A/N: Thanks for waiting!
Alice and Draco apparated just outside the quidditch stadium, which was located in the town of Holyhead in the northeast of Wales. The oval arena towered above the lush flat landscape, showcasing several great spires wrapped in the home team's colors of green and gold. Alice and Draco followed the crowd of excited quidditch spectators to the stadium's gates. Thanks to Ginny Weasley, both their names were on the reserved ticket list, and they started their hike up the rafters to seats in the mid-section of the arena.
"Not bad seats," Draco said, commenting on their location. He and his family typically had boxed seats at matches so it would be a new experience for him to sit with the general crowd. Not surprisingly, some fans nearby were already heavily into the mead and chanting fight songs.
Alice noted the height of their position and the fact that what separated her from the grass field stories below was a thin metal bar. She immediately felt a mild case of vertigo as she peered over the edge. She wasn't necessarily afraid of heights, just unused to being so high up. "We're awfully high," she said trying to keep her eyes on the bleachers on the other side of the stadium.
"You'll be able to see most of the action from here," Draco said; then he noticed a mild look of discomfort on Alice's face.
"You're not afraid of heights, are you?" He asked, a bit surprised if she was.
"No! Just getting use to it," she said embarrassed. "So who's the other team?"
"The Ballycastle Bats, they're currently second in British and Irish League, but the Harpies have been doing well this year. Should be a good match."
The sound of a loud horn echoed through the stadium and an announcer's voice began introducing the teams. First announced was the Ballycastle Bats. There was a sizable amount of away team fans on the opposite side of the stadium cheering as they flew onto the pitch. They were dressed in colors that complemented the black robes and scarlet bat logos of their team. Alice marveled at the fact that it was indeed broomsticks the athletes were riding as they zipped through the air; it was her first time seeing what she had only heard about.
"They surely are brooms," she said to herself quietly, though Draco heard her and remembered this was her first time witnessing this form of magical transportation.
Then the announcer called the home team onto the pitch with the added spectacle of fireworks that lit the sky green and gold. Out flew the Holyhead Harpies, dressed in dark green uniforms and with a gold talon emblazoned on their backs. The crowd on their side of the stadium erupted in cheers.
"They're all woman!" Alice noted excitedly, extremely impressed by the integrated nature of these games. The other team also had woman on it alongside the men. "This is fantastic!"
"Why's that?" Draco asked, unsure why she was so elated.
"You would never see this in the muggle world, sports are highly gendered and segregated," her eyes continued to follow the broom flyers through the air, "Hey look, there's Ginny!"
After the team's entrance flights, they began to line up for the release of the various quidditch balls. Alice was more than confused as to why there were so many kinds when it seemed the most important one was the golden snitch; at least she was told catching it would end the game. Before her mind started questioning anymore, she reminded herself her promise prior to coming - to refrain from all intellectual queries and simply enjoy the sport as spectacle. She bravely placed both her hands on the bar rail and watched as players swooped and jibed through the air, passing, beating, and knocking each other around.
"This is pretty brutal," she said to Draco who was equally enjoying the game. The Harpies were holding their own though the Bats were extremely aggressive.
"It sure is," Draco confirmed, "I always had injuries when I played."
"You were a seeker, right?" Alice asked moving closer so she could hear him better amongst the cheering.
"Yeah, for a few years," Draco said, they were both watching the game while conversing. "I started my second year and quit in my sixth for obvious reasons. You never played sports right?"
"No, never. Most I did was some martial arts through junior high school since Dad insisted I do something non-academic. Only had time to study after that," Alice replied.
"You up to riding a broom?"
Alice's eyes went wide, "Me, do that?" Just then a Ballycastle chaser was almost knocked off his broom.
Draco laughed, "It's easier than it looks. Besides you're suppose to learn in grade one."
"Really? That soon?"
"I started riding as a toddler, much to my parent's dismay."
Alice laughed, "I can imagine. Isn't it uncomfortable?"
