Monday 19th of September, Minister of Magic's Office
Marcus Travers entered the Minister's office, following Madam Bones and Sirius after the Wizengamot meeting. The woman plopped onto the nearest couch and Marcus went to retrieve the many documents that she needed to review. When he came back, he placed two folders filled with parchments in front of her, along with a glass of juice.
"Thank you, Marcus. Please take a seat," the woman said.
"The documents in the black folder are the ones you need to review within the week but aren't urgent, the ones in red are the ones that need your approval within three days, and this book contains the schedule the previous Minister followed," the young man explained and the woman nodded.
"I will need your help; you're excellent in your job... I also need to relocate Umbridge," Amelia groaned, but a wide smile spread on her face.
"No one will miss the pink toad," Sirius announced and the occupants of the room nodded in silent agreement.
"Yes, anyway, I need to speak with you. If you wish, Sirius will leave," she offered, ignoring her offended boyfriend.
"I don't mind if he stays; either way, I'll have to tolerate him most of the week," Marcus shrugged, also ignoring the man.
"After witnessing your duelling abilities, I wanted to ask why you chose a political career instead of being an Auror."
"If I'm allowed to be blunt," the young adult inquired and Amelia nodded. "While you can help people being an Auror, the people in power are the ones that do the most, either by their action or inaction. I have seen many things I wish to change in the future and the best way to do it is by being a politician, even though I don't enjoy the title."
"I told you so! He's perfect for the position!" Sirius exclaimed and Madam Bones looked exasperated at his antics.
"Ignore his outburst," she almost begged, "you see, Marcus, that's the kind of answer I wished to hear. Both of us know that there are no suitable candidates for the position so Augusta, Lucius, and even Andra have convinced me to agree to become the new Minister for Magic," she explained looking at him. "However, it is not my wish to remain in the position for more than ten years and, if possible, I'd like to stay even less. You're an intelligent young man, who is praised by almost every worker in the Ministry because of your admirable work ethic. I wish to promote you to senior undersecretary and, if you agree, to begin training you to take my position when I retire," she offered. Marcus was not expecting that. While the Guild had decided he would have a political career, they expected their plans on that matter to take more than twenty years or so. Now, Amelia Bones was offering him an opportunity he could not reject.
"I'm honoured and I promise to work hard, Madam Bones."
"Call me Amelia. After all, we'll be working together for the next decade," the woman said with a bright smile.
"Who will become the new head of the DMLE?" asked a curious Sirius.
"I'm not sure, but I have been considering Rufus Scrimgeour," the woman answered.
"What about Auror Moody?" Marcus suggested.
"Alastor would rather live without his wand than being involved in all the bureaucracy that the position entails," Amelia explained to the boy.
"Be that as it may, Auror Moody is the most experienced person in the entire department. He knows from first-hand experience what it is that the new Aurors need in order to achieve their goals. Perhaps he is a man who prefers action, but I think it would be good to have him in the position for a time and, if he wants to, he can train another Auror to take his place in the future. Besides, no longer will he have to deal with an incompetent Minister and Skeeter has declared a feud against the corruption in the Ministry, so I doubt anyone will oppose his methods," Marcus explained. Alastor Moody would be far too useful in the position for he did not survive so many battles by power alone. The man was intelligent and would make the decisions Madam Bones was not prepared to. Marcus was sure that Harry would be pleased.
"I have never thought of it that way..." Amelia muttered.
"Moody will throw a fit," a resigned Sirius sighed.
"I will speak to him and you can come if you wish. Alastor will make the most of the position and will ensure he has at least two possible candidates to take the position after him, even if it's just so he doesn't have to take care of the paperwork. I'm sure we'll make a great team Marcus," Amelia told the intelligent young man, who she was sure had a bright future waiting for him.
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Friday 23rd of September, Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts
Albus Dumbledore observed the teachers that arrived for the meeting with a faux smile. The week had drained him from the moment it began and he yearned to have a peaceful day by himself. Talking with the new teachers for the first years had been tiring enough; none of them considered his suggestions for teaching the kids in a less pro-active way. If possible, he was sure they would increase the pace in order to annoy him. There were too many people in the school for him to be comfortable with and he had no doubts that Madam Marchbanks would only hire more.
