Welcome Back to Hogwarts [OPEN]

[Deleted]

He stood in the entrance hall, wand pointed at the great front doors of Hogwarts castle as he went over the protective enchantments to make sure nothing was wrong. At first glance, he didn’t seem like much. Quite tall, with at best average looks that were marred by a series of scars on his face. The first ran along his left cheek, from the corner of his mouth all the way to the base of his ear. That particular scar was a gift from Amycus Carrow. His sister, Alecto, had given him the one on the other check, which ran from just below the bridge of his nose down to his jawline, the end of it vanishing into the small beard he currently wore. An inch or so of a third scar could be seen above his left eyebrow, the edge of a mark that went halfway around his head, a Sectumsempra spell fired by Rabastan Lestrange with enough force to carve through Colin Creevey’s Shield charm, Colin himself, and still had enough force to bloody Neville’s head. He had responded with a Reductor curse that had blown Rabastan’s face clean off. It had not been as satisfying as killing Bellatrix or Rudolphus would have been, but at least he’d claimed one of their lives.

His black robes billowed out over his wide shoulders and thick chest, giving him a puffy appearance, as though he were your average middle-aged wizard, plump and gone to seed. They hid a powerful, muscled physique that through regular, rigorous training, had defied the effects of time. As a boy, he’d been highly interested in Herbology, and quite nervous with his spellwork, so that he had chosen to do his favored subject by hand when possible. When he had stood up to the Carrows and helped reform Dumbledore’s Army, he was strong enough to break himself free of Snargaluffs and Devil’s Snare, and fast enough to dodge Venomous Tentacula and Fanged Geranium strikes. The only students in school as large as he was in his last year had been Crabbe and Goyle, and their natural bulk was no match for muscles hardened by work. Still, he didn’t mind. With the billowy shape of his cloak and the smile usually on his face, he was loved by his students, even if he wasn’t considered impressive by most of them. Outside of showing off his Galleon to students in their first year, Neville had no desire to talk about any of his history involving the Death Eaters, and most assumed he hadn’t been much of a factor at the Battle of Hogwarts. Not even his children had asked him, though he was sure if they wanted to find out, they had their sources. One in particular, called Uncle Harry, was not a fan of secrets.

That’s how he preferred it, though. He didn’t like to think what his students would do if they knew he was a war hero, wasn’t interested in being romanticized like some shining knight riding out into the Death Eaters. He had fought, and survived, and killed—and that last bit, he’d done a lot of. The Mandrake attack alone gave him the highest body count of anyone who participated in that last, horrible battle, and he’d only been getting started at that point. It had come as a relief when the hunt for Death Eaters was declared finished, the Auror Department firmly under Harry’s control, and he could take the demotion to reserve Auror with a clean conscience.

And now, the dark shadows were creeping once more.

Neville Longbottom had been brought back to active service by Harry following the string of Auror murders. At first, this had been mainly to authorize Neville to kill anyone who came after him; just in case whoever attacked him had Ministry backup, sweeping a case of self-defense under the rug would be useless, as Neville was a Senior Auror with all of the authority it brought. However, as things continued over the holiday, he’d been convinced to become the Ministry presence at Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, the alternative being a full Auror battalion. And because of that, he reluctantly gave up his post as Head of Gryffindor House, the work being too much next to Herbology classes, Auror work, and his duties as deputy Headmaster. Not that he’d told the students why, of course, and to his knowledge, neither had Grey. At any rate, there was already speculation because of it, the popular theory being that Professor Longbottom would be taking over as Headmaster this year or the next. He sincerely hopedthat wasn’t the case; no Gryffindor from his year was cut out for bureaucracy except Hermione, who would be an excellent Headmistress, come to think of it.

Satisfied that the entrance hall enchantments were secure, Neville turned to the four great hourglasses on the wall, ready for the Houses to compete for the precious points they represented. No, the position of guy-in-charge didn’t interest him. Right now though, his Auror duties did, infinitely more than they had a week ago. A student had died on the Hogwarts Express, killed the same way the Aurors had been. Whatever this shadow was, it was creeping towards Hogwarts. And rather than targeting one of the teachers, it had gone for a child. When the news had broken out, most of the people from Dumbledore’s Army had messaged him by owl and by coin, asking and demanding in various degrees that he keep the children safe. As though he needed the extra incentive.

