Zephyr

Chapter Five

The Staff Meeting

Hermione and Remus had not arrived at Hogwarts until quarter to six. Hermione rushed up to the castle and through the overly large oak doors soon after Remus and her Apparated from Hogsmeade. She heard Remus call out from behind her that he was going down to Hagrid's hut for a second. She waved her hand behind her in reply and hurried through the doors and down the corridors to get to the staff room. It was not like her to be late for a staff meeting--to be late for anything. She was very disappointed in herself and cursed inwardly for going to Diagon Alley so late in the afternoon. When she stumbled through the door to the staff room, she was surprised to see that not all the staff was present.

"Aah, Hermione, I see you're back," the Headmaster said cheerfully as he sipped on his cup of tea. "How was your trip to Diagon Alley? I trust you found everything you needed?"

"Yes. The market was very hectic; it took me several hours just to get a few things done. I apologize for being late. Where is everyone?"

"The meeting has been pushed to 6:00, so you are actually early." Hermione released a breath of relief before taking a seat at the large oval table their meetings were usually held at. Dumbledore always sat at the head with Minerva to his right and Severus to his left. To Minerva's right, April Sprout usually sat with Hagrid on her right and Remus next to him. The seat to the left of Severus was always vacant, but usually because he would make sure that whoever dared to sit next to him was as uncomfortable as he could make them. But next to that forever-vacant seat, Percy would usually sit. He wanted to be as close to the Headmaster as possible, and the two flanking seats next to Dumbledore would ever seat the Gryffindor and Slytherin Head of Houses.

"Tea?" the Headmaster asked.

"Yes, please."

"Where is Remus?"

"He stopped by Hagrid's; he said he'll be up soon." Hermione took a minute to steady her breathing while Dumbledore poured her tea and handed it to her. Hermione could see Minerva from the corner of her eye motioning for her to join her, April Sprout, and Viola Vector in the corner. Hermione pretended as if she hadn't noticed and struck up a conversation with the Headmaster to make herself seem occupied. She was not in the mood for futile gossips; she was hot and tired and eager to get their staff meeting going so she could head to her office and get some more work done.

"So, how's Irma?" Hermione whispered. She didn't want anyone but the Headmaster to hear her.

"Ah, she's fine. She's making excuses not to leave, of course. My dear Irma; she does not trust anyone to watch over her books. She has been taking care of those books longer than anyone ever to set foot at Hogwarts. No one cares more about the library more than her."

"I can not begin to think what she is going through. Does she know who you have gotten to replace her while she is gone?"

"No. I will not announce that today. I am afraid she will get word of it before she leaves. She will definitely stay for sure if she found out who was taking care of her library while she was gone."

"Well, I'm curious already."

"You will soon find out. I will let the others know of Irma's six months leave. I have kept it secret long enough."

"I almost slipped today at Diagon Alley when Remus went with me. I told him I wanted to get Magical Men before it ran out and he asked me who it was for. I didn't tell him it was for Irma, but he was very suspicious."

"Remus should have guessed that only Irma would read something with such a title," he smiled. "Well, no matter they will find out today. She does not wish to attend our staff meeting. I believe she thinks it is too much for her to admit that she has to abandon her duties here at Hogwarts. She has never had a day off since she first started here. Good Merlin, how long ago it was. I am beginning to feel very old."

"What are you two whispering about over there?" Minerva called out from behind them. "You're up to something, I can tell."

"It is nothing you will not find out about, dear." Minerva shot Albus a suspicious look as a knock sounded at the door and startled everyone quite suddenly. Filch was crouching at the door, banging as hard as he could, as if there was something he was not too happy about.

"Argus, is something the matter?"

"I have a note for you Headmaster," he croaked as he handed the note to Albus. Dumbledore took the note and thanked Filch. He knew his caretaker did not appreciate being treated as a messenger.

"There is also one other thing;" he added quickly before the Headmaster dismissed him.

"What is it, Argus?"

"It's that poltergeist, Sir; I think he's gone mad."

"Whatever do you mean?" Minerva inquired, "Peeves has never been anything but."

"Yeah, well this time he's really done it. He's gone and dressed every knight and statue on the upper floors with--with bloody undergarments." Albus chuckled when he heard this and looked up to see a livid Filch.

