One-shot: Professors Gen
Title: Staff Meetings
Author: mollywheezy
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Argus Filch, Filius Flitwick, Rubeus Hagrid, Neville Longbottom, Minerva McGonagall, Horace Slughorn, Severus Snape, Pomona Sprout, Sybil Trelawney, Dolores Umbridge, mentions of a few others
Word Count: 1500
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Summary: Once the students are asleep, the teachers of Hogwarts are able to talk freely with each other . . . and settle their various wagers.
Disclaimer: JKR owns the universe. I'm grateful for the opportunity to play in it. And Merlin knows I'm not making any money!
Author’s Notes: Written for interhouse_fest 2015. Thank you to my awesome beta, rumpelsnorcack! *HUGS*
September 1, 1991
After the sorting, all of the Hogwarts teachers milled about in the staff room, catching up on their summer holidays, laughing, sharing a glass of wine or mulled mead, toasting their new students-a party-like atmosphere among friends. As the hour drew late, all began to be aware they needed to teach the next day, and began to wind down.
"Before we all leave, I believe we have a couple of wagers to settle," Professor Dumbledore steepled his fingers under his chin as his eyes twinkled.
"Yes, we certainly do," Snape drawled. "Slytherin won the house cup last year for the-how many years in a row has it been?-oh yes, seven. One doesn't want to boast, though."
"Of course not, Severus, "Minerva spoke. "We all know you would never boast."
Pomona tittered, and tried to turn it into a cough behind her hand as Severus glared at her.
"Yes, Severus. Slytherin House should be very proud of its fine record. Everyone pay your debts." Professor Dumbledore handed Severus a galleon, and all of the other staff members in the room followed suit. "I do believe we had an additional wager this year, however. Each head of house thought he or she would get Harry Potter as a student, but Minerva is our lucky winner."
"Thank you, Albus," Minerva said as he handed her a galleon. The other teachers again followed suit. "I also have another Weasley this year. Anyone want to bet if I will get the complete set next year?"
"That would not be an intelligent bet to take. All of the Weasleys-"
"Very wise Filius," Sybil interrupted from the corner of the room. "One with the inner eye cannot participate in games of chance. I'd have an unfair advantage, you see."
"Of course, Sybil," said Minerva crisply. "Yes, Filius, the Weasleys have been Gryffindors for generations, but we never know for sure what will happen, do we?"
"True, very true."
"Well, I for one think we all have a wonderful crop of first years! More Muggle-borns this time, and we never can tell which house they will be in, not that family history always holds."
"Excellent point, Pomona, it should prove to be an exciting year. But, alas, I must retire. Busy day tomorrow. Goodnight, everyone." Cries of Goodnight, Albus, followed him out of the room.
Sybil said to nobody in particular, "I must adjourn to my solitary tower to peruse--," and she floated out in mid-sentence.
"Goodnight, everyone!" Aurora called. "I must take advantage of the clear skies to prepare tomorrow's Astronomy lessons."
A few other teachers followed, all calling goodnights. Shortly, only Minerva, Severus, Filius, and Pomona remained.
"All right," Severus began. "Time for the real wager. Pay up." Minerva, Filius, and Pomona, sighed and each handed Severus a bottle of Ogden's Firewhisky. "Now, I shall bid you goodnight."
"Just a minute, Severus, you have yet to settle with me for the wager in which I prevailed." Severus handed Minerva a bottle of elf-made elderflower wine, and with a curt wave, left the room. Filius and Pomona also gave Minerva bottles of wine as they said their goodnights to each other and wished each other a good start of term.
September 1, 1995
After the Hogwarts' Welcome Feast, Dolores Umbridge walked into the staff room with Argus Filch, finding it completely empty. "Will you join me for a drink, Argus? It would be lovely to have someone with whom I can toast the new year."
"Thank you, Marm. I'd be delighted."
Dolores poured them each a small glass of Ogden's from the liquor cupboard, clinked glasses and said "To new beginnings at Hogwarts!"
"To new beginnings!" Argus grinned, drained his glass and poured himself another. Dolores daintily sipped her whisky in silence, until she and Argus shortly thereafter bid each other goodnight and left the staff room.
A few months later . . .
Minerva McGonagall transformed herself into her Animagus form. As a cat, she knew all of the ways to sneak out of the castle without being seen.
~*~
Filius Flitwick disillusioned himself and his broom and flew out of his office window. He stayed close to the trees. If anyone saw movement, they would think the wind was blowing the leaves.