In short, the murder of a student had royally ticked the Lion of Gryffindor off, and he fully intended to do everything he could to shield the rest of the students. And if he got his hands on the one who did this…

Well, he’d made sure his claws hadn’t dulled, even after two decades of not needing them.

[Deleted]

The summer had been quite interesting for Walton. He had been the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts, for a couple of years now. He had kept up with what was happening in the wizarding world, especially the death of the Minister for Magic. He had also been bombarded by owls from many parents asking him to teach their children everything that he knew. Walton intended to do just that, the new term was starting but it had been marred by the death of a first year girl already. A couple of weeks before the term started he was asked if he would take over the position of being the Head of Gryffindor house. He was pleased, but at the same time he had been told why. Why must people insist upon harming others, he might never figure that one out, but it was people that enjoyed harming others that made him want to help people. His father had once told him that "strong people don't put others down they lift them up." It seemed that the times were once more marred by darkness. He remembered what it was like during the time that Voldemort was terrorizing people, he was really young at the time, he had gone to stay with some relatives in a safe location, while others helped restore order to their world. But now it was his turn to do the same.

He was more than determined to help the students learn how to defend themselves. The news of the murder troubled him, he knew that no one had escaped the killing curse, sure that is what had been used. But he always questioned why kill a child, let alone why would anyone want to cause terror. He was pissed just like the rest of the staff. He was also concerned for James Potter, as he had been the one to find the body. One thing he knew that he could do to help the students was to make sure that they enjoyed their time here at school. As he walked his dark grey robes flowed out behind him. He noticed that there was an open window as he felt a cool breeze pass by him. He walked over to the window and stared out at the grounds for a few minutes lost in his own thoughts. Snapping out of his deep thoughts he pulled the window closed, why it was even open in the first place.

After he had pulled the window closed Walton continued on his way down to the entrance hall of the school. He really enjoyed working here. As he descended the final stair case he saw before the front doors of the school the very man that he had been hoping to speak with, Neville Longbottom. He just had a simple question to ask, and he knew the answer to the question but at the same time he wasn't exactly sure on how to go about doing what he needed to do. He also knew that Neville could provide the answer to his question. Walton descended the final steps and walked over to the other professor, Walton smirked a little as he saw the billowy robes that Neville had on, but he knew that looks could be deceiving, as he knew that was the case here. He also knew what was being done, and deciding to make his presence known, he asked in a serious tone "So, professor, are all of the wards, and protections in place?" He knew that they were but it never hurt to check them. especially with dark times looming ahead.

[Deleted]

There were some things that, once learned, didn’t go away.

Dumbledore’s Army, for example, had put into practice something Mad-Eye Moody drilled into the heads of everyone he could: constant vigilance. Naturally, the DA’s membership roster was a poorly-kept secret, even as its members expanded. Obviously, the ones who joined wanted to fight back. And this attitude came with problems, when Death Eaters and the students who sided with them roamed the halls. Those in the DA had learned quickly to be very mindful of their surroundings, lest they be struck from behind by a Cruciatus Curse. This was worst for Neville, as the most visible head of the DA. He wasn’t their sole leader at any point—Ginny and Luna led alongside him, and when they didn’t return to Hogwarts, he appointed lieutenants from each house to help him manage things. But he was the obvious choice. At one point, in an effort to break his spirit, the Carrows had put out an incentive: five points to a House each time they successfully hit him with the Agony Curse. Some had tried. He had retaliated by hunting half of the Inquisitorial Squad down in the night, leaving them in Body Binds, and taking their wands as trophies.

