A Possible New Teacher & The Old New Student or The New Old Student?
Hogwarts, August 4, 1998
“Good morning, Professor McGonagall! I’m really confused about why I’m here.”
“You, like your younger most siblings, developed a friendship with Rubeus Hagrid. Are you aware of his school record?”
“That he was kicked out of school, being blamed for a murder that his scary human-eating spider didn’t do.”
“Yes. That. I was Head Girl at the time and although it never sat right with me and I always believed Hagrid, the mystery was only recently solved. Harry has brought up the idea of having Hagrid come back to finish his education, now that he has been formally acquitted.”
“Really! Great! Would Mr. Ollivander be able to repair his wand?"
“I have no idea, and that still isn’t relevant. Hagrid is currently the Care of Magical Creatures Professor. If he were to return to school, he would not be able to attend classes and be the professor and groundskeeper all at the same time. Of course, we haven’t run this by Rubeus. I spoke to Mr. Scamander, and he also recommended you. As did your colleagues at the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary.”
“Thank you, Professor McGonagall. I would be honored to accept the position should it become available.” Charlie said. “Would it be possible for me to spend weekends in Wales at their dragon reserve?”
“If they are alright with limited hours, I can’t see why not.” The headmistress smiled. “I would appreciate it if you kept the news away from anyone who doesn’t need to know at the present.”
“I understand. The ‘Beetle’ would have a field day. I need to head to Wales to speak with the Sanctuary Heads.”
“Alright, I’ll owl you by the end of the week with the official offer.”
“Thank you, Professor. I hope to see you in a month.”
'You are a good Professor. This can end well. This will end well.' The Headmistress repeated over and over again between Charlie’s departure and her travel to Hagrid’s hut.
“Professor McGonagall! What do I owe this pleasure? Fang! Be respectful of the Headmistress! Would you like some tea?”
“Yes. I would. Rubeus, we need to have a serious talk about your future here at Hogwarts. Albus’ decision to make you a Professor was a good one. And you have done an incredible job, minus the small incident with Draco Malfoy.”
“He apologized. Said he overreacted. His new friends are a good influence. Are you sacking me, Professor?”
She grinned. “Yes, they are. And no, I am most certainly not. After having a conversation with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, I have become aware of one of my powers as Headmistress. I officially re-opened the homicide of Elizabeth Warren. I have deemed Aragog innocent, and by extension, you. Because of this, I was wondering if you would like to complete your time at Hogwarts. I’ll have you take a few end-of-the-year exams to see where to place you, and I’ve already contacted Charlie Weasley to temporarily take over teaching Care of Magical Creatures if you choose to continue your studies. Of course, if you’d prefer to take a few years before you head on this path, it wouldn’t be fine, as well as never doing so at all. But the opportunity is there if you want it.”
Hagrid was practically crying. “I would love that Professor. I can’t wait. What about my hut? And Fang? And my umbrella?”
“You are welcome to stay here in the hut, with Fang, and you will have much more freedom than other students, of course. Harry plans to take you to Diagon tomorrow, but I’m not sure what Ollivander will be able to do.
“Thank you, Headmistress McGonagall?”
“I’ll have everyone ready placement tests for you to take next week. I’ll see you in my office tomorrow by ten. Have a lovely evening Rubeus!” The Professor walked back to her office laughing at the music and joyous sounds coming from the other side of the small-fruited pumpkin patch.