Chapter 12: Alpha Female

"Very well, then. If there is no other business?"

Of course there was none. Everyone was learning rather quickly that, unlike Dumbledore who had never had time for piddling problems, Headmistress Malfoy would take on anything from cobwebs to boggarts to pureblood prejudice. If someone mentioned a problem, a meeting was promptly scheduled to address it. A private meeting. There was no more going around the table so each of them could just generally complain in the presence of everyone about things that irritated them. It had an interesting affect on all of them.

Minerva was slowly coming to the realization that if she had an actual problem, she was certain that Malfoy would pay attention and take action. There would be no more turning of blind eyes. It would, however, have to be a serious problem indeed before Minerva would bother to schedule an actual appointment to discuss it. Where Dumbledore had encouraged trifles and discouraged more critical issues, Malfoy was already cultivating precisely the opposite. Minerva was beginning to develop a grudging respect for the woman. She didn't like her, but she was beginning to respect her.

"Very well then," Malfoy said, standing. "If any of you think of anything, don't hesitate to let me know."

There was a general scuffing of chairs against the floor and a rustling of robes and parchment as the faculty shuffled out of the room. Minerva stayed where she was, as she had another meeting scheduled in fifteen minutes anyway. And she had a folder of her own, this one containing a dozen letters of reference and recommendation. Arranging them all so quickly had been a challenge, but it was one she had met admirably.

As soon as the last of them had left, Minerva placed her folder in front of Malfoy, folding her arms across her breasts. "References," she said without preamble, and watched as Malfoy opened the folder and began sifting through them. Pale eyes scanned one, then another, then a third, and she flipped past the remainder of them, pausing here and there to peer at something.

"I believe this should do," she said finally, closing the folder. "You can assure me that Lupin is a good candidate for this post?"

Minerva nodded firmly. "Just look at the record," she encouraged. "The students responded to him in a way that they haven't to anyone prior to him or since. I don't remember the last time this school had a Defense professor who was as talented."

Malfoy tucked the folder into her charmed folder, and made for the door. "If you will excuse me, Professor. I believe I have an employment contract to draw up." Minerva watched as she slipped out of the staff room, marvelling momentarily at the gall that woman had to be writing an employment contract for a man who had not yet been approved by the Ministry. And who had a very good chance of not being approved.

Minerva was counting on Hector Humphrey to be as dull-witted as he normally was and to not realize that the prospective Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was the same Remus J. Lupin who had been announced a werewolf in cohorts with Azkaban escapee, Sirius Black. If the Ministry realized who he was, they would, of course, never approve him, but Fudge, at least, could be counted on to not remember the names of lesser mortals than himself.

Hoping that all went well, Minerva rose slowly and made her way back to her office to do a bit of final work on her lesson plans for the fast-approaching start of term.

hr

At half past four, Remus rounded the corner and brough himself into sight of the spiral staircase with gargoyle guardian. Minerva was standing there, and he smiled broadly as she pulled him into a warm embrace.

"I suppose it went well earlier?" she asked.

"Well enough. Though I daresay you already knew that. After all, how could I possibly go wrong with the Deputy Headmistress on my side?"

Minerva snorted softly. "A year ago, that might have meant something, Remus, but not now. I don't think anyone impresses that woman."

Remus laughed in an effort to conceal the sudden nervousness. "And that's supposed to reassure me, I suppose?"

"I wouldn't presume to try to reassure you of anything. I don't even think I'd necessarily want to try. Come along, then. No sense in putting this off." She turned to face the gargoyle and spoke clearly, "Willow Warbler." The staircase moved, and a moment later they emerged into Malfoy's office.

"Professor McGonagall, Mr. Lupin. Excellent. Come in." Malfoy approached them from behind, and Remus blinked, slightly startled and wondering where she'd come from. She had one of the brilliantly plumed birds on her shoulder, and after a moment of cooing to it, urged it into the air. It made a sweep of the room, wings flashing blue and gold, before settling on a sturdy-looking plant in the corner. Malfoy walked gracefully around her desk, sweeping her wand almost absently, and two chairs appeared. "Have a seat," she offered.

