CHAPTER 3: Home, Sweet Hogwarts
The next four weeks flew by. Professors and staff worked like beavers, preparing, repairing, cleaning and discussing the changes needed for the modern Hogwarts. Many subjects were to be taught by teams of two or even three, in order to provide support and coaching to newly appointed teachers like Harry and Hermione, and relieve the burdens on the aging or injured. Professor Binns had been persuaded into a form of retirement and started a canasta club for the ghost population, which in turn provided Peeves with his true calling. As a cardsharp, Peeves found fame and respect among his peers; he was much too busy nowadays to annoy the Living. Coupled with the honor he received for his part in defending Hogwarts during the Great Siege, Peeves whole outlook on Life, or rather, Death, took a radical change for the better.
One week before the students arrived, the entire Hogwarts population turned out to assist Professor Sprout in restoring the Grounds, and especially the Quidditch pitch, to its former glory. The sight of so many talents, working in concert, replanting, removing the scars of battle, and mending the outer walls, gave credence to the team approach that the Minister had prescribed. The glow of accomplishment among staffers lingered through the week, and only grew as the train arrived and the First Years were sorted into their houses. Professor Dumbledore announced a program of awarding House points to both sides in any inter-House co-operative venture.
Upon Professor Snape's insistence, Hermione prepared a reading list on Muggle history, fashion and mores, arts, science and technology. She put enough titles, she thought, to guarantee that Snape would be occupied at least until Christmas holidays. Her parents assisted in arranging the purchase of many of the titles to be added to the Hogwarts library. Madame Pince spent every night reading a new book from the Muggle collection, and developed a lunchtime discussion group at the Head table. And Severus Snape, who alone continued to teach unassisted, became one of the most dedicated members of that group. Harry and Hermione would sometimes forget to eat, as they tried to suppress the giggles that threatened to erupt when their fellow teachers got bogged down in confusion over the Muggles' ways.
Everything was going quite well in the fourth week of the term when Professor Dumbledore dropped in on the 7th year Potions Class. "I wonder if I might have a word with you, Professor," he said to Snape. "After class, if you please."
As the last student turned in his potion work and left, Dumbledore began. "I have been observing your efforts in Muggle Studies, Severus, and of all the staff, I think you are the most prepared for a short trip into the Muggle life. Besides your recent efforts, there is your prior experience during the war to guide and protect you. I want you to spend your weekends passing as a Muggle. I want you to develop Muggle skills, cultivate Muggle acquaintances, and perhaps even find a Muggle friend or two."
"Headmaster, while I am gratified that my efforts meet with your approval, I cannot in good conscience take off every weekend to pursue Muggles. I have papers to grade, potions to prepare, lab supplies to purchase, and class lessons to plan, and..."
"You will have an assistant, of course, to take part of the burden from your shoulders. In addition to providing you with administrative support, this assistant will provide backup should your venture into the Muggle world necessitate a longer stay. You will not of course "go native" but you may find yourself in a situation where you cannot just Disapparate Sunday night without "blowing your cover". This is a long-term project, Professor, and of all members of the Old Families I know, you are the most fitted for infiltrating the Muggle world. The Muggle-born among us already know of that world in very fundamental ways that we do not. They are blind to many things that we need to know, but can only learn by discovery. You will be more than a spy, less than an ambassador, rather like that Marco Polo chap, an explorer. You will try to pass as a Muggle, Severus, and I know that would not be easy for anyone. You will be discreet in your use of Magic, of course, but you may use any Muggle technology that you can handle safely. You will receive funds from the Ministry, and accommodations will be provided. Harry and Hermione will go with you at first, to set you up in your pied-a-Terre, and introduce you to some options in London for assimilating and observing and interacting with Muggles. This flat will be on the Floo network, of course, give you a safe place for Disapparation, and you will be provided with an emergency portkey as well."
Severus Snape silently contemplated the Headmaster's sparkling blue eyes and complacently folded hands. There was no way out of this. "Who is to be my assistant?"
"If you have no objection, I will ask Hermione to provide support services in Potions. After all, you gave her the highest marks of any student you ever had. Unless you can recommend another Potions student?"
The two stared at each other. Both were blocking their thoughts, Albus with ease and Severus with a sense of desperation. "I suppose Miss Granger will do, at least until the situation calls for a change. Is there anything else you would like me to do, Headmaster?"
"Yes, there are two more items. First, please note that this project is a request directly from the Ministry, and my only input is to select the best candidate for the job. I trust that my confidence in your abilities is not misplaced. And secondly, I think that when we are not in formal situations, as is the case at present, you could try to call me Albus. After all, you will be Headmaster in turn one day, if you so choose, and we will be working more closely than ever at that point. And now I must meet with Miss Granger. Until dinner, then, Severus." And with a final twinkle, Dumbledore turned and left the Potions lab.