So yes, Neville had learned to be aware of everything around him. And that was not something that went away, he couldn’t unlearn vigilance, any more than he could stay sleeping through even the lightest foreign sound around him, or keeping his wand in the sleeve holster he’d kept from his Auror days. So when motion at the top of the stairs hit his peripheral vision, Neville’s eyes flickered just close enough to get a look without giving it away that he’d noticed. He didn’t tense up, though—it was just Professor Grey. The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and now Head of Gryffindor House, had been close to leaving Hogwarts when Neville joined the staff. He’d never taught Grey personally—Professor Sprout stayed on for three years after he joined, so that her OWL and NEWT students would not have to worry about a change of teacher during their most important school years—but he could remember him. He’d had a reputation as a duelist and a bit of a bully hunter. Neville had been surprised when he’d returned to the castle to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, he was so sure Grey would end up as an Auror.

He nodded at his colleague when the man reached the foot of the stairs, eyes back on the hourglasses. He let his gaze drift upward, to rest on the name carved over the four hourglasses, the names he and Harry and Ron had carved into the wall themselves—every student and teacher and Order member who had fallen in battle that night, all on the hope that they helped end the war. Too many names. "So, professor, are all of the wards, and protections in place?" Thankfully pulled from his memories before he could dig too deep, Neville nodded and smiled. “As strong as the day they were placed. Getting in and out without notice won’t be easy.” Particularly if you were interested in murdering children. Especially since James Potter had been the first one to find the student who had been killed. That one acted a lot like Fred and George, but he was still Harry’s child, through and through. Neville would bet his last Galleon that James would be staying up late at night, watching the Marauder’s Map that he solemnly swore he didn’t have, watching for intruders.

Still, that was a problem to be tackled later. For now, he turned to Walton. “Congratulations on Head of House, by the way. A word of advice: no matter what he does, don’t punish James Potter by suspending his right to play Quidditch. Giving him hours of extra free time and a grudge against you won’t end well, even if it is about the best punishment you could hand to him.” Not that Neville had done this—he just knew his honorary nephews and nieces. And this year, he fully expected James to do more than a few reckless things that would earn him detention.

[Deleted]

Walton had followed Neville's gaze up to the many names carved into the wall. He was thankful that so many had been to fight so there could be peace once more, but at the same time he was saddened by how many had died. He had spent many nights as a younger student looking at those names, searching for one name in particular, but he never found no matter how many times he looked. He turned back to Neville whom he found had turned to him as he spoke about James Potter, the very person whom he had a question about earlier, it was the answer that he himself had come to. He had also been congratulated on becoming head of Gryffindor house. "Thanks. It is kind of funny that you gave me the answer to a question that I had for you about James Potter." He really wondered if the man before him had known what he was going to ask. But oh well. "I will keep your advice in mind. And plus I know it work because he can get into all sorts of trouble if he has to much free time." He grinned. "And I don't want to ruin Gryffindor's chances to get the quidditch cup this year." To be honest he wouldn't mind seeing Gryffindor take the cup this year as long as a good team was put together. And as for punishing James for the trouble he would undoubtedly cause this year. He would only give him detention, and he hoped it wouldn't come down to suspending him from quidditch, which he knew that he needed.

He was never taught by Neville when he was in school, due to the fact that he had been close to finishing. He had even gained a reputation as a dueler and a bully hunter. Walton knew that Neville knew about this, and was probably just as surprised as was all of the rest of his teachers when he didn't become an Auror. He grinned it confused many people, but then again not everyone knew the truth about his past. After school he had gone to America to get his mastery in Defense Against the Dark Arts. But during his time there he had become an Auror in America, and not just an Auror he was also given a different job that took him all around the world, and gave him all of the privileges of being an Auror. All in all he was an international Auror a.k.a the elite or in the muggle world special forces of the Aurors. Which only a few were told about. He knew that at some point he would have to tell Neville and Harry Potter about his other job. However one of the many perks of being an international Auror he could do whatever he wanted to do unless he was needed to help out somewhere. And this time he was in the right place to help out in Britain during the dark times that were sure to befall them once more. He was glad that he was teaching at Hogwarts as well, it was something that he had always wanted to do after he had the opportunity to teach several others some of the things that he knew.