"There's a cushioning charm on it, so it's not. I'll get you on one before week's end," he said assured.
"Great," Alice said halfheartedly, maybe she was afraid of heights.
While the game continued, Alice found herself most amused by the fans around the stadium. They reminded her of football fans in the muggle world since they were completely into it, chanting and cheering in unison. It would be nearly three hours before the snitch was caught, leading the Harpies to victory on their home turf, though the time seemed to go by much quicker. During the game Alice saw death defying stunts, free falls, harder checks than in hockey, and more brutal hits than in rugby. She enjoyed every minute of it as spectacle and couldn't believe the stamina of the players; especially if it was true that games could last several days at a time.
"What did you think?" Draco asked as they filed their way through drunk and elated Harpies fans to their section's exit.
"Incredible, honestly, I don't think any muggle sport comes close."
"Score another one for the wizarding world then," he joked, as if he was keeping a tally of things Alice found preferable in the magical realm.
"Perhaps!" she laughed.
"Draco my boy!" A jolly voice cried out from the adjacent aisle. Much to Draco's surprise, it was Professor Slughorn.
"Professor Slughorn, didn't expect to see you here," Draco greeted.
"Ah well, Holyhead's coach Gwenog Jones was a member of the Slug Club years back, free tickets anytime I like, thought I'd catch a game on this fine Saturday since I'm on permanent break you know," he said proudly, "Oh," he then noticed Alice, "This isn't?"
"Professor Slughorn, this is Alice McNally," Draco introduced her.
"It's nice to meet you sir, Draco's told me an awful lot about you," Alice said graciously.
"Well, I'm sure he boasts, I am much less interesting in person," his jovial manner slightly reminded him of her father, "And you, I believe everyone's heard of you."
"Well, I am much less interesting in person too I'm sure," Alice replied.
"Touché," he laughed, "Your grandfather and I go way back at Hogwarts, both started teaching there around the same time. Now I never expected the news of you or that you're keeping company with the likes of this chap here."
"I've never been one to do what was expected of me sir," Alice said cheerfully, "I'm actually visiting Hogwarts next week, I'm very much looking forward to seeing it."
"Ah that's right, for the Muggle Studies position," he recalled, "A bold choice by McGonagall, nice to see some progressive reform going on in the curriculum. And Draco, since you're top choice for my position, it'll be the two of you at Hogwarts next year. Young blood is always good to have on hand."
"I was unaware I was top choice," Draco said slightly surprise.
"Ah, I always spoil surprises. I know you'll need to think about this and please do. As I said, the pays not great, but if you don't get a water closet as an office it's a good position. You should hear something in a soon I presume. Now I must pay my respects to Coach Jones. Lovely meeting you Miss McNally, and Draco, I'll see you in Cairo in a few weeks." He was referring to the International Alchemical Conference where Draco would receive his award.
After Slughorn left, Alice said excitedly, "You heard what he said, you're top choice."
"I'm still surprised. The position would allow me to follow in the footsteps of some amazing Potions professors, Slughorn and Professor Snape. I know I mentioned Snape before to you in passing, but he was actually my favorite professor growing up. He had style of teaching that was unique but somehow I feel it's slightly worth emulating." His words really couldn't display how much he had admired Professor Snape, especially for his bravery once it was revealed.
"Sounds like you're considering the position even more now," Alice intertwined her arm with his as they continued their stroll through the rafters.
"Perhaps," Draco felt energized by her touch, "At least I could keep an eye on you."
"Oh so that's the plan," Alice laughed, "Well, it would be appreciated. You'll have to tell me more about this professor over dinner." Their plan was to find a restaurant in Holyhead to eat.
They slowly made their way back down to ground level where several fans were still celebrating their team's victory. Most had dispersed onto the lawn in front of the stadium and were setting off magical fireworks as they chanted cheer songs.
"No matter wizard or not, fans are the same everywhere," Alice said amused by the display of camaraderie.