~*~
Severus Snape transfigured himself into black smoke, seeped under the door of his dungeon office and floated out of the castle. Once outside, he could not be distinguished from the dark.
~*~
Pomona Sprout picked up her basket and went to pick nightshade. It had stronger efficacy if picked in the dark, so she had a reason for being out and about if anyone saw her.
~*~
Albus Dumbledore walked straight out the front doors of Hogwarts, and meandered across the grounds to Hagrid's hut. He would have tea with Hagrid as he had at least once each week since Hagrid was thirteen years old. When he arrived, Hagrid threw the door open wide as they greeted each other warmly and spoke for a few minutes as a disillusioned Filius, some black smoke, and a cat crept inside.
When Dumbledore entered and Hagrid closed the door, Minerva transformed, Severus reconstituted, and Filius cast Finite Incantatem on himself. Pomona had already entered through the unlocked back door.
"The coast is clear?"
"Obviously, Filius, or she, would be here chucking us all out of Hogwarts," Severus sneered.
"Right, right, yes. Although, I really don't see any need for your snarky tone, Severus. We are all on the same side."
"Apologies," Severus nodded to Filius who returned the nod.
"We all need to band together in this terrible time!" Pomona wrung her hands. "I just can't believe how evil that woman is to the students! That quill!" Pomona visibly shuddered. "And she is so biased and unfair! I give points to any--," Pomona looked briefly at Severus, "any non-Inquisitorial Squad member whenever I can."
"Excellent idea!" Dumbledore enthused. "Any other ways to help our students?"
"I dropped a hint about the healing properties of essence of murtlap in my fifth year class. Miss Granger certainly picked up on the idea and shared it with Potter. Or most likely made it for him, as Potter's potion's skills are non-existent. I overheard Lee Jordan speaking to Fred Weasley that Potter recommended essence of murtlap for his hand, so apparently, the idea is spreading."
"Why the sneer, Severus?" Pomona asked. "We need to do everything we can to help the poor boy. She's targeting him more than any other."
"I did not come here to discuss Potter," Snape snarled. "The only person I despise more than Potter is Umbridge."
"A' leas' we all can agree on summat!" Hagrid declared vehemently. "Not the despisin' 'arry part, the despisin' Umbridge part, I mean." Hagrid's cheeks turned pink above his beard.
"Yes, we certainly are all in agreement with our feelings towards our new High Inquisitor," Minerva spat the last words as if they were a despicable curse. "I do have a feeling Fred and George Weasley have something big up their sleeves to make Madam Umbridge's life difficult, and I do not intend to do anything at all to stop them."
Filius laughed. "Those boys are brilliant! So creative, and their charm work is just first rate. Although, I do occasionally wish they chose more traditional outlets for their enthusiasm." Filius shook his head, but he was still chuckling.
The others chuckled as well. Albus waved his wand, eyes twinkling, and conjured glasses of mead for all of them. "A toast to any creative mischief that any of us can imagine or help with to bring us through this trial to better times."
"To better times!" Everyone said in unison, raising their glasses.
September 1, 2010
Filius bounced into the crowded staff room absolutely vibrating with glee. "Pay up everyone! I finally have a Weasley in Ravenclaw!"
"How does the wager work exactly? I have a Weasley in Gryffindor as well," asked Neville Longbottom.
Minerva sighed, "We usually leave the wager until the end of our start of term staff party, but since Filius is so excited . . . Everyone give Filius and Neville a galleon each."
The staff laughed at the Headmistress' pretend exasperation and paid the two professors.
Filius still bubbled excitedly, "I suppose the Delacour blood overcame the Weasley Gryffindor gene."
Neville added, "There is still a Weasley in Gryffindor, and her mother was a Hufflepuff. I'd say the Weasley Gryffindor gene is still strong.
"These are only the first two of this generation. I might get a Weasley in Hufflepuff yet."
Horace Slughorn boomed, "I could get a Weasley in Slytherin, too, or maybe a Potter." Horace's eyes gleamed. There were many chuckles in the room at this pronouncement. "Now, now. You never know. Stranger things have certainly happened."
"Very true, but might I suggest that we drink to all of our students, whichever house they are in."
Everyone offered nods and mutters of agreement to Minerva's suggestion.
"To the students of Hogwarts-past, present, and future!"
"To our students!"
