Fri, Oct 3 (after the great hall meeting) - McGonagall/Lupin
Who; Headmistress McGonagall and Professor Lupin
When: After the meeting
Where: A room off the Great Hall
*McGonagall*
She smiled softly as she led Lupin to the room right off the Great Hall and locked the door behind them, warding the room against eavesdropping. Transfiguring the table into a sofa, she sat down.
"Remus.. please, have a seat.." she said warmly. "I'm afraid that crackpot of a Minister brought some bad news.."
*Remus*
Sighing as he sat down, he looked expectantly at Minerva as he waited for the suspense techniques to be over with and the shit to hit the fan.
"So, what other bad news has she brought other than the showcase of her new 'bodyguard'?"
*McGonagall*
She sighed, not knowing how to phrase this gently.
"Achille's autopsy report.." she said quietly.
*Remus*
A wave of guilt passing over his face, he flinched slightly as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Ah... yes... that..." he said quietly before huffing out a sigh. "Has our dear Minister been flashing it around to all the reporters?"
*McGonagall*
She sighed.
"Not yet, thankfully. Don't worry, Remus, there's no way they can prove it was you. There were other werewolves on the grounds on that day," she explained.
"She was calling for your resignation, but I assured her you were only filling in until I could find someone more qualified. I also told her that if I could find a potions master, I would place Severus in the Defence position. That seemed to shut her up."
*Remus*
Sighing, he massaged the bridge of his nose.
"But there was only one known to be in the castle at the time. That tends to be prove enough if these things go to trial."
He sighed again as he ran a hand over his eyes.
"I'm pretty sure of what I did, Minerva, even if I have no clear recollection. If Umbridge is pushing for my resignation, I'm fine with abiding to that. I do not want to add an unneeded burden to your first year as Headmistress, especially if it can be easily avoided."
*McGonagall*
"Nonsense, Remus. You're the best Defence teacher Hogwarts has had in years. And I don't care what happened last year. I informed our dear Minister that when I found a new Defence teacher, I would replace you, but until that time, I would prefer to have you remain at Hogwarts, Remus," she said, her normally terse glance softened to reflect the concern she had trouble voicing.
*Remus*
He chuckled softly as he shook his head.
"I think you give my teaching abilities too much credit, but thank you regardless," he said with a soft smile. "You may have better luck in finding a replacement potions master though. The position does lack the reputation the Defence position has. Severus also appears to really fancy the position..."
*McGonagall*
"Yes, well, I've been looking for a replacement potions master, but there are few who rival Severus' qualifications," she said, her lips resuming their normal position pressed into a thin line.
*Remus*
He sighed as he shook his head.
"Severus those have a natural talent for potions, but I'm certain there must be someone who could adequatly replace him. If not a former professor from the other schools, then a professional potions maker who would relish the chance at having a free space to work."
*McGonagall*
She sighed.
"Yes, well, if you know anyone, please have them contact me.." she said tiredly, the stress of the day was beginning to affect her.
"And remind Sirius not to do anything stupid.."
*Remus*
He smiled as he shook his head.
"Sadly, I don't know many potions masters. I'll ask my friend in the States though. He may know of some people looking for jobs."
He chuckled softly before sighing.
"I'll remind him. Though whether he takes it to heart will be another matter. If I had much control over him doing stupid things, our lives would have been a good deal simpler."
*McGonagall*
She sighed as she patted Remus on the shoulder reassuringly.
"You have more courage than the rest of us, putting up for him all these years," she teased goodnaturedly, a smirk threatening to disrupt her normal stony facade.
*Remus*
He laughed.
"I think most people prefer the word 'insanity' or 'stupidity' when discussing my relationship with Sirius," he teased back, a smirk tugging at his lips.
*McGonagall*
She smiled softly.
"I'm sure you know I'm not most people, Remus.." she said, a soft smile on her lips.
*Remus*
He chuckled.
"No, you're not. Though you know just how truly horrible Sirius can be. Far better tahn most of the students."