"Argus, I do not see anything out of character with what Peeves is doing. He has been known for his mischievousness. His pranks are nothing new."

"No, you don't understand, Headmaster," he said through tightly pursed lips and blood-shot eyes, "they're m-my smalls and undergarments that - that bloody nut-wraith has got."

"What are you implying?" Minerva asked puzzled.

"What do you think?" Filch growled. "That bloody poltergeist is in heat; in heat, I tell ya." Everyone in the room howled with laughter as poor angry Filch stood furiously before them. His face was contorted with rage as he shook with anger from being laughed at.

"Well, how many undergarments could you possibly have?" Viola teased knowing very well that that was not what Filch was angry about. "Besides," she said through gasps of air as she tried to control her laughter, "I don't know if you've noticed, Argus, but Peeves is as male as you lot can get," Filch glared angrily at the group of Professors as if he did not appreciate being laughed at.

"Yes, Viola, I am well aware of that. So what is so funny about it?"

"Filch, Peeves is a poltergeist, it's not possible."

"I assure you, professor, it is quite possible."

"What do you mean?" she replied. "Oh, gods, Filch, you're not suggesting that--." Filch looked at them with extreme seriousness as they stared back confoundedly. "Oh, for heavens sake, you can't possibly."

"Well, why not?" he snapped. "He's been sneaking around my quarters for the past several months at night, following me around, and leaving flowers at my door. I know it's him, that filthy son of a wraith."

"Calm down, Filch," the Headmaster reassured him. "I will have a talk with Peeves today. I am sure there is a reason behind this peculiar behavior of his. Filch could still hear the muffled giggles in the room as he turned his heel and stormed out. Dumbledore unfolded the piece of note from Filch and read it quietly to himself. He then stood up and excused himself from the room.

"Albus," Minerva said worriedly, "is something wrong?"

"No. I will be back before the staff meeting begins." And with that he was gone. Hermione was now left alone with her three colleagues and so had no choice but to join them in their conversation.

"Come, come, child, don't think I didn't notice you trying to ignore my notions for you to join us."

"I'm sorry, Minerva, but I was in no mood for a chat."

"How was your trip?" she said immediately paying no heed to what Hermione was saying. "Did you have fun?" She had not waited for Hermione's assent to her curiosity before carrying on. "Did you even go? You don't look so tanned for someone who spent the whole afternoon in the sun. Did you really go?"

"Why do you people keep asking me that?" she snapped. Minerva arched a brow that made Hermione feel slightly uncomfortable. She sighed resignedly as she averted her eyes from the older woman's rigid glare. "It was hot, Minerva," she stressed, "hot, crowded, and sweaty, and I have never been groped so much in my life. Yes, I went, and I didn't have the least bit of fun. I was too concerned with getting out of that inferno to worry about a tan which isn't on my list of things-to-do-in-this-lifetime," she said firmly. "Does that answer your question?" The three women looked at her with unadorned expressions as if they expected such a response from her.

"My, my, my, aren't we in a bit of a strop today," Vector smirked. "What side of the desk did you wake up in this morning," she teased as the others laughed at her joke.

"Very funny; it's nothing I haven't heard before," Hermione said.

"Well here's something you might get a kick out of," Minerva said conspicuously in a soft tone. "Hagrid and April have been at it again."

"Oh, April," Hermione scowled. "Why do you do this to Percy?"

"Well it was all Rubeus' idea. He was quite annoyed with Percy poking his nose around at the hut whenever I visit for a cuppa, you know."

"Cuppa' my knickers," Viola mocked as April nudged her in the ribs. Hermione, on the other hand, did not look too pleased with their little prank.

"Where did Percy catch you two this time?"

"In the astronomy tower," Minerva answered as Hermione winced at the thought of Percy walking in on Hagrid and April doing whatever it was they did when they were alone. Hagrid and Sprout had been together since the term ended the previous year, and they had not been able to separate themselves from each other. Percy was revolted with the idea of them in a relationship though he kept insisting that it was because they were professors and should set an example for the students. Everyone knew it was because the idea of Hagrid and Sprout being in such close proximity of each other was just too frightening to think about.

"Boy, did we give him a fright," April giggled. "Oh, don't look so glum, Love, we were only trying to teach ol' Perce a lesson for snooping around in our business."

