The morning was like any other for Matthew Nichols. He awoke unceremoniously, the ceiling of his bedroom greeted him. Shafts of sunlight streamed into his modest chambers, prompting him to awaken. With several stretches, Matthew was finally on his feet. After a shower, he was dressed and ready to face the day. As Matthew approached the door in his kitchen to leave, there was a knock.
"Odd," Matthew thought to himself.
Opening it revealed an older man, his sweeping silver hair and beard shining in the hallway's electric light. He wore blue robes embroidered with many stars and moons. He stared at Matthew through half-moon spectacles that sat ever so slightly off-kilter on a crooked nose as though lost in thought. The man blinked, before offering a warm smile that crinkled his eyes.
"Matthew Nichols, I presume? May I come in?" The man spoke with an English accent.
"Uh… sure," Matthew said, stepping aside and sweeping his arm out into his kitchen, inviting the mysterious man in.
Matthew shut the door quickly and spun around, drawing his wand in one fluid motion.
"I assure you, there is no need for that Mr. Nichols," The man said calmly, not even turning around to face him.
"Forgive me if I'm a little on edge. Your arrival wasn't exactly anticipated," Matthew scoffed.
"No, it was not. But time is of the essence in the education of the youth, correct?" The man asked, finally turning to face Matthew, still wearing that same smile.
"Ah. 14 inches, hickory. An Interesting wand. What is the core?" the man asked curiously, his gaze traveling to the wand held in Matthew's hand.
"Uh uh. Who are you and what do you want from me?" Matthew said, tensing the muscles in his wrist in preparation for casting.
"Of course, of course. I am here to offer you a position. My name is Professor Albus Dumbledore, I am the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And I'd like to offer you the position of this term's Defense Against The Dark Arts Professor," The introduced Dumbledore said.
"Pass," Matthew said, lowering his wand. "You know me, and you should know I'm an auror. My schedule is a bit busy at the moment."
"Yes, that would be the case if I hadn't already gotten permission to ask from Commissioner Freeland,"
Matthew froze at that name. "You're kidding," He said in disbelief.
"I am not," Albus said with a smile.
Matthew's phone began to ring.
"Stay put," Matthew muttered as he holstered his wand in his jacket. Dumbledore only smiled to himself.
"Nichols speaking… Good morning Comissioner… Yes, I'm doing well, I just had a quick ques- oh? I understand… Yes, and if I refuse? That's unfortunate, but I'm not sure what my qualifications are… I see. Just one small problem, I've never really taught before… I appreciate your confidence in me, Commissioner… Thank you, Commissioner. Have a pleasant day," The phone was returned to its receiver with a click and Matthew let out a long sigh before glancing down at his wristwatch.
"You're early," Matthew said with a huff.
"A lack of punctuality is unbecoming of a headmaster," Dumbledore said with a mirthful smile.
"Yeah yeah," Matthew said, drawing his wand once more and giving it a wave. A moment later a large suitcase floated into the room. Matthew took the suitcase in his hands and strode over to the wall where Dumbledore and he had stood, just behind his door. He pointed his wand at the wall and muttered a phrase.
"Renodo," he said, causing the drywall to fade away, revealing a fireplace large enough to stand in. Matthew placed his suitcase into the fireplace before briskly walking back to the kitchen. After a bit of rummaging, he grabbed a cup and poured some fine black powder from it into his hand. Dumbledore, understanding what was about to happen stood in the fireplace as well.
"Woolworth building," Matthew said before dropping the powder. Emerald green flames sprang to life, engulfing the occupants before quickly dying down.
Dumbledore and Matthew stepped out into a large and open chamber. Marble columns stretched upwards to the cavernous ceiling above. A cacophony of voices greeted their ears as they entered the Magical Congress of the United States of America.
Matthew walked quickly, his suitcase floating behind him. Dumbledore kept pace, but unlike Matthew who was solely focused on their path, Dumbledore was taking in the sights.
"This building is beautiful," Dumbledore said, his eyes lingering on a statue of a thunderbird.
"I'm sure I'll think the same of the Ministry of Magic. It's just different is all," Matthew said off-handedly, taking a sharp right.
"I'm afraid not. The Ministry is as drab and dreadful as the name makes it out to be," Dumbledore said, examining the seal of the congress they walked across. Their journey continued in silence before Dumbledore spoke again.
"I'm grateful you agreed," he said. "You come highly recommended," Dumbledore said as they passed a set of doors. Matthew eyed it, immediately recognizing it as his place of work. "Former work," he reminded himself.
"Be grateful I have a strong moral compass," Matthew said, frustration creeping into his voice. He eyed the Auror Strategical Coordination Center, wondering if he could spare the time to give Commissioner Freeland a piece of his mind.
"Interesting spellcraft for your floo network connection. Charms I assume?" Dumbledore asked.
"You assume correctly," Matthew answered, coming to a semi-circular chamber. He strode toward a door labeled "Ministry of Magic,"
"And of my earlier question?" Dumbledore asked as Matthew opened the door for him.
"Hmm?" Matthew asked as Dumbledore paused at the doorway, admiring it.
"Your wand core," Dumbledore asked as he stepped through the door into the Ministry of Magic.
"Wendigo bone," Matthew answered, taking in his surroundings. The Ministry of Magic had an interior of dark bricks with little decoration. Magical lights on the ceiling kept the space comfortably lit. Matthew noticed something else. Everyone was staring at them.
"Wendigo bone?" Someone asked.
"Not important!" Matthew called out before turning his attention to Dumbledore. "Where to next?"
"Take hold of your bag and my wrist," Dumbledore said while offering his right hand. As soon as Matthew took hold of the extended hand there was a snap as the space around them warped. The scenery changed to a castle courtyard in the blink of an eye. It was early afternoon.
"I imagine you would like a tour of the grounds?" Dumbledore asked.
Matthew nodded as Dumbledore began to walk.
A/N: A new story! Yaaay! This is just an idea that popped into my head, and I'll see where it goes. I welcome reviews and thank you for taking the time to read.