That was yet another problem; the new subjects that were going to be introduced to the school were extremely dangerous. Children tended to misuse knowledge, especially the controversial topics that were going to be taught. Albus was not stupid and he knew from first-hand experience that power corrupted, so it should not be given for free. The real predicament was the fact that he was unable to protect the children from the knowledge that had corrupted him, Gellert and even Tom, something that led to his next dilemma: Harry Potter.
The old man admitted, with a great amount of shame, that he had misjudged the child. He had ignored all his positive traits and tried to fit him into the mould of a young Tom Riddle, all because of the woman who had described him as evil. Dumbledore was forced to remember that magic was seen as vile and sinister by most Muggles, their fear of the unknown guiding their ignorant beliefs. He refused to admit that the boy's amazing magical prowess and undeniable, yet fearsome power, combined with a sharp mind, had also been one of the main reasons. Shame filled him when he remembered the times he thought the boy was walking a dark path, mistaking his stoic demeanour for concealed arrogance and his inherent charm for a manipulative nature. His blindness mortified him, filling him with immeasurable regret, to the point where he was unable to even glance at the innocent boy... The boy who was the key to defeat Voldemort, the monster Albus had created.
Harry Potter was too important for the peace of the wizarding world and he was ashamed because the boy would be the sacrifice to cleanse his sins. However, Dumbledore swore to give the boy as much time as possible for him to enjoy what was left of his childhood... That was not much because Tom had returned sooner than expected.
His eyes were directed at the beautiful Isabelle Kowalski the moment she walked into the room, interrupting his austere self-criticism from taking an even darker turn and replacing it with worry. The girl reminded him too much of Queenie for him to be comfortable and her mannerisms while carrying herself only strengthened that impression, but there was nothing he could do to remove her from the castle until the next year. Albus winced when the girl sat beside Filius and Benedict, engaging them in a conversation that Minerva joined. He observed with trepidation as Isabelle glared at Severus as the man entered the room, eyeing with disgust his left arm and her eyes seem to decipher the reason why the man looked more tired than usual. Her eyes met his and Isabelle did nothing to hide her sneer... Albus was perturbed; it seemed she had inherited her grandmother's powerful perceptive skills and perhaps even her Legilimency.
"Good evening. I hope we can begin this meeting by addressing how the changes have affected the students," Albus announced, trying to convey his worry in that simple sentence.
"Instead of affected, the correct term is benefitted," Pomona said with a wide smile. "Now that they have more activities to do, there hasn't been a single behaviour problem. Though there are a few students who earned detention for being late to class, but I'm sure they've learnt their lesson."
"I've never seen the children so motivated," Minerva gushed. "Now that I actually have time to pay attention to my students, I've covered more lessons than I could have imagined."
"I also noticed a great improvement. For the ones who don't know, I give my students the opportunity to work with a more advanced curriculum as long as they are willing to work hard. In the last years, only one student was able to keep up with my requirements. However, I don't believe that will be the case for long. Thanks to Miss Axton, now I'm able to help the students who advance at a faster rate during class instead of just giving them extra work," Filius informed the room, looking excited.
"According to Remus Lupin, the students know nothing but the basics. Much to my disappointment, I was able to confirm this, but we are already working to fix the student's lack of knowledge. I have no idea how they behaved the previous years but, in my class, they work hard and have been progressing at a wondrous rate," Isabelle said, unnerving Albus with her expressionless face and penetrating gaze that he refused to meet.
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"I was told that they are terrified of you," Minerva joked.
"Perhaps, but what matters is that they are working," the younger woman shrugged.
"We have a special group of students that is far beyond their class," Mister Albee said.
"Am I correct to assume it is Mister Potter's group?" Aurora asked.
"Indeed. They have talent, of course, but also an admirable work ethic. They aren't satisfied until they master the new spell during class," Isabelle stated, a smile softening her visage.
"They all made it to the advanced classes and I'm pleased with their performance," Benedict added. "You were right, Filius, they're excellent students."
"So how's the Duelling Club going?" Bathsheda asked.
"The room was almost flooded with students for the first meeting. After they discovered duelling wasn't about flashy spells or being popular, but about hard work instead, the room emptied faster than if we told them they needed to fight a dragon," Isabelle huffed in annoyance.
"While that's true, we have hard-working members," Mister Albee explained, trying to soften the harsh truth that professor Kowalski spat.
"Members that also happen to be Mister Potter's friends," Isabelle shrugged.
"I'm so glad that two of my badgers joined that group in particular. They are all good kids that are always going out of their way to help others," Pomona announced with a proud smile.
