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Author: Lady Chi Story: Double Trouble Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-OotP Status: Completed Reviews: 3 Words: 54,062
I sincerely apologize for the delay. Ask Shinou, she'll tell you that I've been fighting this chapter for ages. I finally just decided to let it flow. Professor McGonagall pressed her lips together. Just an hour and a half before the Sorting Ceremony, and her Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had fallen ill. Though she was worried about Sirius, her primary concern was to find a replacement, and quickly. The children couldn't afford to do without, especially in these times. With a sudden burst of energy, she rose and strode quickly to the fireplace located in her office. She had an idea for the assignment, but she wished to speak to someone first. Throwing in a handful of Floo powder, she said, "Raina O'Reilly." Fortunately, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was in her office. "Minerva. What can I do for you?" The voice was clipped and business-like, and very, very Irish. "Chief O'Reilly, I need a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor." "Oh, yes," Raina muttered to herself, "Sirius Black will be unable to fill the position for the time being." "The doctors assure me that he shouldn't be doing any teaching this term. It's a miracle they managed to keep him alive," Minerva added, almost as an afterthought. "Do you have some specific in mind?" Minerva raised her eyebrows. "I do, actually." A smile blossomed on Raina's face, transforming the stern expression into an attractive and amused one. "Well, who is it that you want to be stealing from me?" Minerva tapped her fingertips on the mantle. "Ronald Weasley." "Why are you after my best officer now, Minerva?" "I would think that's obvious. Because he is the best. I'm not taking Harry Potter," she continued, because she could see the question forming on the chief's lips, "because that young man has already given the world enough. Besides, he's got to work out what's ailing Sirius, before it gets really serious." "Aye," Raina agreed. "I just really hate to be losing Weasley. He does fine work. That wife of his is sharp, as well." Pride swept through Minerva. "Yes, they both are a wonderful credit to their house." "Gryffindors, were they?" Raina was amused. "Yes," Professor McGonagall said. "Now that Remus and Anna have retired, I really need to find a Head of House for Gryffindor. I think Captain Weasley would make an excellent choice. Raina nodded. "I agree." "So you'll release him from his contract to work up at the school?" "If that's what Captain Weasley wants, then yes. I can't think of anyone better qualified to teach Defense. In all honesty, he spends more time here than Potter, which is understandable, and his talent for strategizing has saved more than a few missions." "I would imagine so," Professor McGonagall said dryly. "I'll never get over that boy defeating my chess set at eleven years of age." "I haven't heard that one," Raina muttered. "I've got to go, there's more paperwork here than I have hours in the day for." "I understand," McGonagall said, and they shared a knowing smile. "Weasley will inform you of his decision shortly, I would think." "Without a doubt." Abruptly, Minerva's fireplace went out. Sighing, she geared herself up to make two more Floos. Another handful of the powder, and she was in touch with the Weasley family's Port-Floo. "Weasley residence, Hermione speaking," a crisp voice told her. "Mrs. Weasley, this is Minerva McGonagall." There was a nearly inaudible gasp on the other end of the Floo. "Has something happened at Hogwarts, Professor?" "You can call me Minerva, and you could definitely say that," Minerva said, and ran a hand over her eyes. "I know this sounds cold, but Sirius's illness leaves me without a Defense professor." "Of course," Hermione muttered. "I simply can't take a teaching job, and you know that, so you must want to speak with Ron. He's at the hospital." Minerva smiled. "I thought he would be. I just wanted to check at your home first. Getting a hold of him at St. Mungo's is going to be a nightmare." "He has his Port-Floo with him." "Thank you for your help, Mrs. Weasley." "It's my pleasure, Minerva." A smile lit Professor McGonagall's face. The fire went out again, and she threw another handful of the powder in. "Captain Weasley on the Port-Floo, please." "Weasley here. I'm kind of busy. Make it short." "Hello to you too, Mr. Weasley." Amused, McGonagall let Ron hear her chuckle. "Sorry Professor. It's just been a long day." "I understand, Ronald. I have a job offer for you." "What?" There was a different kind of shock in his voice this time. "What do you mean?" "As cold-hearted as this sounds, Sirius has fallen ill at a very bad time. I simply must have a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor." "Well, then, you'll want Harry for that." "No, Ronald, I want you for the job. Lieutenant Potter has made it clear to me that while he would accept the job, he would much rather be playing Quidditch, which is understandable. Besides which, you've been involved in the development of the latest defense spells. There simply is no one better qualified for the position." Ron bit his lip. Minerva could hear a muffled conversation between two people in the background. "Hello, Professor," Harry Potter's voice greeted her. "Hello, Harry." "It will only take me a minute to convince him, Professor. Just hold the line. Here he is." "One last thing, Mr. Potter." "Yes, Professor?" "While you're taking care of your uncle, make sure to take care of yourself. Please keep us informed of his condition. Is he awake yet?" "No, Professor. They're saying he'll regain consciousness in a few days. They've got him on a drug that's fighting the alien cells. I've got a hunch about this, Professor. I'm going to have them check Sirius's blood sample against a sample from Draco Malfoy's file." Minerva nodded. "Excellent idea, Potter. They were never able to identify what it was that killed Mr. Malfoy, and it does sound like the symptoms are similar to what they theorized about." "That's what I thought. Here's Ron, Professor." "Well, Captain Weasley, will you be joining our staff?" There was a hint of desperation in McGonagall's voice. She really wanted him to take the job, Ron realized. "I'll