you'll like them!" she told Sirius. "Albus, may they come in?"
Dumbledore gave his hand a wave to indicate his consent, and April opened the door to let her house-elves in.
"These are your favourite guys?" Sirius asked, looking surprised.
"Sure! Brandy and Whiskey, meet the infamous Sirius Black," April replied.
"Brandy and Whiskey? Those are their names?" Sirius blurted.
"These are not their original names. I gave them new names a few years ago. Aren't they cool?" she replied smugly.
"Trust the strange mistress to give her elves weird names," Sirius chortled and promptly received a jab at his elbow from April.
In the meantime, Brandy and Whiskey were eyeing Sirius with interest.
"Sirius Black is the only prisoner to escape Azkaban!" Brandy said.
"And also the one Harry Potter said was in deep trouble!" It was Whiskey's turn.
"I was in deep trouble? Is there something wrong with your elf?" Sirius asked, perplexed.
April gave Sirius and Dumbledore a brief account of the letters she had received from Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Sirius did not share Dumbledore's amusement. "Harry tried to trick you into coming back by pretending I was in trouble?" Sirius said incredulously. He left his other thought unspoken. So Hermione thought April would return for Moony?
April did not hear Sirius' comment as she was preoccupied with handing Dumbledore a bagful of candies.
"Can you help me pass this to Remus?" April handed Sirius a package. When Sirius looked at her quizzically, she elaborated, "I bought two robes for him."
"You know that he'll not accept them," Sirius snapped.
April remained undaunted, "That's why you have to tell him that I was buying robes for my brother when I saw these which will look perfect on him."
"Why don't you hand these to him yourself." It was more a statement than a suggestion.
"Oh please, Sirius," April tried again in her best coaxing voice. "I've bought stuff for the rest too. Ron was ecstatic about his new Firebolt!"
"You bought Ron Weasley a Firebolt?" Sirius sounded displeased.
"Don't be so selfish, Black. Your godson is not the only one who can own a Firebolt, you know!"
"My godson must have the best. And I prefer him to be the only one with the best," Sirius insisted stubbornly.
"Ron is in Harry's team. It'll make Harry's work a lot easier if Ron saves more goals," April pointed out impatiently. "And this is for you," she whipped out a pair of golden scissors.
"You're giving me a pair of scissors? What do you expect me to do with it? Melt the gold?" Sirius asked sarcastically.
"No, I expect you to use it of course," April said matter-of-factly. "How about a hair-cut, Mr Black?"
"That's out of the question," Sirius barked, feeling increasingly annoyed.
"Why don't you consider it?" April stubbornly pushed on.
"No."
April scowled. "You will agree one day. I'll make sure of that."
"Try harder then," Sirius said coldly.
April shot Sirius an angry glare, before turning to Dumbledore. "I'll be back tomorrow," she announced before leaving in a huff, with Brandy and Whiskey in tow.
End of Chapter Twenty-four
Katykat1010 : The pairing will be revealed in Chapter 26. That's two more chapters. :)
Ms. Padfoot : Paddy will be featured in the next few chapters. In fact, Paddy and Moony-lovers will love the next few chapters, I think…no, I hope.
Kendra Meadows : Forgive my ignorance, Mathilda :)
black-on-the-wall : Actually, I've written the next three chapters. So feel free to write me long reviews :)
Star06 : April will be told about Dawn Umbridge in the next chapter, and the ladies will meet three chapters later.
Sirius-Hotness : Thanks a million for not forgetting! *beams at Megan * You'll find out more about April's gift to Hermione later.
Senshichan14 : You're placing bets with your brother? Hee…get ready for another bet then. My next chapter will end with a cliff-hanger (how I miss them!), so the two of you can bet again.
nunnya buiznes : Thanks for reviewing three chapters at one go! The more the merrier *greedy BlackLupin laughs happily, rubbing her hands together with glee*
Lily Skylo : Have you reached this chapter yet? Know something? Hmm…I bet you've guessed it already since it's so obvious from my penname. Sirius' my favourite and Remus is second, just like yours!
Sunshine*girl-Hermione : You're my 300th reviewer!!! **gives Sunshine*girl-Hermione a gigantic hug** And you deserve more since you're recommending my story in your bio! **Scribbles frantically onto a parchment. Sirius, Remus and April appear and give Sunshine*girl-Hermione a BIG hug each**
Frances : Thank you! I'm blushing…almost as red as Ron's hair now! :)
peachgirl1608 : Happy belated birthday!!! *Sirius gives peachgirl1608 a kiss on her cheek* By the way, the Chinese name for the drama Peach Girl is mi tao nu hai
Raven Rosethorn1 : Yay! Another new reviewer! Sparks will fly when Flamel meets Umbridge!
Diosa Alexia : What's LMAO? I'm curious! Tell me please! I love your reviews!!! Don't panic…here's the next chapter.
Someone Reading : You'll find out about Hermione's gift later. Er…Snape? I think Umbridge doesn't deserve Snape! She deserves…to be taught a lesson!
padfoot_black : That's not a mistake! I've used up the spaces for Chapters 6 & 7 for ranting about the character death in Book 5, so the numbering for my chapters of "For Better Or For Worse" do not tally with the number of chapters uploaded. Er…does this make sense?
Fire'N'Ice : You've read about April's 'reunion' with Sirius. She'll meet Remus and catch a glimpse of Umbridge in the next chapter!