The teachers continued their fellowship late into the night.
Author: mollywheezy
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Argus Filch, Filius Flitwick, Rubeus Hagrid, Neville Longbottom, Minerva McGonagall, Horace Slughorn, Severus Snape, Pomona Sprout, Sybil Trelawney, Dolores Umbridge, mentions of a few others
Word Count: 1500
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Summary: Once the students are asleep, the teachers of Hogwarts are able to talk freely with each other . . . and settle their various wagers.
Disclaimer: JKR owns the universe. I'm grateful for the opportunity to play in it. And Merlin knows I'm not making any money!
Author’s Notes: Written for interhouse_fest 2015. Thank you to my awesome beta, rumpelsnorcack! *HUGS*
September 1, 1991
After the sorting, all of the Hogwarts teachers milled about in the staff room, catching up on their summer holidays, laughing, sharing a glass of wine or mulled mead, toasting their new students-a party-like atmosphere among friends. As the hour drew late, all began to be aware they needed to teach the next day, and began to wind down.
"Before we all leave, I believe we have a couple of wagers to settle," Professor Dumbledore steepled his fingers under his chin as his eyes twinkled.
"Yes, we certainly do," Snape drawled. "Slytherin won the house cup last year for the-how many years in a row has it been?-oh yes, seven. One doesn't want to boast, though."
"Of course not, Severus, "Minerva spoke. "We all know you would never boast."
Pomona tittered, and tried to turn it into a cough behind her hand as Severus glared at her.
"Yes, Severus. Slytherin House should be very proud of its fine record. Everyone pay your debts." Professor Dumbledore handed Severus a galleon, and all of the other staff members in the room followed suit. "I do believe we had an additional wager this year, however. Each head of house thought he or she would get Harry Potter as a student, but Minerva is our lucky winner."
"Thank you, Albus," Minerva said as he handed her a galleon. The other teachers again followed suit. "I also have another Weasley this year. Anyone want to bet if I will get the complete set next year?"
"That would not be an intelligent bet to take. All of the Weasleys-"
"Very wise Filius," Sybil interrupted from the corner of the room. "One with the inner eye cannot participate in games of chance. I'd have an unfair advantage, you see."
"Of course, Sybil," said Minerva crisply. "Yes, Filius, the Weasleys have been Gryffindors for generations, but we never know for sure what will happen, do we?"
"True, very true."
"Well, I for one think we all have a wonderful crop of first years! More Muggle-borns this time, and we never can tell which house they will be in, not that family history always holds."
"Excellent point, Pomona, it should prove to be an exciting year. But, alas, I must retire. Busy day tomorrow. Goodnight, everyone." Cries of Goodnight, Albus, followed him out of the room.
Sybil said to nobody in particular, "I must adjourn to my solitary tower to peruse--," and she floated out in mid-sentence.
"Goodnight, everyone!" Aurora called. "I must take advantage of the clear skies to prepare tomorrow's Astronomy lessons."
A few other teachers followed, all calling goodnights. Shortly, only Minerva, Severus, Filius, and Pomona remained.
"All right," Severus began. "Time for the real wager. Pay up." Minerva, Filius, and Pomona, sighed and each handed Severus a bottle of Ogden's Firewhisky. "Now, I shall bid you goodnight."
"Just a minute, Severus, you have yet to settle with me for the wager in which I prevailed." Severus handed Minerva a bottle of elf-made elderflower wine, and with a curt wave, left the room. Filius and Pomona also gave Minerva bottles of wine as they said their goodnights to each other and wished each other a good start of term.
September 1, 1995
After the Hogwarts' Welcome Feast, Dolores Umbridge walked into the staff room with Argus Filch, finding it completely empty. "Will you join me for a drink, Argus? It would be lovely to have someone with whom I can toast the new year."
"Thank you, Marm. I'd be delighted."
Dolores poured them each a small glass of Ogden's from the liquor cupboard, clinked glasses and said "To new beginnings at Hogwarts!"
"To new beginnings!" Argus grinned, drained his glass and poured himself another. Dolores daintily sipped her whisky in silence, until she and Argus shortly thereafter bid each other goodnight and left the staff room.
A few months later . . .
Minerva McGonagall transformed herself into her Animagus form. As a cat, she knew all of the ways to sneak out of the castle without being seen.
~*~
Filius Flitwick disillusioned himself and his broom and flew out of his office window. He stayed close to the trees. If anyone saw movement, they would think the wind was blowing the leaves.