be there in half an hour, Professor. I've got to inform my superior officer, then tell Hermione, and then I'll come up to the castle." "Wonderful, Ronald! We'll work out living arrangements and other such things after the Sorting Ceremony. I've got a bad feeling about all of this," she continued, deciding to take both men into her confidence. "It doesn't seem right to me that our Defense professor suddenly falls ill, and then Dark activity picks up again. There's something in the air." Harry nodded and leaned over to speak into the Port-Floo. "I agree, Professor. I'll be spending more hours at the office, I can tell. Ron can take care of Hogwarts defense, and I'll work on the problem from here." "We don't want another Voldemort coming to power," Ron said. "Perhaps we'll stop it from happening before it gets worse, this time. "I most certainly agree. I will see you shortly, Ronald. Harry, I will contact you and your wife soon. It's been a long time since I've seen the little ones." "Ginny said something about that just the other day, Minerva. I imagine she'll be calling you." "Good-bye," Ron said, and shut the flap on his Port-Floo. The flame automatically extinguished. "You'd better get moving, Professor," Harry said, a light not of teasing in his voice. "You've got a lot of work to get done." "That felt odd," Ron muttered. "Professor Weasley." "I think it sounds perfectly natural," Harry countered. "Hermione will lecture me about rushing into something blind, feet first," Ron said once they stepped outside of St. Mungo's. "I haven't got lessons planned, or the faintest idea of what to do." "It'll come naturally to you," Harry said. "Do you want me to go with you to the office? I've got some work to get done there, anyway." "I thought you were going into complete retirement soon." "I will," Harry said, then had to repeat himself to feel confident about it. "I will. Once this all blows over." Ron placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You work too hard, mate. You don't have to save the world every time, you know." "I know." Harry smiled ruefully. "It just feels like I have to." With that, they both Disapparated. ** With a mighty pull, Snape opened the door to the Great Hall, and the first year students filed in. A breath of excitement whispered through the classmates as they waited to find out what their test was going to be. "Students," Professor Snape said, and picked up a tattered old hat. "The ceremony will now begin." With that, the hat opened its brim and began to sing loudly. Have no fear, you poor young dears! Worn and weary though I look, I'm smarter than any book! I'll place you in house, and at my placement you mustn't grouseā¦ It might be Gryffindor, for the brave at heart, Gryffindor would be a great place to start! It might be Ravenclaw, for those quick and clever, Ravenclaws use their intelligence as their lever It might be Hufflepuff, for the those loyal to the end, Hufflepuffs make wonderful friends! It might be Slytherin for the ambitious lot, In their quest for glory, Slytherins never stop. In Hogwarts you are always welcome, No matter your house or home! Try me on and you will see Just where you ought to be. "When I call your name," Professor Snape said, ignoring the gaping looks on some of the first years' faces, "place advance to the front and put on the hat." "Adams, Benjamin." A trembling boy was the first to go, and it only took the hat a moment to pronounce, "Hufflepuff!" "Cammins, Lisa," was the next, and the hat's verdict for her was Slytherin. Jessica's legs began to knock together in anticipation. Now was the moment of truth. Would she be placed in Gryffindor? Did she deserve to be placed there? Sensing her self-doubt, her brothers moved closer to her side, so that even to those who didn't know them well, it would be clear that they were a unit. "Malfoy-Potter, Jessica," Snape drawled. "Well, this is most certainly interesting," the Sorting Hat said in her ear. "A Malfoy by birth, a Potter by adoption. What to do with you?" "Oh, please sir," Jessica whispered, "anything but Slytherin." "Bravery, I see, but there's a healthy dose of loyalty here, as well. Talent, oh yes, and intelligence." "Not Slytherin," Jessica said firmly. "Oh, certainly not, my dear. You wouldn't do well there at all." A wave of relief swept through her. "After all, you are a Potter. GRYFFINDOR!" Whispers followed Jessica as she took her seat the Gryffindor tower, but the students there were quick to welcome her and make her feel at home. She had to wait a while for her brothers to come up. "Potter, Brian," Snape said. Mick barely put the hat on its head before the hat announced him as another Gryffindor. The same happened with Jamie. After a round of applause, Professor McGonagall stood and tapped her goblet lightly for attention. "Welcome back students, to another wonderful year here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There are a few changes to the staff that I must announce. "Professors Remus and Anna Lupin have resigned, in order to enjoy their remaining years together." A murmur of appreciation went up through the school. "Our Care of Magical Creatures professor, replacing Professor R. Lupin will be Professor Amanda Cullins. Divination will be covered by Professor Orion Lupin. "It saddens me to announce that Professor Sirius Black has fallen seriously ill, and is unable to teach this term. So, taking over the Head of House position, as well as the Defense position, will be the former Captain, now Professor Ronald Weasley, of the Magical Law Enforcement division of the Ministry of Magic. He will be arriving shortly." Just then, the doors opposite the first years had entered opened with a bang. A man with shocking red hair and in full dress uniform entered the room. The medals on his chest gleamed, and his boots made firm clicking sounds on the floor, which were followed by the heavy thump of his walking stick. The only thing that ruined the effect was the broad smile on his face. "Students, allow me to introduce Professor Weasley." The Great Hall erupted into applause. It obvious the students approved of the new professor. The older boys were greatly impressed, and some even recognized him. "Wow," said the boy that sat next to Gareth. "I've heard he's a war hero." "He is," Jamie said shortly. "He's my godfather."
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