Chapter One
Minerva McGonagall glanced at the picture in her hand as she scanned the crowd exiting the gate area of Heathrow. She had been sent to meet the newest Defense against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts there, and hoped the muggle photo was recent enough that she would recognize the young woman. She had transfigured her robes into a simple business suit that Hermione Granger had dubbed a "classic Chanel" whatever that meant. A few moments later, she spotted her quarry and walked forward.
"Ms. Mackenzie?" After receiving a nod and exchanging introductions, the two exited the airport, where the older woman was shocked to see the younger pull out a silver cigarette case and matches from her handbag, lighting one and inhaling deeply.
"That's much better," Alaina sighed as she took another drag, watching her companion's reaction through her sunglasses. If a simple cigarette provoked that much of a reaction from the older woman, Alaina wondered if some of her other habits might induce a stroke. She took a final puff, and dropped it, crushing it under her boot.
Minerva quickly regained her bearings and held out a slip of paper that Alaina immediately recognized as a Portkey. As soon as she touched it, Alaina felt the jerk at her navel and the two were soon standing in front of a large wrought iron gate surrounding a huge castle, the likes of which Alaina had only seen in storybooks she had read as a child. Salem had been indistinguishable from a normal muggle High School, and that was what Alaina had been expecting.
"Professor Mackenzie?" Minerva interrupted her musing with a gentle tap on the shoulder. "We'd better get inside. Everyone is expecting us, and the Headmaster and some of the professors, myself included, have a few questions about some of the items you requested to be placed on the supply list." Alaina had a feeling that she already knew exactly which supplies that Minerva was referring to. From what she had been told by the Colonel, the Brits relied too heavily on their wands, and were practically helpless without them. She had also been briefed about the resistance she would probably face, as the British purebloods thought that muggles still used muskets and crossbows, and that muggles lacked the mental capacity to develop anything that could possibly outpace a wand.
Minerva led her into the Great Hall, noticing that other than a brief glance, Alaina didn't seem overly impressed by her surroundings.
For her part, Alaina was carefully memorizing the faces of the men and women in front of her. She recognized the Headmaster immediately, thanks to Colonel Thomas' description- Merlin with really bad taste in clothing. He smiled at her, and Alaina hoped that Colonel Thomas had left out her initial reaction to this assignment when he had last spoken to the old man in front of her.
"Professor Mackenzie, welcome to Hogwarts. I hope that you enjoy your stay with us." Alaina smiled as she shook his hand.
"I'm looking forward to this year, sir, and glad that I can be of help. However, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, can we forgo the 'professor' bit? I would feel more comfortable being addressed by my rank, Staff Sergeant." Dumbledore nodded and turned to Minerva.
"Minerva, you must have made quite an impression on our new professor, as I was informed that she was somewhat reluctant to take the position." At this, McGonagall was confused, causing the old man to laugh. "Staff Sergeant Mackenzie, from what Andrew Thomas told me, was less than eager to come. Alaina," he said turning to her, "I believe your comments went along the lines of 'I have to spend the next year freezing my ass off in Scotland because you owe some crazy old man a favor?'" Alaina flushed as the other professors started laughing.
"Headmaster," she began, only to be corrected again.
"We are all colleagues, Alaina, and I believe proper introductions are in order. Minerva, whom you've already met, teaches Transfiguration and is the head of one of the Schools four Houses, Gryffindor. This is our school nurse, Madam Poppy Pomphrey. Next to her is Pomona Sprout, who teaches Herbology and is the Head of Hufflepuff house." Alaina smiled as she greeted both witches. Albus continued down the row, pausing to allow Alaina time to greet each person. "Next we have Matthew Vector, Arithmancy, Selena Sinistra, Astronomy, Filius Flitwick, Charms and head of Ravenclaw house, Blake Donner, Ancient Runes, Charity Burbage, Muggle Studies, Severus Snape, Potions Master and head of Slytherin house, and last but not least, Ruebeus Hagrid, our gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor." Alaina greeted each of them with a smile and handshake, although she was a little startled when the potions professor looked at her as though she was a thoroughly unpleasant ingredient for a potion.
Thankfully, Albus interrupted her internal musing by informing Alaina that it was time for lunch. Each staff member was allowed to order what they wanted from the elves, and Alaina was happy to see that there were quite a few selections that were nutritionally sound. Cutting into her chicken, Alaina took the opportunity to quietly observe her new colleagues. She had a feeling that her methods would turn a few people on their ear, and was not surprised when Filius turned to her.
"Ms. Mackenzie, some of us were a little curious about your supply list. The books are one thing, but tee shirts, track pants and cross trainers? What on earth do they have to do with defending oneself against the Dark Arts?"