So. I'm back. This is a shorter chapter than the last few but it's setting things up for a few explosions to come so I hope you will bear with me. I have a plan for the next few chapters you will be glad to hear and so providing real life doesn't get complicated again there should be a few decently timed updates at long last... this one took so long because it was a bit of a limbo chapter and I'm never that good at those. So anyway. Enjoy. And please, please, please review. I know I've been absent a long time but they really do make my day!


Chapter 4: A Minister Singing Contralto

"Minerva, will you please do something about Mister Weasley's wand?" Filius snaps in exasperation before the all staff meeting has even really started. "The boy is an absolute menace to everyone around him! He all but took my eye out and somehow managed set Mister Finnigan's hair alight yesterday afternoon! I wouldn't mind, but we don't start the advanced fire charms until next term!"

Yes. That was another thing on my long list of things to do, wasn't it? Things just seem to be slip away from me. I'm sure my life was simple at some point. All I had to worry about was the possibility of two red-headed demons blowing up half the castle, either accidentally or less so, and a selection of sub-standard essays. Now there is so much to contend with that I can't keep it all straight in my head. A new curriculum combined with final year students completing their existing courses. A possessed Professor being held somewhere deep in the Ministry. The grindingly slow release of an innocent man from the horrors of the Dementors. A interminably demented house elf and a distinctly dented Whomping Willow. Oh, and a boy's broken wand. Because clearly that is the most important item on my list of things to do.

Filius is right though. The boy is a menace with that hastily taped together monstrosity he calls a wand. He was never all that good at aiming his wand work even before the accident, but he's a danger to all around him now. I'm not looking forward to Molly's response mind you. That family barely have a spare bent knut to rub on their robes and wands don't come cheap. What with the additional expense of five students starting a new curriculum in various degrees, this year must already have cost them a small fortune. Not for the first time I wonder why Hogwarts doesn't have a fund to help struggling families. Not that I don't have enough on my plate without taking that on in addition.

"Moving onto more pertinent business," Albus interjects before I can frame a response, so I merely nod at Filius. "We have a great deal to discuss and a limited amount of time. Has anyone anything to raise before we get started?"

Albus allowed the silence to continue for a couple of seconds before smiling benignly and continuing.

"The first matter of business I originally had in mind was the new curriculum and whether there are any issues, but that perhaps can wait in light of a more immediate manner." He smiles genially around the gathered faculty, far more of us present than there have been in recent years. "Pomona, how is the Whomping Willow fairing?"

"Probably far better than the Knight Bus, in honesty Albus," Pomona responds with a smile. "Of all the places within Hogwarts grounds that Ernie Prang could have tried to park, you'd have thought he'd have more sense than to aim for the only tree in the world that hits back… either way, I am highly grateful for the help of Remus and Bill here. Thanks to them, there were not too many bruises incurred in bandaging the branches that were the most damaged."

"Not a problem," Remus chips in with a smile. "I would say any time, but I have to admit there are definitely less stressful ways to spend one's morning…"

"Well, that's good to hear," Albus remarks heartily. "So, onto the next matter. As you all will no doubt have noticed, we have a huge influx of new Professors, many of which are here in this room. Once more, I would like to extend a huge welcome to Hogwarts to you all and reassure you that if you have any problems settling in, any one of our longer standing members of staff will be willing to help you." His eyes flickered around the crowded room. "Would we like to go around and say a few words about ourselves in order to introduce ourselves?"

"No," Severus' response is sharp and immediate. "We most certainly would not, Albus." It is easy enough to read between the lines. Severus doesn't much care what anyone else thinks, he just has no inclination to join in such tomfoolery. "I am sure there will be ample time to 'get to know each other' throughout the year."

The sneer on those five words is pronounced and I bite back a smirk at the younger man's obvious discomfort. Admittedly, there are several others looking distinctly relieved at the derailing of this particular idea. I don't know where Albus gets some of his hair-brained ideas from. This one was never going to fly with our sharp tongued Potions Master.

"Ah well, it was worth a try my dear boy," the older man replies with that distinct twinkle in his eye. "I am sure you will all have ample time to introduce get to know one another nonetheless. I am aware that the new curriculum will put distinct strain on some members of the faculty over others…"

Here he looks directly at Filius before his bright gaze moves over to me. This doesn't overly surprise me. As an interim measure we have ended up taking a lion's share of the curriculum, although on a shared basis. Filius alone has taken on sections of Magical Theory, Duelling, Offensive Magic, Spellcraft and Enchantment in addition to his role as Charms teacher and responsibilities as Head of House. It's a vast workload for one man, even if many of them are advanced courses and so limited in number. "So I expect full co-operation from all of you to make things run as smoothly as possible."

