The Greatest Minister for Magic in History Part 8

Cornelius Fudge sat within his office, contemplating what he should next approach.

The problem he was having was actually of his own making: His appointees were too competent.

When he had reorganized the Ministry to be more efficient, his goal had been clear lines of command, operation, and responsibility. This was ostensibly to cut down on costs by removing redundancies, but the real purpose had been to minimize the ability of one person (Dumbledore) to exude unequaled control or persuasion on too many parts of the Ministry.

By delineating clear lines of command, people had one person – one – whom they answered to directly. No one person had more than five people that directly answered to them. Even the Aurors had been reorganized into squads based on Muggle military structure: 4 Aurors answered to a Supervising Auror, the supervising Aurors answered to a Senior Auror, the Senior Aurors answered to the Auror Watch Commander, the Watch Commanders answered to the Head of the Auror Department and they answered to the Senior Undersecretary.

The first time Cornelius had received a message "requiring" Ministerial involvement, he had gathered up every Ministry employee between the Minister's office and the low-level employee and explained the command line to the man and to each member of the command line. Yes, he needed to be informed if there were political implications, but that had to come through the proper channels – not directly to his office, except in cases where command structure had broken down, which had not been the case.

After this, his secretary often spent her time forwarding improperly routed missives to the appropriate supervisor or department.

Very efficient – but very boring.

This meant that he often had paperwork that needed reviewed in the morning and near the end of the day. The time in between – the Undersecretaries handled the day to day operations of their departments well: They had taken on the habit of enforcing the communication and command lines as their own, which meant that they often had time to observe their subordinate departments and to set up the command lines as needed, allowing the average Ministry employee to get his or her job done.

Cornelius finally reached down and, unlocking a particular drawer, pulled out a pile of parchment that he had written out when he had been visited by the Traveler.

He reviewed the various pages, noting where particular situations had already been resolved, reorganizing the remaining items into orders of importance, adding a few items from his talks with his Account Manager and his Undersecretaries.

He made a few more notes and then wrote an order for his secretary: Meeting of the Undersecretaries and Minister for the next day at 2:00 regarding review of current Ministry operations. After giving this to his secretary, he made a few more notes and then wrapped up for the day – maybe he's see if his wife wanted to do something together.

The secretary opened to door to find her boss looking at her expectantly. "The Senior Undersecretaries have arrived."

The Minister stood. "Good, good. Send them in. Thank you."

Very soon, Fudge was sitting with his three subordinates. "Good afternoon. I wanted to see you together to review what the Ministry is currently working on in each of your areas. But first: Would anyone like refreshment?"

The first person to speak was Mattias Greengrass. "Currently, there are no major concerns for International Law and Cooperation. Crouch has been dealing with the other Ministries as needed but nothing of major concern. Weasley has been doing very well with the Muggles – the Muggle Minister has spoken to him fairly regularly as regards any outstanding issues and things seem to be under control. Gringotts goes on as it normally does – no real complaints there."

The Minister nodded. "And immediate future plans?"

Greengrass shrugged slightly. "Currently I am more interested in ensuring that the normal operations remain just that before trying to introduce anything which may cause any upheaval."

"Good, good. Augusta. How goes the Ministry's inner workings?"

"Good for the most part. I've had to deal with a few more Wizengamot concerns than I would like – the Chief Warlock being normally found at Hogwarts, the daily concerns get sent to me. Currently, there is nothing earth-shattering but I am not looking forward to the next emergency."

The Minister nodded thoughtfully. "What concerns have you been fielding?"

Augusta considered that. "A few issues on the Judicial panels for the members who are trying cases in the DMLE – a few schedule problems and so forth. The Aurors and the normal enforcement officers have been picking up petty criminals a bit faster than they had in the past – both a good thing and a bad one. While the Aurors are more efficient, the judiciary wasn't prepared for the increase in the numbers."