"We're getting off track," Albus interrupted. "Do any of you have any problems with the new system?" he asked, hoping someone would complain.
"None at all, Albus. The classes have improved and the students enjoy the changes. I'm particularly pleased with all the new materials for my class," Charity answered. "Many students have suggested a trip to the Muggle world and I was thinking of organizing something in the future."
"Perhaps it is too soon to draw conclusions but, so far, the students are enjoying the changes. There are two Hogwarts Quidditch Teams and I know others will follow. It's time to show the students that, no matter the house they are in, they are all members of this school," Rolanda announced her uncharacteristic heartfelt speech.
"Honestly Albus, the only complaint we could have is asking why it wasn't done sooner if we had the money?" Minerva snapped at him.
"Anyway, do you think it is wise to allow the Quidditch cup to be played and even add a new cup? This will be a busy year," Albus said genially, ignoring the woman's scathing words.
"That's why the students will need an outlet and, now that the Tournament will be organized by those responsible for the idea and not fall into the teachers' hands, I don't think there will be a single problem," Filius said. "Besides, only one student will become a champion, not the whole school."
"Indeed, Filius," the headmaster tried to appease the man and avoid any kind of verbal confrontation. "Who knows which students will submit their names?"
"Miss Johnson is willing to, but she won't skip her NEWTs and that was her request," Minerva informed.
"Mister Diggory talked with me about it. Although he does not wish to participate, his father wants him to, so he will submit his name," Pomona sighed.
"None of my Ravens; the arguments against the tournament were solid and no one is willing to risk their lives or magic," Filius announced, looking quite proud. Everybody looked at Severus, but the man remained quiet and was beginning to tense up, so the short man took pity on him. "Mister Warrington will submit his name, though he is also unwilling to skip his exams."
"It's a shame we don't have more students willing to participate," Albus lamented and immediately knew they were the wrong words to say when Minerva glared at him.
"Such a shame, you say, but I believe it's a blessing my students have enough brains to know that the bloody competition is nothing but dangerous! I still can't believe that you tried so hard to have it reinstated. I'm so glad that Griselda and Amelia have good heads and are thinking about the safety of my kids instead of thinking of the fame that the stupid thing will bring!" she exclaimed and, if looks could kill, Albus would have met a painful death.
"We have taken security measures," the headmaster said in a way of appeasing the woman and changed topics. "How are the clubs going?"
"Rune inscription doesn't have many students, but I couldn't have asked for better ones. Mister Nott uses runes in ways that I've never seen and I'm sure he has the potential to become a master. Mister George Weasley has a unique talent for Runes and I'm thinking of offering him an apprenticeship if he's ready in a few months," Nina said with a bright smile.
"Oh, my. I wasn't expecting that," Minerva muttered but her face brightened. "The Weasley twins have matured so much. I'm sure he will be more than ready," she assured the younger teacher, who nodded in agreement.
"Gardening is quite popular with many students, so I believe I will need help. They have suggested growing medicinal plants and even vegetables for the school," Mister Kenly told the others.
"That's an excellent idea! I'm sure that Gregory and Severus can teach the kids the correct way of harvesting different plants for potion ingredients. Imagine how much money the school would save if we were able to grow our own vegetables and potion ingredients. I have to discuss this with Griselda," Filius gushed. His excitement was almost felt by the other people in the room.
"Mister Ron Weasley suggested a chess club, so I will be organizing that," Minerva announced.
"The young Weasley has improved a lot compared to last year. I guess that knowing he would be the first student in a century to fail a class motivated him," Thomas Cumberbatch mussed.
"Sorry to pop your bubble, but that's not the reason," Jessica Munter said. "He told us that he wishes to be an Auror and a professional Quidditch player. He realized that he needed to put in the effort to achieve his goals, so he's decided to work hard."
"I am glad he's gained some sense," Aurora muttered.
"The problem was his utterly defeated expression; you should have seen his face," Benedict chuckled in pure mirth.
"That doesn't change the fact that the boy is working hard. I'm so proud of him," Pomona announced, glaring at the man who took the wise decision of shutting up.
"Does anyone think any underage student will try to submit their names?" the headmaster asked, directing the conversation.
"Two years ago, I would have said that the Weasley twins were planning something to enter. Now, though, those kids have become so responsible and mature that I know they won't cause any trouble. Besides, you're drawing the age line, Albus - no students and few teachers will be able to fool it," Minerva snapped at him.