Walton had to know what was really going on and he intended to find out. He turned to Neville having decided that now was better a time than any to tell him about his actual status, he took a step closer so that he was standing side by side with the other professor. In a quiet but serious tone, he cast a privacy charm first so that he wouldn't be overheard. "There is something that you must know, especially with what is going on in our world. It is something that only a select few know about, I am not just a professor, I am an international Auror. I trust you won't tell anyone, save maybe Harry Potter." There was a silence that fell between them, he had come to trust Neville, and he also knew that he was an accomplished occlumens. However he already had his wand out just as a precaution if what he had just said was received badly. There were many things that had to be done such as this. It made him feel better that at least on person, someone he trusted, knew what he really did. He had already canceled the privacy charm hoping that Neville would be discreet with what he said next.

[Deleted]

He grunted as he threw the tennis ball across the grass--the black and white furred dog taking off after at as she had the several times before. Usually this would help him get his mind off of things. Seeing his dog being the incredible dork that she usually was-- he usually couldn't help but laugh. But this time--it was different. Things were different. And he couldn't seem to muster a smile today. Yula seemed to notice this as she brought the ball back but instead of whining and beginning for him to throw it again -- she leaned against his leg. She always seemed to be able to tell when he was down or upset about something and today was no exception to that.

Things were happening around here. Things that he wasn't sure about--but he didn't like all at the same time. The auror deaths were bad enough--but then that first year was killed. And that--that pissed him off to be honest. It was a child. A first year even--who in their right frame was going to kill an eleven year old! It didn't make a lot of sense to him. The reasoning if there was such a thing behind this attack. It seemed like dark forces were trying to come back to a certain kind of power. And that alone was enough to set him on edge. He did not want history repeating itself thank you. In any form or way. For him or for anyone else.

He felt Yula against his leg and he looked down at the husky with a slight smile. Bending down to grab the tennis ball--he clipped the leash onto her collar to make sure that she wouldn't run off (not that he thought she would but it was better to be safe you know), "Come on. Let's go." he said as they made their way back to the school. He had charms classes to teach and not to mention he was trying to figure out what he could do to make things safer. There were things he could do -- he knew it. He just had to figure it out first. He wasn't about to dive in head first into the pool--he'd only crack his head open on the bottom. And sides that wasn't how he rolled anyways.

He walked in and saw the two professors and nodded towards them. He had to admit that he didn't know a ton about the others--but that wasn't new news for him he supposed. He was never going to be pegged the social butterfly. Eh it was what it was. "Afternoon. How are things going right now?" he said acknowledging the two before asking the potentially loaded question but it was best to know if things were going bad before they got really bad--but he could still hope that things were going all right....or as all right as they could be...

[Deleted]

Neville chuckled as, among other things, Grey mentioned not wanting to hurt Gryffindor’s shot at the Quidditch Cup. McGonagall had been the same way in her time. He’d never known the Transfiguration teacher to reduce punishment in any way, but she always found a way to schedule it so that the Quidditch games would not be missed. She was, he believed, a Chaser in her time at Hogwarts, though he’d never committed to digging into her past. Even though he was a full-grown adult with nearly adult children, Neville was still hesitant to do anything that Minerva McGonagall might disapprove of. Well, besides fighting the good fight, at any rate, but he couldn’t see her truly being angry with him for that.

More surprising was the piece of information just relayed to him by the teacher. Of course, as a national Auror, Neville knew about the International Aurors as a matter of course. Technically, only the head of the Auror Department is supposed to know, but Harry was just not big on secrets, particularly with his five closest friends. Besides which, all three of them had been offered a spot in the organization, which they had turned down. None of them were really much for international travel on a regular basis, and there was a country to restore besides. Neville smiled slightly at the confession of information and placed a hand on Grey’s shoulder. “Then it would appear that you and I have more than one job in common this year, Professor.” An innocent enough statement, but if Grey was sharp, he’d cotton on to Neville’s reinstatement into the Aurors. Actually, given the circumstances, he might already know from his own higher-ups.