He glances around the room once more before continuing.

"There is far more cross-over in the curriculum than we have ever previously experienced here at Hogwarts, which means you will find yourselves working closely with colleagues that would have been out of your usual sphere of influence," Albus continues, this time his gaze meets Severus' levelly and I can read the unsaid warning there. Play nice or don't play at all. I don't think he has as much to worry about as he thinks, mind you. Severus can be sharp and caustic but he respects excellence and efficiency. He may not like Remus on a personal level, but he cannot deny that the man has the skills and the personality to teach well. "Personal vendetta's will not be permitted to intrude upon our student's learning. We would all do well to remember that. Are there any questions relating to the curriculum that need addressing?"

"How many of our sixth and seventh years have taken the switch over to the IMP curriculum?" Pomona is the first to open her mouth. "I only ask because trying to run two curriculum's at the same time is going to be all but impossible."

"All of our current sixth years have moved over to the new curriculum," Albus replied with a smile. "There were a handful who took a little bit more persuasion, and for that I can only congratulate all of the Heads of House who have spent a lot of time over the summer calming fears. Unfortunately, our seventh year has more of a 50/50 split to it. I suspect because of the expectation that they would have to complete an extra year before graduating in most cases. They will however be able to sit in on the regular classes for the subjects they are taking and additional tuition can be provided at points to cover any aspects of the old curriculum that have been changed or altered. This will be particularly noticeable in Protective and Defensive Spellcraft and Lore where entire sections of the class have been moved in to the Magical Species class. I suspect we will have to monitor this closely over the year, but it shouldn't cause too many issues."

"I have a handful of NEWT students who are interested in joining new classes, whilst continuing to complete their NEWT's." Filius interjects. "I suspect given the chance they will want to take the examination next year as well. Will this be permittable?"

"Of course," Albus nods agreeably. "From next year we will be far stricter I suspect, but for the current seventh years, allowances can be made. Providing they continue to attend those classes next year, even if they have officially graduated, I can't see any reason to hold them back."

"Talking of additional courses," I say, thinking suddenly of the impossible course load Percy Weasley is determined to take on for himself. "I have one of my brightest sixth years determined on biting off far more than he can chew, I fear."

"The eldest Weasley boy here?" Filius asks. "I was talking to him after the welcome feast. He's certainly determined."

"Tell me about it," I sigh. "He's currently got himself lined up for eleven IMP's and two TOAD's if I remember correctly. And he's already asked for permission to take the TOAD's to IMP level after seventh year. That boy should have been in Ravenclaw, Filius."

"He's not the only one, Minerva." Filius looks up at me with a glint in his dark eyes. "I swear on Merlin's beard that I should have got the Granger girl. At least with the Weasley's it's justifiable. After all, you've got the whole set."

"Either way. I wanted to check that it was permissible for IMP level students to take TOAD classes if they so wished to do so?" I turn back to the matter of hand. "Of course, they will have to accept that they will be classed with younger students…"

"If they are happy with that arrangement, again I can see no problems." Albus agrees. "In fact, it might be beneficial to the younger students to have older students working with them. If it all works out, I might consider allowing future IMP level students to expand their horizons by supplementing their learning in such a way. Of course, they will have to be able to prove they can handle the workload. Are you quite certain Mr Weasley is up to the task?"

"He seems quite adamant that he is," I answer. "I've put in a request to the Ministry for the use of a Time Turner as a special arrangement. After all, the boy is going to need every extra hour he can get. I'll keep a close eye on him, of course. But he'd read the opening chapters in all of his textbooks before term even started. I suspect he'll manage."

"A Time Turner?" Severus drawled. "Isn't that akin to giving the boy an unfair advantage?"

"It's hardly a competition, Severus." I snap sharply, glaring daggers at him coldly. "And there is precedent, after all."

"There certainly is," Filius interjects. "Only last year I put in a request for one of my sixth years. The Ministry is happy to oblige providing certain conditions are met and due diligence is taken. It's rare to have two students with Time Turners in the school at the same time mind you."

"I suspect it will be three next year if your student is staying on," I remark quietly. "I don't doubt Miss Granger will try to take every course the school can offer…"

So early in the school term, there isn't really much more to discuss and after meandering uselessly around various topics, everyone starts to disperse. I suppose one of the small benefits of the amount of additional work I have somehow signed up for this year is the excuse I have to stay well away from the planning of various festivities and celebrations. With Halloween not far off on the horizon, I'm glad I can wash my hands of it. It is a ridiculous celebration after all. Bats and pumpkins and sticky sweets. A muggle invention that somehow made it across the normally firm dividing line, so now even in magical circles it takes precedence over the solemn affair that Samhain should be. I know several colleagues think the same, including Severus, but it is never enough to swing the tide. Merlin would be spinning in his grave.