Cornelius replied, "I see. Amelia? Any thoughts on how to resolve this?"

She nodded. "The problem has been that there are a number of laws that have been put in place over the centuries which label certain things crimes when really they are civil disputes between individual wizards. Sometimes, one wizard or another, seeing a possible threat to his business, has gotten one thing or another made illegal so that it wouldn't negatively affect their 'Merlin-given' right to a monopoly. This means that petty crime is really, in the opinion of some Aurors, really not criminal at all, but they are required to uphold the laws as passed."

Cornelius snorted. "As much as I am for tradition, I think it would be healthier for Wizarding Britain if we didn't involve the Ministry in trying to protect one British wizard over another. I am all for ensuring that the Ministry reasonably protects British interests over other, conflicting considerations, but locking up one British wizard to protect the pocket of another because the first one got a better idea? No. We need to review laws to ensure that no Ministry law favors one citizen over another. The pureblood supremacists won't like it – but a healthy economy depends on good competition: It makes things more affordable for people to purchase things and so increases the amount of money flowing through the society. So, how do we do this?"

The Undersecretaries looked at the Minister in surprise for a moment before discussing their options. Even Greengrass, the one most currently involved with his own business operations, could see the need for it – as much as he wanted to disagree. They finally reached tentative short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans to change things.

After checking that there were no immediate concerns for Magical Law and Regulation, the Minister went on. "Okay. Next item: Is there any Ministry employee who seems to be working hard 100 percent of their time or near enough?"

The three were confused. Amelia asked, "What do you mean?"

The Minister leaned back a bit. "While I am certain that we don't want employees wasting time, and therefore Ministry resources, I've come to believe that no one person should honestly have so much work on their plate that they must work day in and day out if there isn't a crisis to deal with. Think about it: If we have someone who's job is so vital that they have no time to do anything else, what would happen if that person all of a sudden died? How much confusion would that make?"

The three Undersecretaries considered that. "No one, and I include us in this, should be so busy that adjustments in an emergency would mean our downfall. What if we want a vacation? Who will do the job? So, in my mind, a person should be spending no more than 50 percent or so of their time on current work. Another percentage should be spent codifying their position so that they can be replaced or promoted as needed. If Mathias, for example, needed to take time to go to the continent, there should be some instructions for either his deputy or even I to review to ensure that normal business continue. Too often, when someone takes time off, the work just piles up, leaving needed things undone. Not efficient. The person coming back then has to spend months catching up.

"Instead, every employee should have a named alternate. Every person should be able to, if needed, do any job immediately below or above them as needed. If I was killed, Merlin forbid, one of you would likely need to take over to ensure the Ministry continues. But you will still need to ensure your job is done. If the Head of the Auror Department needs the day off, his job should be able to be covered either by his superior," he motioned toward Amelia, "or a set person such that that person can do both their job AND the temporary one. I need an Undersecratary for the Minister's Office who I can trust to do my job or any of yours as needed in a pinch.

"So, if anyone is working so hard they can't organize and inspect their areas of responsibility, file proper reports, brief their superior, teach their subordinates, and generally make sure things are running smoothly, than perhaps we need to look at getting more people for that area. And if anyone is spending most of their time organizing or inspecting, maybe we need to look at folding that position into another. Whatever the case, no person should be working on current concerns less than thirty percent of their time or more than sixty percent if there is no crisis. First we need to handle anyone working less than twenty or more than seventy five, and then we can move on from there. In my mind, if things are properly organized, no crisis should reasonably force us to start paying for time beyond what the employee is already scheduled. Thoughts?"

The Undersecretaries considered the Minister's words and discussed it. In the end, they decided to first take some time to inspect their areas and see if anyone was working too much or too little. The Minister asked that he be allowed to come along on occasion so that he could become more familiar with all areas of the Ministry. They agreed. The group also agreed to weekly meetings of no more less than one hour and nor more than two to review regular operations.