Remus waited until Minerva had seated herself, then took his own chair, placing his briefcase on the floor beside him.

"I trust you were able to keep yourself amused while you were waiting, Mr. Lupin?"

"Yes," he replied carefully. "I enjoyed a lengthy amble down memory lane."

Malfoy smiled, though the smile never reached her eyes. "Wonderful," she said, nodding her head. "I suppose there's no point in delaying this. If you want the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, I am willing to offer a contract. Are you interested, Mr. Lupin?"

His heart leapt. "Quite," he replied.

"Very well, then. Let's discuss the terms of the contract. Given the... special circumstances," Malfoy glanced up from her enchanted folder and lifted an eyebrow in Lupin's direction, "I believe it prudent to include certain provisions to ensure the safety of our students."

"Does Remus need a solicitor?" Minerva asked suddenly. "I don't want him signing anything that he doesn't understand."

Malfoy's eyes shot back to Minerva, cold and emotionless. "Neither do I," she replied. "But if he wants a solicitor present, we can certainly delay this process until one can be present."

"It might be a good idea," Minerva replied, her lips narrowing to a very thin line. "Merlin only knows what sort of nonsense might be hidden within the legal jargon of a contract."

"A valid point, of course," Malfor responded, sitting back in her chair. "And of course one would automatically suspect the employer of subterfuge. Why don't we summon an entire team of solicitors? Perhaps hold this meeting in front of the Ministry? Take every precaution to ensure that it is legal. It shouldn't make more than a few months' difference in the students' education."

"Perhaps if the employer was not intending to pull the wool over the eyes of the Minister of Magic, I would trust her a little farther with a contract!"

"Perhaps if said employer is willing to put her own reputation on the line based off the recommendations of another of her employees, she might expect a little more faith as she does everything in her power to make this request happen!"

"Perhaps," Remus interrupted, feeling it might be wise to stop this escalating conversation before one of the women actually started a catfight, "we might consult the one who is expected to sign the contract and ask his opinion of the matter. Why don't I go find him?" He started to rise, then stopped suddenly, slapping a palm against his forehead. "Oh! How silly of me. He's right here! Remus, what do you think? Do you need a solicitor present before you sign an employment contract?"

Minerva's eyes were narrowed, and the glower she was focusing on him was the one that made her a formidable headmistress. Malfoy, by contrast, looked to be struggling with a laugh.

"Well, you know," Remus continued, answering himself, "I'd really like to hear the terms of the contract before I make any decisions at all regarding this. And, if I do need a solicitor, I'm sure I'm capable of requesting one."

By the time he'd finished, the corner of Minerva's mouth was twitching slightly, and Malfoy had found a sudden interest in her folder again.

"If there are no further objections to my reading the contract, then?" she asked, looking at squarely at Minerva.

Minerva responded only by folding her arms and leaning back in her chair.

Malfoy cleared her throat. "As I was saying," she said, her eyes flitting quickly back and forth across the page. "Given the special circumstances of this arrangement, I felt there was need of additional safety measures. I believe you will find this contract quite similar to any other here," she said, leaning forward and placing the parchment in front of him on the desk, "but I want to draw your attention to this paragraph," she pointed with a slender finger, tapping the page slightly.

Remus picked up the parchment and read it aloud. "Employee agrees to submit to regular health assessments, and on the recommendation of a health professional, or at any time when the employee, the headmistress or the deputy headmistress feel that the employee's state of health would prevent him from fulfilling his obligations as outlined in section Iv Title 453a.32 the employee's obligations to the school shall be superceded by his obligations to his own health. In addition, if the employee's supposed or reported condition poses the threat of infection or contamination to others at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the employee is required to notify the headmistress and take necessary precations to hinder the spread of said illness."

He felt his eyes crossing as he read that again. Loath though he was to admit it, he was beginning to think he might be better off wit a solicitor present.