An owl greets me as I enter my office, perched tentatively on the window ledge and looking distinctly disgruntled. Can owls even look disgruntled? Well, this one manages it for certain. Taking the thick parchment from its left leg, it hoots imperiously at me before settling down with its head tucked beneath a wing. Clearly I am expected to respond. The seal is recognisable and as I break it open, I have to wonder what the Ministry wants of me now. With the curriculum finalised and in place, I had hoped for a break from the endless back and forth that has been the bane of my life these last few months.

Dear Minerva,

You might recall a small rat problem that was encountered last year at Hogwarts. I am writing to inform you that despite significant pressure from the Minister, I have finally succeeded in procuring a re-trial, or a trial at all as the case may be, for the convicted murderer Sirius Black. The date has yet to be circulated.

The Ministry is keen for this to be a hushed affair, with as little public awareness as possible. There is little I can do in my current position, however it is of note that Mr Black still currently resides in Azkaban and is considered in a fit state to testify without further medical attention.

I am sure you are aware of the need to discretion in a case like this and I will leave any future action up to your own discretion.

May Merlin's Justice Be Served,

Amelia Bones

Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

My eyebrows retreat into my hairline as I read the careful lettering in front of me. Amelia's wording is no accident. She has been very careful indeed and that alone is concerning. Clearly the Ministry want to hide this miscarriage of justice under the carpet and Amelia is worried. I scratch out a brief response and let the bird fly before gathering a few items and making my way out. If anyone would know what to do about this, it would be Severus, but his ingrained bias will make him unreasonable. I turn towards the Defence rooms instead, and find Remus sat at his desk surrounded by paper.

"Having fun?" I quip as I walk in.

"Don't tempt me," he responds. "I can drop it on your desk if you would prefer?"

"No thanks," I reply with a smirk. "However, I have something that might interest you more than mediocre essays here."

I pass the parchment over to him with a hover charm and watch carefully as he reads. By the time he's reached the last few words his hand is shaking with what I suspect is barely suppressed rage.

"They can't do this!" He exclaims loudly, standing and starting to pace the floor of his office. "They can't do it! I could murder them!"

"Well, it looks like they are trying to," I keep my tone light deliberately. I am no less infuriated than Remus, but one of us has to keep a level head. "The question is, what are we going to do about it? And murder, whilst an attractive temptation, is probably not the optimum of solutions."

"What can we do?" He growls with an almost feral ferocity. "They have it all nicely sewn up, don't they? Keep the case out of the public eye, rubber stamp it and Sirius is once more a terrorist, only this time not necessarily a murderer. Even if they let him out, which is doubtful, he'll never be able to hold his head high again. He'll always be seen as a Death Eater!"

"We can't let that happen," I say quietly. "The Ministry must be held accountable for their actions."

"How are you so damn calm!?" The werewolf explodes, his magic pulsing to life in his aura. "They haven't even taken him to St. Mungo's! They haven't done anything!"

"Amelia has been very clever," I remark, ignoring the outbreak. "Whilst she almost certainly wasn't meant to notify us, there is nothing in that letter that could prove she is deliberately trying to stir a response. If it should get out to the right people… the worst that she could be accused of would be a minor indiscretion."

"What good would that do?" Remus snaps distractedly, running a hand through untidy hair. "It's not as though people's sympathies are going to be with the convicted Death Eater, particularly when there's no judgement there."

"Are you so sure about that?" My tone is just as calm, just as steady but the younger man looks up at me suddenly, his face difficult to read but his look intense. "After all, it's all in the interpretation. If the Ministry leaked it first, it would likely be played out as just caution. But if we spin it…"

"The Prophet…" Remus breathes breathlessly.

"The Prophet, The Wizarding World News, Wizard's Voice, The Whinging Times, The Quibbler…" I watch as Remus' face seems to light up from within. "You name it, we contact them. Even if the Prophet won't run it for fear of the Ministry to begin with, they'll have no choice once it gets out. They won't stand for other papers having an edge on them with such huge news. The Ministry won't stand a chance."

"What about Amelia?" he asks.

"What about her?" I remark with a shrug. "She wouldn't have let us know if she didn't expect us to do something with the information. So let's do something. Shout it to the rooftops. Scream it to the heavens. Make the Ministry rue the day they thought they could get one over on us. They deserve every ounce of pain we can inflict on them."

"Minerva… that… that might just work…"

"Oh, it'll work all right. We'll get their underwear so thoroughly in a twist that Fudge will be singing contralto. Believe you me."

And so it begins.