The Minister sat in his office, waiting for his next appointment. The door opened and his secretary announced her. "Madam Marchbanks! Welcome. Welcome. Please come and have a seat."

The elderly lady moved quite spryly for her age and accepted the seat provided. "Minister. You sent a request to see me?"

"Yes. But first: Would you like any refreshment? Tea? Juice?"

The elderly lady looked at the Minister and said, "No. Thank you. I prefer to complete whatever business is before us."

"Of course. I thank you for coming. You are the head of Wizarding Examinations? Making certain the OWLs and NEWTs are administered properly?"

The lady nodded. "Yes. It is my greatest responsibility. The magic I have seen during my time … it is a wonder. Why do you ask?"

Cornelius sat back and replied, "I was wondering if you, as well as the head of Magical Education, would like to accompany me to Hogwarts sometime soon."

"Oh? To what purpose?" Griselda asked suspiciously.

"Mostly to see the old place, but also to see how classes are delivered since my time there. Too much of the future of Magical Britain is directly involved with Hogwarts for me to ignore it entirely. But, at the same time, it is not the Minister's purview or even his area of expertise to competently judge what is 'Good Education' – and so I would like those who have more expertise to come with me and evaluate it for themselves."

The woman considered it. "And if you disagree with what you see?"

"I would speak to you and the head of Magical Education, and perhaps send a message to the board of Governors. As I said – control of Hogwarts does not fall under my office. I am interested only in that our future is placed within its walls."

Griselda considered it. "I might be interested. Is this to be a surprise?"

The Minister chuckled. "No, no. It would be properly scheduled. I would like for students to have an opportunity to ask questions of those visiting and giving their concerns, though, even anonymously if needed or desired."

The elder stood. "Make your plans. I am available with enough notice for any date."

The Minister stood. "Thank you." He politely farewelled his visitor and made ready for his next appointment.

In the end, the Minister for Magic, the head of the Department of Magical Education, and the Examiners visited Hogwarts on an early Friday in October. Cornelius brought with him Ashlee Attaberry, borrowed from Arthur Weasley's office for the day, so that he had available a more recent graduate's point of view.

They arrived at breakfast and watched as the students arrived. Ashlee took a few minutes to visit with her younger brother. The various examiners would be accompanied by prefects who did not have a class scheduled for that particular period.

The Headmaster had attempted to prevent the visit, citing possible disruption, but the Minister had been adamant. The Minister had also promised to only observe during the classes that would be observed.

The Professors were told to tell the students to ignore the visitors if they arrived during a class period unless otherwise directed.

During the morning, the Minister observed core courses mostly: Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Herbology. As they were already outside, the Minister insisted on saying hello to the Gamekeeper.

The Minister and Ashlee made their way to Hagrid's hut and knocked on the door. From inside they heard, "Back! Back, Fang!" Soon the door opened and they saw the large man. He seemed surprised at their presence. "Minister! I wadn't expecting y' to be comin' down. Do y' need some help 'r somethin'?"

The Minister smiled. "No, Rubeus. I hadn't seen you since that trial during the summer and I wanted to check in with you. You received your new wand?"

The Gamekeeper broke into a large smile. "Yeah!" He pulled it out from a crude holster he had apparently made himself. "Eighteen inches, Oak. Ollervander actually used th' core from me old wand to make this one." Hagrid paused. "I really wanted to thank y' again fer clearin' me name an' allowin' me to carry a wand again."

"It was no problem, really. You should never have lost your rights to a wand in the first place. Have you been making progress on your education?"

About to answer, Hagrid said, "Yeah. But where'r' me manners? Would y' like to come in for a cuppa'?"

The Minister and Ashlee looked at each other and then the Minister replied. "Certainly. Why not?"

For a good twenty minutes, the three sat and spoke of current happenings around Hogwarts and Hagrid's work on reaching OWL levels. An idea formed in the Minister's mind. "Ashlee? Can you leave me to speak to Hagrid for a few minutes? It's a personal matter."