*McGonagall*
She smiled slightly.
"Well, I did teach all of you,"she said a bit nostalgically. "I am looking for both a new Defence teacher and a new Potions Master. Whichever I find, well, I'm sure you'll understand. I don't want Umbridge hassling you more than necessary."
: *Remus*
Smiling softly, he nodded in appreciation.
"As I want as well. I'd rather stay out of her radar as much as possible considering the legislation she's attempting to push through. I'd rather not be part of this grand campaign of hers."
*McGonagall*
She nodded and sighed.
"Don't worry, Remus. We'll get through this difficult time..." she said.
"You will continue working for the order, won't you?" she asked.
*Remus*
He looked at Minerva a bit in surprise.
"Of course I will as long as the Order exists. Although I didn't know, what with Voldemort actually defeated and Albus... Well, I wasn't certain if we would keep going."
*McGonagall*
"Well, with things the way they are... I think it might be good to keep everyone in touch and some reconnassaince.. we should keep tabs on teh Ministry.."
*Remus*
He nodded as he smiled softly.
"I'll be there for whatever missions you'd like, Minerva. The Order can always count on me."
*McGonagall*
"Good," she said as she smiled softly and stuck her hand out to shake Remus'.
"Remus, you've been the best Defence teacher we've had here in recent memory," she said with a smile.
*Remus*
Shaking her hand, he chuckled softly as he shook his head again.
"I still say you greatly overestimate my ability."
*McGonagall*
The corners of her lips tugged up slightly.
"Remus, are you suggesting that I'm playing favorites to my house?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
*Remus*
He put on an innocent look.
"Headmistress, I would never dream of suggesting anything of the sort."
A smirk tugged at his lips as he raised an eyebrow.
"So, have you put any money in this pool that the younger professors have seen fit to start?"
*McGonagall*
"Not yet. I'll be watching the tryouts tomorrow though. Although I have full confidence that Gryffindor will take the Quidditch cup..." she said with a small smile.
*Remus*
He chuckled softly.
"As I think most of the staff so far has their money on. Luckily, as far as I know, Sirius has not heard of this yet. He'd be putting every knut he has on Gryffindor."
*McGonagall*
"Well, I'll ask you to keep him away from the betting pool, " she said. "Oh, and Remus, when we find a replacement Defence teacher, do try to keep Sirius at home with you in Wales. I feel he's getting too close to overworking himself here."
*Remus*
He rolled his eyes slightly.
"He is always getting too close to overworking himself since he's been back and had his name cleared. And it's extremely difficult to talk him into vacations."
Sighing, he smiled softly.
"But I'll try. He can be incrediably stubborn about such things."
*McGonagall*
"Well, if I had some authority over him, I'd send him on a mandatory vacation. But he's under the Ministry.. at least he's not teaching here as well," she said thankfully.
*Remus*
Nodding, he sighed.
"I know. Partly one reason I agreed to stick with my promise to you about taking this job. I was afraid if I didn't, he would."
*McGonagall*
She fought a chuckle.
"Dear Merlin, Sirius teaching Defence.. that would be ... interesting.. and dangerous.." she said amusedly.
*Remus*
He laughed.
"Oh, I know. But he would try. And he would spend every waking moment working on his lesson plans. Every sleeping moment for that matter."
*McGonagall*
She lchuckled slightly.
"Indeed. At least Moody knows moderation. Even if he is a bit paranoid.." she said with a soft smile as she adjusted her hat.
"Well, I should be going. There were some students not at the meeting. "
*Remus*
Smiling, he nodded as he got up.
"And I should prepare for class. I'm sure the sixth years will have as many questions as the sevenths."
*McGonagall*
She nodded as she stood up as well.
"Of course. Thank you Remus, for everything.."
*Remus*
"Thank you as well, Minerva," he said with a soft smile. "Try not to go too hard on your absentees."