"Frankly, I think he deserved it," Minerva asserted. "I mean the man is insufferable."

"Minerva!" Hermione exclaimed.

"What? If I had a sickle for each time that horrible man complained about something I'd use the Philosopher's Stone as a doorstop."

"That's not very nice," she said quietly. "You know Percy is just trying to do his job; even I still have a hard time believing this relationship," Hermione defended. "If someone told me ten years ago that my Herbology professor was going to shag the Gamekeeper, I would've cursed them out cold for making such a cruel joke." The other ladies laughed and howled some more although Hermione had not meant for it to be a joke. "I don't find it the least bit funny. You've traumatized the poor man, and he isn't even all that bad."

"Yes, he is," they brayed altogether. "Darling girl," Minerva said confidently, "I have met many men in my years, and let me tell you, Percy takes the gold."

"You're a cruel woman, Minerva."

"Well, you can go on defending him; you're about the only friend he's got."

"You treat him as if he was the most horrible person you've met; surely you're laying it a bit thick."

"Now, you know we don't mean any of this, Hermione; we're just having a bit of a laugh," she said as she turned her head to the side and winked playfully at Viola and April. Hermione was used to the older women's playful and sometimes childish behavior. She had always assumed from her childhood that they were naturally strict and forever reproachful. She came to find out that they were as mischievous and laid-back as the students. Playing pranks on each other, and gossiping like little girls. Hermione found she had to play the adult sometimes when they got a out of hand. They loved to have fun, and picking on poor Percy was one way they wasted their time.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said in disbelief, "But are you three going to stand there and tell me that you have not put up with someone worse than Percy?" She watched her colleagues exchange puzzled glances as if they were completely lost with where she was going.

"Oh, for heavens sake," she exclaimed softly, "I can't believe you three."

"What? If you are thinking of Severus, Hermione, you're wrong."

"Why?"

"Because I know Severus better than anyone here, other than Albus, of course, and trust me, Severus has his reasons." Hermione sighed, and rolled her eyes as she shook her head in disappointment.

"Of course, why doesn't it surprise me? Because he's rude and sarcastic, and makes everyone else's life around him a living hell, then it's perfectly all right, because no one can possibly be that horrible and probably has a reason to be so spiteful. Well, of course he does; I mean, I would be bitter too, if I was old and lonely with nothing but my sarcasm to keep me warm at night."

Minerva, April, and Viola stared baffled at Hermione as she went on about Snape. They had never seen her insult anyone in all the years they had known her, and it was as if she was talking to herself and completely oblivious to anyone around her. For a moment, Hermione had not realized that she was saying her thoughts out loud. She was also not aware that she was being watched from behind.

"I don't understand how you can stand there and defend that man, Minerva," she said in her usual soft tone, "hasn't he proven more than once that he's as callous as they come."

Minerva stared at her younger colleague as if she were a complete stranger. "Please don't look at me like that," she said pleadingly. "Is it so hard to believe that someone can truly be that horrible? The man is sardonic to the core, and is heartless and sympathetic to anyone's feelings as well as his own."

"Is that right, Granger?" flowed a familiar silky tone through the room like an undetectable virus ready to contaminate without warning. Hermione snapped out of her stupor and quickly whipped around to meet deep black eyes that pierced right through hers. She felt a pang of discomfort as she stood precariously in the center of the room with the gazes of her colleagues upon her. She had not realized that she had said those things about him out loud and had suddenly felt daft for allowing herself to carry on like that.

There was a reason she never talked about Severus to anyone. She was afraid if she were ever to say anything; she would lose control of herself and spill all her emotions that she has bottled up for so long. Minerva, April, and Viola were quiet, yet eager to see how things were going to go. It had hit them that they had never quite seen Severus or Hermione exchange much more than a word or two since she started working at Hogwarts, and were clueless as to how their row was going to play out.

Severus glided slowly, yet dauntingly towards their little circle and stood slightly to Hermione's side. Hermione met his gaze unflinchingly as she tried her best to seem calm and unperturbed. A tense silence passed between them as they stood rigidly in such close proximity. Severus extended his hand out past her and handed Minerva a roll of parchment he had come to give to her before the meeting began. Hermione shifted slightly as she pretended to ignore the rather steely look in the man's eyes. She prepared herself and waited for a reprimand -a tongue-lashing, anything. But nothing came; she felt the tension build between everyone in the room. Her colleagues waited anxiously for a response from Severus and started to suspect that there was something strange going on with her and Snape when his reproach was slightly delayed.