His eyes flickered to the open front doors of the castle, when movement drew his attention once more. Professor Eielson approached them, his dog ever at his side. “Afternoon. How are things going right now?” Neville shrugged but smiled at the quiet head of Ravenclaw. “One can hope, Professor Eielson. At the very least, nothing’s happening just yet.” He watched as a cluster of emeralds trickled down into the lower half of the hourglass, proof that a Slytherin had won points from a teacher somewhere in the castle. Then he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Let’s just go ahead and deal with the elephant in the room, shall we? The Headmaster will be delegating the job to assign a patrol schedule to the teachers. We’ll all have extra duties this year. And Hogsmeade weekends are going to be the worst. Just so you have a head’s up.” Of course, the job would be “delegated” to Neville himself, as the deputy Headmaster. Oh well, it was something he had a lot of experience in, creating patrol patterns that were difficult to break.

He shook himself out of the routes that he instinctively starting planning in his mind and looked at the other two. “The girl on the train, the one that was killed? She was a Muggleborn. Her parents didn’t know magic existed a month ago, and the first time they let their daughter into this world without their protection, she’s dead within hours. We can’t let anyone else go through that. We won’t.”

And as little good as it would do, Neville intended to go to this family after the murderer was caught, and tell them everything. They deserved that much, at least.

[Deleted]

Walton knew that the job he had to do would be tough this year, since he had two major responsibilities. He also knew that Neville had been reinstated as an Auror not to long ago. He was glad that Neville had been reinstated as that would make his job a little easier. So he wasn't surprised when Neville said that they had "...more than one job in common this year." He nodded and said "That we do Professor." He had been told about Neville's status as an Auror a few days ago. He turned at the sound of someone entering the entrance hall, to find that it was the Head of Ravenclaw. He hadn't really gotten to know the Professor yet but he was sure that would change in time.

"Ah, Professor." Walton began, "It is going alright, with all things considered." There were many things happening, away from Hogwarts such as the murders of the Aurors of Britain, which made him wonder what the murder or murders were up to. And he really wanted to find whom ever killed that little girl on the train. He wasn't surprised at what they were told by Neville, who was also the Deputy Headmaster, that they would be receiving additional responsibilities such as patrolling the school and also during Hogsmeade weekends. "Thanks for the heads up Professor." He knew that Neville was right about how Hogsmeade weekends were going to be the worst out of all the times that they would have to be patrolling this year. "Hogsmeade weekends are definitely going to be a pain. Lets just hope nothing happens during those times even though it will be an opportunity for someone to attack the village and the students." 

The next bit of information that was relayed to them wasn't any news to him. He had received a full report on what had happened from one of the Aurors whom he had worked with before. He shared the sentiment that they wouldn't let that happen again. He was determined to do everything in his power to make sure that it never happened again. "Well let us hope that we can stop it from ever happening again." He sighed and looked at the other two Professors before continuing on with what was on his mind. "So I take it that you Professor, " waving a hand in Neville's direction, "will be coming up with the plans for the patrols? If you need any help with I am willing to help out." He had planned many missions and the such as an Auror and was willing to lend a hand if needed.

He also knew that with the current threat, they would have to teach the students more spells than they normally would. At least he knew that he would, especially because that was his job as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. "So Professor Eielson, what do you think about everything that is going on?" Walton knew it was a loaded question, but he needed to know where the other professor stood. Granted he could find out anything he wanted for he was a very accomplished legilimens. But he wasn't going to use it unless he had a reason to do so, and right now he didn't have a reason to. So he didn't and he wanted to gain the other man's trust, because they could all use more good people to stand with them when the time comes.

[Deleted]

All things considering. For now.

He saw those answers coming. Really he did. It was rather stupid of him to ask such a question to start with. I mean what else should he have expected? It definitely wasn't going to be all happy happy joy joy right now. Not with everything going on. Ask a stupid question though...what else were you going to get but a 'well duh of course' kind of answer. Yula huffed softly as she laid down on the floor. It was as if the dog herself could feel the gravity of what was going on around her. Of course the canine didn't get EXACTLY what was going on but she could tell by the atmosphere around her that it was best to be a nice and quiet dog for the moment. And that was what she would do.