After a quiet dinner, Alice and Draco disapparated back to Malfoy Manor and while entering the drawing room, Alice's mobile phone began buzzing in her bag. A look of contempt for obnoxious muggle technology washed over Lucius Malfoy's face. She quickly retrieved the device from her bag and noticed it was her father. His plane must have just landed back in Los Angeles.
"Excuse me a sec, it's my father calling," she said politely before moving slightly away from the group to answer it.
The Malfoys could still make out Alice's conversation, "Dad, hey, you're back?…How was your flight?...Only you would complain about business class, really…I'm good, I'm at Draco's right now…Okay, I will. Well, send Jane and the kids my love…Talk to you soon. Bye."
After she hung up Alice returned to the group, "Apologies, he was in London on business this week and just flew back to LA."
"And you can speak to him on that device?" Lucius asked abruptly, perhaps never seeing the most current mobile technology.
"Luckily I have coverage here," she said looking at the few bars allotted her. "It's newer technology I suppose, allows me to do more than just talk."
"Muggles and their technology," He replied disdainfully.
"Well, without magic what do you expect? We don't live in caves."
Hoping to quell anymore of her husband's rudeness and interested in the topic of Alice's father, Narcissa asked, "So your father flew home you said?"
"Yes, it takes about 14 hours by plane."
"Oh dear, that's dreadful."
"It is, isn't it? Most likely within the next few decades we'll have faster passenger jets as technology evolves."
"From what little we know, it's probably already moved eons. Draco, how did meeting Alice's father go? I do hope he was polite Alice."
"He definitely was on his best behavior," Alice replied, amused by her concern.
"Thanks," Draco smirked at Alice before continuing, "He was rather easy going and extremely friendly. I think it went well."
Alice agreed, "I got the sense that my father approves."
"So glad to hear that," Narcissa replied showing some relief, "When will he be in London again?"
"In early August actually, along with the family. Each year the company he works for has a weeklong conference at the main headquarters and since the kids are still out of school, it's a good time for them to visit relatives, well, mainly my aunt and uncle who also live in London."
Not even thinking it over, she said, "Well, I think we're going to have to invite them here for dinner."
"Narcissa, you're not serious?" Lucius cried; although seemingly uninterested in their conversation, he heard this suggestion clearly.
Alice quickly said, "The logistics of doing so would be, well, what if…"
"I insist, no magic involved, we'll keep the house elf upstairs and we'll act as muggle as we can manage. And if we slip, we can always…"
Draco interrupted her, "I'm not sure if Alice wants us to be messing with her family's memories."
"Well it's only proper that we meet her father," Narcissa said adamantly.
Alice added, "Don't get me wrong Narcissa, the gesture is well-received, but are you sure you want to deal with four muggles here?"
"For once Alice has a point worth listening to," Lucius insisted.
Confident, Narcissa replied, "We can manage. It'll be a good learning experience for us."
"Continued association with muggles, this family…" Lucius started.
"This family is not biased to muggles," Narcissa reminded him. "Alice is proof that muggles are not so different from us."
"Mother, you continue to surprise me," Draco said admirably. He really was appreciative of his mother's sudden open mindedness.
"And she continues to horrify me," Lucius said dryly.
Despite Lucius's characteristic remarks Alice was honestly touched, "The fact that you're willing to accept my family into your home, it means a great deal to me."
"That's perhaps an even more important reason to do it," Narcissa said, grateful that she could make Alice feel more a part of the family.
Wednesday morning had approached and it was time for Alice to make her first trip to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to meet Headmistress McGonagall and the Muggle Studies Professor, Eleanor Chorice. She had spent the previous day writing up a tentative syllabus and polishing her curriculum vitae for the position, even though the meeting sounded like less of an interview and more like a proposal for her to teach the course. She had heard so much about Hogwarts, met so many of its previous students and professors and even seen its brilliance from afar, yet she had not walked its halls. Of course, in the back of her mind, it felt strange to enter the place where she could have spent her school years, that is, if her grandfather hadn't intervened.
