Hogwarts Professors/ Making Lists
Title: Making Lists
Claim: Hogwarts' Professors
Prompt: 201. List
Rating: PG
Summary: The Hogwarts; staff meeting before the beginning of the PoA school year, as recounted from the point of view of Minerva McGonagall
Word count: 1616
Making lists was an old habit of Remus Lupin, one with which McGonagall was quite familiar from having him as a student. Therefore, she was not at all surprised when, at the staff meeting to discuss safety precautions after Sirius Black's escape, he pulled out a quill and parchment and began making neat boxes in which to form his lists.
What surprised McGonagall was his utter calm as he did so; even though he was normally quite stoic, she remembered how close he had been both with Black and the Potters. Even she, who had been their teacher and not their comrade-in-arms, was having some difficulty maintaining her air of quiet dignity; Remus Lupin had less practice than she, and yet if she hadn't known of his connections with Black, she would not have suspected. She only hoped she came off as well; if she couldn't convince the other professors that she was calm, how was she ever going to convince a school full of students?
“The Ministry insists on having Dementors at Hogwarts,” Albus announced, which sent the whole staffroom into a frenzy of protest and outrage. Albus held up his hand for silence; eventually he got it. “Needless to say, I have protested to the Ministry that there are perhaps more difficulties with the presence of Dementors than they are worth, and I made it quite clear to them that the Dementors are to stay off the Hogwarts grounds themselves.”
“Dementors” had appeared on Remus's list, along with columns for Pros and Cons. Under “Pros,” he had written “Keeps Ministry happy; slight deterrent to any mischief makers.” Under “Cons:” “Hogwarts staff upset; infringement on Head Master Dumbledore's authority; students will be affected poorly; students will be miserable and more likely to fight; students will be unable to focus on coursework; Black got past them once and may do so again.”
“As far as other precautions, I would like each and every one of you to be on guard. We must be very cautious, and furthermore we must watch the Ministry and the Dementors with as much care as we give to watching for Sirius Black.”
“Watch the Ministry” appeared on the list; Remus filled out the “Cons” column first this time. “Cons: who knows what they will do if they catch us watching them; Fudge will be annoyed if he suspects Head Master Dumbledore of keeping an eye on him;” on the other side, he wrote: “predicting what they are up to; being more able to protect the students from them; Fudge will be annoyed if he suspects Head Master Dumbledore of keeping an eye on him.”
“The Ministry also wants to have the Dementors accompany the Hogwarts Express.”
Which caused another tempest of outrage; Remus caught the gist of their protest in his newest Pros and Cons section. “Cons - see 'Dementors'; also, students unaware and no professors to protect them.” “Pros - Hogwarts Express possibly a tempting target with no professors to protect students, Dementors may make it less so.”
Finally, the staff had run out of frenzied accusations and realized that they were supposed to be paying attention to Dumbledore, who was in fact on their side of the issue, and who was leaning back in his chair and waiting patiently for them to regain some semblance of order before continuing on. “Now, I've been thinking that perhaps one of the professors should accompany the students on the Express, simply to ensure that someone is with them in the event of Dementors getting out of hand.”
Many of the staff members made various protests; they were used to having the time just before school without having to deal with the students; time to set up their classrooms and wander the halls of Hogwarts and have adult conversations. Not only that, but Dementors made just about everyone nervous.
“Professor on Hogwarts Express” emerged from Remus's quill. “Pros - someone experienced to protect students from Dementors; discourages Dementor-induced fights and mischief. Cons - interferes with students' time without professors; changes students' routine and may prove further unsettling; many professors unwilling to join students on Express.”
When Dumbledore had quieted the wave of protests, he said, “This actually brings me to my next order of business. Although many of you are already familiar with him, I would like to introduce our newest Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Remus Lupin.”
