Sunday 18th of December, Hogwarts Meeting Room

A tense atmosphere dominated the room. Teachers were looking at each other, some even engaging in small talk in efforts to ignore the anxiety that seemed to emanate from every single one of the presents. Of course, they would have to be fools in order not to be intimidated by the people who were attending the meeting but were not part of the school staff.

Sitting between McGonagall and Flitwick was Madam Marchbanks, looking far too pleased with herself. On the head of the table were Minister Bones and her undersecretary, talking with the head of the DMLE. Last but not least, the Hogwarts headmaster was sitting on the opposite side of the Minister.

Lucius Malfoy himself was feeling uncomfortable, not only because he had the misfortune of sitting beside Dumbledore. No, forget it. That was the exact same reason why he was feeling that way. While had never liked Albus Dumbledore, he respected the man. All in all, the Headmaster was formidable despite of being passed over his prime. Lucius never realized he was used to see Dumbledore as that constant and unmovable force of nature. It was a chilling realization to see him as the mere mortal he was.

He eyed wearily the old man beside him. Ghostly skin, sunken cheekbones, wiry hair. Albus Dumbledore no longer possessed that aura of power and omniscience that once surrounded him. He wanted to know if the man was sick, but for some reason, Lucius was not able to gather the courage to look at him full on, much less ask. However, he had to admire the old man’s determination to keep his position. Any other person would be in intensive care of Saint Mungos looking the way he did.

The door was opened and the last persons entered the room. A tall witch in charge of all the analysts that swarmed the castle for the last month along with the representative of Mirror summons and some squib builder Lucius had no interest on. The woman looked strangely grave as she laid a thick pile of strange-looking parchment on the table.

“I apologize for the delay, but we had a few last-minute matters to discuss with our boss,” the woman said, not looking apologetic at all, and began distributing the parchments.

Lucius eyed with weariness the stack that was deposited in front of him. Years of experience taught him paperwork was one of the most terrible foes any person could face. Why had he come again? Ah, right. The moronic members of the Board chose him as representative and Sirius somehow convinced him to agree.

“As you will read in the index, the first part of your papers is dedicated to all the maintenance and repairs that the castle needs. The second part details all the expansion and building plans for the next term and the third part explains all the added fixtures and fittings inside and outside the castle. Mister Ferlet is in charge of the building crew, so if you have any questions on the matter, please refer to him,” the woman explained.

“Thank you, Miss Adams,” Minister Bones said before anyone else could speak. “I will remind you all these details are only being shared with the school staff in order for you to adapt your teaching methods to the new infrastructure. That is it. Hopefully, you will take full advantage of all the opportunities you will be given.”

“Don’t worry, Minister Bones. We, as educators, are extremely thankful,” McGonagall told the woman, her smirk widening as she leafed through the last part of the parchments.

“If any of you have any suggestions, please contact either me or Mister Fogs, as the representative of our investor, he is in charge of this project,” Madam Marchbanks suggested, signalling the dour man.

“That is all, Minister Bones.”

“Very well, have a good day and don’t doubt on contacting me,” Amelia said, dismissing the trio of newcomers.

Lucius frowned, not understanding the reason why they came all the way to Hogwarts only to stay five minutes and deliver some parchment. That is until he looked to the side. Dumbledore was reading the papers with an inscrutable expression, it was not hard to deduce he was not happy with certain things being proposed. So that was it. They came as part of a power play, how clever.

“Now that the matter is out of the way, I wish to discuss some things with you,” the Minister announced, giving no time to read the papers they were given. “As you were informed, the Ministry decided to take an active role in Hogwarts after certain events. Hence, we will be doing things in a different way from previous years.