That morning, Draco would take Alice to Malfoy Manor where she would use their fireplace Floo Network connection to go to Hogwarts. She discussed with Draco the possibility of learning how to apparate but much to her surprise you have to be licensed to do so through the Ministry of Magic. This involved taking a series of courses and passing a test, none of which she thought she was ready for. She felt awful inconveniencing Draco like he was her personal cabby, but he of course didn't feel that way in the slightest.
Alice decided to dress professionally, wearing her favorite light grey suit. She packed her bag with her resume and course syllabus, giving the course reading material one more look over before placing it in the file. They were all muggle-written books such as Jared Diamond's Pulitzer Prize winning Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies. She thought that would be her teaching trajectory; teach students about muggles through a muggle viewpoint but leaving it open for discussion and critique from the students. Hopefully she would be allowed to use her technology in class for power point and video, otherwise it would take a lot more imagination to make her course interesting; especially for those students who would prefer not taking the subject.
After getting the rundown from Draco, Alice felt somewhat ready to use the Floo Network by herself for her first time. She practiced the correct verbal incantation and put the right amount of powder in her hand. With a kiss of good luck from Draco, she was ready to depart.
The slurry of green flashes transported Alice directly to the McGonagall's office, which was also the former office of her grandfather. Gratified that she was transported in one piece, Alice eagerly stepped out of the dank fireplace to behold the medieval architecture of the circular space, presumably it was in one of the many towers Alice saw from afar. The walls were lined in books and large gold and steel armillary spheres were placed throughout.
"Ah, here is my granddaughter, right on time too," a familiar voice said nearby.
"Grandfather?" Alice looked up to see the smiling face of Albus Dumbledore gazing down on her. His portrait was the largest of the many on the walls above the main desk.
"Never knew you had a family," another portrait exclaimed. It was Rowena Ravenclaw, one of the school's founders.
"It was a secret I could never divulge," Albus said in his characteristic slow raspy tone, "Welcome to Hogwarts Alice."
"It's an honor to be here," Alice said, smiling at him, already relieved that these portraits seemed more cordial than the ones at Malfoy Manor.
Nearby a raggedy old witch hat stirred in its nook, it was the Sorting Hat, awoken from his slumber a bit late he said, "Curious, never got to sort this one." Alice's eyes went wide to see that it was indeed a hat talking.
"Of course not, I made sure she grew up in the muggle world far away from here," Albus explained.
A nearby portrait of a man dressed all in back with shoulder length black hair spoke, it was Severus Snape, "A wise decision considering."
The hat shuffled in its spot again, seemingly excited about the missed opportunity to sort Dumbledore's offspring, "I wonder…Gryffindor like the family? Or maybe…"
"Hush," Albus told the hat and then looking upon Alice he said calmly, "I apologize for the wait Alice, Headmistress McGonagall had to check in with Hagrid, who is our games keeper. There was a troll spotted on the western front. She'll be back shortly."
Alice's eyes showed a mild look of surprise, did he just say "Troll?" she thought, though she managed to act unconcerned, "Oh, that's fine. I can wait."
"She's lovely Albus, I can see the resemblance," Helga Hufflepuff, a robust woman with ginger hair said.
"Perhaps she is also powerful?" The portrait was of Phineas Nigellus Black, a former headmaster.
"I assure you I only have a way with words," Alice interrupted, amused at how many portraits were on the walls. This school's history was beyond her.
"Alice's potential is in teaching our students about the other half of this world's inhabitants. I am definite she will be successful," Albus said proudly.
"I still don't agree with a mandatory Muggle Studies course, an unnecessary burden on pre-N.E.W.T. year studies," Salazar Slytherin replied dryly.