The other seemed to get right to the point of the matter. And Zach was glad for that. There was too much going on right now for someone to be wishy washy. Or trying to beat around the bush. There was going to patrol duties assigned to the teachers within the next week. They were all going to be on patrol. Zach nodded. It made perfect sense to him. The students' safety of course had to be a priority. And yeah -- Hogsmeade was going to be a beast of a patrol. But he was confident in the teachers here. That they all wanted everyone to stay safe. And that they were all going to try their best to make sure that nothing like this happened again. Or at least he was. He of course wasn't going to speak for anyone else mind you...

'Let us hope not.' Zach thought to himself as the other hoped that nothing was going to happen. He couldn't imagine how the parents of that girl must be feeling right now. The one time they let their little girl out of their sight and she's dead. They didn't know about magic until recently (probably when the owls sent her the invitation to Hogwarts) and it was just a shame. And he didn't want any other parent to go through that. The other wondered if Neville was going to be assigning the patrol jobs and offered help if he needed it. Zach nodded, "As am I." he said offering his help too. He may not have been an auror but don't you think for one single second that he wasn't going to be a part in keeping the rest of the student body safe. You had another thing coming if you thought he was just going to sit back and do nothing. Ha ha! You kid!

The Head of Gryffindor surprised the Ravenclaw teacher when he asked Zach how he felt about what was going on. He hadn't quiet expected that one. And it took him a moment to choose the right words and to not let anger over the injustice of it all he supposed for lack of a better term get the better of him, "I don't like it." he said simply yet bluntly. "Its needs to stop. Whoever or whoevers are responsible for it need to be caught." And thrown into Azkaban but he didn't say that.

[Deleted]

Neville nodded gratefully to both teachers when they offered to assist him in drafting patrol schedules. He doubted he would call on them—he had personal experience with the strengths and weaknesses of scheduled patrols, having spent much of his final year as a student dodging those very patrols and utilizing the biggest gaps in their schedules to paint comments regarding Snape's nose and to question the Carrows' relationship on the walls. He listened as the heads of houses discussed the situation, vaguely aware that Grey was trying to gauge Eielson's loyalty, looking for any hint of betrayal. Given his status as an international Auror, Neville was willing to bet he was a Legilimens. Well, he doubted there was any reason to suspect Eielson, but there was no way to communicate that, and he'd bet his last Galleon that Grey was under orders to suspect everyone regardless. Well, except Neville himself, apparently. Then again, he supposed anyone who knew his history knew he'd never turn on Hogwarts like this. Neville was a true Gryffindor, capable of calling the Sword itself to his side, proof that he could not be bought, blackmailed, or beaten into submission. He was also an accomplished Occlumens, having learns to hide his emotions way back when he was a victim of bullying. And he'd proven able to shake off the Imperius Curse since his seventh year at Hogwarts, once he gained the willpower he had lacked in fourth year.

He turned to look at the other professors. “I agree, it does need to stop.” And whoever was doing it had best pray Neville was not the one to find them. Harry was the champion of the good guys: he could afford the moral high ground. Neville had been the general of the good guys, and while he had never sunk down to the level of the Death Eaters, mercy had rarely been an option for the Herbology teacher. “And I thank you for the offer of help, but I was hoping to get your assistance along other lines.” After all, Professor Eielson was the head of Ravenclaw and the Charms teacher, and Professor Grey was the DADA teacher, which was a subject Neville stayed up-to-date on, but that hardly meant his knowledge was encyclopedic. As well, Grey had access to international training, which meant a broader knowledge of spells and skills. He had every intention of speaking to other professors as well—Professor Bates, for one, could train animals to help, and Professor Kovachev could provide potions for enhanced senses and perception—but the sooner he had the staff working on things, the more prepared they would all be.