“First of all, you have to choose the new prefects and Head Boy and Girl before the Holidays are over. They will all have to assist special courses in order to fulfil their roles adequately. Second, the counsellors will begin working right after the Holidays. Their duties are clear and every single student will be going through an evaluation for different reasons, the main one is to examine their mental state and to see if they need any additional help. They answer to absolutely no one else than the students. Not a single teacher is allowed to ask for personal information that the counsellors will be confided with and they are totally prohibited to share. However, if you have any concern about certain students, you are allowed to ask for their help.”

“Madam Bones, the meeting with the committee is starting in fifteen minutes,” Marcus Travers reminded the woman, who nodded in acknowledgement.

“Unfortunately, I have to leave. Madam Marchbanks will answer to any doubts that you may have and Auror Moody will be explaining the new security measures. Have a good day.”

The Minister and her undersecretary left the room with firm steps, not even bothering to look back. Lucius had to contain a smile that threatened to surface despite of his best efforts. Amelia was definitely something else. The woman imposed respect despite her youth, her mind was sharp, and she was beyond cunning. It was definitely hard to believe she was a Hufflepuff at heart.

“Excuse me, Madam Marchbanks,” Sinistra said, breaking the silence that was, once again, turning uncomfortable, “I have a question about my new classroom for the next term. Here says that this planetarium will allow me to give my classes during the day, but I have my doubts about it. Will it really be able to emulate the night sky?”

“Ah, I am glad that you asked,” Madam Marchbanks answered, her smile widening. “I also had my doubts until I was taken to one. I must say this planetarium is even better than watching the stars through a telescope. It's almost impossible to describe. If you don’t mind, I can take you to one.”

“Yes, I would like that. It seems unbelievable for muggles to be so advanced. However, that is not my biggest worry. If students don’t learn from firsthand experience they will have a hard time trying to apply their knowledge in the future.”

“I agree with you, but you have nothing to worry about. Practical classes will also be given once a month, that way the students get some hands-on experience.”

“I have some concerns,” Dumbledore stated with a croaky voice. The old man cleared his throat and continued, “I understand the reason for so many changes, but I have to question a few. I don’t see a reason to have three greenhouses being built in the entrance of the Forbidden Forest. The Centaurs will take it as an invasion of their territory, besides, there are many dangerous creatures lurking in that place.”

“A sound observation,” Madam Marchbanks noted, her smile vanishing. “But there is nothing to worry about. The leaders of the two remaining centaur packs were contacted. They agreed on having the greenhouses built and even going as far as offering protection in exchange for some medicinal herbs and certain kinds of plants that don’t naturally grow in the forest.

“Also, as you are aware, Albus, purchasing different ingredients for potions is expensive, that is the reason why the students have to buy their own. However, you also know many families barely have the resources to send their children, much less pay for extra materials. Our benefactor decided to ease the economic burden on many families. By cultivating potion ingredients, we will be able to provide the students with the needed materials and also give the ones that are interested in herbology first-hand experience in dealing with different plants.”

“I am totally in for that idea,” declared a teacher that Lucius never saw before. “Many of my kids rarely have decent ingredients so their potions don’t always have good results. Of course, as they are in their first years, it would seem wasteful to give them first quality ingredients. But it can certainly affect their education if they don’t learn to distinguish between an acceptable potion and a successfully brewed one.”

“You are Mister Ramsey, right?” the old woman asked, receiving a nod in response. “My great-granddaughter is in your class, she told me you provided the ingredients for all the students who need it, is that right?”

“It is, as I said before, it can really affect their education if they don’t learn the basics.”

“Good, I would like to speak with you one of these days. Our benefactor has many suggestions and we need help with the Potion’s program. Wilhelmina, Pomona, you should also join us. We need to decide what plants will be grown and what animals will be raised to complement the students’ education.”

No one missed the way Madam Marchbanks blatantly excluded Severus from the planning, despite of him being the main teacher of that subject. Lucius would have pitied his friend, but he paved his way with all his bad decisions. It was time for Severus to reap what he sow, no matter how much the idea pained him.