"I hope to make it less of a burden and more of an exploration of student's already held convictions," Alice replied while looking over a gold armillary on a side table, "Children are raised to believe certain things, indoctrinated into a belief system without question. In my own society this is true of religion and very often race or ethnic relations. We're evolutionarily programmed as young children to not question the authority of our parents, our clergymen, or our teachers, so we believe in things that just aren't true. For this realm, there's a general misunderstanding and prejudice of muggles. What I want to do is offer students the facts and provide a place to freely discuss and questions these opinions."
"A noble endeavor," Godric Gryffindor said admirably.
"And exceptionally needed," a woman's voice from the other side of the room sounded, it was Professor McGonagall who was followed by Professor Chorice, "I apologize for keeping you waiting Miss McNally."
"No worries," Alice turned to greet them, honestly hoping the troll incident was nothing of a real bother. "It's nice to finally meet you."
"Likewise, this is Professor Chorice. We were both impressed while following the trial and since you're on route to be a teacher, we thought this position would be fitting." The women greeted each other and Alice retrieved her curriculum vitae from her bag and handed it to McGonagall. The old woman really looked like a stereotypical witch, Alice thought, black pointy hat and all. "I'm exceptionally honored to be considered. I of course now know of my grandfather's history with the school and to be asked to teach here is touching." She glanced at Dumbledore's portrait and he nodded at her admiringly.
Putting on her reading glasses, McGonagall quickly looked through the neatly typed print, "I see you do have some teaching experience."
"Minimal I'm afraid," Alice said humbly, "I was charged with several discussion courses while completing my dissertation and independently taught an introductory course last summer."
"It's actually more than I assumed for your age," McGonagall looked up at Alice through her half spectacles. "We have no doubt that you can teach a class to sixth year students, the question is if you can manage at Hogwarts. While we want to first and foremost ensure the safety of the students, we also think of the safety of our teachers. Muggle Studies is a delicate subject, teachers have been murdered in the past for teaching it and we do not want a repeat. I just want to make sure you are aware of this prior to accepting the position."
"I am," Alice replied quickly, remembering what Draco told her about the death of a former Muggle Studies professor, "The touchiness of the subject is something I learned quite quickly during the trial. My plan is not to discourage student's opinions, only to give them ample opportunity to question and defend them amongst others. Hopefully this doesn't upset students or their families, but I am fully ready for the responsibility if it does."
McGonagall was relieved by her words, "Now that you're aware of this, you mentioned in your last post that you had ideas for the course?"
"Yes," Alice retrieved more paperwork from her bag to give to McGonagall and Professor Chorice, "I began developing a course syllabus with required texts and discussion topics. Now, I haven't seen Professor Chorice's coursework, though I know there's a focus on history and I thought I would take a more contemporary outlook, but any and all input is welcomed."
"This is quite good," Professor Chorice said looking through the pages, "All muggle-written material?"
"Yes, they're reputable texts and since they're written for a more general audience, I believe sixth year students can handle them and perhaps even enjoy them."
"I see you added a few movies to your list," McGonagall again peered at her above her spectacles.
"Just a few, I'm a strong believer in immersive learning, so visual cues are part of the curriculum. I was unsure whether Hogwarts is equipped to handle electricity."
"It's something we can set up on your behalf," McGonagall said, "I like how you've made the course into a discussion as well."
"The style is somewhat akin to what one would find in a university setting. Assigned readings, discussions, debates, written assignments, mostly the coursework is structured around students displaying their thoughts on various subjects and not blatant memorization of facts."
"I think this is what's needed Minerva," Professor Chorice said agreeably, "I teach from textbooks and students are somewhat hesitant to express an opinion. It seems that you welcome it."
"I do, even the bases opinions will be given credence in my class. What I want is for students to think critically about their understanding of their world."
"And to explore outside that world, I see you even tentatively scheduled a fieldtrip to a muggle museum in London?" Professor Chorice added.
"If it's possible, of course, I'm not sure if it is," Alice said slightly embarrassed.
