From the Ashes

Who: Staff and TAs
When: Monday morning, January 25
Where: The staff lounge
What: Staff meeting about upcoming bad press

Enough people were present for Brian to start the staff meeting.

“Right, so I know things have been a little hectic-” Brian ignored the snorts and someone’s laughter and continued. “Yes, I know, it’s been fucking insane. You all knew that by the end of your first week and didn’t resign then, so suck it up. Hazards of the job and all.”

He waved his wand and a proof copy of this morning’s Daily Prophet shot out. It zoomed around the room for a few seconds before docilely floating next to Brian. He ignored the paper and its antics.

“I imagine that most of you have been ignoring the letters to the editor and op-ed pieces in recent issues of the Prophet, since no one actually cares about typographical errors and mis-attributed photographs or what barmy wizards think about Ministry polices. Time to start paying attention now.

“Some disgruntled parents and Hogwarts alums have been writing in, mostly to bitch about what we’ve been doing with the school. I’ve got a stack of letters about that on my desk, I’m sure most of you have gotten a few since you started. Someone’s been organizing them in a group, Concerned Wizards of Britain. They’re starting to make more noise and get some attention. They petitioned to meet with me and the Board of Governors this weekend about some of the decisions I’ve made-staff I’ve hired. Obviously, I’m not just going to give in to their whims and Rita Skeeter’s protégé got wind of the story. It’s front page of this morning’s Daily Prophet.”

Brian duplicated his paper and sent the copies whizzing around, one for each person present. One of the headlines screamed

“DO WE TRUST OUR CHILDREN TO FOREIGN WIZARDS?”

Below that, other headlines read:

“Is "Change" a good thing? Does Hogwarts need a new perspective?”

“Must we reinvent our school?”

“Where are all the British professors?”

Brian let everyone take a moment or two to read the headlines and think about them.

“So, the school’s under attack in the paper. Mostly it’s focused around my decision to hire foreign-born staff and keep Professor Saporta as the Head of Slytherin in light of hiring Professor Asher. It’s bullshit, we’re figuring it’ll blow over soon, but I wanted to tell you all before copies start getting distributed in the Great Hall.”

Brian collected his copy of the paper and rearranged his robes slightly. “So, I’ll be in my office dealing with Howlers and letters if anyone needs me. Owl or fire-call me if something comes up you can’t handle.” With that, Brian left the staff lounge.

[Owl to Professor Way]

Professor Way,

I'm sure you have noticed the current absence of a Head of House for Gryffindor. It is a situation I would like to remedy before the spring term, and as the sole member of the teaching staff originating from that House and most qualified to take on the additional responsibility, I would like to offer you at least an interim position as Gryffindor's Head. You have the skills, discipline and knowledge to be a great asset, both to that House and to the school.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will also be sending a similar query to Auror Way, as he has more time available and is in a strong position of leadership. You do not have to respond immediately, but I would appreciate a decision by the first of January.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter



[Owl to Auror Way]

Auror Way,

I am in the process of selecting a Head of House for Gryffindor. Normally that position would go to a member of the teaching staff, but you are in a unique position of leadership and experience that I feel would benefit the students and set an example for the entire school.

I am also extending an offer to Professor Way, as he has had more experience working one-on-one with the students and is more familiar to them as an authority figure. I believe both of you would make a fine Head of House, and would welcome either of you to the position. Please let me know of your decision by the first of January so that we can make any necessary arrangements before the spring term.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

Professor Ross,

While you are a learned and valuable member of the staff, it is my belief that both you and your students might benefit greatly from having additional help. To this end, I have selected an intelligent, capable student to serve as your teaching assistant during the spring term. Miss Berg will attend your classes as often as her academic schedule allows, and is at your disposal outside of her own NEWT courses so long as it does not interfere with either her personal life or education. I am certain you and she can come to a mutually agreeable arrangement to the benefit of all.

If you have any questions or concerns about this appointment, please feel free to speak with me and I shall be certain to address the matter.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

Who: Anyone and everyone!
When: Sunday morning, December 20th
Where: The staff lounge
What: Weekly staff meeting. Let's get this holiday party started!

"So Professor Saporta will be in charge of decorations," Brian concluded, still without any idea of how that had come about, and hoping it hadn't actually been his decision, as he feared it might have been. "Professor Smith can handle the trees, and that should put us in good stead for the end of the week. Hogwarts has a seasonal decoration charm, which I can put into effect now, that should save us all a great deal of trouble."

He cast the charm, the castle recognizing his authority as headmaster and bending neatly to his will. Garlands sprung up around the sideboard, crystal icicles glistened overhead, and a sprig of holly landed neatly on the tea tray. Excellent. "Professor Urie will be accompanying the carolers to..."

Snow began falling lightly in the staff lounge. One the sideboard, a festive wooden reindeer ornament leapt to the floor, charged beneath the table, and dashed through the door with a squeal, singing "FA LA LA LA LA," in a high-pitched festive wooden reindeer voice. As Brian opened his mouth to speak, a shower of miniature candy canes fell out of the air to rain down on everyone's heads.