“I am curious about the new security measures Minister Bones mentioned,” Lucius decided to say in order to divert the room’s attention from his friend.

Another tense moment passed in silence.

“The main gates will be replaced for sphinx iron,” Moody answered reluctantly, scowling at him and ignoring the reaction his declaration had caused. “That is the best metal for rune wards.”

“And why should there be additional wards added?” Severus asked in that low tone of his, not even reacting at the glare the scarred man gave him.

“Multiple reasons.” Considering Moody's tone, it was obvious the man was not going to elaborate.

“Isn’t that excessive? Alastor, I understand your fanaticism for security, but this is a school,” Dumbledore said, looking at the head of the DMLE with a disapproving frown.

“Exactly, Dumbledore. This is a school where part of our future generations resides most of the year, there is no excess in granting their safety. Besides, these are dangerous times and Voldemort has no problems with harming children.”

Lucius liked to think of himself as a sensible man, so he edged away from Dumbledore in case Moody snapped. Fortunately, the old man kept quiet, although he looked as if he ate a lemon. Once again, Lucius was forced to break the tense atmosphere.

“What is this suggestion of having teachers in the train? Wouldn’t it be better if a few Aurors were assigned?”

“It is a tradition for a teacher to ride the train with the students,” Filius said, understanding what he was trying to do and receiving a thankful gaze for his efforts. “However, I have to agree with Mister Malfoy. Most of the teachers are not combatants, just authority figures. If we are talking about the children’s safety, it would be better to assign an Auror or two to each wagon.”

Moody grunted in agreement, or at least that is what Lucius understood. “My exact same suggestion, but we have a problem: the parents. Many won’t want to have Aurors in the train so Amelia decided to make the transition gradual so they get used to the idea.”

“A really sound decision,” he agreed, looking on the index for any other important point to discuss.

“Does anyone else have any question?” Madam Marchbanks asked, looking at the silent teachers. “Very well, you can send me a letter if you have questions about the curriculum or how the new infrastructure will affect your classes. Take your time revising the information provided, but if you have any suggestions, send them as soon as possible because the building efforts will begin in March. Alastor and I will be taking our leave, please discuss all the internal matters and send the names of the possible prefects and the new Head Boy and Girl. Enjoy the Holidays!”

As Madam Marchbanks and Auror Moody left, the teachers relaxed. Lucius could fully understand the feeling, both persons were intimidating in their own way. Unfortunately, he had to stay until the meeting was over. Stupid Sirius that convinced him that being the stupid Board’s representative was a good idea.

“I think it would be good if we began discussing the prefects and the future Head Boy and Girl,” McGonagall suggested, putting aside her parchments. “Let’s begin with the future fifth-year prefects. Beginning with Gryffindor, it was decided Mister Longbottom and Miss Granger will be the main candidates, if they don’t want the position, then Mister Thomas and Miss Patil will be up to par for it.”

“I understand why the candidates were chosen, but I’m not sure about Miss Granger,” the runes professor that Lucius couldn’t remember the name of said. “She is an excellent student in the academic sense, but there are times where her competitive nature clouds her judgement.”

“I know, Nina, I really do. However, Benedict and I have high hopes for her. She’s a really smart girl and I am hoping that having this new responsibility pushes her to mature and learn how to interact with her peers. If she is unable to do it, then I will take full responsibility,” the woman promised.

“If I may, I suggest Mister Weasley,” Dumbledore announced, earning many curious glances. “I’m sure he is a bright young man that is rough around the edges. If you don’t trust me, look at how his brothers turned out to be.”

“I won’t deny he matured,” McGonagall agreed, looking at the old man with an inscrutable expression. “However, he simply doesn’t qualify to be a prefect under the new standards. His grades have been improving and, if he continues this way, he will no longer be in danger of failing like last year, but he still has a long way to go. Mister Weasley still has much to learn but I don’t doubt he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Dumbledore only sighed heavily and allowed the matter to drop, not without giving McGonagall a disappointed look.