Ashlee nodded. "Certainly, Uncle Cornelius. I'll be outside." For this trip, Ashlee wasn't acting as Deputy Director but as a personal guide and this allowed a more personal exchange. She withdrew.

"Hagrid, I have a matter of concern I wanted to speak to you about."

"Oh? What d'ya wanna speak of?"

The Minister sighed. "Something which can cause both you and I much trouble if it isn't handled soon. During the trial, your ownership of a certain pet came up. Do you remember?"

"Yeah. Aragog. I raised 'em since he was a hatchling."

The Minister nodded. "And I have heard rumour that you later got him a mate so that he wouldn't be lonely?"

"Yeah. Mosag. I brough' 'er to 'im forty years ago."

"And that is the problem. He's had many children? He's got quite a full nest?"

"Well, yeah. But 'e's stayed away from 'ogwarts – I make certain o' that."

"And he's getting on in age? Showing signs he's not immortal. He is close to fifty years old now, if you count up the years. Is that right?"

"Yeah. 'e's bin losin' 'is sight."

"The problem is: What happens when he eventually dies of old age? Will his children act as your friend or will they no longer feel indebted to you?"

Hagrid paused for a moment. "I've always though' so. But, thinkin' 'bout it, tha's a problem I hadn't though' of." Hagrid started looking worried.

"Well, it's not an immediate problem. But I can see it becoming one. Also, the Forbidden Forest isn't a natural environment for such creatures. If it gets out, then you – and I, and Dumbledore, and others – would get in trouble for allowing them to stay."

Hagrid was really nervous now. "Wha' sh'ld I do?"

"Talk to Aragog. If we can make arrangements for a better hunting ground, where food is provided for them to hunt, would Aragog be willing to order his kin to accept it in exchange for allowing their old webbing to be collected in exchange for the food and the area?"

"Y' wanna send 'em all to a farm? Th' only farm I know about 's owned by Malfoy."

"Actually, I want to have you and I and the goblins work out a deal where you have an Acromatula farm. You provide the spiders, I provide the capital to start it, and Gringotts arranges the management of it, for a set fee. This way, they are away from Hogwarts, you can visit as you like, and everyone makes a profit. I actually don't need the profit, but as I am willing to provide the galleons to start this, it's to be expected."

The Minister paused. "If this doesn't happen, I would have to report what I know to the Department of Magical Creatures and the whole nest would be destroyed. So, you perhaps should warn Aragog that the choices are: A better hunting ground without worries about Wizards coming to kill them, or total death of the entire nest as a possible threat."

Cornelius had argued with the Traveler about this issue. The Traveler wanted to handle it himself, but the Minister pointed out that he was in a better position to make it happen. He had promised not to accept bribes in exchange for being allowed to arrange reasonable profits from his efforts.

"An' what about Malfoy? 'e won' like someone else getting' into providin' silk."

The Minister waved his hand. "Normal competition. I'll watch out that he doesn't push through any laws which unreasonably allow him to keep a monopoly. Whoever manages the farm will have to worry about ensuring a profit is maintained under current Ministry law. I won't use my position to help or hurt either business interest because that would be malfeasance on my part."

Hagrid considered what he had been offered. "I'll talk ter Aragog an' send a message when e' agrees."

The Minister stood. "Good, good. I look forward to receiving your message. Perhaps send it through my Accounts Manager at the bank, Slipnose. He's going to be who we negotiate terms with."

Hagrid shook the Minister's hand. "Thank y' for not jus' getting' 'em all killed."

"You're welcome. By the way, will you have a few hours available later today or tomorrow?"

Hagrid shrugged slightly. "Sh'd'n't be no problem."

"I want to try something, so no guarantee. But be available as needed."

The three made their way back to the Great Hall for lunch.

After a private meeting with the Examiners he had brought, the Minister continued observing different classes and talking to different staff. It was quite enlightening. The Minister started making some plans.

