---

As with their last meeting, and every meeting prior to that, the staff room had been dramatically transformed to suit their needs. A round table large enough to accommodate the entire staff dominated the center of the room with all the usually scattered and unmatching chairs pushed around the table in a seemingly unintentional randomness. A hard-backed chair dominated the head of the table where a wizened witch sat, hands clasped lightly in her lap.

Her posture was calm, her face tense. Staff meetings weren’t ever Minerva’s favorite pastime, but they were a necessary part of the job, especially when events conspired out of her control. Which, in all honesty, seemed to be the recurring fact of being headmistress, there was always something out of her sphere of control. A warm fire cackled in the fireplace as Minerva worked through their list of topics in her head.

Atop the table sat two large carafes, one filled with coffee, the other with tea. Accoutrements for taste sat near the two and random mugs were sprawled around the top with a tin of biscuits. A sigh escaped her lips as Minerva shifted her weight. The heavy emerald green robes the headmistress was wearing were stifling, and even without her cloak the witch was wishing the fire put off a little less warmth.

The staff would be arriving at any moment, and all Minerva could do was sit and wait, though patience had never been one of the headmistress’s strongest suits.

It was funny to him how much had changed since the start of the very first staff meeting he had attended. He wasn't as nervous going into them, nor was he gun shy about voicing his opinion. Gale was quick to answer, and very vocal when it came to the care of his students; but with everything that happened in the last few months he wasn't as sure going into this one. Everything about the young Professor was beaten down, but instead of breaking as so many thought he would, he just hardened up.

Quietly he pressed the door open, seeing that he was one of the first to arrive, and kept his eyes forward until he saw Minerva and gave a little bob of his head in greeting, "Good day, Headmistresses." No matter how many years would pass before she would retire, as one of her former students he refused to call her Minerva, at least at first. This time around he was properly dressed, having burnt the outfit he wore last time upon a negative remark about it, and one more reason to keep quiet this time. He wore his robes this time, having been wearing them more and more and using them as a protective layer against both his students and the rest of the staff.

Gale had put his shields up long ago, but the ice that he carried around his persona now was one to be reckoned with as his whole attitude towards his profession changed. He didn't smile at Minerva, he didn't even look amused to see her, his careful blushes and quiet words were gone, and as he seated himself close to the fire he opened a book to pass his time until everyone arrived. Being busy like this in his grades was a great way to not invite unwanted conversations, and even further comments from the peanut gallery. He wasn't here to make friends, he had plenty, and frankly he couldn't stand too many of them anymore anyway.[1]

1.	Please do not think this is my OOC opinion. Gale is just going through "the change of life" lol

Lucrezia thought staff meetings were some of the downs of her job, among many, many others. It was the forced company, she supposed, especially when the majority of said company was rather displeasing. On the upside however, she was the newest addition to the faculty, so she hoped nobody would give her much mind. She simply wanted to do her job in peace. That not included having to sit through some droll meeting that would probably have nothing to do with her actual class. And on a Sunday to add insult to injury!

Regardless, the Potions Mistress[1] walked into the Staff Room with her back straight, her head held high and a most unimpressed expression. The round table had her lazily arch an eyebrow. Well, weren't they true knights of Camelot... The current occupants had he eyebrow fall quickly back in place and her lips twitch momentarily. Wasn't this just marvelous. With a barely there incline of her head, she moved her eyes from McGonagall to the other man.

"Headmistress. Professor" she acknowledged their presence in greeting. She walked surely, but unhurriedly towards a seat as far away from Kesali as possible, and tucked her robe underneath her as she sat down. Crossing her legs and placing her gloved hands neatly in her lap, she eyed the refreshments skeptically and decided that as much as she would've enjoyed a cup of coffee, she doubted this one would be particularly palatable. Not many took their coffee as strong and black as she did.

She sighed softly and hoped to dear Morgana that this would not take long and she would not have to suffer by being seated between Circe knew who. Her mind provided the face of the school counselor and she shivered a little.

1.	Courtesy of Libertine Ltd.

Between the clipped greetings, a low rumble filled the silence that might have otherwise, in friendlier atmospheres, been taken up by small talk. The sound was not quite a purr, but it was the closest one could get with a lion and sounded almost as content: Felinus was snoring.

