A/N- I Do Not Own Harry Potter, Hadrian and Jackbolt are my only contribution to the world.
Chapter 1
Albus Dumbledore pressed the button for the doorbell. He heard the bell chime inside the house. He rather liked the sound.
The door opened and a tall, muscular man stood in the doorway. "Headmaster," the man said respectfully, never lowering his brown eyes from the older man in front of him.
"Hadrian," The headmaster smiled. "It has been a long time."
"Twenty-seven years if I remember correctly," Hadrian sighed. "Well, come on in."
Dumbledore followed Hadrian into the house. Hadrian led him into the study. Dumbledore looked around the massive room. Bookshelves lined the walls, with more in the center of the room.
"I must say," Dumbledore mused, "you have quite the library here."
Hadrian smiled as he sat down behind an black, mahogany desk. "These are just the book I keep a close eye on, I guess you could call it my restricted section. My library is much larger."
"You always where one for knowledge." Dumbledore sat down in a rather comfortable leather seat across from Hadrian.
Hadrian looked down. "Yeah. Comes from growing up in Hogwarts." He looked back up at the older man. "But where are my manners? Would you like some tea? Coffee? Water?"
"I wouldn't mind one of your famous milkshakes," Dumbledore chuckled. "Nymphadora speaks quite highly of them."
Hadrian smiled. "Of course. Jackbolt!"
A house-elf popped into the study. He wore a uniform similar to the Hogwarts elves, a green towel wrapped around his waist, with a golden H sewn onto it. "You called Master?" The elf said in deep-but squeaky voice."
"Yes Jackbolt," Hadrian said to the elf. "Could you bring two chocolate milkshakes, my recipe."
"Of course master." The elf popped out of the room. He popped back a few moments later with two milkshakes ready.
"That will be all Jackbolt."
"Of course Master." The elf popped back out of the room.
Dumbledore took a sip of of the milkshake. "This is quite good."
Hadrian smiled as he sipped his. "The secret is to add chocolate syrup, a bit of fudge, some extra vanilla, and whipped cream before mixing. Now," he leaned back into his seat, "what is it you are here for?"
Dumbledore set down his milkshake. "I understand that you are the one who taught Nymphadora how to duel?"
Hadrian nodded. "Yes. Nymphadora is the only person I have taught since her."
"She is a rather skilled duelist. According to Shackbolt, she's the deadliest Auror in the department."
"What is this about sir?"
"We have a vacancy in our Defense post. I was wondering if you would be kind enough to take it?" Dumbledore smiled.
Hadrian frowned as he ran his hand through his hair. He looked at Dumbledore. "If it wasn't for the fact that I owed Andromeda, I never would of taught Nymphadora," he said carefully. "Even then I haven't taught her everything I know. I will not make that mistake again. But I can't teach."
"And why not?"
"You know what I am capable of sir. If it wasn't for the fact that I respect you, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. You know why I won't teach."
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. And I'm not asking you to teach all my students how to fight as well as you and young Tonks. As for your other reason, surely you can put aside your hatred in front of the students."
Hadrian sighed. "You said you weren't asking me to teach ALL your students?"
The headmaster smiled. "I wondered if you caught that. Nymphadora suggested that you teach Harry Potter how to duel. Especially since Voldermort seems to keep going after him."
Hadrian smiled. "Nymphadora. This was all her idea, wasn't it?"
Dumbledore just smiled.
"Fine. On five conditions."
"They are?"
"I teach my way, no interference from you, or any of the other staff. I go by professor Hadrian, no mention of my surname. I answer only to you, the headmaster. Potter has to pass my tests before I teach him. And Nymphadora agrees to be my assistant."
"I can agree to those terms." Dumbledore smiled finished his milkshake. He stood up and looked at Hadrian. "I expect you to be on time for the start of term feast."
"I'll be there." Hadrian said.
"Then I shall bid you farewell until then." With those words the Headmaster walked out of the house.
Hadrian smiled to himself. "Never said I'd be on time though," he muttered. "Gotta make a lasting first impression afterall."
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"YOU WHAT?" Tonks screamed at the Headmaster.
"It was the only way he would agree," Dumbledore explained to a very irate Tonks. "As it was your idea, I figured it was only fair."
"Don't get me wrong," Tonks began. "I love Uncle Hadrian to death, and would love working with him. But teaching? I suggested he teach Harry, not the whole bloody school."
"Tonks, it was either the whole school, or no one. We can't afford for Harry to be leaving the grounds unnecessarily. And he would have to if Hadrian where to teach him alone. As staff, it can be passed of as simply tutoring."
Tonks sighed. "Fine. I'll put it my notice at the Ministry."
"Thank you Tonks."
"Does McGonagall know you've hired him?"
Dumbledore sighed. "No. I must admit that I am afraid of how she will react. They haven't spoken since Hadrian graduated."
"You thinks she'll be angry?"
Dumbledore shook her head. "No. But I fear that she may try to hard to earn his forgiveness. I don't think she ever fully realized the impact her behavior had towards Hadrian in school would embitter him so much."
"Do you think he'll forgive her?"
"We can only hope. It would make this school year so much better."