"In essence," Malfoy said, "I have included provisions in your contract that give me the authority to terminate your employment if I feel you are a danger to the students because of your condition."

Remus nodded slightly. "Of course," he replied, sighing inwardly. He was used to such stipulations by now, though they still stung. Did anyone honestly believe he would purposely pose a threat to anyone else?

"In short, Mr. Lupin, I do not want you within twenty kilometers of this castle for forty-eight hours either side of the full moon. You will be responsible for making your own arrangements."

"Of course," he repeated blandly.

"That's preposterous!" Minerva exclaimed, breaking her silence finally. "He is perfectly safe when he takes his Wolfsbane potion, and there is no reason to force him away from the castle every month!"

Malfoy lifted an eyebrow. "The Wolfsbane potion?" she repeated.

"Yes! Tell her about it, Remus!"

He sighed. "Who is going to brew the potion, Minerva?" he asked quietly. "I certainly haven't the skill."

"Severus," Minerva replied without hesitation.

"You know he will never agree to it."

"Then Headmistress Malfoy will simply have to exercise her authority and demand it. Albus demanded it of him the last time."

"Headmistress Malfoy will do no such thing," Malfoy interrupted softly. "If you wish him to brew this potion, you may ask it of him."

"Severus will never agree without a direct order," Minerva countered. "The last time Remus worked here, it was a stipulation of his employment-- that he take the Wolfsbane monthly to prevent himself from being a threat to the students!"

Malfoy's eyes took on an icy hardness. "You expect me to make a condition on one employee that another employee has to fulfill? That's preposterous, and I can't imagine what sort of idiot..."

"Watch what you say, Malfoy. You're edging dangerously close to insulting..."

Remus scrubbed a hand over his face. "Minerva," he interrupted softly, leaning his head to hers. "There's really no need for you to waste your time here. I know you're busy and..."

"Nonsense, Remus. I'm not about to abandon you to muddle through this alone."

As much as he appreciated the gesture, Remus cringed inwardly. "Right," he muttered. "After all, I'm incapable of signing my own employment contracts or negotiating my own terms, and your requests and objections are all very reasonable and have only my best interests in mind, I'm sure. And there is quite obviously no personal quarrel between you and the Headmistress."

"If she had half the sense of a second year, she'd just hire you on and..."

"I think that's more than enough," Malfoy said suddenly, closing her folder. "Mr. Lupin, I apologize for bringing you here unnecessarily. Professor McGonagall, why don't you show him out."

"What did you say?" Minerva's voice had taken on a dangerous coldness suddenly.

"I said," Malfoy began slowly and distinctly, "that this negotiation is over. If I were interested in hiring someone who will be a puppet, I would find someone I could attach my own strings to. I am not, however. I need a teacher, not a pet, and I think I have seen more than enough."

Minerva leaned forward, bracing her hands on Malfoy's desk. "How dare you suggest..."

"Maybe I didn't make myself plain, McGonagall. Leave." Malfoy dropped the folder into her desk drawer and stood, pointing at the door. She looked for all the world like a queen ordering an insubordinate guard from her presence. For a moment, Minerva glared her, matching icy stare with stone stare, and finally whirled.

"Come along, Remus. I'll see you out," she hissed.

Remus stood more slowly, battling disappointment. For a moment, he'd believed that his life was going to take a turn for the better again, but it had been a foolish hope. "Go on, Minerva. I'll be there in a moment. I just want a few words with the Headmistress first."

Minerva looked doubtful, but nodded, casting Malfoy a venomous look before stalking to the spiraling staircase. Remus waited until the stairs had begun their twisting descent before he turned back to Malfoy.

"Was there something you wished to discuss, Mr. Lupin?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," he replied, walking back to her desk again.

"Well?"

He glanced at the drawer she'd dropped the contract into, and for a moment he considered begging her to reconsider. He did not, though. "Minerva is a good woman," he said quietly, and Malfoy frowned a bit. "She's strong, and strong willed, and she isn't used to anyone standing up to her, but she is a good woman, and a good teacher, and a good friend. And frankly, I couldn't begin to tell you how relieved I am that she is not my enemy, because I believe she is a formidable adversary."