~*~
Severus Snape transfigured himself into black smoke, seeped under the door of his dungeon office and floated out of the castle. Once outside, he could not be distinguished from the dark.
~*~
Pomona Sprout picked up her basket and went to pick nightshade. It had stronger efficacy if picked in the dark, so she had a reason for being out and about if anyone saw her.
~*~
Albus Dumbledore walked straight out the front doors of Hogwarts, and meandered across the grounds to Hagrid's hut. He would have tea with Hagrid as he had at least once each week since Hagrid was thirteen years old. When he arrived, Hagrid threw the door open wide as they greeted each other warmly and spoke for a few minutes as a disillusioned Filius, some black smoke, and a cat crept inside.
When Dumbledore entered and Hagrid closed the door, Minerva transformed, Severus reconstituted, and Filius cast Finite Incantatem on himself. Pomona had already entered through the unlocked back door.
"The coast is clear?"
"Obviously, Filius, or she, would be here chucking us all out of Hogwarts," Severus sneered.
"Right, right, yes. Although, I really don't see any need for your snarky tone, Severus. We are all on the same side."
"Apologies," Severus nodded to Filius who returned the nod.
"We all need to band together in this terrible time!" Pomona wrung her hands. "I just can't believe how evil that woman is to the students! That quill!" Pomona visibly shuddered. "And she is so biased and unfair! I give points to any--," Pomona looked briefly at Severus, "any non-Inquisitorial Squad member whenever I can."
"Excellent idea!" Dumbledore enthused. "Any other ways to help our students?"
"I dropped a hint about the healing properties of essence of murtlap in my fifth year class. Miss Granger certainly picked up on the idea and shared it with Potter. Or most likely made it for him, as Potter's potion's skills are non-existent. I overheard Lee Jordan speaking to Fred Weasley that Potter recommended essence of murtlap for his hand, so apparently, the idea is spreading."
"Why the sneer, Severus?" Pomona asked. "We need to do everything we can to help the poor boy. She's targeting him more than any other."
"I did not come here to discuss Potter," Snape snarled. "The only person I despise more than Potter is Umbridge."
"A' leas' we all can agree on summat!" Hagrid declared vehemently. "Not the despisin' 'arry part, the despisin' Umbridge part, I mean." Hagrid's cheeks turned pink above his beard.
"Yes, we certainly are all in agreement with our feelings towards our new High Inquisitor," Minerva spat the last words as if they were a despicable curse. "I do have a feeling Fred and George Weasley have something big up their sleeves to make Madam Umbridge's life difficult, and I do not intend to do anything at all to stop them."
Filius laughed. "Those boys are brilliant! So creative, and their charm work is just first rate. Although, I do occasionally wish they chose more traditional outlets for their enthusiasm." Filius shook his head, but he was still chuckling.
The others chuckled as well. Albus waved his wand, eyes twinkling, and conjured glasses of mead for all of them. "A toast to any creative mischief that any of us can imagine or help with to bring us through this trial to better times."
"To better times!" Everyone said in unison, raising their glasses.
September 1, 2010
Filius bounced into the crowded staff room absolutely vibrating with glee. "Pay up everyone! I finally have a Weasley in Ravenclaw!"
"How does the wager work exactly? I have a Weasley in Gryffindor as well," asked Neville Longbottom.
Minerva sighed, "We usually leave the wager until the end of our start of term staff party, but since Filius is so excited . . . Everyone give Filius and Neville a galleon each."
The staff laughed at the Headmistress' pretend exasperation and paid the two professors.
Filius still bubbled excitedly, "I suppose the Delacour blood overcame the Weasley Gryffindor gene."
Neville added, "There is still a Weasley in Gryffindor, and her mother was a Hufflepuff. I'd say the Weasley Gryffindor gene is still strong.
"These are only the first two of this generation. I might get a Weasley in Hufflepuff yet."
Horace Slughorn boomed, "I could get a Weasley in Slytherin, too, or maybe a Potter." Horace's eyes gleamed. There were many chuckles in the room at this pronouncement. "Now, now. You never know. Stranger things have certainly happened."
"Very true, but might I suggest that we drink to all of our students, whichever house they are in."
Everyone offered nods and mutters of agreement to Minerva's suggestion.
"To the students of Hogwarts-past, present, and future!"
"To our students!"
The teachers continued their fellowship late into the night.