Hogwarts 2022 - Staff Room

[Frogger]

Marvel let her breath expel, eyes closed while she stole this opportunity to calm down. Of course there is no reason to be so nervous, but alas - the knowledge alone did little to help. It also doesn't help that this is her first year in the role of Headmistress and, thus, her first staff meeting. Is it going to be like this every time she gathers everyone together? Or is it only because, as this is the first of many to come, she has no idea what to anticipate or expect? Likely the latter.

Take another breath. Calm your mind. Everything is going to go as planned.

Headmaster Biscus has prepared her for this moment, and for many more to come.

Besides, she has jotted down several key points to go over during this meeting. What could possibly go wrong?

No, wait. Such speculations will only invite bad things, so… Marvel placed a hand on her chest and, opening her eyes, placed the other on the door. From the sounds of it, several professors have already arrived… but not all. That is to be expected. Others might be running late, because of this, that or whatever. She herself was a little late, but… she digresses. Marvel went on to open and step through the door, eyes drawn to the two Stone Gargoyles flanking either side… or, rather, what was left of them. Perhaps later on in the year, she will find a way to mend both, and yet… she has more important matters to focus on.

A long, paneled with dark, mismatched wooden chairs, it had a rather somber atmosphere. Marvel used a hand to gesture towards the nearest table, where delicacies appeared in the blink of an eye, just some little snacks to nibble on as they discuss. “Good evening, everyone,” she spoke, realizing too late how eerily quiet it had become now that she had arrived. “I hope you’re all doing well tonight.” Marvel’s hair crackled like flames dying in a fireplace as she moved forward to take her seat at the head of the table, revealing hints of other colors hiding within. Tonight she decided to dress simply, though she had taken great care in choosing each individual piece of her outfit. A beige blouse did rather well in complimenting her skin tone, not to mention provided her with a sense of sensuality without being risque. Marvel also decided to wear a skirt she’d forgotten she bought years ago, one that was just a few shades darker, and flowed about her knees. A cute pair of dark brown heels finished the look of professionalism.

“I was hoping to take this opportunity to get together, so we can discuss… well, anything and everything.” Marvel tilted her head, giving the room a small smile. “I plan on going over the rules at some point during this meeting, but does anyone have any concerns that need to be addressed?”

 

[TheCorsair]

Despite his best efforts, no matter what he wore, Will Burke’s sartorial aesthetic could be described as “slightly rumpled”. Formal robes? Ever so slightly wrinkled, despite the best efforts of the house elves. Muggle suit? His tie was guaranteed to be ever so slightly loose and crooked, or the creases in his slacks not creased, or the coat a little too large. Although he could at least blame his Muggle counterparts at the Met for that last problem - a slightly large coat, they’d told him, made it easier for a plainclothes CTSFO to reach their weapon.

Today, it was the tie. He’d chosen to wear his charcoal black suit and white Oxford, and the dark red tie. The tie that he was certain was proof that Muggles could produce low-level charms, because he knew that it had been straight and tight when he’d left his quarters. But here it was, at his first staff meeting as Deputy Slytherin Head, refusing to look presentable.

Deputy Slytherin Head. And who had made that bloody decision? He’d been hounded out of his first post as Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts for being “brutal “. Did the Headmistress really think parents wouldn’t rebel when they found out his new responsibilities?

And speaking of the Headmistress, she’d just arrived. He rose as she stepped into the room and gestured, filling the sideboard with snacks and drinks. “Good evening, everyone," she said into the sudden silence. "I hope you're all doing well tonight."

“Tolerably well, ma’am,” he replied with a nod, his mild Scottish burr subtly rolling the r. “Been a busy day, getting everything ready for the new term.”

He stepped to the sideboard and poured himself a mug of Scottish Breakfast, adding a level spoon of sugar and a splash of milk for good measure. After a moment’s hesitation, he selected a savory tart on a small plate as well. Steak and kidney, from the scent. Hopefully master Greeble had made it. That worthy house elf made the best meat pies within leagues.

"I was hoping to take this opportunity to get together, so we can discuss… well, anything and everything,” the Headmistress continued. "I plan on going over the rules at some point during this meeting, but does anyone have any concerns that need to be addressed?"

