The Dueling Professor | Gellert Grindelwald [Complete]

Cornelius Fudge

Sapphire's POV:

'Today's the day.' I thought inside of my head as I looked over my notes and potions book. Today I have to go through a long test to see if I'm capable of becoming Snape's assistant. Cornelius Fudge and a couple ministry officials are coming by to watch the entire thing. Apparently it really isn't up to Snape if I get the position or not, which sucks. The idea of people watching me during an exam gave me anxiety but I guess it would be kinda like the O.W.L's were. Except this really reflected on Snape's teaching ability. I really wanted to make him proud and impress the judges as best I could. 'I just hope I don't mess anything up and make a fool out of myself.' I thought as I turned a page in my notebook. "Here, I made you a hot cup of tea to focus. You should take a little break so you don't burn yourself out. The exam isn't until one o'clock." Gellert said as he sat down and handed me a steaming cup of tea. "Thanks," I said as I took the cup and took a sip of it. "I'm gonna take a break right now actually." I said as I sat my stuff aside and cuddled into his side. We sat and drank our tea as I attempted to relax. But the thought of the exam was just weighing heavily on my mind. There was so much on my shoulders, especially since Snape and Dumbledore were the main reasons I was able to stay here over the summer. If I don't pass the tests then everything I've done will amount to nothing. Well.... not nothing... I guess I'd be ahead of everyone else next year. But then I'd let Snape, Dumbledore, and everyone else down including myself. Gellert tangled his fingers in my hair and kissed my forehead. "I love you." I said as I snuggled closer to him. "I love you too, sweetheart." He said softly as he tightened his strong arms around me. "Do you think I'll pass this exam?" I asked him curiously, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled down around us. I felt kinda bad for ruining the sweet moment, but my mind just wouldn't stop thinking and worrying. "Of course you'll pass your exam, Sapphire. You're smart and talented... not to mention the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." He said as he kissed my forehead and tightened his strong arms around me. "You're so sweet, Gellert. You're the most handsome man I've ever seen." I said before peppering his neck with kisses. He chuckled and it was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. When I stopped attacking his neck with kisses, we returned to snuggling. The two of us had a delicious breakfast before I returned to studying. Gellert was sitting behind me with his arms wrapped around me and his chin resting on my shoulder. I felt pretty warm and cozy sitting between his legs with my back gently leaning against his torso and chest. It felt like forever, but it was finally time for my exam. Gellert wished me luck with a sweet hug and a soft kiss. I thanked him before heading down to the potions classroom dressed in my Slytherin robes. Something I've always had on during my lessons with Snape to protect my normal clothing. Nothing's worse than getting your clothes ruined by potions and potion ingredients. 'Just calm down, Sapphire. You're gonna do great!' I said inside of my head as I reached the potions room. I knocked on the closed door, and Snape opened the door for me. "Come in. Fudge and the others haven't arrived yet. You being early will make a great impression on them." He said as I walked inside the classroom. He closed the door behind us as we did so as well. There was a cauldron sitting on the middle of the classroom; all of the desks were pushed to one side along with Snape's desk. A long table by the cauldron was littered with potion ingredients and empty potions vials. As Snape told me what Fudge and the ministry officials were looking for in the exam I tried to just calm my nerves. 'I should have worn that charmed sweater Gellert gave me for Christmas.' I thought inside of my head. Even though it would have felt like he was holding me it would have been impractical. It's the middle of summer; mix in potion brewing, and it would just make me sweat to death. I took a few deep breaths as we waited. Honestly it felt like it was taking forever. I didn't think that Fudge and the others were going to show up, but when they did my stomach filled with anxiety. But as they walked in I realized that Dumbledore was with them. 'I didn't know he was gonna be here.' I thought inside of my head. Oddly enough Dumbledore's presence actually made me feel slightly more comfortable. I couldn't help but wonder who suggested that he join Fudge, but I silently thanked whoever did. "Miss. Vander, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Dumbledore has told me a lot of good things about you." Fudge said with a smile on his round face. He was wearing a lime green suit with a matching bowler hat. 'I bet he has all sorts of muggles staring at him when he ventures out and about.' I thought inside of my head as he and I shook hands. After all of us talked for a few minutes, my exam finally started. Snape would give me different scenarios to which I'd have to brew a potion to cure the issue at hand. My nervousness heightened when I heard the scratching of quills on paper. But soon I started to relax and everything else just became background noise. I imagined that I was in a normal class while the other students were taking notes. It made me feel comfortable and my movement became more fluid as I went on. Millions of potions later I was finally finished and we moved to the written portion of the exam. I thought Fudge and the others would leave during this part, but I was wrong; they stayed and took more notes. 'What more are they looking for?" I wondered inside of my head. When I finished the second part of the exam it was four o'clock in the afternoon. I was tired, sweaty, and hungry. Not to mention the fact that I had to use the bathroom. But I had to wait little while longer, because Fudge and the ministry officials wanted to talk to me. "So, is it true your patronus in a thestral?" A woman with long silver hair and a pointy nose asked. "Actually, yes... it is." I replied feeling awkward. 'I bet professor Kreizler is to blame for them knowing." I thought inside of my head. Just to prove that I was telling the truth, I had to cast the patronus charm for them to see. They seemed impressed, and it made me feel uncomfortable again. After they finished their questioning I was free to go. The first thing I did was use the bathroom before going to take a bath. I needed to get the sweat and potion residue off of me. "How did it go?" Gellert asked me after I finished washing up. "Good I guess. I assume I won't get the results from my exam until the last part of August when my O.W.L results come in." I replied as I finished getting dressed. Instead of wearing my Slytherin robes I put on some muggle clothes just so I was comfortable. "I know you passed, Sapphire. You're a very bright witch... a beautiful one as well." He said as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close for a kiss. I kissed him back before snuggling into his chest as he tightened his arms around me. "I'm just glad it's over." I replied and he chuckled lightly. Before too long it was time for dinner. Gellert and I arrived at the great hall at different times so nothing looked suspicious. I wasn't surprised to see that Cornelius Fudge and the others stayed at Hogwarts for dinner. He talked and laughed with Dumbledore, but a couple other professors looked uncomfortable with Fudge's presence. As I ate I could feel someone's watching me. When I looked up I found Snape looking at me with a proud sort of look in his onyx eyes. 'I hope I passed the exam today. But my fate didn't lay in Snape's hands... it didn't even lay in Dumbledore's hands either. I pressed my thoughts the back of my mind and enjoyed the food that was on my plate. Everyone stayed later than usual at the table, mostly due to Fudge. He kept drinking and talking; eventually his speech started slur, and that's even Dumbledore called it a night. Everyone started leaving the table and I was glad to get out of there. Today was a very long stressful day and all I wanted was to relax. Gellert joined me shortly after and we got ready for bed. We cuddled and I eventually fell into a deep sleep.

