Not sure if this makes a lot of sense. But I do feel like the safety of staff would have been a consideration given that Hogwarts is a state school and is semi-governed by the Ministry! I'd have been really worried if I was a teacher - especially the current Headteacher seeing as the last was assassinated (or thought to be assassinated)


10 July 1997

Minerva sighed as the final few parents trickled out of the Great Hall. Scrimgeour and the current education secretary, Maximilian McDonald, followed soon after until it was only Minerva, Pomona and Filius in the room. The rest of the teachers had left to show the visitors out after the meeting. It had taken almost half an hour to reach an agreement, and even then it felt less like an agreement than clear instructions enforced on teachers by both parents and the Ministry.

"So, the school will remain open," Filius said. He rubbed his eyes and sighed, seeming both tired and apprehensive. "And we have all be asked to stay."

"Demanded, more like," Pomona corrected. "The Ministry instructed us that Hogwarts will not close, and parents insisted that their children should receive their deserved education. We hardly got a word in."

Minerva stood and began to clear away the previously occupied chairs so as to return the hall to its original look. "I agree with the Minister that it is essential that the First and Second years are taught," she said. "The dangers are too great if we do not."

"Muggleborns are our greatest concern, Minerva," Pomona said. "If they are not allowed to return then they will not be able to be taught. And they will not be able to be taught at home. The Minister did not provide a solution to that problem."

Minerva hesitated. "No, he did not," she admitted. "But we can only do as much as we are able. Mr McDonald will return once the students have left to discuss this issue in more depth."

Pomona did not look pleased with Minerva's answer. But without a solution of her own, she could not argue. Instead, she stood too and helped Minerva clear the Great Hall from stray chairs, and return the house tables to their customary positions. Filius also got up to help.

"I am sure most students will not return," Filius said. "The Hogwarts Express hasn't arrived yet and the number of students still at Hogwarts has almost halved. Given Scrimegour's predictions—"

"He talks as if the Ministry is doomed to fall. I've heard ministry workers are leaving as fast as their legs can carry them," Pomona interrupted quietly. "Shouldn't we be given the option to leave too?"

"Some cannot afford to leave, Pomona," Filius reminded her gently. "Even if they wanted to."

Minerva lowered and pocketed her wand as the final table and chairs resumed their original positions. "Those who wish to leave will be able to."

"But what about the minister? And the parents?"

Minerva sighed. "Last I checked, I was the Headteacher at Hogwarts. Not Rufus and not a parent of one of our students. If a teacher wishes to leave then they will get no arguments from me," she said, and she meant every word.

Indeed, it was easy for others to say what could and could not be done at Hogwarts. At the end of the day, neither Rufus nor any of the parents were going to be teaching at Hogwarts for an entire year most likely under the governance of Voldemort's lackeys. Like everyone else in the Wizarding World, Hogwarts staff had the wellbeing of their families as well as their own to consider. Minerva understood this and had the good sense to accept these facts. She would not be the one to dictate what her colleagues could and could not do regarding their safety.

Minerva also knew, however, that most staff would not leave Hogwarts. None wanted to leave underage witches and wizards at the mercy of Death Eaters when the Ministry eventually fell and Hogwarts' governance undoubtedly passed into Voldemort's hands.

"Is it even likely that any of us will be permitted to stay if Scrimgeour is correct and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gains control of the Ministry and of Hogwarts?" Filius said.

They all shared a look as what had been on all of their minds for several days now was spoken out loud. The ringing of the bells marking nine o'clock saved them from engaging in that particularly difficult conversation.

Minerva cleared her throat. "The students will be wanting their breakfast before the train leaves to take them home," she said. "Filius if you could help Argus with the luggage, that would be most appreciated."

Filius nodded and left the Great Hall leaving only Minerva and Pomona.

"What would you like me to do, Minerva?"

Minerva rubbed her temples - demonstrating only a brief moment of vulnerability and worry. "I think it best if someone ride the Hogwarts Express with the students," she admitted. "I might—"

"I'll go," Pomona interrupted. She placed a hand on Minerva's arm and gave it a squeeze. "You wouldn't make it back in time for your meeting with Kingsley and Alastor otherwise. I'll ask Irma if she'll come with me. She told me yesterday that she needs to get to London to pick up some new books anyway. We can kill two birds with one stone."

"Are you sure?"

Pomona nodded. "Of course. It's only a train ride. We'll be back in the evening."

Minerva frowned gently. "I was referring more to Irma's errand," she said. "Be careful."

"Always, dear." Pomona kissed Minerva on the cheek.