The Caretaker had arrived in the previous hour in order to sweep the floors and move furniture in preparation for the meeting. Since he couldn't sit at the table, his designated seat was a large cushion set far enough that he could see all of the other staff-members over the table but close enough to still be part of the conversation. Its exact placement at the circle tended to shift from meeting to meeting, culminating in its current position right next to the fire. Between the heat and the comfort and the feline instinct to nap whenever he held still, Felinus had been out cold before Nightingale opened the door.

The big cat continued to snore as professors trickled in, half-curled on the cushion like an over-sized house pet. His ears twitched towards the footsteps whenever anyone wandered near and, when Gale sat down, his whole head stirred in sleepy attention, turning to the charms professor without waking up. Every now and then, he twitched in his sleep, as though following a dream.

"Ms. Di Luca," Gale answered in return, mirroring their title war from the previous month. He hadn't had much of a chance to get to know the new potions Professor, and from what he heard he wasn't sure he wanted to...or would be welcome to. Many of his students came with tears in their eyes and detentions on their papers, but he couldn't scold her for that. Rumor had it his students went to her for structure when he was having one of his 'off' days, but maybe....maybe they would get the chance to cross paths, and with a dark look down the table at her Gale knew it would be rather explosive when they did. However, just as he was about to slip back into his book he heard a sound that struck him as familiar yet strange all at once, and looked around until he found it's source.

Felinus Woodward was one of Hogwarts greatest mysteries, especially to the students. Hear them tell it, it was the same as having a floating staircase and enchanted lamps. The great talking lion was a staple now to the magic of the halls, and someone Gale was very thankful to have come to know. It must be so hard to live your life like this, trapped as he was, but if it bothered the great beast Felinus never seemed to let them know. He weathered it with such kind eyes and in his way...smiled, or at least that's how Nightingale saw it.

"Hey..." He bent to speak quietly to the sleeping lion, wondering if he could remember the Muggle song correctly, and ran his hand through the thick mane to scratch Felinus behind the ear, "Wake up. Show is about to start." A shadow of his former self perked through as he smiled at The Caretaker, "Dreaming big huh?"

It would be April in a few days and the end of the school year was racing towards them. It would be difficult enough to get some of the students through their formal external exams with the Wizarding Authorities without all the dementor and Tetrawizard business still hanging.

Ignan had an arm full of agendas and a longer roll of parchment and the minute-quill tucked under one arm. The hint of Spring was taking the very edge off the dank winter, but he still entered the room from his walk across the castle, wearing his long academic cloak.

"Good day[1]," he greeted the staff who had already assembled, Di Luca, Kesali, Woodward and the Headmistress. He took a cursory glance to the time on the fireplace mantel, anticipating the rest of the staff would be there imminently, otherwise they'd start without them.

He tried not to stare twice at Kesali's had to Woodward, though he couldn't deny he had been somewhat curious as to what being a lion was like, and also the texture in return…

"Agendas for you all," he continued, ignoring matters instead, and adopting a neutral expression of business. Placing the parchments down at the other side of the table to Minerva (all the better to control any mutterings and undercurrents of the staff, and observe matters fully from Minerva's address) his wand tapped once and the parchments drew out across the table and assembled in a rough order before the jumble of assorted chairs surrounding the table.

The minute quill began to scrawl the time, date and place on the long roll of parchment, its peacock feathers twitching like a proud secretary. It would minute the points made until he clasped it between his fingers to silence it when matters were discussed that simply wouldn't do to minute.

"Is anyone else having tea?" He asked, only to be polite, reaching for the teapot and helping himself regardless. It struck him that the assembled attendees so far were not the most talkative of people - himself included.

"Only a few more months and we shall be free of them all for the summer." He remarked on sitting back down, his tea stirring itself. "And the other schools too. What a pleasure." He half closed his eyes and managed what looked like a brief smile, but those never conveyed too much reassurance on Ignan's features.

"Thank goodness its only every four years if at all."

1.	what time is it?

Branwen had been in residence in Hogwarts castle just over a fortnight now, and she'd found the time was passing rapidly.  Just whipping fast! Every day was packed with the kinds of things that she'd always wanted to do, with some unexpected surprises.

