The final days of August were busy ones for all involved. The staff at Hogwarts were having their last staff meeting before the students would arrive. Dumbledore was the last to arrive and took his seat at the head of the expanded staff table.
"Thank you all for coming. We have a lot to go over so please keep your comments to a minimum and if we need to discuss any particular issue more we will revisit it during our next staff meeting." Twinkling blue eyes took in the group and their expressions which seemed to range from boredom to outright hostility. The last emanated mostly from the transfiguration professor.
He had tried to make amends during the last week but she had rebuffed all his efforts at diplomacy. Hopefully, his decisions for this school term would mend their differences. "First, I would like to discuss a change in plans. We will no longer be responsible for the guardianship of the stone. It is not at Hogwarts."
This announcement was met with a palpable sigh of relief. Few of the professors had thought that keeping the stone at the school was a good idea, it seemed. Dumbledore held up his hand to forestall the inevitable questions. "The location of the stone is even a secret from me. For good or ill, it is far beyond our reach." He missed the malevolent glare from Quirrell at the announcement.
He let out a sigh and shook his head. "I would like our focus for this meeting to be on our security measures. There are at least three secret tunnels that students can access that lead out of the castle. I'd like to thank Mr. Filch for bringing me this information." Minerva and Severus both knew who they had to thank for the information, and it wasn't Argus Filch. Both remained silent however as Dumbledore continued with his prepared remarks.
"We have closed those passages and have approached the Board of Governors about funding to put a few more security measures in place." He looked around the table and observed how his words were being received. "I would like your suggestions on how we can increase the security of Hogwarts. Ideas?"
Minerva was surprised at this untraditional version of the Headmaster. She sat us straighter and said, "We could network with the Hogwarts ghosts, portraits, and house elves. They are an underutilized resources."
Her suggestion was met with many nods of agreement. Filius Flitwick sighed and said, "I have always asked my Ravens to use a buddy system. No one, especially the first years, should wander the castle alone. I also implemented a mentorship program in my House. All of my older students have one younger student they mentor." His suggestion was met with more approval. Minerva nodded and made a note. The more she thought about the idea the more she liked it.
"Sur-Surely, you w-wouldn't trust that s-students w-won't abuse y-younger students w-with that much power?" Quirrel stuttered causing almost all those who had just lauded the idea to stare at the defense teacher askance.
Snape, finding himself hating Quirrell from the moment he had met him, sneered. "Don't we trust students as prefects? Why is this any different? I believe my Slytherins do this already." Snape smiled and Quirrel visibly gulped and adjusted his turban.
Dumbledore nodded, "The idea has merit. We should have some guidelines for those chosen to be mentors to their younger counterparts. Filius, what do you suggest?"
Professor Flitwick nodded, "Well, my Ravens haven't been given much in the way of guidance other than to be helpful. Some give tours of the castle the first week. None of my students get lost on the first day or are late for their classes. Some Ravens help the younger students with their homework or help them revise for their exams. Mostly they just provide a more mature and experienced perspective. Younger students will often confide in another student but not a teacher or parent. Mentors provide new students with someone who is there to answer questions or someone they can discuss their problems with. Some students make better mentors than others, but it is a very important skill to develop." Flitwick smiled at Quirrel and said, "And the prefects are the ones that assign each new student a mentor and are the ones that are responsible for the program in our house." He shrugged. "Accountability is important."
Professor Sprout spoke up then and nodded, "My badgers do the same Filius." Minerva sighed and felt chastened that perhaps only her house had neglected the practice. Snape gloated at the Gryffindor Head's expression. "I have asked every year for there to be an anti-bullying policy. Every year!" Minerva practically growled at the headmaster.
Madam Pomfrey spoke up then, "I have to agree headmaster. It has become a real problem. Even muggle schools have zero-tolerance policies that are incredibly effective." It was now Snape's turn on the hot seat. She glared over towards the potions professor, "But it is difficult to tell a student that bullying is unacceptable when the teachers are the worst offenders." Everyone knew who she was talking about.