"For fuck's sake," Brian said. Overhead, a candy cane wobbled loose from its perch on a twinkling icicle and smacked him on the nose. "Keep going," he ordered, pointing back at his staff, and went off down the hallway in a swirl of headmasterly robes, following the singing reindeer.

Backdated: Friday, November 20th

Professor Blackinton,

Mr. Beckett has been taken ill and will be indisposed for the next few days. If you would consider filling in for him over the weekend during abbreviated library hours, it would be much appreciated. I’ll see that a bonus is added to your salary for the additional time.

If this is impossible for any reason, please let me know and I will make other arrangements.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

Mr. Novarro,

Your request has been approved. Beginning next week, you will be assisting Professor Saporta with Potions work, Professor Way with practical Transfiguration demonstrations, Professor Lazzara with shielding charms in Defence, and Professor Smith with Herbology.

You are required to attend these classes only when your own class schedule allows, of course, and at the discretion of the teaching staff you will be assisting. You can work out which classes to attend and how to prepare for them with the professors directly. Please do not hesitate to cut back on the time commitment if you feel it is beginning to affect your grades. Your studies do come first, after all, and everyone understands that. After a few weeks, if you have found an affinity for a particular subject or professor, we can discuss making the arrangement permanent for the year.

Best wishes to you with this course of study.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

To all staff,

We will be joined over the coming week by a representative from the Ministry of Magic. The Ministry is sending someone to counsel both students and staff in the aftermath of any recent trauma, to ensure the mental well-being of those at the school. Please sign up for appointments with the Ministry representative to attend a private counseling session. Anything you say during this time is private and will be disclosed only to authorized employees of the Ministry of Magic.

We are also hosting a representative of the Swedish Ministry, through the Department of International Magical Cooperation. Ms. Maja Ivarsson is here to aid in our efforts with making the castle safe and to study any recovered cursed objects which may be of interest to her field of study. Please give her your full cooperation in this matter, as well as any assistance she may need while settling in. I trust you all to put our best diplomatic foot forward in this matter.

If you have any questions regarding either of these points, please come see me in my office so that they can be addressed.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

To all staff,

Mr. Novarro from Hufflepuff has offered his services as a teaching assistant to any professors who might be interested. I would recommend those with heavier workloads primarily take advantage of this offer, but it is open to anyone who feels they or their classes might benefit from Mr. Novarro's attention. If you are interested, please inform me within the next few days. I'll set up a rotation for Mr. Novarro for the next few weeks until we see where he can be of the most value to both the staff and the school.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

[Unsent, partially scribbled over, tossed out, and then burned, just for good measure.]

Headmaster Schechter,

Somebody told me
I heard that, given all the recent insanity at Hogwarts,
I've heard that some of the professors need assistants. I'd like to apply; I'm not picky as to placement, and I really need something to do


[Sent]

Headmaster Schechter,

I've heard through various sources that some of the faculty are looking for 6th- 7th-year assistants. If this is still true, would it be possible for you to at least take me into consideration? I'd be willing to assist anyone. My academic record isn't outstanding, but I'm a fast learner.

If you would rather get someone else, I understand. Thanks for your time,

Nate Novarro

Bob,

I heard you might still be looking for a new place of employment. You know I’ve been made Headmaster of Hogwarts, and we’re looking for a new school nurse. The circumstances surrounding this vacancy are unfortunate, to say the least, and I’d be lying if I said similar dire situations were even all that unusual around here. I don’t plan on losing anyone else, though, and the position comes with room, board and salary if that makes it any more appealing. I know you turned me down once before, but I wouldn’t be asking again if we weren’t fairly desperate. I have thirty-two injured kids and several wounded staff members right now if you would even consider filling in as a temporary measure, until I can find a full-time replacement. We could use someone with a firm hand and a soft heart.

You know where to find me if you’re interested.

Sincerely,
Brian Schechter

As of Saturday morning at 8:23 AM, the following students are alive and well in the headmaster's office:

DesertRose, Sabra (H)
Eingelmann, Ezekiel (G)
Kameko, Fujimaki (R)
Kennington, Cory (G)
Pollamalloy, Invictus (S)
Rosenthal, Chandler (R)

The password has been changed to the emergency code incolumitas. There is room for another two dozen students at least, providing they do not touch anything dangerous. They will shortly be unsupervised, so if anything is discovered out of sorts later on, please speak to Mr. Kennington, who has assured me of his excellent leadership qualities.

Should anyone read this, I am securing the boundaries of the school grounds and plan to return within a day. Do not, for any reason, leave the grounds; the threat of spreading infection is too great.

Headmaster Schechter

Professor Wentz,

With the first scheduled Quidditch match coming up in two weeks, I thought it would be wise for you to decide which teams would be most prepared to play a match. Obviously the best teams might inspire the most healthy competition and school spirit at a time when we could certainly use it, but I'd also prefer it not be a rout, so if there's one team far ahead of the others, perhaps they should wait in the stands for now. You know best, so I leave it to your judgment.

