Douglas's mind raced, linking all the information together, analyzing it, and working through the possibilities.
He set down his wineglass and leaned forward slightly, adopting the air of someone ready for a serious discussion.
"How would he contribute?"
He asked cautiously, every word carefully considered.
"As a guest lecturer? Or has he set his sights on my position?"
"He has applied for an administrative position at the school."
Dumbledore seemed not to have noticed the probing in his words at all.
"He hopes to conduct a comprehensive assessment and upgrade of Hogwarts's security system, and provide additional practical combat instruction for the senior students."
"Sirius wholeheartedly supports the idea."
Sirius's support was perfectly reasonable.
They had once been the Order of the Phoenix's most valiant comrades, with a bond forged by risking their lives together.
Dumbledore's trust made sense as well.
Moody was the Wizarding World's most legendary Auror, his experience second to none.
Unfortunately, Douglas knew some spoilers.
A Death Eater wearing Moody's face was about to enter Hogwarts.
He feigned contemplation, tapping his fingers lightly on the table as though weighing the pros and cons.
"His experience is second to none."
He began with an affirmation, then changed tack.
"But his... methods, and that legendary paranoia of his, may cause unnecessary panic among the students."
He deftly planted an inconspicuous seed to account for his future suspicions.
"A fair point."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement, seemingly accepting his concerns completely.
"So I've assigned him to the Academic Affairs Office, as Sirius's assistant."
Douglas froze.
The Academic Affairs Office?
Assistant?
Dumbledore's gaze fell on his face through his half-moon spectacles.
A meaningful glimmer flashed in those wise eyes, one only Douglas could decipher.
"The Academic Affairs Office is right next door to your office."
The old headmaster added this leisurely,