She was finding that she wasn't the teacher she'd always imagined she'd be because the students weren't the students she'd imagined they were.  She did very well with those most motivated and gifted, but had a harder time with those who sat on their rumps contentedly.  But the chaos was at a minimum and her predecessors had done them good.  All would stay intact for their examinations she was sure.

And she was also making friends.  She was now acquainted with the pitiful wizard having a catnap by the hearth, and the mysterious, eccentric young Professor Kesali.  They'd found each other to be excellent mealtime conversation and he'd given her the inside track on what students to watch out for.  When she entered she stood across the table from where he was chatting with Woodward, and claimed a chair with wide set arms.  She'd be happy to not have to squeeze into something smaller.

The higher ups were present, her bosses Storm and McGonagall, and she addressed them both.

"I do hope we plan to discuss this Dementor nonsense," she said without preamble.  "If we don't have a solid Patronus from each and every student I shouldn't wonder at all if we lose a few.  My students must go out of doors to find my class, after all."

The Healer was settled comfortable in a chair within easy reach of the door.  She hoped to be able to remain through most of the meeting since she only took meals in the Great Hall when the Hospital Hut was completely empty.  Between students seeking a break from class or verbal spats between injured participants in a brawl, Tulojow generally had a better sense of what was going on from the students' perspectives than from the staff's.  These meetings were her best opportunity to balance the student gossip with the adult version.

With luck, the potion she'd given her most recent charge would leave the young third year resting comfortably long enough.  The girl had had a particularly bad reaction to a sting from Care of Magical Creatures class that left her dreadfully, skin-scrapingly itchy from head to foot.  Pippy had a back up dose of draught in the event the potion wore off early and the little elf could summon the Healer instantly, should things start going awry. 

"Thank you," Tulojow offered, nodding to Storm as the younger professor offered them tea.  Grateful her knee wouldn't have to endure her standing for something as trivial as refreshments, Tulojow accepted a cup and cradled it in her hands. 

She nodded in support of their newest professor's comment.  "I've already had a handful of younger students summon me in the wee hours.  Each of them were simply having an ordinary nightmare, but they'd been more frightened than usual.  What with all they'd been hearing in the papers and corridors."

"Not to mention, spring break is right around the corner.  We can at least put forth some limited protections while the students are here under our supervision but, those that go home will be dependent on their families.  And, what of muggleborns?  They'll be sitting ducks." 

"Only a few more months and we shall be free of them all for the summer."

Gale hated it every time he heard someone say something like that. He felt a rage build in the depths of his core and wanted nothing more than to slap that damn tea right out of Ignan's hand. His silver eye said as much as he glared the man down in a refusal, but tried to quell his emotions. He knew Ignan didn't truly mean it like that, and this was exactly what his own problem was. But as he recalled their conversation from the pub, Branwen stole his attention. (She was good at that, he loved to listen to her)

"I do hope we plan to discuss this Dementor nonsense,' [...] 'If we don't have a solid Patronus from each and every student I shouldn't wonder at all if we lose a few."

Wait. What?

Gale put his attention completely on the few around him as they started in on the attacks, that apparently he hadn't heard about? Too wrapped up in his own drama to even read the paper or pay much attention to gossip, and that bothered him greatly. His mind went instantly to the Trumbles, as Tulojow was right. Those who depended on their families to keep them safe would come out alright, but what if they didn't have anyone?

"Then we refuse to send them home," He spoke out placing his hands on the edge of the table, and vowing to not spend this meeting a quiet lump in his chair, not when it came to his students...the ones he was supposed to not care so much about, "I refuse to send them home. I hate it when they are gone from the castle. Christmas nearly did half of them in. We can find the funding if that is an issue, but until this is under control I say we keep them here, where we can keep them safe." Maker, had he truly had his own head so far up his ass that he didn't realize there had been attacks? Looks like it. And he spent a great deal of time outdoors. Perhaps this desire to walk the night had truly been his subconscious keeping him on the look out.

A few nights now he'd known little feet to be outside of his office door, but he had refused to answer. Were they afraid? Now he felt horrible, but this was all part of his big change was it not? He wanted to be a better professor, and in doing so had to keep them separate. He couldn't save them all, no matter how hard he tried, and after that one NEWT class he realized just how badly he had been mistaken in trying.

Branwen supposed she should take her turn - she did have a habit of dominating conversation and her sister had always said it was extremely annoying, but when young Kesali suggested...