Finally, around three o'clock, the examiners followed the Minister out to Hagrid's hut. The examiners spent a good amount of time quizzing Hagrid about the various things in his hut, including the various pieces and parts of animals that he collected. Hagrid described the various animals, their quirks, needs, and natural enemies. At around four, the Examiners followed Hagrid around as he cared for the various animals he had under his care.

Hagrid easily listed out the various uses for each creature and the best way to collect the samples. They watched as he fed the hippogryphs, thestrals, and a few other creatures Hogwarts had on hand. He also led them into the edge of the forest and pointed out the various creatures there.

They saw Hagrid patch up a unicorn that had been injured from just the items he carried with him. They stood at a distance because it was obvious that the unicorn cared nothing at all for meeting a large group of humans. It allowed Hagrid to tend to its wound – but only barely. As soon as it was patched up, the unicorn disappeared into the forest.

When they returned from the forest, they also observed Hagrid collect and freeze an Ashwinder egg from an untended fire kept at Hogwarts for specifically that reason. Hagrid said that they would be used by the Potions class.

On the way back to the castle for supper in the Great Hall, Hagrid explained other creatures he knew about, how to control them, feed them, kill them, and heal them. They were taken aback by the enthusiasm which he showed when speaking about dragons.

Everyone with the man saw exactly how much the man knew and how much he loved his craft.

At the end of dinner, the examiners and the Minister stayed in the Great Hall, allowing students to come and speak and ask questions. A few passed written comments to them, which Cornelius carefully stowed away, not allowing anyone to interfere. By 8:00, everyone there was ready for home.

Over the next week, Cornelius met with the Examination Authority as well as the current head of the Board of Governors for Hogwarts. On October 22nd, just over two weeks after his visit, the Minister found himself back at Hogwarts for a larger meeting.

This meeting had several people who were not present for the Minister's visit. They included Amelia Bones, Undersecretary for Magical Law and Regulation; the members of the Hogwarts Board of Governors; and Valerian Linacre, the Senior Mediwizard from St. Mungo's.

The group arrived during supper, bypassing the Great Hall, and met within a conference room found on the first floor – the level above the Ground Floor.

The Minister took Madam Marchbanks to the small room off of the Great Hall for the most pleasant part of the visit.

The Headmaster, having been told of this, had asked all students to be in attendance at Supper. At 6:30, the Deputy Headmistress stood and called for the students' attention.

The Headmaster stood. "Good evening. I asked that you all be here for a special presentation from the Ministry for Magic. At this time, I shall ask for our guests to come forth." He turned toward the door at the back of the stage area.

The students saw the Minister of Magic lead Madam Griselda Marchbanks out to the podium. The Minister said, "Hello, all. I am please to be here and to give you all the opportunity to observe a respected tradition of Magical Education. Now, I call Rubeus Hagrid forward for a presentation."

Looking confused, the great bear of a man stood and walked over to the Ministry guests. The Minister stood back and allowed Madam Marchbanks to speak, only casting a subtle Sonorous so that she could be heard better.

"Rubeus Hagrid. As the Head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority, it is my responsibility and privilege to present the following: Subsequent to thorough examination by the Wizarding Examination Authority on 5 October 1990, given at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I, Griselda Marchbanks, certify that Rubeus Hagrid has demonstrated an Outstanding level of competence on his Ordinary Wizarding Level for Care of Magical Creatures. I, Griselda Marchbanks further certify that Rubeus Hagrid has demonstrated an Outstanding level of competence on his Nastily Exausting Wizarding Level of Care of Magical Creatures. And I, Griselda Marchbanks, Head of the Wizarding Examination Authority, certify that Rubeus Hagrid, before a panel of examiners and experts on the subject, has demonstrated a Mastery of Care of Magical Creatures. As of this date, 22 October, 1990, Rubeus Hagrid has been entered into the rolls of Masters of this field and may henceforth claim the title of Master of Magical Beasts."

