Journal of Albus Dumbledore

Week # 4

I find it hard to believe that another week has passed by so quickly. It didn't take long for the upheaval that the start of term always brings to become a smoothly flowing schedule.

The weekly staff meeting was very productive and yielded some positive feedback and suggestions. As the start of term always brings about some bumps, I find it best to discuss any interesting ideas our professors have come up with while it is still fresh in their minds. For instance, Minerva suggested testing the students at the beginning of the term in order to assess their abilities. An excellent idea which was met with great support from the staff. And these sessions help me with my monthly report to the Board of Governors who are always interested in the progress we have made.

My duties have kept me fairly busy especially since the Minister has yet to slow down in his requests for my presence and advice. In addition, I will be speaking at the Wizarding Conference this year and I am working on a book whose subject will be kept secret for now. But it requires a fair amount of research on my part and that of my partners.

I have been reading over requests for special projects from the professors. Most are unaware that professors at Hogwarts are required, in addition to their teaching responsibilities, to pursue an advance level project in their chosen field. This helps to keep their knowledge current and to keep them active in its' advancement. Most of the projects take years to complete so very few pursue new projects in any given year.

This year has brought about more requests than usual. Some of which are very interesting indeed. Pomona for instance would like to raise and study a clipping of Devil's Snare. She is interested in its aversion to fire and its predator-like activities. I believe I will grant that request and have a new greenhouse with suitable wards installed for the highest safety measures.

Also, Poppy is pursuing some charms which will have the same affect as chocolate on patients who have been through traumatic experiences. I think it is a very noble idea although I must admit than I am rather partial to chocolate. However, I will wish her my best and hope it comes to fruition.

On the other hand, some of the projects that come to my desk are not as well thought out as they should be. Sybil believes that the way light, passed through a crystal, hits one's hand can have future telling properties. The idea itself is not bad; however, she wishes to use the staff as her subjects. Not a proposition I am sure anyone will willingly volunteer for so I must have her suggest an alternate means of studying her theory.

One project is near completion. Minerva has been studying the effect one's animagus abilities have on their personality and behaviors. I have noticed several changes in her over the years since she first became a tabby cat and I look forward to reading her report. I believe it is already set to appear in several transfiguration journals. It was a project she was very excited about and now that it is nearly done, I am afraid she will be hard pressed to find something that catches her imagination as well.

Only one surprise occurred this week. The very nice and lovely Ms. Orchid invited me to lunch on the weekend. I accepted since we had such a pleasant time when I saw her last. I will need to tell Minerva in case there is any type of emergency at the school but I have no fears of leaving Hogwarts care in her capable hands. With Quidditch practice starting she will have much to do.

I do hope, although I would never say as much to anyone, that Gryffindor wins the House cup this year. It has been a long time in coming. One's house loyalties die hard. Our Quidditch team has struggled terribly but with some of the current team members, things are looking up. It does not help that Severus deducts house points as if they are knuts. And Minerva would never show favorites so I am afraid we may never see the beautiful red and gold decorate the halls.

Dinner awaits in the great hall and the house elves have been serving up my favorites of late. I must be off but I will be back to record my thoughts again next week.