Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 85: Sirius Black
---Hiring New Professor---
"Sirius Black?" Dumbledore asked again, surprised by Minerva suggestion.
"Yes. It was Dudley Dursley who suggested him to become the History professor," said Minerva.
"Dursley?" Dumbledore repeated, and Minerva nodded.
"Are you okay with it?"
"I'm not exactly comfortable with it, but considering we need someone trustworthy and not a Death Eater, during this time of war, Sirius Black is a good candidate," Minerva replied.
Dumbledore paused and looked thoughtfully at her.
"I understand your concern. I also believe Sirius Black is a strong candidate under the current circumstances," said Dumbledore. "I'll inform him about the offer."
Minerva nodded, but then something came to her mind.
"Before I forget... I just found out that Dudley Dursley has secretly established an unregistered club for students in Hogwarts," she said, watching Dumbledore reaction as a twinkle appeared behind his half-moon glasses.
"An unregistered club?" Dumbledore asked, intrigued.
"Yes. I overheard a few students discussing it. When I asked them about it, they told me to speak directly with Dudley. No matter how I pressed those Gryffindors, they didn't dare say a word," Minerva said with a slight frown.
"When did you hear about this?" asked Dumbledore.
"Just today, after class. I overheard their conversation," she replied.
"Do you know the name of the club?" he asked.
"I don't. But I heard Dudley is teaching them how to use magic... I plan to speak with him and ask about it," Minerva said.
"Yes, you should," said Dumbledore. "Dudley might already heard from those gryffindors that we professors are aware of it, so it's better to approach him directly."
---Club---
"Dudley, Professor McGonagall is calling you," said a Ravenclaw student.
"Oh, okay," replied Dudley. "Guys, I'll go meet our dearest Professor McGonagall."
Harry, Hermione, Susan, and Hannah could only shake their heads, watching Dudley's immature display.
Dudley made his way to McGonagall's office.
"Hello, Professor. Were you calling for me?" asked Dudley.
"Yes," McGonagall replied, her face serious. "I heard a rumor that you've founded a secret club at Hogwarts."
"A club? Who told you that, Professor?" Dudley asked, though he knew he could no longer keep it hidden.
"It doesn't matter who told me. I want to hear the truth from you, Mr. Dursley," McGonagall said, her tone firm. She didn't appreciate having her authority questioned.
"Okay, Professor," Dudley said, taking a deep breath. "When Professor M-A-L-F-O-Y was hired as the DADA professor..." he deliberately spelled out the name instead of saying it, "...many students struggled with the subject. Some brilliant people suggested I teach them instead. It started with one student, but it quickly spread."
He paused, studying McGonagall's expression. For a brief moment, he could've sworn she looked proud, though her face remained composed.
"So I started a secret club. We call it Dumbledore Army. I teach them spells like Stupefy with help from my cousin. And just last week, nearly 90% of them mastered the Patronus Charm—or came close to it."
McGonagall felt a surge of pride. Though Dudley was in Hufflepuff, he was still a student of Hogwarts and showing real leadership.
"The issue here is not the teaching, Mr. Dursley, but the secrecy. You should have registered the club," she said.
"I'm sorry, Professor. But we all know that Professor Malfoy is a Death Eater. We kept the club secret to fool those Death Eater wankers into thinking we're weak," Dudley replied. "So... please, who spread the rumor?"
McGonagall took a deep breath and composed herself.
"I overheard some Gryffindor students talking. When I questioned them, they simply told me to ask you."
Dudley smiled, relieved that it wasn't a betrayal but just loose tongues.
"Well, I always thought Gryffindors were just brave, but turns out they're loyal too. Maybe they should've been sorted into Hufflepuff," he joked.
"Mr. Dursley," McGonagall said sternly, "even if your intentions were good, forming an unregistered club is still a violation of school rules. I will be deducting 20 points from Hufflepuff."
Dudley's smile faded slightly, but then McGonagall added:
"However, for your initiative and for helping students with their studies, I will award Hufflepuff 50 points."
Dudley grinned. He suddenly remembered that moment from the movies when McGonagall deducted and then awarded points to Harry and his friends. The parallel made him chuckle.
McGonagall, noticing his reaction, continued, "Given the danger surrounding the club, we won't officially register it. But now that the Deputy Headmistress is aware, I'll consider it unofficially approved."
"Thank you, Professor," said Dudley, smiling widely.
"You may return to your dormitory," she said with a slight nod.
—Sirius Black—
Dumbledore Apparated to Number 12, Grimmauld Place, London... the secret headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
With Harry back at school, Sirius had returned to his family home and no longer lived with Dudley's parents.
"Sirius," Dumbledore called as he stepped inside.
"Oh, Dumbledore! You're here," Sirius replied, still twirling pasta on his fork.
"Pasta?" Dumbledore asked, curiously.
"Yeah, it's from Italy. Ever tried it?"
"Last time I had pasta, I believe I was 56. I've forgotten what it tastes like," said Dumbledore.
"Ugh, that long? You're what... 114 now? How did you even survive this long?" Sirius laughed.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Mind if I have a bite?"
"Of course not. Kreacher!"
Pop!
Kreacher, much improved on his politeness since Dudley had promised to destroy the locket, appeared and began helping Sirius with meals again.
"Bring a plate of pasta from the kitchen for Headmaster Dumbledore," Sirius instructed.
"Yes, Master Black."
Ten minutes later...
"Sirius, I have a job for you," Dumbledore began.
"Ah, it's been ages since you gave me a mission. Just tell me, Dumbledore, which Death Wanker backside do I need to kick this time?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Actually... Professor Binns has gone missing. We're short-staffed. Would you be willing to teach History of Magic at Hogwarts?"
"Binns? Gone? Did some student banished him?" Sirius asked, amused.
"We don't know. No one's ever managed to banish a ghost, so we suspect he left voluntarily."
"Is Minnie okay with me teaching?" Sirius asked.
"Minnie?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry... I meant Professor McGonagall. Is she okay with this?"
Dumbledore stifled a laugh. "Yes. In fact, she's the one who suggested you for the position."
"Minerva recommended me? Headmaster, I think she's been replaced by a spy. She'd never want me as a professor," Sirius joked.
Dumbledore actually laughed, a rare sight and Sirius blinked in surprise.
"That's the first time I've seen you properly laugh," said Sirius. "Do I get a reward?"
"Let's consider the job offer are your reward. With Death Eaters infiltrating every corner, Minerva wanted someone we could absolutely trust. That's why she chose you."
"Like Lucius Malfoy..." Sirius muttered.
"So, will you take the job?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yeah, of course I will. You've no idea how boring it is here."
"Glad to hear it," said Dumbledore.
Author Notes: To read advanced chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 113: Kreacher VS Nagini
Chapter 114: Avada Kedavra
Chapter 115: Battle End
-patreon.com/zorojurown