I trust you are feeling much more refreshed this week than last. If you find yourself needing to talk, I hope you will take it upon yourself to darken my doorstep. In the meantime, we are taking every precaution to assure that this incident is not repeated. I doubt that's a comfort to you, but I hope you can at least take heart that you prevented someone else from experiencing the same fate.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

posted early Sunday evening

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12TH is now a revision day for students who need to catch up on practical magical classwork, as well as a rest day for those now in full recovery, thanks to the efforts of the staff who worked so tirelessly to find a cure. My congratulations and gratitude to you all.

The weekly staff meeting will be postponed accordingly to Tuesday morning. If you have any issues that need to be addressed more promptly, feel free to stop by my office.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

P.S. It would seem there are two full cases of Celestial Champagne in a floating pavilion out on the lake, courtesy of the Hog’s Head having some sort of error on their delivery calendar. Since we can’t leave that much alcohol lying around where students could find it, I trust it will be disposed of appropriately sometime this evening. Heads of Houses, student curfew is at eleven tonight. I’ll see you all tomorrow.

( Owl to Auror Way )

( Owl to Auror Stumph )

( Owl to Mr. Beckett )

( Owl to Mr. Valdes )

(  Owl to Professor Trohman )

(  Owl to Professor Lazzara )

(all signed)
Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

(posted early Sunday morning)

All Staff:

Due to the critical magical situation with the students, all classes on Monday are CANCELED at this time. Monday is to be considered a study day for all four Houses. Extracurricular activities will continue as scheduled and all school facilities will be available for use, with the sole exception of the library. Please contact me with any concerns. This should give staff time to concentrate on finding a cause, treatment, and cure for this disease. Should the students ask, this is merely an opportunity for them to catch up on homework and studies, and one which they should take advantage of while they have it.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

Friday, September 25, 2009
Attention: all teaching staff,

The following students have been excused from the remainder of classes today due to magical fatigue:

Abdelkader, Hafeza
Applesmith, Granby
Boyle, Daffodil
Dander, Lucas
Hoopes, Wendy
Kalanadhabhatla, Prita
Lovelender, Oliver
Miltwallop, Sagittarius
Nitya-Sundara, Kamik
Tempest, Cassidy
Thoms, Marjory
Vasilakis, Adonis

We have every confidence that they will return to all scheduled classes on Monday, and will keep you informed of any changes in condition.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

[to Headmaster Schechter]

Dear Headmaster Schechter,
Professor Way has expressed to me that he feels the school's curriculum is sadly lacking in the way of more practical social topics. Namely: sexual education. Now, I know Professor Way is on the reserved side, so I felt confident that he would never mention his idea to you. However, I think it has merit, and it certainly deserves consideration.

I, of course, am not volunteering to teach the subject, as I quite have my hands full already with Muggle Studies, flying lessons, and the Quidditch league, but if you decided that such a topic were to be needed at Hogwarts, I'm sure Professor Way would be happy to volunteer his services.

Respectful yours,
Professor Wentz

Auror Way,

Professor Saporta has agreed to brew the potion you and I discussed. I expect to have a dose in advance of the necessary date this month, which will be delivered to your rooms. He has requested the opportunity to perfect the potion with you directly, but I leave that to your discretion. I am making arrangements for your recuperation which ought to keep your identity suitably cloaked for the time being, unless of course you choose to reveal it. Thank you for the service you are doing this school, and of course let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

Professor Saporta,

A need has arisen for a certain potion made of aconite, with which I believe you are familiar. I am given to believe that the brewing of this particular potion is both time-consuming and difficult, and am therefore prepared to offer you monetary compensation as you deem appropriate, within reason. At the present time I estimate there will be demand for nine batches, of only a single dose each.

As I suspect other matters may keep me from the weekly staff meetings, please leave the potion in my office along with any necessary instructions under the label syzygy. On the off-chance that a student should come across it, I would prefer the contents remain undisclosed; there are those with good reason to fear what such a potion might suggest. I’ll see to it that the potion is delivered to its intended recipient. The password to my office is heliotropy, should I be absent at the time of your visit.

You have my sincere gratitude and appreciation, should you agree to this request; and as you may have guessed from the potion in question, I would not be the only one indebted to you.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter

P.S. Tempting as the possession of that password may be, my office does have a recording charm on the lock, so you may wish to refrain from taking advantage of that knowledge without due need.

Professor Urie,

While I originally hesitated to bestow the responsibility on one so young, the first week of classes has proven you more than capable of seeing to the needs of your students, as well as certain extracurricular activities (for example, those involving Professor Wentz). I would therefore like to offer you the position of Head of House for Hufflepuff, as long as you feel it does not overburden you. I have no doubt in my mind that you will do a fine job guiding your former House, even during this first, rather trying year.

It's somewhat unorthodox, since he is not a member of the teaching staff nor even a regular employee, but since you would be taking on this position in addition to a full class load, I can ask Mr. Valdes to assist you in this appointment. I'm sure he wouldn't mind, since he has a fondness for Hufflepuff as well, and as I recall the two of you get along quite famously. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to ease your transition into Head of House; I have every confidence in you.

Sincerely,
Headmaster Schechter