"What's the matter, Granger?" he said with an unusually composed expression. "You seemed to be in a row; why have you stopped?" his insouciance could not hide the malice she knew he felt. "I thought you would want me to hear this... or would you rather I turned around so you can say it to my back?" There was a sharp edge in his voice that belied his calm indifference. For a second she had almost thought that he seemed hurt with what she said earlier until she reminded herself of the misery he impenitently put her through.

Before Severus headed for his seat at the oval table he leaned quickly towards Hermione and whispered in her ear so none of the other Professors could hear what he said.

"And what makes you think," he whispered in her ear," that my sarcasm is the only thing keeping me warm at night."

Hermione felt a pang of hurt course through her veins, and held back the urge to whack the man with her wand. His words had triggered a pain long repressed. She contained herself and allowed a moment to collect her wits before she broke down before everyone, especially him. She was too hurt to retort and felt her hands shaking as she clutched the flaps of her robe tightly. She wished he had not said those things to her. 'How could he; how dare he?' she felt her heart constrict as she thought these things. Minerva saw her trembling beneath her robes and could not help but wonder why Hermione did not retaliate as it was expected of her.

Things were already looking suspicious; Minerva was looking very troubled by their unusual behavior towards each other. She started to suspect that there was a tacit history suspended between her two colleagues and wondered if it was why they looked so repugnantly towards one another. Her suspicions were starting to get the best of her, but she filed the thought away for later. Dumbledore had walked in with Hagrid, Remus, and the rest of the remaining staff. Severus had already headed for his seat, leaving Hermione behind him to wallow in her anger. He knew she desperately wanted to strike him down, and in a way, he was glad; he was glad to know that he still had an effect on her.

** ** **

"Well, before we begin," Dumbledore started, "I would like to thank each and everyone one of you for the work you have done all year round. Our new term begins in two weeks, and I would just like to give a few words of encouragement. I am aware that our work here is very strenuous, and at many times, exhausting, but you have all managed to get through each term and come out as better people in the process. In other words, you are still here and I am grateful for that. I wish to thank you all each day, but seeing as how we do not meet every day, I will say it now to remind you that your hard work and time is very much appreciated by myself and by our students. Good luck in the new term and I hope that we will have a wonderful year." With that came a round of applause and some hearty cheers. Albus sat down and resumed with their staff meeting.

"It seems that everything has been going very well this past year," Dumbledore continued, "so we have very few issues to discuss today and some reminders. But first, I would like to welcome Severus back from his trip. Welcome, Severus. It is always a pleasure to see your face; I have missed you terribly." Snape jerked his brow slightly to the side in irritation as he tried to ignore the round of applause they gave him.

"Well!" Remus exclaimed. "I wasn't aware you had left, Severus." Snape shot him an ill look as he curled his lip into a sneer.

"And why does that not surprise me," he muttered under his breath.

"Where did you go?" Percy asked curiously.

"None of your business. Now, is this a staff meeting, or a lounge? I would like to get this meeting over with so I can get back to my office. You see, unlike the rest of you, I have more important things to do than sitting around and wasting air."

"Severus is right," Dumbledore cut in. "We still have much work to do around the castle before the children arrive. I just have a few things I would like to point out, and if any of you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to speak. First on our agenda is the vote for Head Girl and Boy. Our four Head of Houses have selected their choices for Head Girl and Boy and everyone will cast a vote and decide who you believe is trustworthy as well as reliable to carry out such responsibilities and duties. Remember that we want a young lady and a gentleman most students can relate to or trust for help. I trust all of you for an honest decision and hope that you consider all the other Houses other than your own." Minerva read the list from each House out loud:

"From Hufflepuff: Miss Jennifer Radcliffe and Mr. Adam Wilson. From Ravenclaw: Miss Ethel Harmon and Mr. Frederick Beaumont. From Slytherin: Miss Annessa Bailey and Mr. Stephen French. From Gryffindor: Miss Ehlaana Mae and Mr. Michael Radford. Please cast your votes and pass them in." The staff immediately took out their quills and cast their votes.