“I believe it is my turn,” Sprout said, wearing her usual cheery smile. “Miss Bones and Mister Finch-Fletchley meet all the requirements. If they don’t want the position, then Mister Smith and Miss Abbot will be more than able to assume the task.”

“For my House, I suggest Miss Patil and Mister Boot,” Flitwick said after no one opposed Sprout’s candidates. “As a reserve, I suggest Miss Li and Mister Corner.”

A tense silence once again enveloped the room when it was the next person’s turn to give the name of his prefects. At once, Lucius’ lethargy disappeared when he noticed the hostility directed towards his old friend. What did he miss? While he was the first one to admit Severus had many flaws, he couldn’t understand what he did to deserve such a treatment. That is until he remembered his son’s hostility towards his godfather. Draco complained about the man hating Harry... So that was it.

Harry Potter was an incredibly charismatic boy, combine that with his almost perfect grades and the perfect student was made. So Severus obviously went overboard with his hatred towards the innocent boy, earning the dislike of his co-workers. It is time for you to reap what you saw, my old friend, Lucius thought grimly, looking at the potions teacher.

“I have-”

“Malfoy and Parkinson,” Snape muttered, not even bothering to mention other candidates and interrupting the blond beauty that was about to speak.

“I must disagree with that nomination, Severus,” Flitwick said, raising a placating hand towards the woman that was making an admirable effort to murder Severus with her glare. “On a merely logical perspective, your decision is not rational. Mister Malfoy has excellent grades, of that there is no doubt. However, Mister Potter is the undisputed owner of the title of the best student of his year. Also, Miss Parkinson’s grades leave much to be desired. Miss Greengrass would be the first logical choice, followed by Miss Bulstrode.”

“It is my decision as Head of the House-”

“Maybe we should have begun discussing that topic first,” McGonagall interrupted with surprising brusqueness. “Because neither you nor I are the current Heads of our Houses. Let’s not forget our duties ended the moment the students left the castle because of our own carelessness. I'm merely voicing Benedict's decision because of his absence.”

“I don’t remember ever discussing my options with you, Snape,” the blonde woman snapped, even when her face was neutral, clear disdain could be seen on her eyes.

“I believe it would be good to take Severus’ suggestion. He has been the Head of Slytherin for almost fifteen years,” the Headmaster said in a placating tone. Obviously, that was not the right thing to say.

“Do you know why we were replaced, Albus?” McGonagall asked in a deceptively calm tone. “Me, because I was never available for my students. Severus, however, was ousted by his own House based on favouritism, intimidating younger students, and blatant disregard of his duties in general. Both of us lost any power we had over our Houses.”

“I believe it’s Isabelle’s turn to name her candidates, as the rightful head of the Slytherin House,” Flitwick suggested, looking impassive.

“If my opinion doesn’t count perhaps I should leave,” Severus said in is whisper-like tone.

“If you wish to do so, no one will stop you,” the blonde woman responded with a saccharine voice.

“Severus, stay,” the Headmaster commanded when the potion’s teacher stood up. “You are overstepping your boundaries, Isabelle. Don’t forget I am still the Headmaster of this school.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about, Headmaster. Professor Snape is the one who wished to leave, I just reminded him that no one would stop him.”

The woman’s smile was almost gentle as she delivered the answer in the most innocent tone Lucius ever heard. Yet, her eyes contained enough venom to make up for her polite words. He could see McGonagall failing to contain a smile and many other teachers doing an even worse job. He could see how Severus’ jaw tightened and his posture tensed. It was a shame to see such a bright man being wasted on a job he abhorred, all because of the mistakes he made during his youth. The man was playing a dangerous game while trying to redeem himself for causing the death of the only woman he ever loved.