"It might not be, but I do like your initiative to make this course unique, I think students would appreciate that. We have wanted to change the curriculum for some time, and we've finally gained approval from the Ministry," McGonagall noted, "In some ways your trial helped our cause.I was hoping to give you a tour of the school grounds now that you're here."
"That would be great, I've only seen it from afar," Alice was rather excited to see more of the castle but she was also surprised that her ideas for the course were so readily accepted. It made her incredibly relieved and more optimistic about her future position.
Upon leaving the office, the Sorting Hat squirmed again, "Perhaps a Ravenclaw…hmmm."
They led Alice down a spiraling staircase which closed itself immediately after they left the bottom steps. A large stone gargoyle turned into place, presumably guarding the entrance from intruders. The outdoor hallways reminded Alice of walking through Salisbury Cathedral with its gothic high vaults and arched glass windows. They then descended another set of staircases to reach the ground level. Looking up at the tower above her, Alice noticed the staircases were moving and McGonagall explained that the castle's architecture is constantly changing; a unique feature of Hogwarts initiated by one of its founders, Rowena Ravenclaw. Alice wondered how students ever found their destination or how she would ever find the room she would teach in while this morphing went on. The overwhelming scale of Hogwarts then presented itself in the Great Hall with its four rows of long tables, which Alice presumed were to segregate each of the four houses. The house system was a feature she did not like about Hogwarts, since she preferred more student integration versus segregation, but she knew better not to criticize an age-old tradition, which seemed to be highly valued here. Looking up, Alice thought the ceiling was missing and that it was a much lovelier day outside than what she experienced that morning in London. That was until McGonagall explained that the Great Hall's ceiling was enchanted to look like the sky above them. This made Alice realize that her time at Hogwarts would undoubtedly be a learning experience.
"It's uncomfortably quiet here without the students," Professor Chorice said, "Normally this hall is full of chatter and mischief."
"I can imagine, this place is enormous. How many students are there?" Alice asked still in awe of its grandeur.
"Around a thousand students," Professor McGonagall said, "You'll have about 150 students to teach for sixth year."
"I see," Alice now understood why Professor Chorice may have not wanted to take on this class. Alice wasn't overly concerned by the number, having once been a teaching assistant for a lecture course quite larger than that and for a professor who utilized her time to the utmost.
They continued to walk through the grounds to the entrance courtyard, and McGonagall continued to explain details of the school's history, the important ground rules for students, the changing of the seasons, particularly the brutal winter, and what is beyond the immediate castle.
"I don't expect you to be an expert on all this," McGonagall said in the midst of her explanations, "I'll also make sure to assign you a student assistant during your first few weeks until you get to know the place."
"That would be appreciated. I can imagine myself taking a wrong turn."
McGonagall added, "The Forbidden Forest is also off-limits to students, I suggest to you too for safety reasons."
Alice peered into the dense woods half-expecting to see a troll stumble out. She wondered with its proximity to the school if they encountered any tense situations with its creatures.
They next took her through another entrance and up to the fifth floor where the Muggle Studies classroom was located. It was incredibly spacious and had various muggle technologies throughout, although most were extremely outdated, like an old boxy television set and antiquated telephone that had the spin dial. Shelves were lined with boxes of projector slides as well as musical instruments. Alice realized it would be a good idea to bring in quite a lot of props while teaching to keep the student's view of muggle society current.
They then returned to the Headmistress's office, gaining entrance through the towering gargoyle via password. McGonagall then explained more details of her appointment, "Since you are part-time, we unfortunately cannot offer you residence on the grounds. However, for more convenience in traveling here, we've set up apparition certification lessons at the Ministry on your behalf."
"Oh, thank you," Alice didn't think she was magically ready to learn apparition, but she knew it would be beneficial if she did. Perhaps through standardized lessons she'd have a chance of being successful.
"Also, we'd definitely like you to be here for the sorting ceremony, when new students are chosen for their houses. As with most new teachers, you can take the train into Hogsmeade. It leaves September 1st from King's Cross Station. For the time being, unless Professor Chorice has anything to add, that should be all."