Dumbledore shrugged off the issue and said, "We should all try to treat each other with respect. Teachers and students. I can't see how stating that more forcefully will have an impact. Any other suggestions?"
Hagrid suggested students learn more about the grounds, especially the Forbidden Forest. Too often the students wander where they shouldn't on a lark. Early chaperoned visits into the forest and surrounding areas would prevent that practice. There was some debate and in the end Hagrid's wisdom prevailed, but they suggested that more than one adult would accompany the groundskeeper on these field trips.
Dumbledore smiled at the half-giant, "I concur with Hagrid that we almost dare the students to try their luck in the forest. Take away the mystery and let them get a taste of the dangers that await and you remove half the appeal."
Everyone talked about the pros and cons for a bit, and Dumbledore thought that the idea was an excellent one, but warned Hagrid that the centaurs at least would need to be forewarned of the visits. "Perhaps I can even petition them into talking to the students."
Hagrid grumbled, "Not bloody likely. Bane is not a friendly bloke."
Dumbledore nodded and gave Professor Quirrel a nod, "Perhaps our Defense Against the Dark Arks Professor would like to include a trip into the forest as part of the curriculum?"
The DADA professor looked like he might faint at the idea.
Snape's suggestion was to send Binns packing and hire a real historian. The ghost in question was not in attendance. The suggestion was met warmly by all but the Headmaster, who seemed uncomfortable with the idea for some unfathomable reason. "I fail to see Severus how removing Professor Binns is related to the safety of our students."
Severus sneered, "Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it."
Everyone fell silent and Minerva nodded to her Slytherin counterpart. "Well said Severus. Are you aware of how many students take a mastery in history?" She asked.
Dumbledore frowned, "I admit that the professor isn't the most inspiring teacher…" But was interrupted by his deputy.
"Not only does the professor fail to inspire, he fails to teach. I'm sorry Headmaster, but if Binns isn't fired and someone more qualified put in the position, I will make a formal complaint to the board."
Dumbledore sighed, "Unfortunately there isn't anything in the budget this year. Maybe next year we can invest in the department."
Minerva smiled, "What if I could find an alternative that doesn't cost any more than Binns?" She asked.
Snape jerked his head around and stared at her in horror. It didn't take a Legilimens to know what she was thinking. "You wouldn't!" He hissed. She ignored him in favor of holding a challenging glare on Dumbledore.
"What do you have in mind, Minerva?" Dumbledore couldn't contain his curiosity. The cat animagus was more Slytherin than she would ever let on.
"I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise Headmaster, but I believe that I have an elegant solution." The Headmaster saw through her immediately. She was blackmailing him! If he wanted her to work with him, he would have to place the matter of the History Professor into her capable hands.
"Very well Professor. I bow to your greater wisdom and can't wait to see what you come up with." He looked around at the gathered professors and finally brought up the reason he really wanted to have this meeting.
"Now that we have exhausted the subject, I have one last topic I would like to address with you." Dumbledore smiled at them, "It is not a secret that Harry Potter will be joining us this year as a first-year Hogwarts student."
Severus couldn't repress the huff of annoyance at the announcement. "Are you suggesting that we treat the Spoiled Brat Who Lived, any different than any other first-year student?" He asked derisively.
"Of course not Severus. But it shall be a challenge having him at the school. His presence will bring more scrutiny. There will be reporters wanting to interview you and other students about him. There will be attention from the Ministry regarding his educational achievements. And he will be the focus of unwanted attention from his classmates. I simply would caution all of you to keep a wary eye out for his well-being."
As quickly as he opened the topic Dumbledore closed it and dismissed everyone with his benign and grandfatherly encouragement.
Later Minerva sent off her owl to Sirius Black hopeful that he wasn't hidden behind wards that would prevent her owl from reaching him. She wondered what he would think of her request but finally turned to last-minute preparations before the students brought with them their special brand of chaotic energy. She couldn't deny she was looking forward to it.