“The patrol routes aren't an issue. I know most every secret about this castle. The problem is detection. It's not enough for us to be walking the corridors, we need ways to get around concealment methods. The main things I'm interested in are detecting invisible beings, preventing Animagus transformations, and controlling distance communication within the walls. These, I think, are the main hindrances to efficient control of the castle. I know of a rather remarkable clock that tracks not time, but the status of the Weasley family. What they're doing, where they are, if they're in danger. If we could combine that with a Protean Charm, we could create emblems that would pass messages between teachers and also inform everyone if one of us is in grave danger.” Of course, this wasn't the only method to communicate that got around the issue of distance, but the secret to communicating through the Patronus Charm was heavily guarded, not to leave the Order of the Phoenix, which currently consisted of the remaining members of the old Order, along with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna, and Neville himself. It was not his place to give that particular secret away to anyone.

“The biggest obstacle is the Animagus issue. In the past, unregistered Animagi have infiltrated the castle with laughable ease. I will speak to Professor Bates about importing Kneazles to wander the castle grounds, but that's a bandage, not a solution. If you have any thoughts on the matter, I'd love to hear them.”

[Deleted]

Walton noticed how his question had caught the charms professor of guard. However he also took note of the fact that the man, took a moment to collect his thoughts as to how to phrase what he was going to say. Walton was glad that this was the case because if the person wasn't angry over what had happened they would have just answered quickly. He nodded towards Professor Eielson as he listened to the answer that was given. He now knew that the man was to be trusted, especially after he had seen the brief flash of angry in the man's eyes. It was a good thing that he could trust another person, that he knew would help in whatever way possible.

Glad that was out of the way, Walton turned his attention to Neville as the man began to speak about what needed to be done. It didn't surprise him that Neville didn't need help with planning the patrols. As he listened to Neville explain what he needed help with, especially at the mention of the detection spells such as that of invisible people or objects and even that of detecting animagi, Walton knew several spells that could work for these types of protections. One thing that did surprise him just a little was the idea of how they could communicate. "Well the idea of how we could communicate to each other is quite interesting. Professor Eielson could probably work on doing that. I do however have several things that could help with detection, especially that of anyone in animagus form." He could help with the communication. But he felt it best leave it to the charms professor. 

"There are several detection spells that I know for detecting anything invisible, and anyone in animagus form." Looking past the others out towards the grounds, he considered the idea of having a kneazles wandering the grounds a good one. "Yeah, I think that having kneazles wandering the grounds is a good idea. But you are right it is only a bandage and not a solution Professor. There is a spell, well actually it is a ward, it will detect any and all animagi,, and it will only admit ones that are registered. It will turn all of the ones that are unregistered back to their human selves. Granted when it does that it isn't gentle as they will be bound in ropes that prevent any type of transformation. They will only be released once someone can take care of the matter. However," Walton put a slight emphasis on the however hoping that Neville would catch on that they were ones that only International Aurors knew, before he continued. "there are also a few others that I know of that could work as well." 

Walton had to think about the ones to detect anything invisible. There were so many and for different kinds of things, but as far as he knew there wasn't one that could detect anything, no matter what it was. It had to be a specific thing for the spell to work. "And as for detecting anything invisible, well that might be difficult, but there are several such as magical sensors that can detect anything that is concealed when passing through a doorway or even a corridor. There are also ones that are specific. By that I mean they are spell that can only work to detect one specific type of thing. For example say someone had a regular invisibility cloak, well there is a specific spell to detect those." He knew that Harry Potter owned one that could not be traced or discovered. That is the reason why he said regular, knowing that Neville would know what he meant by that. The only reason why he knew of the invisibility cloak that Harry had, was because he had seen him use it, while on a mission that Walton was helping the Head Auror out on.

Walton had more ideas but he wanted to hear what the other Professors had to say first before he said anymore. It was quite possible that they had the same ideas, or suggestions, that he himself was thinking of. So he stood there looking out at the grounds thinking of all the protections that could be used to protect the students, while he waited for the others to express their thoughts.