Remus smiled shyly as the other professors made a point of welcoming him; at least there was one positive thing to come out of this staff meeting. McGonagall pondered that list - “Cons - learning that Dementors will be at Hogwarts; discussing things in ways Fudge would leap to conclude were plotting against the Ministry; general outrage at the thought of being asked to ride on Hogwarts Express. Pros - we get to meet Remus Lupin, who is perhaps the best chance of a decent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher the students have had since Remus himself was a student.”
“Now, one thing I would like to make all of you aware of - and Remus has graciously agreed to let me share this information with you - is that Professor Lupin is, in fact, affected with lychanthropy; however,” and this time he gave no chance for outburst or protest, “Professor Snape has graciously offered to brew the Wolfsbane Potion while Professor Lupin is here at Hogwarts, as well as taking over his classes during the full moon.”
Everyone turned towards Severus, and McGonagall could not help but be glad that she was not Remus, forced to count on his potions; he was looking towards the newest addition to the staff with an unmitigated loathing. McGonagall could not help but recall them during their school days, Severus mercilessly teased by and Remus helplessly tagging along after Sirius Black. Even now his shadow loomed between them, even when they were united in common cause to defend the students against him. She could not help wonder, with a twinge of defensiveness, how they would act when Harry Potter came into the picture, as much James's son as he was. And wasn't there some division between Lupin and Potter, before James and Lily died . . .? A situation that bore careful watching, then.
“Professor Lupin,” Dumbledore continued, pointedly ignoring Snape's glare, “I would greatly appreciate it if you would agree to ride the Express with the students.”
As the staff body watched expectantly, Remus was absorbed in making another list. “Myself as Professor on Hogwarts Express. Pros: I can manage Dementors, I don't have to spend money on other transport, I will protect the students. Cons: certain memories, the students don't know and/or trust me yet, may be Ministry trouble.”
Then he suddenly realized how quiet everything had gotten, how everyone was staring at him. “Er, sorry . . . of course, I'd be delighted to guard the students . . .”
Severus cut in. “How can you expect this . . . creature . . . to keep your precious students safe?”
“I have every faith in him, Severus, and we must not have animosity between our staff members.”
“Even if you trust him,” and Snape punctuated this qualification with a look strongly implying he did not, “the fact remains it is soon after the full moon when the Express comes to Hogwarts.”
Remus stiffened, and quickly scribbled “too soon after full moon” on the cons side, then considered his lists a moment. “I can sleep on the train, and save my energy for the Dementors; I am not letting those students fall prey to the vile creatures, whatever I do.”
“Most excellent, then it is all settled - someone fill Hagrid in when he gets back, he had an emergency with one of his creatures, and I'm sure you all remember how graciously he offered to take over Magical Creatures for Kettleburn - is there any other business? No? Most excellent; you are dismissed.” Dumbledore waved his hands, and most of the professors scattered to enjoy their precious last few days of freedom before the beginning of term.
McGonagall noted that Severus stayed, and stalked to hover by Dumbledore, bending close to his ear, doubtless to protest and argue. Remus gathered his parchments together, and McGonagall waited for him to finish.
“I am quite looking forward to having you with us this term, Remus,” she told him quietly when he finished.
“Thank you, Professor - I still can't fully believe that I get to teach at Hogwarts. It's such an honor, and not something one expects . . .”
“You'll do a good deal better than many of those fools Albus has hired. I do hope you manage to stay on past the first year; the way we've been running through Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers is simply disgraceful.”
“Yes, well, I'll do my best - thank you for your support, Professor, I am looking forward to working with you this year - but I do have an errand to run for Head Master, so I'm afraid, if you'll excuse me . . .”
“Of course, and make sure you get your rest.”
She watched him leave, a rare ghost of a smile passing over her features, and then she retreated to her office and pulled out a quill and a brand new sheet of parchment. Across the top, in flowing script, she wrote “Remus Lupin as Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher,” and then “Pros” and “Cons.” In the Pros column, “competent, knows more about Black than most Ministry people, will actually teach students something useful, will care about students, annoys Severus.” The “Cons” side she left blank.
She then turned her attention to quite another kind of list - the Hogwarts student roster - and the other details of preparing for the beginning of term. It was going to be a busy year.
