When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 19

As the Sun Sets

For a moment, Minerva thought that she was in trouble. She hadn't ever been unexpectedly called to the headmaster's office, and though she couldn't fathom what the man would want with her, she couldn't think of any transgression against the school she had been a part of.

Charlus, and more recently Harry were the mischievous members of the group, but neither of them had been involved in anything that would warrant a summoning either.

With the NEWTs fast approaching, the Gryffindors had busied themselves with their preparations leaving the girl stumped.

"Come in, Minerva," the voice of the headmaster called as she knocked on his door.

She entered the room to find it occupied by the man the office belonged to, and Professor Dumbledore.

"Is something wrong, headmaster?" Minerva asked nervously.

She had always been a model student, and both when were looking very serious indeed.

"Not at all," Professor Dippet replied, offering her a smile that quelled her nerves somewhat. "Please, take a seat, we merely wish to discuss something with you."

Minerva did so and waited for one of the men to speak. It was Dippet that obliged.

"Shortly before last term came to an end, Albus and I had a discussion regarding you. In short, I would like for you explain what your intentions are when the school year comes to an end?"

Minerva had been pondering this very thing.

She wished to find a position where she would be able to explore her love of transfiguration but had been unsuccessful thus far. Very few opportunities existed, not unless she looked further afield and left England to apprentice under a master in the art.

"I don't know," she admitted with a sigh.

Dippet hummed as he nodded.

"Then Albus and I would like to offer you a position in the school as his assistant."

Minerva frowned, unsure of what that would entail.

"Professor Dumbledore's assistant?"

Dippet nodded, a bright smile cresting his lips.

"You would help him with teaching and preparing his classes and continue to study under him for a Mastery in transfiguration," he explained. "I'm afraid the salary would not quite match that of a professor, but it would be sufficient."

"So, an apprenticeship?" Minerva asked excitedly.

"For lack of a better term, yes, but it would be a working apprenticeship," Dumbledore explained.

"But you've never had an apprentice," Minerva pointed out.

"I have never had a student as dedicated as yourself," Dumbledore returned. "Armando and I agree that your hard work over these past years should be rewarded, and I believe that the students of the castle should also benefit from your talents in the years to come. You need not give an answer…"