Lucius knew Severus would snap sooner or later, having accomplished none of his dreams or achieved any of his ambitions. The worst part, perhaps, was knowing he couldn’t help someone that didn’t want to be helped so the only option left was to watch as his oldest friend threw his life away and hop he realized he was destructing himself before it was too late.

“As I was saying, my main candidates are Mister Potter and Miss Greengrass. The secondary candidates would be Miss Bulstrode and Mister Nott, although I believe most of the boys in that year could be exemplary prefects,” the woman stated with finality, ignoring Severus’ glare.

“I am afraid I have to disagree with your decision, Miss Kowalski.” So that was the teacher his son talked so much about. When Draco described the new defence professor, Lucius imagined many things, but a fragile-looking beauty never even crossed his mind. “I believe Harry already has much to deal with, he doesn’t need all those extra responsibilities.”

“And I am afraid I will have to disagree with you, Headmaster,” Kowalski said, giving the old man a soft smile. “Mister Potter already fulfils all the duties of a prefect with none of the recognition. Older students trust his judgement and younger ones look up to him. He and Miss Greengrass are the unofficial confidants of the House, they even set up a tutor system to help the students that struggle academically and offer support to those who struggle emotionally. It is time for him to receive the benefits of the position instead of the responsibilities only.”

“I have to agree with Isabelle,” Flitwick said, “and I am sure many of the present agree with me. Mister Potter is an exceptional student, but overall, he is kind. Knowing him, he would barely remember being kind to anyone because he considers it basic manners. There is no one else more deserving of the position than him.”

“You forget he’s also competing as a champion in a Tournament that he’s not ready to face,” Dumbledore retorted, ignoring the short man’s words.

“A Tournament you personally pushed to be reinstated,” Flitwick retorted and Lucius wished he had some snacks to enjoy along with the spectacle. “Harry is not alone for the competition, besides, he has decoded the clues for the next task already.”

“He has?” Sprout asked, looking incredulous. “Definitely inherited more than Lily’s looks.”

“I still don’t agree with his nomination,” Dumbledore insisted.

“Then it is good that you don’t have to agree with my decision, Headmaster,” Kowalski answered in a cheery tone, “because of the new reforms, at least five people have to disagree with my proposed candidates. Does anyone else disagrees with Mister Potter being a prefect?” she asked, waiting a few moments for someone to speak, only be answered with silence. “Excellent, then we have the Slytherin prefects. Now, it is time to discuss the new Head Boy and Head Girl.”

Lucius was impressed, incredibly so. The woman had a silver tongue and the cunning to make use of it in its full potential. If he was not deeply in love with his marvellous wife, then his sight would be settled on her. As if sensing his thoughts, the woman looked at him, her sharp steel eyes looking right into his soul. Thanking all his years of training, he continued looking at the same direction with unfocused eyes. The woman tilted her head and looked away, almost making him sigh in relief... There was something wrong with that woman, he didn’t know what, but he knew there was something wrong with her.

“That is right! This year’s batch is even more promising than the previous ones,” an excited Sprout exclaimed.

“It is a shame that the new regulations dictate the Head Boy and Girl have to be from different Houses. Miss Selwyn and Mister Higgs would be the ideal choices for that position,” McGonagall lamented.

“Emilia Selwyn?” Lucius asked with raised eyebrows. The last time he met the Selwyn brat, she was set on his parents’ path.

“The one and only,” Kowalski nodded, “I am new in the school so I have no idea what kind of person she was, I only met the girl she became. She is quite mature for her age and many of her peers look up to her.”

“Especially Mister Creevey,” McGonagall agreed.

“I see...” that was the only response Lucius could muster.

Creevey was not a known surname so he was most likely to be a muggleborn or perhaps a half-blood. How curious was that? He wondered if the Selwyns knew about their daughter’s behaviour, hoping they never found out just in case they decided to punish the girl for fraternizing with impure ones.

