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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Apr 25, 2017 21:55:18 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2017 21:55:18 GMT -7
The Hogwarts staff had changed immensely in eight years. There were still many from her own time still around, but there were many newer teachers. Quite a diversity they had too! One from Africa, another former Auror, and so on. They were talented individuals and brought about a young, and new air to the school. For many years most of the teachers had been older in their years. All these new teachers though brought fresh blood. New concepts, new experiences.
Today was her first day back in her role as Headmistress. She knew each teacher by name and face, having taught a good deal of them as youth, but she hadn't had a chance to chat with most of them yet. She'd been quite busy all morning situating her belongings and then taking a quick tour of the castle to refamiliarize herself with it's corridors. Of course she couldn't forget them though. They had been her home for so long. And now she'd finally made her way back to the staff room for a cup of tea and to review the protocols Neville had implemented. Only after the first page she was shaking her head. They reminded her so much of the plans forced upon the school when Sirius Black escaped. It didn't matter how many 'guards' you had. It would not keep out a determined enemy. These plans were the plans of a warrior, not a scholar. Acting on emotion and brute force rather than cunning and subtlty. She'd just finished the second page now and she dropped the pieces of parchment to the table and let out a sigh. She had quite a bit of work ahead of her, didnt she?
@open to any teachers (if I already have a thread with you as Professor McGonagall let's give other people a chance, 'kay? :3)
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Apr 26, 2017 6:43:21 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2017 6:43:21 GMT -7
Dominick felt like he was in school all over again. And boy, what a scary thought that was. He was right back under the direction of Professor McGonagall, Head Mistress, except this time he was on the other side. He wasn't getting reprimanded for being out too late and exploring the castle. After the news of Neville Longbottom falling ill, everyone had been worried about who would take over as Headmaster. Astoria had done a wonderful job covering while they figured it out but they'd finally chosen a replacement. He can't say he was really surprised about their selection; it made sense that she would be asked to take over again because she had experience and she'd been a great Head Mistress to the school. Eight years hadn't been that long of a retirement and now she would be forced to deal with the on going strife that always seemed to fall upon this school. He felt apologetic that there was even a need for her to come back and yet he also felt at ease. Whatever was going on with this sudden uprising, she would do her best to stop it and protect the school.
He was on his way to the staff room now to grab some tea or some coffee before the start of his next class. He'd been curious to know if she'd already gotten settled into the Head's office or if she'd been out and about now so he'd make sure that he was on top of his game today. Alert and focused on teaching instead of zoning in and out between his research and the classes that he was teaching. He didn't do that often but he didn't want her first day back to be one of the days he'd be caught doing it. He entered the staff room, paused and winced just a little as he ran into the Head Mistress. He was sure she would remember him fro his school days, she seemingly remembered everything."Hello Professor McGonagall. It is very nice to have you back in the castle. How have you been? Are you getting settled well?" he scratched the back of his head, asking his questions a little nervously with a chuckle. He knew he'd run into her but he didn't think it would be this soon.
Tag; @headmistress
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Apr 26, 2017 19:26:11 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2017 19:26:11 GMT -7
The one to enter the Staff room was none other then Dominick Riveras. He'd been a boy during the second wizarding war. Ravenclaw, bright. Though he'd always excelled in the world of numbers and predictions. His position as the Arithmancy professor came as no surprise. Nor did his current rule as Head of Ravenclaw. All in all he'd become quite an accomplished and remarkable man. And upon his entrance to the room he got that same startled expression he'd always worn whenever she'd given them a surprise quiz in class. Her lips pursed together in just the slightest hint of a smile. "You're a grown man, Mr. Riveras, you can call me my first name in private." Of course a simple greeting would never do. She had to of course point out something that, in her mind, was quite obvious. When the students were around, certainly she expected to be referred to by her title, just as she would refer to her teachers. But those rules did not apply to the comforts of the staff room. "My retirement was well, but quite dull I must admit. While I will never miss the shenanigans of the students and Peeves I have learned that after so many years of enduring it I am simply incapable of enjoying a quiet life." Minerva was an honest woman, especially when it came to her co-workers. "You've grown up quite well, Mr. Riveras. I must admit I'm quite proud of that. How do you enjoy your position?"