"You're right Minerva, but I'm far from infallible," the alluded man answered.
"If an underage student is able to outsmart you then, perhaps, it's time to consider retirement," McGonagall said with a saccharine tone that did nothing to conceal her poison. Dumbledore sighed at the woman's implication, knowing that the next few months would be almost hazardous to deal with her.
"How have the students received the foreigners?" Albus asked, not willing to have that kind of conversation with Minerva.
"Durmstrang students seem more than happy to be here. They're integrating with the Slytherins and the other students as well. They have also joined different clubs," Isabelle answered.
"The Slytherins have been so kind with the new students that I had to award them points," Filius explained. "I'm ashamed to admit this, but many members of my house make the Beauxbatons students uncomfortable with their actions. However, many others have gone out of their way to offer them assistance and friendship."
"True, though I remember seeing a French girl alone most of the time," Rolanda said.
"That may be Miss Delacour; many students have tried to befriend her but are either uncomfortable with her beauty or intimidated by her straightforward attitude. Today, Miss Selwyn asked me about her, so she is able to offer her friendship," Flitwick sighed, a diminutive smile on his lips.
"You must be proud of your house, Severus. They are nothing but examples of excellent behaviour and solidarity," Thomas complimented the man but, by his expression, you could have assumed Severus had just been insulted.
"Have there been any troubles with the Hogwarts hall?" Albus asked in hopes of deflecting an uncomfortable situation.
"I have never seen the students so cooperative. A few tried to start trouble against the Slytherins, but the idea of detention stopped them," Septima announced. "I'm glad the school has stricter rules. By this time we used to have dozens of troublemakers in detention."
"The students, especially the first years, are enjoying the room. I've seen members of every house socializing and I hope many friendships are formed," Bathsheba commented.
"Does anyone wish to suggest any other changes or additions? Griselda and I are meeting tomorrow and she wants to know what else we can improve," Minerva announced to the room.
"Perhaps we can add one more assistant to the core subjects," Mister Albee said. "Isabelle and I have been stretched thin while trying to manage our time, but that may be because of the club and the extra tutoring we're giving," the man added sheepishly.
"I have no idea how you did it all by yourselves, but maybe we just need time to adapt to the school rhythm," Isabelle muttered.
"No, I believe it's an excellent idea," Filius answered and looked at Minerva, who nodded in agreement. "Many people had children after the war and the number of students is increasing. The first-year professors are having a hard time keeping up, so I think they are the ones who need assistance the most. For the older years, we can perhaps get someone who helps with the practical part in the subjects that demand it."
"That's a great idea, Filius. I'm sure Griselda will think the same."
"I believe that's all for today. You may leave," Albus announced before Minerva could use the meeting to her favour.
The Headmaster watched as the numerous people that occupied his office walked out of the room, leaving him to drown into his oppressive thoughts. Everything was harder now. The teachers and assistants were always keeping an eye on the students, something that would complicate his plans. That was without considering the fact that Madam Bones was about to be chosen as the next Minister for Magic.
While the woman was highly efficient, she was not who Dumbledore wanted in the position. However, many favours were called to re-establish the Tournament and, besides, there was no other suitable candidate. The dark faction was pushing for Aaron Yaxley as the next Minister, and he had tried to push Elphias Doge for the position, but neither had the necessary support. Amelia Bones, on the other hand, was being supported by Lucius Malfoy, Augusta Longbottom, Andra Blair, and Sirius Black. All these people were considered the unofficial leaders of the Wizengamot and, if that was not enough, the Magic Times Herald was singing the praises of the woman for her actions against Voldemort. Albus knew that thanks to the bloody newspaper, the woman had thrice the support the other candidates did and there was no doubt that she would be elected.
'Nothing to do about that situation', the headmaster thought. All his plans would come to fruition soon and there would be no reason to worry about Madam Bones or the government until the next Minister was chosen. However, in the following years, he would be busy trying to ensure Amelia did not approve harsh and cruel laws against the people that had lost their way.
He watched as Fawkes was preening his feathers and tried to approach him, but the bird flew away before he was able to stand up. That was yet another problem. Fawkes had begun ignoring his existence and many times, he had found him in Minerva's office, which made him feel uncomfortable and inadequate. However, Albus knew that every single sacrifice would be worth it in the end.