Minerva McGonagall

[Warded to Fabian & Marlene]

Well, you two seem to have the cat amongst the pigeons in a rather spectacular way but be that as it may, I, for one, would, like to offer you both my congratulations. I wish you both a happy and long life together and perhaps one day your children will be giving me more grey hairs than the two of you did.

[/Ward]

[Warded Private]

Well. That was one of the least pleasant evenings I've experienced in quite a while and that's saying something given the propensity of the students at the school to get into mischief. I do think Poppy could have been just a touch more sympathetic than she was. Honestly, sometimes that woman's bedside manner leaves a little to be desired. Laughing! I don't begrudge her laughter really but did she have to laugh while she was standing beside my bed? She couldn't have waited until she was in private? I suppose I'm just lucky Albus didn't decide to pay a visit. I'm not sure I could have dealt with his wretched twinkling last night with anything less than outright homicide.

I am sure he knows about it though and no doubt I will face twinkling eyes and sly remarks at our next meeting. Vomiting slugs! Honestly!

[/Ward]

The classes we are conducting have been a great success thus far albeit with a few minor mishaps here and there. There are still places available for those who have not yet attended and are thinking of doing so. The classes are designed to be self-contained so that participants are not disadvantaged should the miss one or two.

Miss McDonald, your enthusiasm in the classes is to be commended. Your aim however requires just a little more work.

In light of recent concerns that have been voiced, I would like to state that the classes being offered in Hogsmeade in conjunction with Hogwarts are open to all members of the wizarding community. The personal politics, beliefs and opinions of participants and instructors are to be left at the door and may be picked up again on the way out.

What you do, think or say outside the walls of the training centre is your own business but once in the classroom, no one is to base any judgment, action or words on politics, blood status, former House allegiance or any other personal prejudice or opinion. All participants will be taught the same and all participants are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity at all times.

Anyone failing to abide by these conditions once inside the training centre will be given a warning. Failure to heed this warning will result in the transgressor being denied a place in any further classes.

I take this very seriously, ladies and gentlemen. These classes are a place in which to learn, not to play petty politics. If you wish to play politics, join the Ministry and do it properly. Do not waste my time and the time of the other instructors who have volunteered to assist you.

Now that the school holidays have arrived, I would like to announce that in cooperation with Hogwarts, classes on self-defence, healing and other such useful topics will be offered in Hogsmeade for the general public. It is intended that the classes will begin on the 5th of July and that they will be conducted in the evening though day time classes may be offered if there is sufficient interest.

I will be in charge and I will be assisted by a number of current and former teachers of Hogwarts. We are however putting out a call for any interested parties to teach or assist with the teaching of the classes we intend to offer. If you feel you are qualified, please note your interest here and forward to me a letter detailing your qualifications and NEWT scores as well as a CV if applicable. Age and inexperience is no barrier if you possess an aptitude for the subject(s) in question and we encourage applications from all age groups. Remember that I will know what your OWL and NEWT scores were so exaggeration of your abilities is frowned upon.

The classes currently being offered are listed below along with a brief description of what they will entail and any prerequisites that are required. There is no need to sign up now, the list is merely for your interest so that you may decide which classes you would be interested in attending. Opportunities to sign up for individual classes will be offered at a later date. Suggestions for further classes would be welcome.

( Class Listing )

( [Warded to the Order] )

( [Warded Private] )

[Warded to Alastor]

If you hear rumours of me doing odd things at the carnival, well, I have to admit that I think they're true. I'm rather disturbed by the whole thing, Alastor, because I don't remember doing what I've been told I did, which frankly takes it beyond being a bit of a practical joke. Nor can I recall anything that I might have picked up or touched that could have triggered it.

[/Ward]

I do enjoy the summer holidays. The Highlands always look so beautiful at this time of year and the loch is just right for swimming. A little chilly to be sure but the chill is very bracing.

( [Warded Private] )

( [Warded private] )

[Warded to Hogwarts students and staff]

If I catch any more of you selling bogus study aids of any description, you'll be spending the bulk of your free time in detention and I will send a letter home to your parents about the matter.

And I will also remind all of you that anyone caught cheating on their OWL or NEWT exams will receive an automatic T for that subject irrespective of the standard of their work throughout the year.

[/Ward]

I am quite looking forward to the summer holidays.

( [Warded Private] )

[Warded to Rufus Scrimgeour - Charmed to ring in ever increasing tones until answered]

I know Alastor has spoken to you about what the Death Eaters were after when they attacked the school. Somehow, and I am yet to determine precisely how, they have succeeded. The quill has been stolen. Professor Dumbledore is attempting to nullify the magic on it from a distance but when or if he can do that is as yet unknown.

I have sealed my office if you wish to send Aurors to examine it and will make myself available to answer any questions regarding the quill and what protections were on the quill and my office.

[/Ward]

[Warded to Alastor]

They have stolen the quill. Albus is attempting to negate the magic on it and I am refraining somehow from rousing the entire student body and questioning each and every one of the little bastards until the culprits break down and confess. I've alerted Scrimgeour so don't be surprised if there's a call out.