Claim: Hogwarts' Professors
Prompt: 201. List
Rating: PG
Summary: The Hogwarts; staff meeting before the beginning of the PoA school year, as recounted from the point of view of Minerva McGonagall
Word count: 1616
Making lists was an old habit of Remus Lupin, one with which McGonagall was quite familiar from having him as a student. Therefore, she was not at all surprised when, at the staff meeting to discuss safety precautions after Sirius Black's escape, he pulled out a quill and parchment and began making neat boxes in which to form his lists.
What surprised McGonagall was his utter calm as he did so; even though he was normally quite stoic, she remembered how close he had been both with Black and the Potters. Even she, who had been their teacher and not their comrade-in-arms, was having some difficulty maintaining her air of quiet dignity; Remus Lupin had less practice than she, and yet if she hadn't known of his connections with Black, she would not have suspected. She only hoped she came off as well; if she couldn't convince the other professors that she was calm, how was she ever going to convince a school full of students?
“The Ministry insists on having Dementors at Hogwarts,” Albus announced, which sent the whole staffroom into a frenzy of protest and outrage. Albus held up his hand for silence; eventually he got it. “Needless to say, I have protested to the Ministry that there are perhaps more difficulties with the presence of Dementors than they are worth, and I made it quite clear to them that the Dementors are to stay off the Hogwarts grounds themselves.”
“Dementors” had appeared on Remus's list, along with columns for Pros and Cons. Under “Pros,” he had written “Keeps Ministry happy; slight deterrent to any mischief makers.” Under “Cons:” “Hogwarts staff upset; infringement on Head Master Dumbledore's authority; students will be affected poorly; students will be miserable and more likely to fight; students will be unable to focus on coursework; Black got past them once and may do so again.”
“As far as other precautions, I would like each and every one of you to be on guard. We must be very cautious, and furthermore we must watch the Ministry and the Dementors with as much care as we give to watching for Sirius Black.”
“Watch the Ministry” appeared on the list; Remus filled out the “Cons” column first this time. “Cons: who knows what they will do if they catch us watching them; Fudge will be annoyed if he suspects Head Master Dumbledore of keeping an eye on him;” on the other side, he wrote: “predicting what they are up to; being more able to protect the students from them; Fudge will be annoyed if he suspects Head Master Dumbledore of keeping an eye on him.”
“The Ministry also wants to have the Dementors accompany the Hogwarts Express.”
Which caused another tempest of outrage; Remus caught the gist of their protest in his newest Pros and Cons section. “Cons - see 'Dementors'; also, students unaware and no professors to protect them.” “Pros - Hogwarts Express possibly a tempting target with no professors to protect students, Dementors may make it less so.”
Finally, the staff had run out of frenzied accusations and realized that they were supposed to be paying attention to Dumbledore, who was in fact on their side of the issue, and who was leaning back in his chair and waiting patiently for them to regain some semblance of order before continuing on. “Now, I've been thinking that perhaps one of the professors should accompany the students on the Express, simply to ensure that someone is with them in the event of Dementors getting out of hand.”
Many of the staff members made various protests; they were used to having the time just before school without having to deal with the students; time to set up their classrooms and wander the halls of Hogwarts and have adult conversations. Not only that, but Dementors made just about everyone nervous.
“Professor on Hogwarts Express” emerged from Remus's quill. “Pros - someone experienced to protect students from Dementors; discourages Dementor-induced fights and mischief. Cons - interferes with students' time without professors; changes students' routine and may prove further unsettling; many professors unwilling to join students on Express.”
When Dumbledore had quieted the wave of protests, he said, “This actually brings me to my next order of business. Although many of you are already familiar with him, I would like to introduce our newest Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Remus Lupin.”
Remus smiled shyly as the other professors made a point of welcoming him; at least there was one positive thing to come out of this staff meeting. McGonagall pondered that list - “Cons - learning that Dementors will be at Hogwarts; discussing things in ways Fudge would leap to conclude were plotting against the Ministry; general outrage at the thought of being asked to ride on Hogwarts Express. Pros - we get to meet Remus Lupin, who is perhaps the best chance of a decent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher the students have had since Remus himself was a student.”