*McGonagall*
"I shall be fair, don't worry," she said as she stood up and then led Remus out before heading down the hallway herself.
When: After the meeting
Where: A room off the Great Hall
*McGonagall*
She smiled softly as she led Lupin to the room right off the Great Hall and locked the door behind them, warding the room against eavesdropping. Transfiguring the table into a sofa, she sat down.
"Remus.. please, have a seat.." she said warmly. "I'm afraid that crackpot of a Minister brought some bad news.."
*Remus*
Sighing as he sat down, he looked expectantly at Minerva as he waited for the suspense techniques to be over with and the shit to hit the fan.
"So, what other bad news has she brought other than the showcase of her new 'bodyguard'?"
*McGonagall*
She sighed, not knowing how to phrase this gently.
"Achille's autopsy report.." she said quietly.
*Remus*
A wave of guilt passing over his face, he flinched slightly as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Ah... yes... that..." he said quietly before huffing out a sigh. "Has our dear Minister been flashing it around to all the reporters?"
*McGonagall*
She sighed.
"Not yet, thankfully. Don't worry, Remus, there's no way they can prove it was you. There were other werewolves on the grounds on that day," she explained.
"She was calling for your resignation, but I assured her you were only filling in until I could find someone more qualified. I also told her that if I could find a potions master, I would place Severus in the Defence position. That seemed to shut her up."
*Remus*
Sighing, he massaged the bridge of his nose.
"But there was only one known to be in the castle at the time. That tends to be prove enough if these things go to trial."
He sighed again as he ran a hand over his eyes.
"I'm pretty sure of what I did, Minerva, even if I have no clear recollection. If Umbridge is pushing for my resignation, I'm fine with abiding to that. I do not want to add an unneeded burden to your first year as Headmistress, especially if it can be easily avoided."
*McGonagall*
"Nonsense, Remus. You're the best Defence teacher Hogwarts has had in years. And I don't care what happened last year. I informed our dear Minister that when I found a new Defence teacher, I would replace you, but until that time, I would prefer to have you remain at Hogwarts, Remus," she said, her normally terse glance softened to reflect the concern she had trouble voicing.
*Remus*
He chuckled softly as he shook his head.
"I think you give my teaching abilities too much credit, but thank you regardless," he said with a soft smile. "You may have better luck in finding a replacement potions master though. The position does lack the reputation the Defence position has. Severus also appears to really fancy the position..."
*McGonagall*
"Yes, well, I've been looking for a replacement potions master, but there are few who rival Severus' qualifications," she said, her lips resuming their normal position pressed into a thin line.
*Remus*
He sighed as he shook his head.
"Severus those have a natural talent for potions, but I'm certain there must be someone who could adequatly replace him. If not a former professor from the other schools, then a professional potions maker who would relish the chance at having a free space to work."
*McGonagall*
She sighed.
"Yes, well, if you know anyone, please have them contact me.." she said tiredly, the stress of the day was beginning to affect her.
"And remind Sirius not to do anything stupid.."
*Remus*
He smiled as he shook his head.
"Sadly, I don't know many potions masters. I'll ask my friend in the States though. He may know of some people looking for jobs."
He chuckled softly before sighing.
"I'll remind him. Though whether he takes it to heart will be another matter. If I had much control over him doing stupid things, our lives would have been a good deal simpler."
*McGonagall*
She sighed as she patted Remus on the shoulder reassuringly.
"You have more courage than the rest of us, putting up for him all these years," she teased goodnaturedly, a smirk threatening to disrupt her normal stony facade.
*Remus*
He laughed.
"I think most people prefer the word 'insanity' or 'stupidity' when discussing my relationship with Sirius," he teased back, a smirk tugging at his lips.
*McGonagall*
She smiled softly.
"I'm sure you know I'm not most people, Remus.." she said, a soft smile on her lips.
*Remus*
He chuckled.
"No, you're not. Though you know just how truly horrible Sirius can be. Far better tahn most of the students."
*McGonagall*
She smiled slightly.