[/Ward]

[Warded Private]

Have I done enough to protect the quill? I keep worrying over that question. Between what Alastor and I have done to my office, I should be able to answer unequivocally yes but I'm still worried. I can't imagine they've given up despite the fact their full frontal assault failed. Because their full frontal assault failed to be more precise. There's only so much I can do when the students are here to protect against more subtle methods. My students need to be able to come to my office whenever they need my help and know they aren't going to be skewered by whatever it is Alastor did to that cupboard. I simply can't put the protections in place that I would like to.

I think I'm going to have to speak to Albus about this. I cannot believe that the Death Eaters have given up on this idea. It's too convenient a way for them to identify the Muggleborn students. Odd that I'd never considered it that way before but then I'm not a bigoted fool with unwarranted superiority complex. Perhaps I can ask the house elves to inform me whenever there is a visitor to the school. I'm usually informed but Albus occasionally slips someone in when my back is turned. Admittedly if Albus is slipping them in, I'm not terribly concerned but better to be safe than sorry. Yes, I think I'll head down to the kitchens right now and then up to speak to Albus.

[/Ward]

[Warded to the Order]

They wanted the quill. The one that records the birth of every witch and wizard in the United Kingdom. Including the Muggleborns, which is what I assume they wanted it for. The one I fought was fool enough to tell me that.

[/Ward]

[Warded to Alastor]

Since we have hardly kept it a secret that we have been seeing each other, I believe you can tell Scrimgeour what they were after. It wouldn't seem unusual for me to tell you. I will allow the two of you to decide how widely you wish disseminate that information.

[/Ward]

( [Warded Private] )

Every year we see an influx of junk items, potions and what have you that are supposed to instantly cram a year's worth of knowledge into your head. I suppose after all these years of teaching I shouldn't get so exasperated when I see them but I do. At best, they're useless. At worst, they're dangerous and as such I think Poppy dislikes them as much as I do. Parents, older brothers and sisters, aunt and uncles, I and the rest of the teachers at Hogwarts would take it as a kindness if over the holidays you would instill into your child/sibling/niece/nephew the knowledge that the only way they will pass their exams is through consistent and steady study through-out the entire year.

( [Warded Private] )

[Warded Private]

This is not the first time I've lost a former student. It's not even the first time I've lost a fellow Order member. It never gets easier and it always hurts. Benjy was far too young to die, especially in such a terrible manner. We shall have to keep an eye on Sturgis. This will not be easy for him to move past.

I have never truly regretted my decision to leave the Aurors and start teaching but at times like this I do get frustrated. I would have liked nothing more than to go to Diagon Alley and do Merlin only knows what. I couldn't leave though. One of the down sides of being a Head of House. Still, it shouldn't be too difficult to leave at short notice, except that the rest of the staff don't know of my allegiances. Oh, Poppy, Filius and Pomona are aware that I'm up to something but they know it's for Albus so they don't ask questions. I'll have to speak to Albus. I'll also have to do some experiments regarding how fast I can get from the gates to my office and rooms. I think if I use my cat form that would be quite short and I'd be less likely to be out of breath.

I also think I need to start training seriously again.

[/Ward]

[Warded to Alastor]

I think you ought to ask me out for Valentine's Day.

Also, I would like to start doing some weekly training if you have the time.

[/Ward]

With this new curfew, I do hope that the reprobates amongst you will not attempt the same sort of evasion of the curfew as you did at Hogwarts. Quite apart from the fact that the DMLE have far better things to be doing than dealing with such foolishness, your punishment will not be a detention and a stern talking-to. It will be far more serious and likely far more embarrassing. So my advice is to not put yourself in that position in the first place. You don't have to like the laws of the land but you do have to follow them.

[Warded Private]

Once again I'm left wondering whether I should appeal to the Wizarding Examinations Authority to have them shift Vanishing and Partial Vanishing to the NEWT portion of the curriculum. I honestly don't think the Fifth Years are quite mature enough to be taught those particular subjects. Today's practical class for Partial Vanishing went well enough until Montgomery decided it would be a jolly good idea to attempt to Vanish Gilmour's head. Thank Merlin I caught him before he could complete the spell. I hope he enjoys the detention he earned.

Then again maybe it's as simple as shuffling the roster and separating the Slytherins and Gryffindors in Fifth Year. Now if only I could convince Albus of the wisdom of doing that. Honestly, I love the man dearly but he does have some rather crackpot ideas at times. I'm firmly of the opinion that Slytherins and Gryffindors should be kept firmly apart until at least Sixth Year. It would save the staff endless numbers of problems in the classroom. I'm sure Filius and Pomona would back me up on this one. Ah well, too late now. One to keep in mind for the summer break and the usual reshuffle Albus and I do every year.

As for the rumour about the Muggleborn Bill, I am not going to think about it until it is officially confirmed. No one needs me to be all crabbit right now. Slytherin would never recover from the loss of points and I pride myself on being fair.