The next four weeks flew by. Professors and staff worked like beavers, preparing, repairing, cleaning and discussing the changes needed for the modern Hogwarts. Many subjects were to be taught by teams of two or even three, in order to provide support and coaching to newly appointed teachers like Harry and Hermione, and relieve the burdens on the aging or injured. Professor Binns had been persuaded into a form of retirement and started a canasta club for the ghost population, which in turn provided Peeves with his true calling. As a cardsharp, Peeves found fame and respect among his peers; he was much too busy nowadays to annoy the Living. Coupled with the honor he received for his part in defending Hogwarts during the Great Siege, Peeves whole outlook on Life, or rather, Death, took a radical change for the better.
One week before the students arrived, the entire Hogwarts population turned out to assist Professor Sprout in restoring the Grounds, and especially the Quidditch pitch, to its former glory. The sight of so many talents, working in concert, replanting, removing the scars of battle, and mending the outer walls, gave credence to the team approach that the Minister had prescribed. The glow of accomplishment among staffers lingered through the week, and only grew as the train arrived and the First Years were sorted into their houses. Professor Dumbledore announced a program of awarding House points to both sides in any inter-House co-operative venture.
Upon Professor Snape's insistence, Hermione prepared a reading list on Muggle history, fashion and mores, arts, science and technology. She put enough titles, she thought, to guarantee that Snape would be occupied at least until Christmas holidays. Her parents assisted in arranging the purchase of many of the titles to be added to the Hogwarts library. Madame Pince spent every night reading a new book from the Muggle collection, and developed a lunchtime discussion group at the Head table. And Severus Snape, who alone continued to teach unassisted, became one of the most dedicated members of that group. Harry and Hermione would sometimes forget to eat, as they tried to suppress the giggles that threatened to erupt when their fellow teachers got bogged down in confusion over the Muggles' ways.
Everything was going quite well in the fourth week of the term when Professor Dumbledore dropped in on the 7th year Potions Class. "I wonder if I might have a word with you, Professor," he said to Snape. "After class, if you please."
As the last student turned in his potion work and left, Dumbledore began. "I have been observing your efforts in Muggle Studies, Severus, and of all the staff, I think you are the most prepared for a short trip into the Muggle life. Besides your recent efforts, there is your prior experience during the war to guide and protect you. I want you to spend your weekends passing as a Muggle. I want you to develop Muggle skills, cultivate Muggle acquaintances, and perhaps even find a Muggle friend or two."
"Headmaster, while I am gratified that my efforts meet with your approval, I cannot in good conscience take off every weekend to pursue Muggles. I have papers to grade, potions to prepare, lab supplies to purchase, and class lessons to plan, and..."
"You will have an assistant, of course, to take part of the burden from your shoulders. In addition to providing you with administrative support, this assistant will provide backup should your venture into the Muggle world necessitate a longer stay. You will not of course "go native" but you may find yourself in a situation where you cannot just Disapparate Sunday night without "blowing your cover". This is a long-term project, Professor, and of all members of the Old Families I know, you are the most fitted for infiltrating the Muggle world. The Muggle-born among us already know of that world in very fundamental ways that we do not. They are blind to many things that we need to know, but can only learn by discovery. You will be more than a spy, less than an ambassador, rather like that Marco Polo chap, an explorer. You will try to pass as a Muggle, Severus, and I know that would not be easy for anyone. You will be discreet in your use of Magic, of course, but you may use any Muggle technology that you can handle safely. You will receive funds from the Ministry, and accommodations will be provided. Harry and Hermione will go with you at first, to set you up in your pied-a-Terre, and introduce you to some options in London for assimilating and observing and interacting with Muggles. This flat will be on the Floo network, of course, give you a safe place for Disapparation, and you will be provided with an emergency portkey as well."
Severus Snape silently contemplated the Headmaster's sparkling blue eyes and complacently folded hands. There was no way out of this. "Who is to be my assistant?"
"If you have no objection, I will ask Hermione to provide support services in Potions. After all, you gave her the highest marks of any student you ever had. Unless you can recommend another Potions student?"
The two stared at each other. Both were blocking their thoughts, Albus with ease and Severus with a sense of desperation. "I suppose Miss Granger will do, at least until the situation calls for a change. Is there anything else you would like me to do, Headmaster?"
"Yes, there are two more items. First, please note that this project is a request directly from the Ministry, and my only input is to select the best candidate for the job. I trust that my confidence in your abilities is not misplaced. And secondly, I think that when we are not in formal situations, as is the case at present, you could try to call me Albus. After all, you will be Headmaster in turn one day, if you so choose, and we will be working more closely than ever at that point. And now I must meet with Miss Granger. Until dinner, then, Severus." And with a final twinkle, Dumbledore turned and left the Potions lab.