IWSC round 10 grammar school
Beauxbatons 3rd year
Technique – starting with something that draws the reader in
WC 639
A Shocking Announcement
Albus Dumbledore looked curiously at his assembled staff, wondering how they would respond to what he was about to say. "I have one final announcement to make. I know that you have all been speculating as to who would be appointed as the new Potions master in place of Horace Slughorn. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Severus Snape."
There was a collective gasp from everyone in the room, followed by a stunned silence. Finally, after receiving meaning looks from several of the others, Professor McGonagall spoke up. Despite her usual ready acceptance of the Headmaster's decisions, she could not keep the outrage out of her voice.
"But, Albus, he is a Death-Eater!"
Her words elicited a babble of indignant agreement from the other staff members, and Professor Dumbledore held up his hand for silence.
"Say, rather, he was a Death-Eater, Minerva. He is no longer one. He has defected from Lord Voldemort's side and is now on ours."
Professor Flitwick looked doubtful. "I don't mean to question your judgement, Headmaster, but how can you be sure he's not merely seeking to spy on us?"
There was a murmur of assent to this, and Dumbledore chose his words carefully as he replied, "I cannot disclose the reasons, Filius. Suffice it to say that I am certain beyond all doubt that Severus is indeed on our side."
It was clear from their expressions that the staff found this less than convincing. Pomona Sprout spoke up forcefully. "Well, all I can say is, he'd better be, otherwise he'll have the whole lot of us to deal with!"
Heads nodded vigorously at this. Sybill Trelawney put in a word.
"I assure you, Pomona, that my Inner Eye will be able to determine whether Mr Snape is indeed fit to serve under our revered Headmaster. I can always detect the vibrations of a person and know their intent."
The staff showed uniform scepticism at this statement. They had endured many of Sybill's would-be esoteric pronouncements already, and did not welcome her frequent attempts to advise them on how to rearrange their lessons so as to enhance the 'mystical vibrations of learning'. They remained politely silent.
Dumbledore spoke again. "I do understand your reservations, and I know that protecting the integrity and safety of the castle is important to each and every one of you. We have been at war for over a decade, and as yet there is no end in sight. But I implore you to accept my decision, even though you do not understand it, and receive Severus as your colleague. Do not fight against him, for if we are divided amongst ourselves we cannot win against the darkness which oppresses us beyond these walls."
One by one, the teachers nodded reluctantly. Dumbledore fixed each of them with his penetrating gaze as they did so, and was satisfied. Knowing they were all longing to discuss the startling news without him present, he ended the staff meeting and went to the door. As he opened it, Peeves zoomed in gleefully. He chortled at the sight of their still-stupefied faces.
"Ooh, look at all the upset teachers! Poor ickle teachers, having to be nice to nasty Snape." Then he adopted a singsong voice as he chanted,
"Who's the new Potions master?
Dark wizard Snape.
Dumbledore has told them;
Now they're all agape."
Several jets of light hit him from infuriated teachers' wands, but he merely somersaulted, waved cheekily at them, and zoomed out again.
They looked at each other, unsure what to say. Professor McGonagall expressed the feelings of them all when she said at last, "I cannot help thinking that Albus has made a mistake, but he is right in one thing – we must trust each other. I trust Albus, and therefore I have no choice but to trust Snape."
