Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Headmaster

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Thru: Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Endorsed: Gryffindor Prefect Percy Weasley

Hufflepuff Prefect Gabriel Truman

Ravenclaw Prefect Robert Hilliard

Slytherin Prefect Gemma Farley

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

We are writing this letter to you to inform you of our displeasure to certain classes and the way they are being handled – Potions and History of Magic. Doubtless that Professors Severus Snape and Cuthbert Binns are experts in their fields of mastery but their teaching methods leave nothing to be desired – or not effective to the first-year OWL students.

We have attached Hermione Granger's essay based on her research founded on Professor Minerva McGonagall's files and reports that proved Hogwarts is quite dwindling on the subjects of History of Magic and Potions in basic and fundamental levels.

Thus, we are suggesting of hiring more teachers whose teaching styles are more appropriate and effective to minds impressionable as ours and leave Professors Snape and Binns to the NEWT-level where their brilliance and expertise are much more suited.

One name we could come up is Horace Slughorn, a Potions master, who has taught parents and relatives of students like Ernest Macmillan, Susan Bones, Ronald Weasley, Daphne Greengrass, and Victor Rosier. But if you have anyone in mind, feel free.

We hope a positive action on this matter.

Signed,

Hannah Abbott Susan Bones Terrence Boot Amanda Brocklehurst

Lavender Brown Michael Corner Stephen Cornfoot Tracey Davis

Kevin Entwhistle Justin Finch-Fletchley Seamus Finnigan Anthony Goldstein

Hermione Granger Daphne Greengrass Wayne Hopkins Megan Jones

Sue Li Neville Longbottom Isobel MacDougal Ernest Macmillan

Roger Malone Lilian Moon Padma Patil Parvati Patil

Sally-Anne Perks Harry Potter Olive Rivers Sophie Roper

Victor Rosier Dean Thomas Lisa Turpin Ronald Weasley

Noted by:

Jake Flinton Eliza Howitzer

Head Boy Head Girl

Ever since they sent the letter to the fifth-year prefects for endorsement, Percy hasn't stopped praising Ron for focusing on his studies, much to the latter's s chagrin. Percy made it also a point to thank Harry, Hermione, and Neville profusely for being such good influence on his youngest brother. Fred and George, on the other hand, made it a point to tease Ron relentlessly, Ickle Ronniekins following Percy the Perfect Prefect's footsteps, to Ron's annoyance.

"That's not something to be made fun off, Fred, George," chided Percy indignantly. "In fact, you'd do well follow their steps; they're much younger and yet surprisingly more ambitious and mature than the two of you."

Fred and George rolled their eyes as they have heard this a thousand times already but before they could come up with a reply, Harry jumped to their defense.

"I'm pretty sure Fred and George has their ambitions and pretty mature for their age, too. They're not just fond of being a stickler to the rules," said Harry, sending a wink to the twins.

"Don't be locked up in a box, Percy. It makes one rigid, and when one is rigid, he is most definitely setting himself up to failure. Besides, you don't think that low of your younger siblings, do you?"

Percy looked stricken.

"O-Of course not!" said Percy, indignant before looking down trying to hide his pink cheeks, "I-It's just I desperately want each of them succeed."

Fred, George, and Ron were gaping at Percy as if they had never seen him before.

"I'm fairly sure they would and is already succeeding in their own right, don't you agree?" inquired Harry.

Percy meekly nodded; his other three brothers still gaping before the twins slung their arms on Percy's neck, grinning conspiratorially.

"Aw, I'm guessing Percy isn't that bad, Gred!"

"Say it is so, Forge!"

"He's just –"

"—looking out—"

"—for us!"

Thoroughly embarrassed, Percy attempted to remove their arms and get out of their grasp. Fred and George clearly were stronger than Percy because they held on.

"You won't get away from us that easily, Perce! For one, we're your brothers meaning you're stuck with us even if you don't love us—"

"Who says I don't?" Percy belatedly realized what he said, turned red, while the twins' grin just grew wider.

"Aw, we love you too, Perce," said Fred mockingly but the affection in his voice betrayed him.

George nodded. "Even if you sometimes are an insufferable git. But you're our insufferable git."

The twins' arms still slung around him, Percy thought that it wasn't too bad being the center of their jokes this time.

Father,

I hope you, mother, and Astoria are doing well. I know you're disappointed that I talked down Draco Malfoy but I still stand by what I said Father. On the other hand, I've made friends with Harry Potter and others from other houses. It seems that Harry is adamant to forge better relationships and establish Inter-House Unity. He is quite mature for his age, and despite him growing up with his muggle relatives, one would not suspect it by the way he moves and talks as if he knew magic all his life. He's also quite the flyer as he demonstrated three weeks ago in Flying class, but I digress.

Consequently, my year mates and I have shared our collective experiences and it is alarming to discover that Hogwarts has produced only a handful of students with NEWTs in Potions and barely passing their History of Magic OWLs. Hermione Granger, a brilliant muggle-born witch and best friend of Harry Potter, found this out through perusing Professor McGonagall's files to which she has been granted permission.