*****

September was quickly approaching and I was getting a little nervous about the upcoming school year. Snape told me to meet him in his office after breakfast, which didn't help my nerves. Especially since today was the day I was gonna find out if I got the teaching assistant position. 'Just calm down, Sapphire. Everything is gonna be fine.' I thought inside of my head. Once I finished eating I slowly made my way down the the dungeons where Snape's office is. I knocked on the door, and Snape's deep baritone told me to enter. As I walked in I found him sitting at his desk scribbling on a sheet of paper. "Good morning, Miss Vander. Please have a seat. We have a lot to talk about." He said, and I did as he told me. We talked about the upcoming school year, which meant I'd be narrowing down the main classes I'd be taking. Which meant that I didn't have to take as many classes as I have been. The only issue is that I haven't chosen a career to follow yet. "I think I should let you know some good news. Cornelius Fudge has made you my assistant for this year coming up, so you'll be seeing a lot more of me in your future." He said, and I couldn't help the smile that was on my face. A rush of relief and joy spread through me at his words, and an amused look filled his dark eyes. "Speaking of your future, I have your O.W.L results." He said before he handed me a thick envelope. I took it from him and broke the wax seal to see what grades I got on my ordinary wizarding level exams. As my eyes scanned the page I could barely believe what I was seeing. I only got outstanding or exceeds expectations on every single exam. I wasn't surprised I didn't get an outstanding in divination, charms, and astrology. "Wow." I said out loud, and he chuckled... Professor Snape actually chuckled!! I almost thought I was in some kind of dream to be honest. "Now, we have to discuss what you'll be doing after Hogwarts so we can set up your classes." He said as he grabbed a fresh piece of paper and dipped his quill in ink. "Well... I'm not sure if this career is common here, but I was hoping to become a wand maker." I said feeling a little foolish. 'You have skills in potions, yet you want to be a wand maker. What's he going to think about you?' I wondered inside of my head. "That's an unexpected career choice, but you definitely have the skills for it. I hear you're a gifted alchemist an artist." He replied, and breathed a sigh of relief. Deep down I expected him to try and convince me to be an auror instead, but I guess he was okay with whatever I wanted to be. "Thank you, professor." I replied feeling a little awkward. He and I discussed the classes I'd need the most, before he made a rough draft of my schedule. He had me written down for Herbology, Alchemy, Potions, Charms, Art, Dueling, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Transfiguration. When our meeting was over I thanked him for everything he has done for me, and he seemed taken aback by it. "There's no need to thank me Miss. Vander." He said before we said our goodbyes. I went straight to my private quarters where I wrote letters to Nick and Draco. I told them that I'd be Snape's assistant and I even told them that I decided to become a wand maker. As I walked towards the owlery I almost ran right into Dumbledore. "I'm sorry, professor, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." I said with a slight laugh. "It's alright, I was preoccupied with my thoughts as well." He replied with a smile and a sparkle in his blue eyes. He told me to enjoy the nice weather before walking past me and towards the castle. After sending off my letters I did just that. I took a nice long walk around the grounds and even gave Hagrid a little visit. I had a feeling that this year was gonna be great!

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A/N: Thanks for reading!! Remember to vote, comment, share, etc. :) <3 I'm sorry I haven't updated this story in a while. Hopefully this chapter makes up for the wait.