Chapter 15 Staff Meeting

Corin arrived in the Teacher's Lounge at ten minutes before the meeting was set to start. It was a long paneled room with several desks along the wall by the windows and about fifteen mismatched, comfortable looking armchairs were arranged in a circle in the center of the room. Several teachers were there already, going over teaching plans or chatting quietly to each other while they waited for everyone else to arrive.

McGonagall was talking with Professor Sprout about her lesson plans and what types of plants the students would be working with that year. Vector, the Arithmancy teacher, was seated a couple of chairs away from them immersed in her work with several scrolls and books scattered in her lap and on the floor around her chair. Snape was seated apart from everyone with a very sour look on his face, which only got darker as Trelawney sat next to him trying to convince him to let her read his palm. Corin could tell even from a distance that the Potions master was just moments away from blowing up at the old fraud and moved to sit in a chair as far from the two as possible.

Fortunately, as Snape was in the process of opening his mouth to blast her with his temper and tell just what he thought of her 'Inner Eye', Dumbledore walked through the door followed by Sirius, Remus and Hagrid. Corin's lips tightened and his eyes narrowed imperceptibly, but none of these reactions were noticed as the last teachers to arrive took their seats.

"Welcome everyone to another year." The Headmaster stated as everyone quieted down and got ready to start the meeting. "I'd like to introduce two new people to our teaching staff Messrs Sirius Black and Corintur Raumoraa as well as the return of Mr. Remus Lupin, all of whom will be sharing the job of teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts." The rest of the teachers clapped politely and Dumbledore continued. "We will also be hosting this year a group of twenty other elves besides Corintur who will have the job of helping guard Hogwarts and a few will also be assisting Corin with an optional wandless defense class."

The teachers looked curiously at Corin and he shifted uncomfortably, disliking the attention and was relieved when Dumbledore continued speaking. "I realize some of you might think asking for elven support is a bit extreme in guarding Hogwarts this year, goodness knows I've been told that by Fudge more times than I can count, but I can assure you it's necessary. As much as I hope I am wrong, I think we can expect an attack from Voldemort sometime in the coming school year." Worried mutters went around the room at that while Corin just sat calmly and aloofly observing them. He noticed Remus watching him quizzically, possibly wondering at his lack of response, but ignored the stare and turned back to Dumbledore.

The meeting went on to outline other preparations designed to keep the students safe on their way to school on the Hogwarts Express, at the school itself and on Hogsmead weekends. Five elves and five teachers would be on duty aboard the train on September 1st and the same number would be patrolling the streets of Hogsmead when students were present. When they got through all the security measures planned, the topic moved on to less serious matters.

"This year we are planning two balls." Dumbledore informed them, chuckling at some of the groans. "The first will be on Halloween as a costume ball. Years one through three will be having costume parties in their common rooms and four through seven will be in the Great Hall for the main ball. We have secured the Weird Sisters band to play music thanks to Professor Sinstra's connections to the group through her second cousin's husband's great-aunt." He gave a cheerful smile to the astronomy professor and continued. "The second will be the Yule Ball directly before the start of winter break at which the Weird Sisters have also agreed to play for. I'd like at least eight teachers there to help supervise in case Voldemort chooses to attack on either of these occasions."

Most of the teachers raised their hands including Corin (and Snape as well, though grudgingly), and Dumbledore nodded. "Very well." He pulled out his pocket watch and glanced at the time. "It is five thirty; I think we will close for now. There will most likely be a shorter meeting in a few days for last minute announcements and patrol assignments. So I will see you in a half an hour in the Great Hall for dinner."

With that, he stood from his chair and made his way over to Corin as the rest of the teachers stood and either left the room or stayed chatting with one another.

"How do you like Hogwarts so far Corintur?" Dumbledore asked with an amused look on his face.

Corin raised an eyebrow at the question. "It is a beautiful school Headmaster; one can feel its history by just walking its halls." He stood from his chair and made his way towards the far wall to look out one of the many windows at the grounds. Dumbledore followed him and joined him in looking out the window. Corin watched him out of the corner of his eye. Albus looked serene, however he could see the man wanted to say something but was hesitating.

"Corin... I'd like you to speak with Professors Black and Lupin."

Corin gave him a sharp look. "Why sir?"

"You need to discuss lesson plans with them. Find out what each other are planning on teaching so you don't duplicate lessons. It need not last long, just long enough to exchange information."

Corin turned back to the window and thought for a moment, then nodded. "Very well." He said softly.

"I will introduce you." He gestured towards the right side of the room where Sirius and Remus were talking next to a table holding tea and several types of biscuits. He could see shadows under both of their eyes and felt a twinge of sadness when he'd remembered how he had looked up to and trusted them. They straightened when they saw the Headmaster and Corin headed their way.

"Sirius, Remus, this is Corintur Raumoraa. As you know he will be teaching first through fourth years. I decided to introduce you and let you go over lesson plans." Dumbledore finished his introduction and left with a small nod to them.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Corintur." Sirius held his hand out and Corin shook it stiffly.

"Likewise." His face was blank and there was an uncomfortable silence.

Finally, Remus rescued them. "Why don't we go sit at one of the tables by the windows and go over what each of us has planned." They headed over and sat down, Remus and Sirius on one side and Corin on the other.

When no one said anything, Corin spoke. "Professor Lupin, did the Headmaster say you've taught DADA before? Perhaps you could give me an idea of what you taught which years and I can base my schedule off of that. I am familiar with wizarding magic, but I'm not sure what spells are appropriate for which grades."

Remus nodded and took a sip of his tea. "Yes, I think I have my class notes from a couple of years ago in my rooms. I could bring them with me to dinner for you to look at. But I believe I focused on simple defensive spells like 'expelliarmus' for first years, I did shielding spells and began an introduction on dark creatures for second year, expanded on dark creatures for third years and did moderate to hard spells for fourth years."

Corin nodded and thought for a moment, "That sounds like a good schedule. I also might go into elvish magic with the fourth years. It would be good for them to hear how different types of magic works."

Sirius got a curious look on his face. "How does elvish magic differ from wizarding magic?"

Corin hesitated, already this conversation had gone on longer than he had intended. Finally he gave a soft sigh and answered. "Wizards have magical cores inside them and use wands to focus that magic and incantations to give the desired results. Elves are magical beings, our very essence is made of magic and we draw not only on the magic in ourselves, but on the magic around us. We don't use incantations, instead we ask the magic to do what we want, either verbally or mentally, and it responds." At the end of his explanation, Sirius and Remus looked fascinated.

"Do you think you could come into a couple of our classes as a guest speaker and tell them about elvish magic also? It's really very fascinating; I think all of the upperclassmen would really benefit from hearing a lecture on your people's magic and culture."

Corin hesitated, if he agreed, that would mean teaching his former friends. "Let me know when you want me to do this, if I'm not available, I can get one of my friends to give the lecture. They would be just as good as me and would be able to answer any questions the students may have." Remus and Sirius nodded to this and Sirius checked the clock by the door.

"It's ten till, let's head back to our rooms. Remus can get his class notes and we can get ready for dinner." All three stood and headed out the door.

"See you at dinner Corintur."

"Yes, until then."


This has been so fun writing this story!! Thanks again to everyone who's reviewed.

Arye