I don't know how this escaped your notice seeing as the Board of Governors regularly inspects the school but we have raised this matter to Headmaster Dumbledore, and I'm pretty sure he is working on it now. Is there any chance that you could convince the rest of the Hogwarts governors to support Dumbledore's decision whatever it may be?

I know Lucius Malfoy would be a hindrance but you have been in the Board longer than him. Hoping for a positive response on your end.

Love,

Daphne

Minerva McGonagall was positively surprised as she read through the letter the first-year students have made. In fact, she is quite pleased and enthused by this as it only showed their willingness to learn and focus on their studies. Minerva allowed Hermione viewing files of accomplishments due to the witch's insistence of her scouting prospective NEWT classes; Minerva didn't suspect that the students were having this kind of initiative behind their backs.

She promptly visited the headmaster's office with renewed enthusiasm and brisk pace that no one had ever seen from her for a very long time.

"Minerva, what can I help you with?" asked Albus merrily, his eyes twinkling.

Minerva handed him the letter and spoke, "The students had penned a letter about their suggestion and concerns regarding the Potions and History of Magic classes – if I'm not mistaken, this is an initiative of Harry Potter."

Albus promptly read the letter and Minerva found a chair to settle in. They both sit in silence as Albus read and Minerva observing her close friend's reaction. Albus eyebrows' shot up in pleasant surprise as he continued to read the letter.

"Oho," chuckled Albus. "This might be the first time students have shown this kind of initiative in Hogwarts, and their reasons are sound."

"Certainly," affirmed Minerva, hoping that the headmaster would accept this proposition from the students. It was feasible and she has heard enough of Severus' treatment to non-Slytherins. Minerva had been taught by Binns too and she can personally attest that despite her best, she also found herself slumbering in class.

"Well, History of Magic… let's see, Bathilda would be amenable, I think," said Albus in deep thought. Minerva nodded, approving this idea.

"I do agree that Horace is good," said Albus before sighing, "but I tried having him back in Hogwarts to no avail, Minerva."

"Well, Horace is hardly the only Potions master that you know…" said Minerva dryly, staring at Albus.

Albus blinked. "Minerva… you don't mean… Nicolas?"

Minerva raised her eyebrow, quipping, "Who else do you think?"

"But he's already frail, Minerva!" gasped Albus.

"He won't be teaching all year level, Albus! Besides, we're already protecting his you-know-what," exclaimed Minerva. "We both know Horace… he'll be enticed when news of Hogwarts hiring new teachers gain traction – he wouldn't miss it! Nicolas Flamel and Bathilda Bagshot teaching at Hogwarts! The Daily Prophet will have a field day!"

Albus looked at her, thoughtful and considering the idea.

"I've read the letter myself, Albus, and I wonder why stop at Potions and History of Magic? You can even seek Miranda Goshawk for Transfiguration, Herbology, and Charms. Newt Scamander for Care of Magical Creatures! With this line-up, Horace wouldn't dream of saying no."

"Well, there is something in that," said Albus. "Best hope that the Board of Governors be convinced and let out more funds and budget for the school. Now, let us call for a staff meeting."

Daphne,

Mother and I are doing rather well and while Astoria misses her playmate, she has come to accept the fact that one must go to school. In fact, she is excited to join you in Hogwarts and had been relentless in asking whether or not she could go to Hogwarts every five minutes. I am lucky that your mother has such a talent in gentle rebuke or I would have had lost my patience.

About Draco Malfoy, yes, I have heard from him and his father about you consorting with people that's not in close quarters with our social standing. I must say I am not amused and I can't say I approve, Daphne, but I also know you are smart enough.

On the other hand, I am delighted to hear about your positive relationship with your year mates and Mr. Potter. I must say it is an admirable goal he has to forge Inter-House Unity and I look forward to the day he achieves it.

You are right to think that Lucius Malfoy would be a hindrance because ever since he sat on the Board of Governors, he has done nothing but to antagonize Dumbledore and counter ideas and proposal the professor brings to the table. He is far too busy in his plans of discrediting Dumbledore rather than focus on his job at hand.

Lucius' agenda in the Board is to instill, empower, and promote the old ways – some of which I agree – thus, not budging on any changes Dumbledore had frequently suggested to the Board. He is a powerful man, nonetheless, despite his questionable reputation hence others in the board feel compelled to follow his every whim.

Nevertheless, I will try my very best to convince others not to cower in fear of Lucius Malfoy should Headmaster Dumbledore brings into table your suggestions in the next general meeting. If you think this could better help the school, then I will believe you.

Father

The staff room was abuzz as Albus and Minerva conveyed the letter of the first years. Severus' sour mood was worsened by the news and grew agitated by the minute. The other professors, however, were rather enthusiastic about this news except perhaps Quirinus Quirrell who remained, as he had been since his sabbatical, twitchy.

"Oh, joy! This is wonderful, Albus," squeaked Charms Dept. Head Filius Flitwick, excitement contained in that tiny body of his.

"I agree," opined Bathsheda Babbling.

"Easy for all of you to say," shot Severus venomously.

