AN: Well didn't expect that much of a response. Anyways, sorry about the grammar and tensing problems of last chapter. I was just typing as I talk/thing (I have the attention span of a squirrel on crack swimming in an ocean of cocaine) and just trusting it. Also, because I forgot to do this last chapter:
Disclaimer: This probably wouldn't be a fanfic if I owned them.
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Dumbledore's office, Hogwarts, 3:56pm
It had been a few weeks since he sent the letter out and Dumbledore was becoming increasingly worried, this was taking longer than expected. 'A sign I've made the right choice,' he assured himself.
That wasn't the subject of his current concern. No, that would be his faculty. He just knew there'd a riot when they found out about his latests hiring decision. Some would yell for days, others might call for his head (a few may even try). As good a sign as the lateness of the response was, it created just as much of a problem. He'd been hoping to have talks with (and hopefully secure the employment of) Mr. Emiya before his staff found out. Reasoning being at that point it would've been too late for anyone to try and block his decision.
It was beginning to look like that was too much to ask for.
Which is why he had been resorting to plan b these last few days, delay, delay, delay. This plan was simple, find and use every excuse possible to avoid the inevitable "discussion" he was going to have with his Professors. That was the reason he was currently doing every piece of paperwork he could find. You name it, he was working on it. While it was usually something he avoided (I mean, who doesn't?), it was much less daunting than being yelled at by his faculty.
He could probably guess most of their concerns. A lot of them he thought to valid and certainly in need of a good explanation. Most he thought of (and subsequently prepared for) centered around the man's reputation and choice of profession. With a few no less loud concerns coming from the fact that he was a mage instead of a wizard.
It was no secret Mages and Wizards have tense (to say the least) relations. All one had to do was look at how often Aurors and Enforcers engaged in combat before the ceasefire treaty in the early 1800's (which, as everyone knew, only stopped the reporting of such events). Rumor was the ever famous Tunguska Event was the result of one such encounter.
There was hope yet. His diversionary tactics had been working. The owl he sent had returned (though he looked highly irritated). 'Maybe I will have a chance to talk with him before being yelled at.' he though to himself.
'Spoke too soon' he corrected as the entrance to his office began to stir.
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!" said an instantly recognizable voice. 'Just as expected' thought Dumbledore as Minerva came stomping into his office. "I would like to enquire about that as well!" came Flitwick. 'Not surprising. Not to mention his probable personal concerns' Dumbledore mentally noted. He noticed the additional presences of Professor Snape and Hagrid. 'Hagrid probably just wanted to know for sure if I've hired a mage' he pondered, 'Guess there's no more putting this off'.
"My, whatever do you mean?" that didn't he wouldn't try like hell.
"I believe you know exactly what I mean." She immediately shot back.
"If you are referring to my recent employment decision, I fail to see the problem." he replied.
"Allow me to spell it out then. First: You've hired a mage! A MAGE for goodness's sake! You know very well how destructive they can be!" Minerva pointed out.
"I am well aware of mages' tendencies for destruction in pursuit of knowledge. Makes them more suited for combat, don't you think? Not to mention the higher innate control of their magical energy." Dumbledore replied.
"Be that as it may, why hire this particular one? A ruthless mercenary? Hunter of anything and everything for the correct price?" asked Filtwick.
"You know as well as I do that the association would never have allowed us to employ an enforcer. Ask your self how many mages you know would've agreed to employment under wizards? Mr. Emiya is both open to the concept, provided payment, and experienced in combating the things that crawl around in the dark. Who better to teach that class?"
"Have you even read the reports? The man's nothing more than a terrorist for hire! He shot down a jumbo jet! WITH THE PASSENGERS ON BOARD!" came Minerva again.
"I am very up to date on his 'activities'. The circumstances surrounding the event in question are, as of yet, unknown. I have my doubts about what people say in regards to his supposed immorality." Dumbledore answered. He didn't miss Snape's slight twitch.
"Listen, I have read the reports, I know what people say about him. I am not entirely convinced he's as horrible as people say. That he's a demon, a monster, a remorseless murderer. Look at those reports, reading beyond the words, it would seem he is a man hell bent on chasing something. Something intangible, non-corporeal, something that is very hard to find. I would like a chance at knowing what that is. What it is he's been placing himself in constant danger to chase all over the globe. What's worth choosing a lifestyle that means facing death constantly with no respect and praise? Maybe the reported lack of emotion is a mask made of necessity. Maybe, just maybe, his goals are more altruistic than we will ever know" he finished in a tone that left no room for reply.
With that, Minerva and Flitwick left, no doubt not entirely convinced but willing to let it slide for now.
"I hope you've considered the possibility that you might be wrong about him." said Professor Snape as he turned to take his leave. 'I have, more than you know' mentally replied the headmaster.
"So it's true then? You've hired a mage to teach the Defense class?" asked Hagrid, a strange hopeful look in his eyes.
Dumbledore chuckled lightly, "Not yet Hagrid, though he has agreed to negotiations."
With that Hagrid bust into a joyous laughter, "I sure do hope he takes the job, I have many questions."
'Accepting and kind as always' Dumbledore noted to himself, "So do I." He then penned a time and place then gave it to the same owl (who had an "Are you serious?!" look on his face).
AN: And that's all for now! Next time: Negotiations!
-I'm mainly focusing on world building for these first few chapters. Also, I'm think either 2nd or 3rd year. 2nd because, fuck that guy. 3rd because that's pretty much why Mr.D hired that guy in the first place. What do you guys think?
-Also, any specific points you guys want brought up in "the Talks"?