Suggested that students be kept here if there was any doubt for their safety! She inclined a head to him.

"Now that's a notion," she said without commitment and then turned her gaze pointedly at the Headmistress.

It was a bold idea. But then, Kesali was a bold man.  Was bold the right word?

Hooch swept in with a gust of cold wind, broom in hand, goggles on.  She'd just flown in from her home in Edinburgh and she was ruddy faced and the tips of her spiky hair were frozen from cloud and cold. 

"Good day, all," she greeted.  She set her broom just inside the door and sat down next to Tulojow Nagde.  She doffed her goggles and peeled off her gloves.  "Let's have that tea then..."  Soon there was a hot cup in her stiff, calloused old hands and she was more or less settled to go.

And she noted the topic of conversations was...Dementors.  She set her jaw, and while loathe to begin before all were present and their two administrators were ready, she felt like she had to say, "I've seen three.  It's been decades since I've seen them in the open over Scotland, but not twenty miles out from Hogsmeade I spotted them.  They were high up and far off, but believe you me all of you, I didn't linger to take a head count."

She'd made the report to the Ministry a few days ago, but it had been cold comfort.  She had planned to possible take up quarters in the castle so she wouldn't need to travel as much, not until this was handled.  Those poor Prewett boys...

The Potions Mistress had been quiet, one eye on the meeting, one eye over her journals. She had heard of the increase in Dementor activity, like everyone in the wizarding world that did not, in fact, live in a cave. However, in regards to Hogwarts, that was rather debatable. The Herbology professor made a fair point, something, indeed, should be done to ensure the safety of the little brats. The Healer, also, brought up a rather pressing matter. But it was, Kesali, unsurprisingly, that finally had Ezia raising her head to stare at him with an arched eyebrow.

"And what of those students that cannot manage to produce an adequate Patronus?" she asked levelly, looking at Professor Strangely. Never mind that it wasn't a particularly easy bit of magic, but there were individuals that would never manage to produce one such charm, regardless what that might say about them... That wasn't the issue in this circumstance. She was rather curious if the charm could be somehow bottled. That was an idea to be analyzed at a latter time, however.

Turning, unimpressed expression, to look at the Charms professor straight in the eye, unblinkingly. "How... strange. I wasn't aware that the school had the authority to refuse to release the students back in the care of their parents or legal guardians - if they so do desire - during a period in which, usually, that is the normal course of action" she said in a perfectly curious tone, blinking at him. Did the man not consider his thoughts before speaking them? That would invite ridiculous notions of hostage situations or, worse, kidnapping! Parents tended to be rather irrational creatures when their children were brought up.

"I assume you meant we could offer the guardians or parents the choice of having their charges remain at Hogwarts, to assuage their concerns over their safety?" She smiled tightly, inclining her head politely. As if Kesali's display of his personal feelings regarding the departure of the students even factored in this conversation. With such professors, such–such role models, Lucrezia could see how students like the youngest Trishna would feel it was perfectly acceptable to storm out in the middle of classroom because the outcome of a situation hadn't been favorable.

"What about instituting a... buddy system?" she asked, the words coming out in a rather distasteful tone. "Inside the castle, if and when the schedule allows, have the younger student be chaperoned by an older student who has proven the ability to properly cast a Patronus? Outside the castle– the students only move in groups, to and from the greenhouses or the hut, and at all times accompanied by a member of the staff?" she asked, eyebrows drawn at the middle, looking from Headmistress McGonagall to Professor Storm.

Minerva sat contentedly as the staff began trickling in. A nod was directed toward each of the individuals as they made their presence known. Though Minerva was never one for idle small talk, the situation was still a bit awkward with a snoring lion and professors seemingly unwilling to make conversation. She was, therefore, quite relieved when the rest of the staff started showing their faces.

She refrained from speaking while the group muttered among themselves, and then the topic of the hour was upon them. Dementors. The beasts were a huge worry for the headmistress, especially with the added information Hooch had given. Three additional dementors in the skies over Scotland? It certainly didn’t bode well for Hogwarts. The soul sucking creatures seemed to flock to where magical influence was strongest, and Hogwarts was certainly in the top five places in the UK with high magical frequencies.