Hagrid was in tears as the small, ancient woman passed over the various certificates. The Great Hall stood and cheered – more so the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs and less so the Slytherins – all in all rather enthusiastically for the gentle giant of a man.

Hagrid WOULD comment later when he saw the Minister that even the Slytherins treated him with more respect for achieving a Mastery.

The Minister stood forward and shook Hagrid's hand, offering his own congratulations. He then made way for the rest of the staff to congratulate the man. As the Deputy Headmistress passed by him, he quietly passed her a small bag of gold and said, "For the celebration in Hogsmead when it happens – the first round is on me. Please make certain he makes in back after though; we don't need our newest Master to be sent to a Ministry cell for being drunk and disorderly." The humour behind the Minister's comment caused the stoic Deputy Headmistress's lips to twitch – the most amused that many students ever saw her.

The meeting in the conference room was not nearly as pleasant for those involved. The Headmaster, Deputy Headmistress, and Potions Master were all present. Cornelius Fudge got the meeting underway.

"Hello, all. Recently, I took the time to visit Hogwarts to see for myself the education of our children. With me I brought the examiners from the Ministry as well as the head of Magical Education. This meeting is to cover a few items that came up during that visit. First of all, does any one have any questions or comments?"

There were murmurs but no one said anything. "Well, then. First of all, for the most part, the instruction as observed was adequate to my eyes, with three exceptions: History of Magic, Muggle Studies, and Potions. Before we review these subjects, do any of the other visitors have comments?"

The Examiners and head of Magical Education voiced their agreement with what they had observed as well. They also noted that they hadn't had opportunity to examine the teaching of Astronomy. The Minister concurred. "Now, the first subject: History of Magic. My question is: Is this a class or nap time? Because I couldn't tell."

Over the next twenty minutes the Board of Governors and the senior faculty discussed the problems and possible consequences of changing teachers. Cost was an issue – not having to pay for a teacher, the salary went back into the general Hogwarts fund.

The Minister almost started a riot by suggesting casually to Amelia that the finances of Hogwarts might need a review by her department. It almost convinced the Minister to order it done anyway. It was something to look at, especially considering the deplorable state of the school brooms.

The Hogwarts Board finally moved to put this matter off for a meeting later in the year.

The Muggle studies issue was brought up. When the Minister asked Ashlee to explain what the problem was, a few members of the Board sneered. The Minister put a restraining hand on Ashlee and stood. "Before any mistakes are made, know this: Ms. Attaberry is not for you to insult. She is a Ministry employee. And before you say any disparaging remarks about her family, her family's vaults go back to the founding of Gringotts in the 1400s. Her father and grandfather were both wizards and her mother is from a magical family: The Fudge family. So I would ask that you watch your tone when speaking of her or making comments."

Most in the room heard Ashlee mutter, "Thank you, Uncle Cornelius," and saw the Minister nod in acknowledgement. There were a few faces which showed some surprise at the revelation.

Ashlee pointed out how outdated the materials for the Muggle studies was. When a few questioned as to how outdated it could be, Ms. Attaberry pulled out a recent Muggle book in full color. "Automobiles covered by Hogwarts," she pointed to a sad looking picture in black and white, "automobiles of today." She pointed to a picture of a sports car. "This car can travel 200 miles an hour." She pointed to a picture of a modern plane. "A Muggle can travel in this with 500 other Muggles and be in China, for example, in twelve hours." She turned to another page. "A picture of the Earth taken by a Muggle standing on the moon. Taken twenty years ago."

The purebloods were shocked. She turned the page once more.

"A picture of a Muggle-caused explosion cause by one bomb. It killed 100,000 Muggles in less than one minute. It was dropped from seven miles in the air from an airplane which travelled 3500 miles without stopping, forty-five years ago."