“Now, one thing I would like to make all of you aware of - and Remus has graciously agreed to let me share this information with you - is that Professor Lupin is, in fact, affected with lychanthropy; however,” and this time he gave no chance for outburst or protest, “Professor Snape has graciously offered to brew the Wolfsbane Potion while Professor Lupin is here at Hogwarts, as well as taking over his classes during the full moon.”
Everyone turned towards Severus, and McGonagall could not help but be glad that she was not Remus, forced to count on his potions; he was looking towards the newest addition to the staff with an unmitigated loathing. McGonagall could not help but recall them during their school days, Severus mercilessly teased by and Remus helplessly tagging along after Sirius Black. Even now his shadow loomed between them, even when they were united in common cause to defend the students against him. She could not help wonder, with a twinge of defensiveness, how they would act when Harry Potter came into the picture, as much James's son as he was. And wasn't there some division between Lupin and Potter, before James and Lily died . . .? A situation that bore careful watching, then.
“Professor Lupin,” Dumbledore continued, pointedly ignoring Snape's glare, “I would greatly appreciate it if you would agree to ride the Express with the students.”
As the staff body watched expectantly, Remus was absorbed in making another list. “Myself as Professor on Hogwarts Express. Pros: I can manage Dementors, I don't have to spend money on other transport, I will protect the students. Cons: certain memories, the students don't know and/or trust me yet, may be Ministry trouble.”
Then he suddenly realized how quiet everything had gotten, how everyone was staring at him. “Er, sorry . . . of course, I'd be delighted to guard the students . . .”
Severus cut in. “How can you expect this . . . creature . . . to keep your precious students safe?”
“I have every faith in him, Severus, and we must not have animosity between our staff members.”
“Even if you trust him,” and Snape punctuated this qualification with a look strongly implying he did not, “the fact remains it is soon after the full moon when the Express comes to Hogwarts.”
Remus stiffened, and quickly scribbled “too soon after full moon” on the cons side, then considered his lists a moment. “I can sleep on the train, and save my energy for the Dementors; I am not letting those students fall prey to the vile creatures, whatever I do.”
“Most excellent, then it is all settled - someone fill Hagrid in when he gets back, he had an emergency with one of his creatures, and I'm sure you all remember how graciously he offered to take over Magical Creatures for Kettleburn - is there any other business? No? Most excellent; you are dismissed.” Dumbledore waved his hands, and most of the professors scattered to enjoy their precious last few days of freedom before the beginning of term.
McGonagall noted that Severus stayed, and stalked to hover by Dumbledore, bending close to his ear, doubtless to protest and argue. Remus gathered his parchments together, and McGonagall waited for him to finish.
“I am quite looking forward to having you with us this term, Remus,” she told him quietly when he finished.
“Thank you, Professor - I still can't fully believe that I get to teach at Hogwarts. It's such an honor, and not something one expects . . .”
“You'll do a good deal better than many of those fools Albus has hired. I do hope you manage to stay on past the first year; the way we've been running through Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers is simply disgraceful.”
“Yes, well, I'll do my best - thank you for your support, Professor, I am looking forward to working with you this year - but I do have an errand to run for Head Master, so I'm afraid, if you'll excuse me . . .”
“Of course, and make sure you get your rest.”
She watched him leave, a rare ghost of a smile passing over her features, and then she retreated to her office and pulled out a quill and a brand new sheet of parchment. Across the top, in flowing script, she wrote “Remus Lupin as Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher,” and then “Pros” and “Cons.” In the Pros column, “competent, knows more about Black than most Ministry people, will actually teach students something useful, will care about students, annoys Severus.” The “Cons” side she left blank.
She then turned her attention to quite another kind of list - the Hogwarts student roster - and the other details of preparing for the beginning of term. It was going to be a busy year.