After a few minutes, the ballots were counted and Minerva read out the chosen Head Boy and Head Girl. "Mr. Frederick Beaumont and Miss Ehlaana Mae will be our new Head Boy and Girl." The staff nodded in assent and gave another round of applause-- everyone except Severus. Dumbledore noticed an unpleasantness in his face and wondered if there was something bothering him.

"Severus," he said amid the soft murmurs and applauses of the staff, "is there something wrong?" Severus shook his head in reply and cursed inwardly for the Headmaster's inquisitiveness. "Are you sure, Severus? You do not look too happy with our choice of Head Boy and Girl."

"Remind me," he responded cynically, "why it really matters, if I am the only one here who disagrees with this decision."

"Everybody's opinion matters, Severus; what do you not agree with in particular?" the Headmaster asked pensively.

"That not one of them is Slytherin," McGonagall muttered harshly under her breath." Severus shot his rival Head of House a nasty look before turning to the Headmaster.

"Is it just me, Headmaster, or does no one else notice that Miss Mae has somehow adopted certain - er - Longbottom traits?"

"Miss Mae, Severus," Minerva exclaimed, "is a sweet, honest girl. She may be a bit clumsy sometimes, but she has a good heart. She has always been picked on, the poor thing, and I trust you to use those faults against her."

"Miss Mae, Minerva, is as accident-prone as she is unsociable."

"And what do you have against those who are unsociable, Severus," she asked sarcastically. Hermione stared at her Head of House in disbelief. She could not believe how this woman can bicker repeatedly with Severus and still defend the man when anyone else has something to say about him.

"Does anyone else disagree on this matter or have anything else to say?" Dumbledore asked. When no one nodded or responded, Snape simply rolled his eyes and ignored them. He figured they would all think alike. He was getting very irritated, and if he were not used to his colleagues constant discrepancy with everything he said, he would have blown something off by now.

"Then I believe this matter is settled," Dumbledore said, "I trust that both students will do an excellent job as Head Boy and Girl. And now, on to the next matter on our agenda, I believe Percy had something pressing he wanted to state today."

"Yes, Headmaster, thank you for the opportunity. First of all, I would like to remind you of Professors Sprout and Hagrid's 'love rendezvous' here in the castle. I think it is very unprofessional to carry on with this relationship while they are employed here at Hogwarts. They need to set an example for the children, not behave like them. To continue on with this relationship is encouraging the students that it is okay and very easy to sneak around the castle for a late-night tryst. It is unorthodox and I would very much appreciate it if you would convince them of the point I am coming from, Headmaster. Thank you."

Minerva stared savagely at Percy knowing very well April and Hagrid had been purposely meeting in the castle to drive him mad, but she did not care.

"Now, you listen to me, Mr. Weasley--" Minerva started.

"That's Professor Weasley, Deputy Mistress, if you will." Minerva's eyes glazed over with fury as she contained herself from lunging forth and wringing Percy's neck.

"I don't see any crime being committed here; what April and Hagrid do on their time off is their business, Professor. They are aware of their behavior, and also aware that it is their break. The children are not back for another couple of weeks, and until then they are free to do as they please wherever they choose. They do have lives too, you know. I don't see why you brought this matter up because you caught the two of them holding hands on the Astronomy Tower."

"Holding hands? Holding hands?" he huffed appallingly. "My dear lady, groping on the tower is not what we call holding hands nowadays."

"Nowadays, Percy?" she repeated menacingly. "Are you implying, Mr. Weasley, that I am an old bat who can't tell the difference between two grown adults verging on impropriety and a simple innocent embrace?"

"I assure you, my eyes have not deceived me, Professor. I saw what I saw, and let me tell you, it was far from innocent. This tryst has gone on long enough, and I cannot believe that you are all fine with such indecent behavior. This is a learning institution for Merlin's sake, not a house of mirth."