“We have to decide which one of them will be chosen,” the blond woman said, looking slightly troubled. “I believe Miss Selwyn is the best candidate. Both deserve the position, but she earned the respect of the whole Gryffindor House, thing that Mister Higgs has not.”

“True enough,” Flitwick murmured, “even when the rivalry between houses is almost nonexistent between the younger students, the older ones still cling to it. Miss Selwyn certainly has an advantage there.”

“Does anyone disagree with the decision?” McGonagall asked and no one talked. “It is set then. Now, onto who will be the next Head Boy.”

“What I am about to suggest is highly irregular, but it has been done before,” one of the teachers said, what was her name again? “I want to propose George Weasley as the next Head Boy.”

“That really is irregular,” Flitwick said, looking disconcerted. “But you are right, Nina, it has been done before. First, tell us the reasons why you are suggesting him in particular.”

“Bathsheda and I discussed this on detail. The Weasley twins matured significantly. I wasn't present during their younger years, but I was told of their pranks and general lack of motivation for anything related to learning. However, I think we all see how much they changed. I know both of them achieved twelve OWLs last year and their grades are the highest amongst their year. Also, their conduct is nothing if not exemplary. Besides, both of them are well liked by the student body.

“Unfortunately, I don’t know Fred Weasley as well and perhaps I am a bit biased towards his brother. From my personal experience with George, I know he is extremely dedicated to his studies. But as I said before, this is my personal bias and perhaps both are equally capable to assume the position.”

“Actually, Nina, that is not a bad suggestion at all,” McGonagall commented, looking thoughtful.

“I have to agree with you,” Flitwick nodded, “the problem now lays on which Weasley will we choose. Personally, I am closer to Fred. The kid is fascinated with enchanting so I give him extra lessons whenever possible.”

“I would commend both of them,” Vector said in an even tone. “Maybe we should vote on the matter. Those who agree on George Weasley raise their right hands and those who agree with Fred Weasley raise their left. I think that if any of us is unsure, it would be better to abstain.”

Lucius observed this new development with a bit of apathy. After all, his rivalry with Arthur Weasley was still going strong. However, he couldn’t deny those Weasleys produced surprisingly successful children. He allowed a sigh to escape as he drowned the discussion, not really interested either way and begging for the time to go faster so he could go back home.

It is hilarious, he noted with a certain degree caustic amusement. The feud between Weasleys and Malfoys began generations ago but it would end with him. He knew how close his son was with those twins and his grandchildren would see Arthur’s grandchildren as friends. Centuries of tradition ended because of a Potter, one of the families his family despised the most but was too afraid to openly confront. I hope you are screaming in your grave, father.

Lucius did not pay attention to the rest of the meeting, deciding to read the parchments detailing the remodelling of the castle. If that squib could really build what was proposed, then he would be forced to change his perspective, but until then, squibs would remain as disgraces in his eyes.

“Now that everything is settled, I believe is time to call the meeting adjourned,” the headmaster declared, breaking his trance with those magical words. “Happy Holidays!”

He nodded to the few persons in that room that had his respect and proceeded to flee before anyone could even think about engaging him in a pointless conversation. A few hallways away, he finally considered himself safe.

“Dobby!”

“Master calls?” the elf said, popping beside him.

Lucius took a moment to appreciate his elf’s uniform and noted he should have given that clothes store a much better tip for their work. He heard the echo of conversations.

“Let’s leave this place before someone talks to me,” he almost begged.

“To the manor?”

He considered the question for a second before answering, “No. Let’s go to Hogsmeade. They close the candy store early on the weekends and Narcissa has been craving chocolate.”

“Young master is also arriving today! Can we get him something?”

“Of course, you should also get something for Kreacher and for you.”

Lucius winced when he noticed his elf began tearing at his proposal. It was hard to begin treating the creature as a person, but Merlin if it was not useful! Sometimes, it was still strange to talk with Dobby, but he changed and, if treating house-elves as people pushed him further away from the road he was treading, then he would do so without complaints.