Alice thanked McGonagall and Professor Chorice for their time and she was told that all future information would be posted to her via owl, which she requested go to Malfoy Manor. An owl stopping and often times waiting by her window was a peculiar occurrence for central London and she didn't want it to attract unnecessary attention. Before entering the fireplace, Alice nodded to her grandfather's portrait and Dumbledore smiled at her proudly, not needing to say anything. Taking the right amount of floo powder and preparing her words, she said "Malfoy Manor," and the green flames quickly engulfed her.
"Unexpected location," the portrait of Severus Snape proclaimed.
"It proves that she practices what she preaches," Dumbledore's portrait quickly replied.
McGonagall added, "Speaking of, Lucius Malfoy is precisely the kind of parent I am concerned about with adding this new curriculum. If she can manage him, then she can manage anyone."
Alice was nothing but relieved when she realized she reappeared in the Malfoy's drawing room fireplace, precisely where she left. Draco would be meeting the head of the International Alchemical Society for lunch to discuss his upcoming award, so that left Alice with some time to spare and she intended to spend it in the green room, which, like Narcissa, was her favorite room in the mansion. Stepping out of the fireplace she was immediately greeted by Fritz and she rightly assumed that Lucius Malfoy was nearby. She then heard Mr. Malfoy's voice along with another man's.
"If you'll excuse me a moment," Lucius said to his guest before going over to where Alice was standing, "Back so soon?" He said hushed; he did not sound pleased.
"Sorry Mr. Malfoy," Alice said a bit concerned, she had no idea who the man dressed in the dark robes was or whether she was interrupting something important.
"Go upstairs, quickly," he said in the same hushed manner and Alice noted some urgency in his voice.
Alice nodded and walked as fast as she could through the drawing room, but not before catching a good glimpse of the man standing there. He was extremely tall and thin, with a trimmed black beard and heavy eyes. He did not look friendly.
"You'll have to forgive the intrusion," Lucius began, as Alice continued to hurry her pace to the exit.
"Not so fast," the dark man said with a thick accent. His words caused an invisible barrier to form between Alice and the direction she was heading. She smacked her forehead into it hard and fell back on the ground, her bag and its contents spilled onto the floor.
"Still playing host I see," the man looked amused at Alice who was holding her head from the collision, "You surprise me Lucius, allowing such distaste in your home."
Lucius grew slightly concerned for Alice, though his cold eyes did not show it. He had not expected his visitor that morning or for Alice to return during their meeting, "I assure you, she's not a guest."
"Right, she's just using your public Floo connection," the man remarked coldly while walking over to Alice who was checking her head for any sign of blood. She thought she possibly had a concussion because she felt incredibly dizzy and disoriented. The tall man hoisted her up by the arm, but didn't release his grip. "How am I suppose to trust you if you continue to associate with muggles," he pulled Alice around to face Lucius.
"Jerk," Alice mouthed under her breath, feeling more nauseated now that she was on her feet.
The man laughed at her remark, "Yes, Dumbledore's granddaughter, I know who you are and your involvement with Draco. Disgraceful Lucius, really."
"My son is an adult, his decisions do not stand for mine," Lucius's concern for Alice had heightened, "I think we can continue our discussion, if you just…"
Feeling the man's uncomfortable grip tighten, Alice aggressively pulled her arm away from him, "What's disgraceful is causing me to hit my head," she said angrily, "Now I'd like to be on my way."
The man laughed at her boldness, "Amusing. No, I think I'll be on my way. I'll let you know the next step at a better time," his words offered Lucius little consolation before he quickly disapparated from the room.
Alice immediately went to a nearby armchair to sit down, still holding her head and feeling like she would vomit. "I think I have a concussion," she said, knowing this sensation shouldn't last this long.