The purebloods were looking in horror at Ashlee's grim face. The Minister looked a little grey as well – he hadn't known these facts. He had only asked Ashlee to show modern muggles compared to what Hogwarts taught students. Finally, he took back control. "Now, we might not want to emphasize these things – especially the last one – to students. But what we teach students cannot be useless. The teacher does her best – but she never lived as a Muggle."

This discussion was now more sedate. The Minister finally asked that they take time to get their minds set and to speak to Arthur Weasley about more recent textbooks before making any decisions.

"The final item on the list: Potions. And before our guests over there speak," he pointed to Amelia and Valerian, "as well as Madam Marchbanks, I have one question for the Hogwarts Potions Master."

Severus Snape looked at the Minister with a blank look.

"In reviewing the information about to be presented to you all I decided that a question needed to be asked: Are you a traitor to Magical Britain or are you just unbelievably incompetent?"

Snape's face took on a startled look – for those who knew him – while Dumbledore cried out, appalled, "Minister!"

Cornelius did not look away. Instead he said, "Madam Marchbanks. Please review the graduation rates for Potions for the last twenty years compared to the number of Hogwarts graduates and OWL level examinations."

Madam Marchbanks did as asked. The numbers were quite surprising when laid out in that order.

"And there is an extreme drop between OWL and NEWT level students because …."

The Potions Master replied, "I only accept Outstanding Level students in NEWT level. My subject is not for those who refuse to do the work."

"I see. Madam Bones. What is the single most limiting factor in finding qualified Auror Candidates?"

"Lack of a Potions NEWT. We have had to start providing a remedial course during Auror training."

"Healer Linacre. What is the single most limiting factor in finding qualified candidates for Healer training?"

"Lack of Potion NEWTs. We have been having shortages in supplies and have had to start purchasing some potions from the Continent."

"Ms. Attaberry. What was your interest in Potions on the train ride to Hogwarts?"

"I was interested in seeing what could be done with them. They sounded so versatile."

"And what was your opinion on Potions when you graduated?"

She sighed. "I despised it because it was the source of five years of abuse."

"And what were your NEWT scores for every subject except Potions?"

"All Os or EEs."

"Thank you." He once again spoke to the Potions Master. "So. Magical Britain is starting to wither and die because of a lack of recent graduates who pass a Potions NEWT. We have started to send money to other countries because we can't get them here. And this lack of graduates coincides with the hiring of Severus Snape as Potions Master at Hogwarts. Mr. Snape. What would your conclusion be, given these facts?"

Severus Snape stoically refused to comment in the face of the evidence presented.

"Yes, I have heard how brilliant of a Potions Master you are. Your ability to brew potions that confound the average Potions Master. Your graduation rate once a student reaches NEWT level is simply astounding. But a good teacher that does not make." Finally he looked to the Board. "The Ministry employees are leaving you to work this out. By 3 January, 1991, I want a plan presented which will fix this abysmal situation. I would suggest not allowing Potions Master Snape anywhere near any student who is not at OWL level. I recommend forcing him to teach NEWT levels to any who achieve EE or better on a Potions OWL. I recommend finding another Potions teacher for the younger years. I recommend he spend the time NOT teaching or making potions for Hogwarts providing Potions to St. Mungo's until a suitable alternate DOMESTIC supply for needed potions is found."

The Minister stood up, as did the Examiners, Bones, Linacre, and Attaberry. "If I do not see a reasonable plan by that time, I will ask that the full weight of the Ministry and the Wizengamot come down on Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, the entirety of the Hogwarts Board of Governors, and anybody else who is contributing to this systematic destruction of the subject of Potions within Magical Britain. Have I made myself perfectly clear?"

There were murmurs from those still sitting. The Minister stormed out of the room, the rest of those standing following behind him.

Albus Dumbledore looked at the closed door where those who had left exited. "That was not a pleasant exchange," was his mild comment.

Minerva McGonagall nearly hexed her boss then and there.