“I’d much rather wait until the full staff is assembled before we begin, however, we shan’t be keeping Hogwarts open during the break. Hogwarts is a school, not a boarding house. We’ve never held the school open year round. It’s important for our students to learn to live life outside the castle, even when that life might be difficult. As for precautions, I’m completely open for suggestions, and I think the buddy system is an excellent idea, though we should have little fear of attacks within the castle. Hogwarts is well protected.” Minerva took pause to sip from her acquired cup of tea.

“As far as the rest of our plans, I’d really rather wait until we’re all gathered. While we’re waiting, does anyone have anything to bring to the meeting? Issues, concerns?” Minerva looked out over the staff gathered. They truly were the best of the best, and Minerva was honored to have them working on her staff. 

The initial attempt to rouse Felinus from his slumber backfired. While he would never admit the weakness, the fact was that being scratched behind the ear felt very good and was extremely relaxing. As such, Felinus only came out of dreamland in a blurry-eyed confusion when the subject of Dementors began to raise voices.

It was Di Luca’s input that finally roused him completely. Felinus had nothing against the woman, as their interactions over the past few weeks had been reliable, but her voice was sharp and venomous as the shards of a shattered poison vial. He lifted his head to peer at the gathered professors, whiskers twitching in the growing tension. He was grateful when the Headmistress spoke up, dispelling the topic for the time being, though they all knew it would return to the forefront soon enough.

With excellent timing, as usual, he rose just as Professor McGonagall called for new topics and let out a large yawn. It came out only slightly less disruptive than one of his roars, rattling china on the table and causing the few unoccupied chairs to shake. He came back down with a pop of his jaw and blinked at the collected professors.

"...My apologies," he muttered, settling back down on his cushion. He had no issues to bring to table, or at least none that couldn't be better handled during other debates. He let his gaze wander around the group, where it eventually came back to rest on Kesali. The Charms Professor telegraphed his concerns with every twitch, his care for the students simply too much to hide.

Felinus tapped the pale man's leg with his paw to get his attention. "Azkaban and the Dark Lord gave the dementors a taste for fear," he said, soft as a lion's voice could muster. "Muggles can't  give them that. They can't see them. Ergo, dementors have little reason to hunt outside the magical world and no way to identify a wizard beyond our walls." He fixed Nightingale with and unblinking, understanding gaze. "The muggleborns are in no greater danger than the rest of us. The best we can hope to do is prepare them as well as we can."

The desire to shout 'bullshit' at the top of his lungs at Minerva had never been stronger, he looked between the two women as if they were both coming off his Christmas card list, but he certainly wasn't willing to cause a stir just yet. (but it was coming) It wasn't time, and the touch to his leg was enough to pull him back down from his irrational anger. Ooooooooh how Ezia got under his skin, and his narrowed eye said as much.[1] Truly, they were right, but he just worried so much about the children--despite how much he swore he wouldn't.

Felinus made perfect points, even if he spoke to him as if this was the first time he heard of such things, but Gale was young he knew that. He was wild and he wasn't all there part of the time, but he certain served his share long enough in the Ministry to know better.

"It's not the Dementors that I truly worry about, My Friend," He spoke only loud enough that those sitting beside him would hear, "It is that when they are on the move, there is always something  behind them." What he didn't want to admit, to himself much less to anyone else, was that the activity surrounding the rumored return of his father, and the Circus always signaled something else was happening. He'd heard rumors of the Aurors tightening their hands around their wands, and now this? It would send him enough to start a little investigating on his own. But for now he had to play face, pretend to be perfect little professor without evil contacts on the outside, and experience with the reformation of the Ministry. Sometimes he missed it, but he knew he could be a better advocate for the children right where he was. But he certainly would be marching right down there this week to see what he could find.[2] Maybe it was time to find Darius again.

"I think any concern that I had is overshadowed by this one, so no. Being a little upset at the change in soap seems a little silly." He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms, "I had planned on moving out of the castle come spring time, but now I'm not so sure. I have at least two students a day crying on my couches, now this? No wonder they have been so strange. My NEWT class especially." He wondered if Raine had any connection with this, and almost got sick to his stomach right there with concern.

"I am sorry to say that I have been out of it recently. Ready for the Winter to be a memory."



 

1.	I love her so much I can't stand it!!! <3 <3
2.	Anyone with MoM characters want a thread?