@dominick (cause y'all know she's a badass and a sweetheart at the same time. hahahah)
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Apr 26, 2017 20:35:41 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2017 20:35:41 GMT -7
He felt a grin slowly stretch across his face as she spoke in a way only she could claim. Yeah he definitely felt like he was in school again, less nervewracking now. Just amusing. "This is something I know logically but seeing you back in the castle somehow just reduced me back to my student years," he chuckled and smiled warmly. He nodded along as she talked about her dull her retirement had been. He couldn't necessarily say he'd been surprised by this news either. She'd spent a long time at Hogwarts and, during her time, had gone through a wealth of experiences to last her a life time. She'd gotten through two wars in her time. You would think that would equal needing to settle down but that didn't always translate. "Well, you know that Hogwarts is rarely every quiet and there is nothing dull about this school. You just can't seem to separate from the young minds of the future it seems. They're lucky to have you back." Her following compliment made him feel warm inside. She could be blunt even as a stern professor she had a warm way about her. "I really like being a professor here more than I thought I would actually. It's only my second year so I'm still figuring things out but I'm enjoying it. I finally know how you and the other professors felt when it comes to student shenanigans but they're not too bad. It's the grading that gets tedious," he was thoughtful as he spoke about his experiences over the past two years. "Were you surprised when they approached you again for the position?" He was curious. The news had been filled with what had been going on with Elaine Dupree and her madness. He'd wondered how closely she had followed and if she'd taken the position because of that.
Tag; @headmistress
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Apr 27, 2017 21:58:47 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2017 21:58:47 GMT -7
Well, that was certainly a viable answer. Mny of her former students always had issues addressing her by anything other then 'Professor'. Seven years of schooling had drilled it into their heads how to address her and her coworkers. "As I recall you were always a well enough student, nor a troublemaker, in school. I don't see why that would be anything to be ashamed of." She answered. Her old age hadn't affected her memory much. Small details, yes, did escape her at times. But she loved teaching, and she'd always know her students.
Oh yes, Hogwarts was rarely quiet or dull. "Hogwarts has a mind of it's own, just like our students. Dull and quiet are beyond it's capabilities." The school still, shockingly, held some secrets from her. There were so many spells and enchantments from almost a thousand years of bright witches and wizards. It'd left a permanent residue on the halls. The castle was no mere castle, though few would ever believe it except those who desired to uncover it's mysteries. As he spoke of his fondness for his job Minerva finally offered one of her rare, but small smiles. "Teaching the young eager minds of the next generation is addicting, isn't it?" It was why she'd taught for over fifty years before even considering retirement. And even then it had lasted only eight years. "No. They knew I would answer if I were ever needed. Why it was needed is what is surprising." Neville's illness. So crippling that he'd been forced to step down. He was still a young man (compared to herself), and it'd come on so suddenly....
@dominick
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Apr 28, 2017 7:32:05 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 7:32:05 GMT -7
With a chuckle, he gave a shrug of his shoulders at her comment. He'd been a good student, not perfect with his grades unless he really cared for the subject like he did Arithmancy. He'd gotten an A in Transfiguration on his N.E.W.T.s so it didn't technically count as a mastered skill, but that didn't mean he hadn't enjoyed her class. Behavior wise though, he definitely couldn't claim the prize as being the most troublesome student but there had been more than a few times where she or another professor scolded him for his antics. "There weren't many times lost House Points but I can definitely recall the few times it was you dealing out the punishment. You have your own special way about you," his words were meant as nothing less than a compliment. Students found themselves in her detention but she was nothing if not adamant in teaching them right from wrong. He nodded in agreement at her words regarding Hogwarts being neither dull nor quiet. "That is why you being at Hogwarts will always make sense." The gentle smile that crossed his features because of her words made him thoughtful once again. "They remind me of me. Especially the ones passionate about Arithmancy. Or maybe even more so the ones who have no interest in it. I remember being stuck in lessons I didn't care for, here and in muggle primary school. It's painful, but you push yourself through it anyway for the grade. I wish I had better advice to give them." Thinking back even now he shuddered uncomfortably remembering his days stuck in a classroom learning things that were of no use to him "Yes, Neville. Have they figured anything out regarding what is going on with him? It was very odd they way he became sickl so suddenly. I hope everything is well..."
