Chapter Two
A/N - I myself find I'm strangely addicted to this fic...it's really random, but will hopefully HOPEFULLY be OC free. I'm crossing my fingers here. I hate OCs. So, I have no idea what I'm going to write yet. But, enjoy!
Draco Malfoy watched out of the window in the 'cottage' that his family were holidaying in over the summer. The owl carrying his NEWT results had arrived yesterday, with satisfactory results, especially in Charms, which Draco was relieved to find out he had achieved Outstanding in.
Yes, very satisfactory, thought Draco, admiring his new shoes, mother was very happy.
Now, though, came the important part. McGonagall was writing today, he was sure, and when it came...well, it was going to make a difference in his life.
On the horizon appeared a single black dot, that zoomed in closer and closer as the owl heaved its way towards its destination. Draco frowned and stuck his head out the window as the owl drew near enough to the house, and flapped its way through the window, hitting the window frame on the way in like it was drunk.
Malfoy flicked its beak.
"Watch it, mate. Those walls are 1000 years old."
The owl looked at him reproachfully.
Draco scowled at it.
"Let me read my letter in peace, sparrow."
He exhaled sharply, reminding himself what was in the letter he was about to open, and tried to pretend his hands weren't shaking as he flipped the envelope open, the red sealing wax sticking momentarily, then giving to the pressure of his finger. Slowly, he slid the letter out, listening to the shush sound it made as it rubbed the sides of the envelope. Then, he turned the parchment open and read the few brief lines in McGonagalls neat italic handwriting.
Dear Mr Malfoy, it said,
Following our conversation last term, I notice you have achieved the required grades as promised. Upon enquiry, the examiner informed me that your Charms score was particularly high, which is ideal given the circumstance. Thus, I would of course be delighted to acquiesce your request and offer you the post of Teacher of Charms.
A brief word, though, on whether or not you would wish to reconsider. Many of Hogwart's current students were very active in the war against Voldemort, and they do not trust you as I do. Upon taking this job, you may find a great deal of adversity at Hogwarts. Of course, should you decide to accept the post you will have the full support of both the faculty and I.
Please send word of your acceptance, but to save on time (Headmistress does seem to take up one's spare time!) I enclose the details of your post within.
Malfoy grinned automatically to himself as he realised he'd done it, then put the paper to one side and read the information underneath.
Dear staff,
Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts! Most of you will already know this, but bear in mind the following:
Please arrive at Hogwarts no later than half an hour before the feast begins. You will be required to chaperone the carriages and the students as ever.
Once the students are all inside, take your places at the staff table - please don't be late.
The staffroom is situated on the third floor by the statue of Pepin the Short at the Battle of Hierophants. The password this term will be Bagshot.
Please find enclosed your timetables, and stick to them.
Heads of Houses will need to brief their prefects at some point on the evening of, or the morning after, the feast. Their main duties have already been explained to them, but we at Hogwarts like the personal touch!
Staff meetings are held every Wednesday at a quarter past eight. All staff will be required to attend.
A final note: obviously, Hogwarts is recovering from a great tragedy following the Battle. Please, be patient. Many students have experienced personal losses, and more still went through great trauma at the hands of Severus Snape and the Carrows last year. Please bear this in mind when dealing with students, and those teaching more active subjects - Defence Against the Dark Arts and the like - be aware that many students may be wary of dangerous potions or curses still.
Yours,
Minerva McGonagall
Malfoy frowned lightly to himself, then placed the staff letter on top of the other one.
Underneath was a thicker bundle - his timetable, along with student lists for every class he had. Not even bothering to look through them, he reconstituted the bundle, then looked at it, and unfamiliar bubble of joy growing in his heart.
In a week's time, he would be a teacher. At Hogwarts.
In the staff room. With the staff.
Malfoy chuckled to himself, imagining making small talk with Professor Binns, or Professor Trelawney, then stuffed the letter in his pocket and headed out to do some Quidditch practice.