Malfoy folded her hands atop her desk and looked at him levelly. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked pointedly.

A faint smile flickered across Remus' face. "Because I recognize a power struggle when I see one," he replied after a moment. "And I've seen them get so far out of hand that someone gets hurt. I don't want to see the students get hurt in this one. Minerva has forgotten more than I would ever hope to know, and she has been teaching since before I was born. It has to count for something."

For a moment, Malfoy was quiet, but she did not avert her eyes. That she has been here for forty years doesn't make her right," Malfoy pointed out logically. "And that something has always been done a certain way does not make it right."

Remus sank into a chair again. "It doesn't make it wrong, either," he replied softly. "Sometimes things are the way they are because the work like that. A very wise person told me once that a smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others."

"Sounds like solid advice," Malfoy replied with a smile.

"Minerva McGonagall has a great deal of sound advice if you're willing to listen to her." He stood and extended a hand. "I apologize for the theatrics of this meeting, and I hope you find the person you're looking for. This school needs a Defense professor with some staying power." Malfoy took his hand, and he squeezed hers gently. It was like holding a glove made of rose petals. "I must say that I've never been refused employment by anyone so lovely," he said with a wink, lifting her hand to his lips. He kissed the back of her knuckles, and she laughed softly.

"Now I have a dilemma," she told him, and he looked into her eyes.

"What's that?"

"I was prepared to pull that contract back out of my desk just now and ask if you were still interested in the position," she replied almost off-hand, and his breath caught in his throat. "But now I'm afraid that if I do so, you'll think a bit of flattery will get you somewhere with me."

He let go of her hand. "I-" he began, but stopped, not sure what to say to that. She opened her drawer and removed the folder, laying it open on the desk again.

"Forty-eight hours either side of the full moon," she said quietly. "Twenty kilometers from the castle. You are responsible for the arrangements."

He nodded, his mouth dry suddenly.

"And Mr. Lupin, I put those clauses in your contract for a reason. I will not hesitate to dismiss you if I feel you are a threat to the students, and I have included enough maneouvering space in this contract that I do not need any particularly strong reason for it. It is, by and large, a probationary employment for the year."

"I understand," he said quietly.

"Contrary to popular belief, though, I am a fair woman. I'm giving you my word that I have no intention of holding that clause over your head unnecessarily."

He raised an eyebrow, but nodded.

"Do you understand, Mr Lupin?" she asked softly. "I know it looks bad, and I know I'm asking a lot, requesting that you put your faith in me on this matter. I do not want to make an issue of your lycanthropy, though. If this contract slips past the appropriate desks at the Ministry without anyone noticing that I've knowingly hired a werewolf, so much the better. If I--"

"If you state specifically in the contract that I'm to make myself scarce every month around the full moon, it's as good as admitting that you know. I understand perfectly." He leaned forward a bit. "And if you're asking me to trust you, then it's no more than I'm asking of you, is it? After all, you said it very clearly-- you're taking the word of one of your employees on this matter, and one whom you don't seem to trust implicitly."

"It isn't that I don't trust McGonagall, not that this is any of your business," Malfoy said. "It's more a matter of butting heads with her. I do trust her judgement to a large extent, and when I manage to remember that, I take her suggestions very seriously."

Remus nodded.

"You didn't tell me anything I didn't know," Malfoy continued quietly. "Just reminded me of a few things I'd forgotten." She pointed at the contract again. "Do you want to take a copy of this and look over it tonight? I would like an answer as soon as possible. Tomorrow, actually, but I'm certainly not going to rush you into anything."

Remus glanced at the contract again. "What have I to lose besides a job I won't have if I don't sign it?" he asked with a slight chuckle. "May I borrow a quill?"


A/N: Hah! And you didn't think I was ever going to get around to updating again, did you? I sure fooled you!

Jen