"Well, I did teach all of you,"she said a bit nostalgically. "I am looking for both a new Defence teacher and a new Potions Master. Whichever I find, well, I'm sure you'll understand. I don't want Umbridge hassling you more than necessary."
: *Remus*
Smiling softly, he nodded in appreciation.
"As I want as well. I'd rather stay out of her radar as much as possible considering the legislation she's attempting to push through. I'd rather not be part of this grand campaign of hers."
*McGonagall*
She nodded and sighed.
"Don't worry, Remus. We'll get through this difficult time..." she said.
"You will continue working for the order, won't you?" she asked.
*Remus*
He looked at Minerva a bit in surprise.
"Of course I will as long as the Order exists. Although I didn't know, what with Voldemort actually defeated and Albus... Well, I wasn't certain if we would keep going."
*McGonagall*
"Well, with things the way they are... I think it might be good to keep everyone in touch and some reconnassaince.. we should keep tabs on teh Ministry.."
*Remus*
He nodded as he smiled softly.
"I'll be there for whatever missions you'd like, Minerva. The Order can always count on me."
*McGonagall*
"Good," she said as she smiled softly and stuck her hand out to shake Remus'.
"Remus, you've been the best Defence teacher we've had here in recent memory," she said with a smile.
*Remus*
Shaking her hand, he chuckled softly as he shook his head again.
"I still say you greatly overestimate my ability."
*McGonagall*
The corners of her lips tugged up slightly.
"Remus, are you suggesting that I'm playing favorites to my house?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
*Remus*
He put on an innocent look.
"Headmistress, I would never dream of suggesting anything of the sort."
A smirk tugged at his lips as he raised an eyebrow.
"So, have you put any money in this pool that the younger professors have seen fit to start?"
*McGonagall*
"Not yet. I'll be watching the tryouts tomorrow though. Although I have full confidence that Gryffindor will take the Quidditch cup..." she said with a small smile.
*Remus*
He chuckled softly.
"As I think most of the staff so far has their money on. Luckily, as far as I know, Sirius has not heard of this yet. He'd be putting every knut he has on Gryffindor."
*McGonagall*
"Well, I'll ask you to keep him away from the betting pool, " she said. "Oh, and Remus, when we find a replacement Defence teacher, do try to keep Sirius at home with you in Wales. I feel he's getting too close to overworking himself here."
*Remus*
He rolled his eyes slightly.
"He is always getting too close to overworking himself since he's been back and had his name cleared. And it's extremely difficult to talk him into vacations."
Sighing, he smiled softly.
"But I'll try. He can be incrediably stubborn about such things."
*McGonagall*
"Well, if I had some authority over him, I'd send him on a mandatory vacation. But he's under the Ministry.. at least he's not teaching here as well," she said thankfully.
*Remus*
Nodding, he sighed.
"I know. Partly one reason I agreed to stick with my promise to you about taking this job. I was afraid if I didn't, he would."
*McGonagall*
She fought a chuckle.
"Dear Merlin, Sirius teaching Defence.. that would be ... interesting.. and dangerous.." she said amusedly.
*Remus*
He laughed.
"Oh, I know. But he would try. And he would spend every waking moment working on his lesson plans. Every sleeping moment for that matter."
*McGonagall*
She lchuckled slightly.
"Indeed. At least Moody knows moderation. Even if he is a bit paranoid.." she said with a soft smile as she adjusted her hat.
"Well, I should be going. There were some students not at the meeting. "
*Remus*
Smiling, he nodded as he got up.
"And I should prepare for class. I'm sure the sixth years will have as many questions as the sevenths."
*McGonagall*
She nodded as she stood up as well.
"Of course. Thank you Remus, for everything.."
*Remus*
"Thank you as well, Minerva," he said with a soft smile. "Try not to go too hard on your absentees."
*McGonagall*
"I shall be fair, don't worry," she said as she stood up and then led Remus out before heading down the hallway herself.