Tag; @headmistress
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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May 12, 2017 19:58:09 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on May 12, 2017 19:58:09 GMT -7
Minerva smiled just a little at his recollection of her punishments. "You were only punished when you let teenage stupidity and foolishness get the better of you." Was her answer. While extremely strict no one could ever argue that she had been unfair or just. Minerva did not tolerate rule breaking, or bending of any kind. With her there was right, and wrong, with absolutely no grey area in between. But she'd always been consistent, and no student had ever doubted what the Professor might do. While Minerva wasn't one to smile much, the smile remained as he stated her presence at Hogwarts would always make sense. "Hogwarts will always be my home." She'd been extremely young when she first began her teaching career. And now, at her current age she'd spent almost the entirely of her life at Hogwarts in some form or another.
"Perhaps that is the best, and only, advice they need." That they might not like everything they were being taught, their lessons, their professors. But in the end it would all be worth it. As for Neville. "Not that I've been told. But they have assured me that he is receiving the best care at St. Mungos. Unfortunately these things do happen sometimes, and it was simply poor luck that Neville fell ill now. If I were to guess he contradict something from one of his plants. He was never the most careful of students, I can't tell you how many times I had to send him to the Hospital Wing just from Transfiguration class." A good lad, though. Just horrible, horrible luck.
@dominick
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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May 16, 2017 17:14:17 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on May 16, 2017 17:14:17 GMT -7
"I believe my younger self wouldn't have said it was teen antics but it was my Ravenclaw curiosity," he chuckled lightly. "Of course you were nothing but fair and I'm sure you kept me out of more trouble than I could handle." Looking back, he could find comfort in knowing that any punishments she doled out came from a place of caring. Though she was strict and could rub students the wrong way, she cared about her students and their safety. There was a specific time he could remember trying to sneak out to go into the Forbidden Forest just to explore its reaches when he'd been caught by her only to here that there had been a Centaur stampede due to migration. He could have easily been in the way of the stampede and could have gotten seriously injured. She may not always have known it but she'd saved his hide. "And I hope you never doubt that. Hogwarts would have been nothing without your care." he stated simply with a soft smile.
He nodded at her words. It was advice most people didn't like to hear but accepted as truth. Telling that to children? He was certain that it would fall on deaf ears. He'd often did the things that he didn't want to do when he was that age but he didn't put effort into them so they ended up being a waste of time. "Even I know that they wouldn't want to hear that. I wouldn't have wanted to hear that at the same age. They will rebel until they experience it themselves," he said wryly. Listening as she spoke of Neville and what seemed to be his long unlucky streak had him chuckling just a bit though sadly. It was shocking what was happening to the previous Headmaster and he hoped the man got better soon.
Tag; @headmistress
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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May 29, 2017 13:40:00 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on May 29, 2017 13:40:00 GMT -7
"For teenagers, it is the same thing." stupidity. Foolishness. Curiosity. There was a reason there was the saying "curiosity killed the cat". And likely almost killed half the ahogwarts student. No doubt if they'd been less curious at least half of the detentions she'd given over the years wouldn't have been necessary. "Though it's the same for adults as well." Adults could be just as stupidly curious as their younger counterparts when given incentive. Minerva had never been an overly curious person. She kept her nose in her own business and out of other people's. Her curiosity for answered had never gotten the better of her. "Hogwarts seemed to have done well enough without my care for a few years." she pointed out, intentionally not mentioning the mursersand kidnappings.
"All advice-" she started to answer slowly, choosing her words carefully. "Is what we need to hear, and not what we want to hear. If it was what we wanted then why would we need advice to begin with?"
@dominick
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Jun 14, 2017 3:50:01 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2017 3:50:01 GMT -7
He chuckled a bit but he didn't know if he could agree entirely with that statement. Sometimes kids were just curious. It didn't have to always be stupidity or kids getting into things they shouldn't that made them curious about something. He would rather cultivate curiosity in students and supervise them so they don't end up doing something stupid rather than kill the curiosity entirely in favor of safety. He made no comment on his stance however, as there was really no use in debating for more reason than one. Hogwarts had done well enough without her? He couldn't say that wasn't true because it was still standing and hadn't needed to be rebuilt. Forgetting the recent tragedies, it had been doing well under Neville's care. "It's as you said, you're needed. And the universe has made it so you're back again," there was a bit of hesitance in his tone. He didn't want to talk about the kidnappings and the tragedies and sully her first day back. It couldn't be denied though that it was one of the reasons the Minister called on her.
