Chapter Text
You would thought that after all he’s done for the Revolution, Alexander had proven himself to be not merely qualified but an absolutely outstanding wizard. He wouldn’t need any of those boring and bureaucratic diplomas anymore.
Well, obviously he underestimated how obsessed the Ministry was with paperwork.
“I’m sorry, what?”
Alexander stood in Washington’s office, the parchment from the Ministry in his hands. He opened his mouth, wanting to continue his rant, but was stopped by a look Washington gave him. Alexander begrudgingly thought of the ink and the two-feet parchment he wasted on explaining that what he did during the war totally qualified him a spot in the Ministry, that giving him a N.E.W.T. wasn’t asking them to squeeze through a keyhole.
But these idiots were just as annoying as they were during the war, and they had the audacity to end the letter with a “We have had multiple discussions regarding this matter, and we will not be accepting appeals.”
Alexander should’ve just sent a Howler. At least when he imagined his voiced echoing all over the Ministry he would get some satisfaction out of it.
“Alex, they already made their decision,” Washington pinched the bridge of his nose with a slightly worn out expression. He grabbed two cups from the side of his desk, and Alexander watched as clear wine filling them up until they were half-full. Washington slid one cup towards Alexander, gestured him to sit in front of the desk.
“But, they took your contributions towards the Revolution into account, and acknowledged that you do not need to make up for your O.W.L.S. I also discussed this with Professor Jay, and we agreed that you could directly go to seventh grade and finish your N.E.W.T. this year.”
Alexander grabbed the cup, and Washinton smiled at his furrowed eyebrows.
“Son, I know you are eager, but you’ve missed too much time at school because of the war. One last year, you won’t regret it.”
Washinton stopped and took a sip from the cup. His hand held the cup in mid-air for a while, contemplating, then set it to the desk.
“And this will be my last year in Hogwarts.”
Alexander snapped his head towards Washington in disbelief.
“What?”
“I’m resigning. I’ve spent over forty years in Hogwarts.”
“But Sir, you are so important among students. Right now, after the war, everyone looks up to you.”
“I’m resigning so—”
Alexander stood up and nearly knocked the chair over. “Sir, you are the best Headmaster of Hogwarts ever. I’m sure that all of us would hope you could still be our Headmaster!”
Something coughed from overhead, interrupting him. He looked around to find that all the Headmasters portraits who were pretending to be asleep so they could eavesdrop to their conversation were now all awake, and looking towards one direction. Alexander followed their gaze and found a portrait near the ceiling, the old man flushed at being under the attention of Alexander and all the portraits.
“What are you looking at? I might have been less of a legend, but all these years Hogwarts had had some incredible Headmasters. How many of them have you known, young man? Be sure not to run your mouth so quickly.”
Now Alexander got a bit riled up. He was about to say something, but was stopped by Washington’s gesture.
“Yes, Professor Undercliff. Alexander should have studied more on the history of our Headmasters.”
Washington gave him a look of if you don’t say something, don’t even imagine a peace of mind when you come to the office until the end of time.
For the past three years, Alexander was no stranger to the Headmaster’s office, and he was adequately familiar to these people who existed in history books and textbooks but was bored to death (oops, no pun intended) by staying in their portraits so they compensated by gossiping. He reluctantly said, “Yes, Professor Undercliff. Please forgive me for my ignorance.
Wait until I read all about the Headmasters and I’ll come back and argue with you.
“Alexander, if you could give me a little patience and let me finish,” Washington nodded at the chair, asking him to sit down. Only then Alexander realized he interrupted Washington. His cheeks flushed pink as he awkwardly leaned back onto the chair.
“I’m resigning so I can run for Minster.”
Alexander squared his shoulders in surprise, and looked at Washington in rounded eyes.
“But sir, didn’t you say that— I don’t mean that I don’t want you to be Min— I’m sure you will make it!”
Alexander’s silver tongue failed him and Washington couldn’t help but smile.
“The war was won and everything is waiting to be rebuilt. Not just buildings. I no longer want that power in wrong hands anymore.”
“Sir, no matter what you want to do, I will support you.”
“What you should do now, is focus on your seventh grade of studies, enjoy your last year at school with me.”
The gears in Alexander’s brain was running fast. He was confident he could get O’s in all his subject. He had witnessed what the folks at the Minister could do, which was not a lot. A transcript like his would standout even at the Ministry. It’s almost a must that he could get in, and if he was lucky, he could continue to work for Washington.
“Besides, you would not regret this year at Hogwarts.”
Alexander looked at his Headmaster in confusion, whose words seemed to be implying something else. But the rebuilding of Hogwarts was almost done, what else would happen?
“You would be spending this year with Mr. Lafayette.”
He widened his eyes in surprise. “I thought he went back to Beauxbaton! Is he transferring?”
“They are holding the Triwizard Champion this year.”