XVI.

Strength comes from respect, respect comes from discipline. I set an example. I know I must sometimes come off as brusque and stern, but that is what my students respond to. I do not think I am unfair in my treatment towards the students. They respect me, but I do not think they fear me. Not as much as some of the other Professors, anyway. No, many an accomplished Wizard or Witch has said they owe their success to their education and my exemplary teaching. I take great pride in helping shape these students to grow into fine people. Some have a harder time than others, of course, but that is to be expected.
Teaching at Hogwarts has been the highlight of my life. I have seen young children grow into intelligent adults and there I feel nothing but pride for almost every single one of my former students. They have all benefitted from having a stolid and enjoyable education. Hogwarts has never seen a finer headmaster than Albus Dumbledore so don't go believing those who say he is a doddering old fool who has no idea. Albus is the wisest and most noble person I have ever met, and believe me, I have met many people. I expect that not before long, we will see how strong Dumbledore really is. I must admit that I find myself worrying slightly at what the future may bring, but I know that if we stand together, we will all be standing by the end.

End XVI.


XVII.

Rotten little beggars everywhere, muddying up the corridors, getting sticky little hand prints on the walls. If it were up to me they wouldn't be allowed to set foot anywhere near the place without being inspected first! If I had my way there wouldn't be any filthy students. It's always "I'm really sorry, I didn't know". YOU SHOULD MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS TO KNOW! It's all about respect, and not one of these "Wizards and Witches" respect me. Not one! I spend my days clearing up their mess, wiping up their filth, making order out of their squalor, but do they care? Oh no. Not a word of thankyou to me, I'm not worthy of a bit of common courtesy. If only Dumbledore would allow me to keep manacles on my wall to teach these students, but he doesn't think that is necessary. A few hours helping me clean is good enough for him. At least I can rely on Mrs. Norris. I, I don't know what I'd do without her. She understands. She cares.
All my life I've been persecuted. Looked down upon. Treated like I was some kind of fool. A lower form of life. It is as if it is my fault that I do not have the same abilities as the others. As if I had a choice in the matter. Do they honestly think that if I had the opportunity I wouldn't do anything but beg for the same kind of power they have? I have to do everything the hard way. They just flick their wrist and there, it's done. But it isn't done all the time. Oh no. There are some things that they can't do. Some things they 'pleasantly' ask me to do. It is a horrid existence. I have only a few pleasures in life and believe me, I will grab them at every opportunity. They deserve it, all of them, all those appalling, disgusting, nasty little Wizards and Witches.

End XVII.

XVIII.

Filchy-poo hates me, the kids hate me, the professors hate me but I don't care. I love what I do, love how I do it and I'm the happiest when I'm causing despair. That wall wasn't supposed to be orange? You just put those napkins away? Tough luck! You should have been far more careful. That's what I always say. One more water balloon for the road, I said I'd stop, but I always lie. That ground is far too shiny, and if I don't do this Filchy-poo won't cry.
I cause a havoc not out of anger, or sorrow, or boredom, oh no, not me. I act this way, create this chaos because I know it's my duty. The other ghoulies, the ghosts, that lot, they find me repulsive 'cause I do what I do. But how do they behave, howling and screaming, or humming or reading or talking to you. They don't do their job, do they, just floating around, minimal sound and nothing much more. At least I make a presence, an interesting presence, and create an atmosphere for sure. So find me annoying, I love that you do, and curse me until your face goes red. I'll be only too happy to take the blame, after all, nothing much you can do, I'm dead!

End XVIII.
XIX.

So many questions and so many answers, I hardly know where to start. Should it be filibuster's fireworks, chocolate frog or something else? Should I give Argus more leeway in how he 'teaches' the students? I think I already know the answer to that one. Should I organise some kind of professors' play so that the students can see the lighter side of their teachers? How best can I safeguard Hogwarts for the students? Should I tell young Harry the truth right this moment or wait until he is ready? And just when will he be ready? I sometimes wonder if I'm getting a little too old for this. Then, however, something happens and I am called upon. I am considered the only one who can be of assistance. Others think that I know all there is to know. Age is an interesting thing. With age comes expectation of wisdom, but wisdom does not necessarily come with age.
And young Harry, the burdens of age affect him too. He has proven he is not defenceless, proven he is a champion, and so early in life. I have seen people in my time and not one of them has had to survive through what Harry has. He is lucky to have such fine Wizards and Witches as friends, I must say. The students at Hogwarts today are exemplary. Well, most of them. I am looked down upon for admitting some students, and why? Because of prejudice. I have said this before, and I will say this again, regardless of what someone's parents do, have been and possibly could be, I will accept anyone with magical talent to Hogwarts. Luckily it looks like I am going to be here for some time yet.

End XIX.