He suddenly remembered that he'd been there to grab some coffee and so he made his way over to the pot and grabbed some. And then remembered that he was grabbing coffee because he was on his way to teach his first class. He had a little bit of time left right? He went through his usual routine of putting an unholy amount of sugar in the liquid before taking a sip. "So what are your plans now," he asked casually, leaving it open for her to answer it in whatever way she deemed fit. He didn't expect a lot as she probably hadn't had a chance to talk with Astoria yet.
Tag; @headmistress
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Jul 9, 2017 17:43:50 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2017 17:43:50 GMT -7
It truly was unsettling. Everything that had happened to bring her back to Hogwarts. Everything that had happened at Hogwarts the past year and a half. "It seems history is repeating itself." Harry Potter's six years at Hogwarts were intense as well, though at least those events had been spaced out between six years. Multiple killed students, by another student no less, mass kidnapping, the headmaster falling deathly ill. A lifetime's worth of catastrophes jam packed into just 18 months.
As for her plans... Minerva glanced down at the paperwork on the table in front of her. That really was the question, wasn't it? "It isn't my plans, but ours." She'd chosen her words well. Not her plans. We. Our. Minerva got to her feet slowly. Her age affected her from time to time, particularly when switching from sitting to standing. But once she got on her feet she approached Dominick with a determined look and perk in her step. "We will take back our school. Fear will not be permitted to terrorize our students anymore." This was a place of learning. A place where students could be safe, and be themselves. Where they could explore their capabilities and discover their true potential. "I will need everyone's help in doing this, Mr. Riveras. Including yours."
@dominick
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Jul 12, 2017 19:19:03 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2017 19:19:03 GMT -7
Those simple words she spoke had his brow creasing with worry. He didn't want to think about it but she was right. History was repeating itself. While he had not been at Hogwarts himself when the war had reached its high, he had been there to see the affect it'd had. He'd been a first year when they'd first allowed students back into the building and a fog of sadness had hung over the entire year. He didn't want to see that happen to the school ever again. Now that he was here, he would be able to help do something about it. And he was definitely more than willing.
When she spoke, a look of determination gracing her features when she stood up and approached him, the darkness of the previous words were washed away completely and he wore his own look of determination. She was right. Whatever plans she came up with would be plans for all of the employees Hogwarts had. It was their duty to protect the students within the walls of the school. The words she ended on made him give her a sharp nod of affirmation. "I'm willing to do anything in my power to protect our students. I'm happy to help whenever you need me... Minerva," he tested out her name on his lips and unfortunately it still felt very awkward to use. He would probably refer to her as Professor McGonagall forever but he looked forward to whatever plans she had in store for them. He looked forward to being a part of them.
Tag; @headmistress (You are totally free to dismiss this incredibly awkward man whenever)
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last online Mar 28, 2024 11:58:03 GMT -7
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Aug 1, 2017 11:10:42 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2017 11:10:42 GMT -7
The elusive and rare smile of Minerva's appeared. Being such a stern person it was often wondered if she could smile. She could, obviously. She just never gave a full blown smile without good reason. And hearing Dominick's own resolve had brought that rare occurrence out of her. If there was one thing she knew it was that there would always be those to protect Hogwarts and it's students. There was just something about the castle. As if hundreds of years of magic had altered the castle itself, to a point where it created an overwhelming devotion to it in those that lived in the stone walls. Professor McGonagall had no doubt that almost every member of her staff would lay down their life for the school if it came to that, including herself. "Thank you. I am glad to hear that. The road ahead will be difficult. But just as history repeats it self, so will the outcome." Minerva truly believed that no matter how bad things became that good would triumph.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go shoo off some of these blasted Aurors." If they asked her how they could help one more time... heaven forbid what she might do. With her usual hobble from old age she left the room, fully intent on chasing off or knocking some sense into those young Aurors.
@dominick (Fin!)
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