"That will be all, Percy," Dumbledore interrupted. "I will have a word with Hagrid and April tonight, but Minerva is right. We are not here to just teach and live like teachers. You all have your lives and they should not be put on hold because you feel it is improper for a teacher to have fun. The summer is at your disposal; I encourage you all to enjoy it. I am sure, Percy, that April and Hagrid will not exhibit their relationship to the children while they are here, am I correct?" he asked turning to April and Hagrid as they nodded in acquiescence. "Good. I believe that that is settled then." Percy bit his tongue and pursed his lips in disagreement. Trust the Headmaster to take their side, he thought to himself.

"Is there any other matters that need to be brought up?" Dumbledore asked.

"Well, there is one more thing, Headmaster," Percy interrupted. Everyone heaved a sigh as Severus held his head resignedly in his hands whilst he muttered execrations under his breath. "You see, I wondered if it could be arranged for me to take my seventh year class for a field trip this year. Last term, it was a bit irritating for me to teach History of Magic when the children have clearly never seen, been, or even heard of some of our historical landmarks. I think it would do for a great assignment. Do you think it could be arranged with the Ministry? It does not violate any rules or regulations."

Hermione looked surprised with Percy and his request. She was sure as well as everyone else that he would be complaining about something. But he had surprised them all with his plan for a field trip. This request had slightly lifted her spirits - taking her mind off of her earlier row with Snape. "I think it is a wonderful idea, Percy, and I support you all the way," she said softly. She never really spoke at the meetings unless she absolutely had to, and Severus as well as the others was surprised when she spoke. "If you need any help, I would love to be of some assistance," she added. She wanted Snape to see that his earlier revelation had no affect on her, although she knew it was a little too late for that.

"Thank you, Hermione," he replied, quite pleased.

"I also think it is a wonderful idea, Percy, and I shall speak with the Ministry and see what they can do for you. If no one has any other requests," Dumbledore waited silently for anyone and carried on when no one answered. "Very well, I have an announcement I would like to make. I am sure that you have all noticed our dear Irma is not with us today. I am sad to say that she will be leaving us for a while." A soft murmur sounded throughout the room as their curiosities peaked. "Irma has asked that I informed you all of her leave. Do not worry; she will only be gone for six months."

"Albus, is she all right?" Minerva looked very worried and was slightly heated that Albus had not informed her of this matter before today.

"She's fine, dear; she's as healthy as an ox. Her daughter though, is not. Elaine is married to a Muggle doctor and will be going through surgery next month. Irma wishes to be there for her and see that she is taken care of. This is a very big step for her--she has not taken a single day off since she started here--and I hope you all support her and wish her well."

"We will have to hold a party for her," said Viola.

"She will not be too pleased with that," added Isabella Sinistra. "Knowing Irma, she would think that we were celebrating her leaving," she said with a smile.

"Well, nonetheless, we will hold a small party for her anyway," Minerva said. "We are too busy with the new term preparations to plan her party now, so we'll hold it the week after school starts. We'll have time after the first week of term has passed."

"Very good, so that covers most of our meeting today, and Minerva, please remember to send our new Head Girl and Head Boy their badges." The staff started to stand up to leave when Dumbledore stopped them. "Hold on, children, I have not ended this meeting. I have one more thing I would like to announce. This year, we will have a new student with us here at Hogwarts." The professors looked at their Headmaster as if he were mad, and sat down immediately to hear his announcement.

"Do you mean one that isn't a first year?" Remus asked curiously.

"Yes, Remus; the young man is actually a seventh year. Most everyone exchanged excited looks as the Headmaster continued with his announcement. "He is from France and has been attending Beauxbatons for the past six years. I do not know much of this matter, and was informed just recently about his joining us here at Hogwarts. Please see to it that he feels welcomed and at home. This young man has gone through much and has nowhere else to go. I have nothing more to say on this matter, so good luck on our new term, and you are all free to leave."

Everyone stayed back and chatted about Irma and the new student they were going to have. Dumbledore excused himself because he had matters to discuss with some Ministry officials. Snape and Hermione left as well. She was sure Snape couldn't give a mandrake's ass about the new student or Irma's leave of absence. And as interested as she was with the new student, she was too hurt and angry to stay behind and chat. She headed for her office as she did each night she needed a place of solitude. She kept replaying in her head what Severus whispered in her ear earlier. The thought of him in bed with anyone else disgusted her. She had never truly hated anyone as much as she hated that man. Severus had once again managed to get under her skin, and today was the day she was going to finally let go of him.

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