[/Ward]

[Warded to the Order]

As some of you may have noted in Alice's journal entry, I have offered to teach the Patronus to those who either didn't manage to master it at school or who need a little refreshing. Weekends or after curfew will be best for me so let me know what times are best for you and we can work something out. I believe the Hog's Head will be the best venue for these classes if Aberforth does not object.

[/Ward]

[Warded Private]

I thought I was well and truly over having any regrets about leaving the Aurors. I had second thoughts for several years right after leaving but those subsided when I realised how much I loved teaching. But I can't help but think I'd be of more help to Alastor Albus in the DMLE.

Ah well, no use crying over spilt milk. I made my decision a long time ago and there's no point second-guessing myself now. Still, it would be fun to give the whippersnappers a run for their money just to prove that I can.

[/Ward]

[Warded to Alastor]

Well now. Are you healed enough to try that dinner date again?

[/Ward]

It somehow seems topical in a rather strange way to say that I always enjoy doing Gamp's Law with the Seventh Years. There is a mix of outright fascination and a litany of 'But that's not fair' as if it is somehow wrong that something logical and immutable be unfair to the seventeen year old mind. We discussed Gamp's Law in relation to food and money today. You have never seen so many crestfallen faces when the realisation came that neither can be created from nothing and there went their daydreams of a life lazing away in the lap of luxury. How terrible that they shall be forced to work for a living!

[Warded Private]

And to think I was cursing the man for getting cold feet and standing me up. I should have known something was up. I was an Auror myself once. I knew he was on duty today. I should have contacted the Auror office immediately when he was late and didn't contact me himself. How stupid of me! Honestly sometimes I think teaching is making me soft and weak-minded and there's no time for that in these parlous times.

Enough of that! I can start a training regime later, once I know what is happening with Alastor. Quietly, so that the teachers and students, especially certain students of certain parents, don't notice what I'm up to. No need to invite awkward questions. Now, first things first, better preservation charms on the food as I won't have it going to waste after all the effort I out in to cook it then St Mungos. I am getting in to see that infuriating man even if I have to sneak in.

[Ward]

[Warded to Albus]

I shall be at St Mungos for the foreseeable future until I know how Alastor is faring. At least until classes start again after the New Year then I shall work something out.

[/Ward]

[Warded Private]

Honestly. Albus really is the most infuriating man. If he wasn't such a good friend, I'd be very tempted to smack his knuckles far more than I already do. Still, I got what I wanted and he even refrained from making too many smart comments. Though no doubt I'll hear the rest of them over the next few days.

[/Ward]

[Warded to Alastor Moody]

Alastor, what are you doing on the 26th?

[/Ward]

Well, almost all of the students have headed off home for Christmas and there is a very lovely silence within the castle. It's always a relief to send them off for Christmas. This last week has been a trial with the children fidgeting and barely paying attention in class. No great surprise, things were much the same when I was a student. Everybody's mind is on the upcoming holiday. There's a very good reason why most of us decide to go with revision before Christmas. No point trying to cram anything new into their minds when all they want to think about is home and presents.

Now I intend to enjoy my holidays just as much as they will. Not to mention get my Christmas shopping done! That's one of the most difficult things being a teacher at this time of year. It's very difficult to find the time to go shopping!

It's always exasperating having to start the week by handing out detentions to my Gryffindors. If for no other reason than I have to waste my time making sure they turn up to those detentions. I have far better things to do with my spare time than escort students down to Mr Filch. Though they certainly deserve their detentions. Honestly, we have enough students ill with dragon pox, we do not need students pretending to be ill.

While the charm they used to simulate the sparks from their noses was rather well done, the one they used to turn their skin green was very poorly done. It will wear off in a few days however. Or perhaps a few weeks. Maybe a month or two. Nevermind. It will wear off and they'll just have to be satisfied with being green until then. It's a rather pleasant shade of green. Very Slytherin. I'm sure they'll enjoy it while it lasts. Certainly Horace's students seem to find it rather pleasing. I have no idea why that makes the boys sulk.

[Warded to the Order]

Just as an adjunct to Albus' entry, I would like all of those who fought in Hogsmeade to try and remember the salient details of who they fought. Obviously they were cloaked and masked but try and remember how they moved, what spells they favoured, if you heard their voice - was is high-pitched or low-pitched, did it seem familiar? Anything that you can remember could well be of use for us to identify them at a later date.

Please reply here or you can speak to me at the meeting or send me an owl though there is no need to rush. I would rather you took your time and remembered all that you can than rush and forget to mention something important.

[/Ward]

[Added after this]
[Warded to Albus & Alastor]

Albus, Alastor and I were discussing this and thought you ought to be brought in on the discussion a little separately to the rest of the Order. Alastor mentioned that one of the Death Eaters who attacked him sounded rather young. There has been some discussion in the past about the Death Eaters potentially recruiting young purists right out of school and this may well provide some evidence of that. There is also a possibility that this attack may have been a test for those young recruits as they would have been able to identify the Muggleborns among the students.

Alastor, would you be able to put the memory of your young Death Eater speaking into a pensieve? Our youngsters might be able to identify the voice and so might Albus or I.

[/Ward]