"I'm sure Potter and the Gryffindors did this to spite me… And to think I almost fell for the act he put up with me after the first class," said he; the latter part he muttered only to himself.

Rolanda Hooch raised an eyebrow before saying in a wry tone, "I couldn't imagine why. With that sour attitude, it's bound to happen."

"And I don't know why you're complaining, Severus. You're not being sacked. The letter was quite clear that you're far more suited teaching NEWTs than OWLs," said Pomona Sprout.

Severus shot back, "Then they aren't well-suited for the subtle art of Potions!"

"You don't exactly entice them to learn your course, Severus. In fact, your attitude discourages them; and don't be so quick judging Potter and my House – thirty-two students signed this letter and yet you single them out," Minerva replied coolly.

"Yes, as if they won't be such dunderheads that would follow Potter's whims, Boy-Who-Lived and all that," sneered Severus scathingly.

"Thirty-two out of forty students, Severus," said Minerva, glaring, "meaning a majority of them. And before you forget, a couple of your Snakes signed, too."

Severus merely glared at the letter at the center of the table. "Yes, disappointing really. I'd have thought my Snakes would be sensible enough not consorting with Potter."

Already irritated, and frustrated to boot, Minerva bristled coldly, "Enough with Potter! That isn't the issue at hand! That attitude is exactly why the students wrote this letter. I do not care about your schoolboy grudge, Severus, you can hate on James Potter all you want but stop confusing him with Harry – the boy is far different from James – and stop projecting it to my Lions!

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're enamored with James Potter because of your obsession! I'd have thought you'd be more sensible, for Godric's sake! You're already past thirty— a full-grown adult, Severus and you'd do well to act like one!"

Severus paled as he got scolded by Minerva and all the memories of him getting caught doing against school rules when he was a boy surfaced, but the truth is, he was flabbergasted that Minerva compared his hatred akin to a schoolboy crush. How dare she even suggest that and obsession?

The rest of the teachers opined in their minds that he looked as if he were physically slapped. Most of them knew not to prod when Minerva McGonagall's patience was thinning and her fury you can taste in the air.

It was this moment that Albus decided to intervene, "That's enough. Cuthbert, how about you?"

The occupants of the room turned to the sole ghostly presence, the sagging Professor Binns, who apparently had been asleep during the whole debacle. Irma Pince, the librarian, woke him up.

"As long as I still get to teach… zzzz…" droned Cuthbert before promptly falling asleep once more.

Everyone in the room sighed in fond exasperation. All of them had been taught by Cuthbert and they couldn't deny that there is a lingering attachment to the professor because he has been a staple despite his ineffective teaching methods. Whenever one thinks of Hogwarts, one couldn't help but associate the Four Founders, Merlin, Peeves, and Cuthbert Binns.

"Well, the matter seems to be settled, then," said Albus. "We will be welcoming new teachers by Hallows' Eve."

Sybill Trelawney then spoke, "My Inner Eye have foreseen this, yes! We will be joined by five new members!"

"We're sure you do, Sybill," assured Aurora Sinistra, stroking Sybill's sensitive sensibilities to placate the not-often-seer.

Septima Vector eyed Sybill dubiously before muttering, "Well, five is a stable number… Who are these people?"

"Indeed, I think Sybill anticipated the number, Septima," said Dumbledore good-naturedly, his eyes twinkling in amusement as Sybill said, "Vindication!"

"If we're successful, Hogwarts will house Nicholas Flamel, Bathilda Bagshot, Horace Slughorn, Miranda Goshawk, and Newt Scamander."

The teachers let out a cheer at hearing this. The students would do well learning from these personalities, some of them had even wrote the course textbooks: Bathilda Bagshot, A History of Magic; Miranda Goshawk, The Standard Book of Spells; and Newt Scamander, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

"Newt, eh? Maybe I wouldn't have to retire, then right Grub?" remarked Silvanus Kettleburn excitedly.

Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank sent Silvanus a disapproving look before replying, "Maybe. But I do agree, they'd be great addition to the Magical Creatures department."

"Ah," said Dumbledore enthusiastically, "what say you Silvanus to train Hagrid in teaching Magical Creatures? After all, he's been braving the creatures in the Forbidden Forest, cares for the Thestral herd, and been helping you with the reserve!"

Hagrid who hasn't spoken a word aside from the occasional grunts and loud affirmation perked up. Silvanus turned to look at him and grinned widely.

"Train Rubeus? I'm pretty sure he's more adept than Willy and I in tending for magical creatures! Sure, Albus," said Silvanus.

"That may be so, Silvanus, but he'd do well to be more refined and be trained in teaching," said Wilhelmina and leveled a disapproving look to Silvanus again. Whether because he called her Willy or immediately approving Hagrid, one cannot tell.

"That is settled, then. We'll expect you being part of the teaching staff, Hagrid," said Dumbledore benignly as the other teachers congratulated Hagrid.

Hagrid was profusely thanking Dumbledore, his eyes moistening and tearing up in gratitude. "I wouldn't disappoin' ya 'fesser Dumbledore, sir."