Lucius was disconcerted by the current events, since they obviously made his partner lose confidence in him, a confidence he had built up from the ground level. He unlatched his wand from his cane and approached Alice, "Don't move," he said as he performed a healing spell on her, quickly relieving any discomfort she was feeling in her head and her stomach.
"Thanks, I didn't know you could fix that," Alice said relieved and also surprised that magic could quickly handle these ailments. She honestly thought she'd have to go to the hospital to make sure she didn't fracture her skull.
"Your involvement was not my intention," Lucius said in his usual unconcerned matter, making sure it wasn't an apology.
"What exactly was going on Mr. Malfoy?" Alice said suspicious of the entire event.
Lucius's eyes narrowed on her, "Not of your concern."
"Perhaps it is, he didn't exactly take kindly to me or Draco," Alice replied boldly. "Related to your dealings in Knockturn Alley, no doubt."
"As usual, you're overstepping your bounds," Lucius warned.
"I know," she agreed, "But my worry is not only my own. Draco has expressed his concern. He doesn't want his father to end up in Azkaban again."
Lucius regrettably knew he had sparked some worry in his son and if Alice shared this little event with him it would only lead to more concern and possibly his involvement. Hoping to suppress any future controversy, he said, "It's not what it looks like."
Alice thought for a moment, "Then what? Are you working for someone undercover?"
Lucius's eyes narrowed, "You're smarter than you look."
"I'm hoping the same is true of you," Alice replied snidely, though surprised if what she said was true.
"Let's just say the Ministry still has a tight leash on me, but if you divulge this information to Draco or Narcissa, I will not take so kindly to your presence here."
Alice noted the seriousness in his voice, "I won't say anything then. I do hope whatever you're doing, you're careful." She removed herself from the chair and began picking up the various items that spilled from her fallen bag, including her course paperwork and an official letter from Hogwarts.
Noticing Hogwarts seal on the letter and hoping to change the subject, Lucius asked, "So, how did your meeting go?"
"It went well," Alice was amazed he bothered to ask, even if he was feigning interest to change the subject, "I'll be teaching a new course to sixth year students."
"Yes, a mandatory Muggle Studies course, I heard from Draco. A curriculum change I would take issue with if Draco was still a student."
"I have no doubt you would have," Alice said while checking her mobile quickly to see if there were any missed calls, "I'm assuming it will bother some parents, as well as students, who really have no choice in the matter."
"You must realize by now that a wizard's education is a practical one, so students can function in this realm. Your theoretical understanding is burdensome."
"I'm actually hoping to focus on critical thinking, which I think is a practical skill."
"Perhaps, but with Muggle Studies…" his tone contained some vitriol.
"Believe me, Mr. Malfoy, the thought of there being a course objectifying muggles is unsettling. It would be like me studying Magical Peoples Studies in my junior year of high school. But considering our histories, students should be aware of their opinions on the subject and their basis for them. I'm just hoping to make the course thought-provoking." Alice tried not to sound argumentative.
"You may not be aware that a former Muggle Studies professor was killed in this very room," he said ominously, his cane pointing to the ceiling. "Hopefully you don't draw too much negative attention."
"I think I may have already done that with the trial," Alice said solemnly, she was unaware that Professor Burbage was killed in the Malfoy's drawing room. It made her slightly uncomfortable and she wondered why Lucius mentioned it. "It's unfortunate that I have to be worried about such things. The Death Eaters may be gone, but pockets of their ideology remain."
Lucius turned his nose up slightly, not expecting Alice to really understand the ideology she so often condemns.
"Luckily," Alice continued despite the condemning look she received, "I'm also optimistic. Just being here in the former headquarters of Voldemort, proves that things can change for the better." Alice placed all her things in her bag and decided it may be best to leave before he responded with anymore sarcasm. "Well, I'll be in the green room until Draco returns. Good luck with whatever your mission is, Mr. Malfoy." Part of her wondered if he was working for the Ministry or simply telling her that to keep her from saying anything to Draco. For the time being, she would keep her mouth shut.