“Aye,” Will answered as he took his seat. “We’ve - well, Slytherin House, at least - has quite a few requests to install high-speed Wi-Fi, in the House common room at least.” He sipped his tea. “My predecessor was utterly against it, said it was a blasted and useless Muggle toy. I’m inclined to allow it, for the fifth years and above, but I’m wondering what you’d have to say about it.”

 

[LeaT]

Mina had been on time as she always was, punctual and dependable in true Hufflepuff fashion. She had parchment and her favorite quill, old fashioned certainly but the crisp artistry of handwriting still brought her some small pleasure in her sometimes dull life. As her immediate predecessor to the DADA post entered, she felt that awkward self consciousness that Edmund Burke so often brought up in her. As if replacing him didn't make it awkward enough, it was hardly their first encounter going all the way back to each of their time at Hogwarts. She had never really trusted him but in the end he was consistent, worshiping galleons as was apparently his family custom, but at least that was better than worshiping the dark lord Voldemort.

"Hello Edmund." She said without enthusiasm, she knew he preferred "Will" but she always called him by his proper name. She resisted the temptation to use her wand to adjust his tie, she often wondered if his perpetual state of being just slightly unkempt was intended just to piss her off. She wondered if he had believed her when she had told him she thought he was removed from the post unfairly. For what it was worth, she thought he had been correct in his belief that true DADA couldn't be as clean and antiseptic as the Ministry insisted it must be. This was especially true since Voldemort had been defeated, but as evil as that one had been, he was hardly the only wizard willing to use magic to subjugate some or all of the wizarding world. If anything, the underhanded tactics of dark wizards had gotten more underhanded, some of the death eaters seemed almost gentlemanly in comparison.

She was relieved when Professor Rose, she mentally checked herself, Headmistress Rose. She would have to keep reminding herself of Marvel's promotion so she didn't embarrass herself or the new Headmistress. She got up for the food but only picked enough to seem polite, she wasn't really hungry, Professor Burke had ruined her appetite as he often did, usually without even trying.

As the Headmistress invited new ideas from the floor, Mina had thought about her own concerns regarding the 'approved' curriculum for Defense Against the Dark Arts. It was woefully inadequate but an example of what happened to teachers who bucked the Ministry was sitting in the room with his crooked tie. She decided to hold her tongue for the moment and enjoy her tea.

 

[Frogger]

“I suppose the same goes for everyone else here,” Marvel replied to Burke’s quip about how the day was busy, and although her tone was formal, the laugh that had followed her words was… sincere but soft. It was blatantly clear she rarely let her guard down enough to laugh, especially in front of others. Marvel struggled to clear her throat and, flushed a delicate shade of pink, decided now was as good of a time as any to get a cup of tea. Why is it that his accent sends shivers down her spine? No, now is not the time to contemplate such things. Light played along her fiery red hair, teased the curves of her figure while she poured. “Unfortunately we will continue to be busy, just for another reason later on.”


A hand lifted to deal with a few wayward bits of hair, tucking these behind an ear. Marvel’s gaze shifted to a plate laden with pastries, and after a note of hesitation, she chose an apricot scone to nibble on. Dark grey studied the man once she had turned about to face the table, tendrils of steam wafting from her cup and caressing the young woman’s cheeks. A thoughtful look settled over her features.

High-speed… Wi-Fi? Merlin’s beard, what is that? Having grown up in a community of witches and wizards, Marvel very rarely dealt with Muggles… so any of their inventions are beyond her expertise or knowledge. Just as she was thinking of burying her pride to inquire further on the subject, Professor Glass was so kind as to speak up.

“Ravenclaw, too,” Zachariah spoke at long last, contributing to the conversation. Tonight he’d chosen to wear a pair of nice black pants, and a shirt just as nice but a few shades lighter, more of a granite gray. It was a lovely contrast against his hair, left down and about the shoulders.“I see no reason why the students should not have access, as long as there are limitations and rules set in place.”

Okay. This is good. Marvel sank into her seat, taking a moment to sip her tea. A small wrinkling of her nose conveyed she hadn’t put in enough sugar to satisfy her tastes, but otherwise she said nothing.

“Mina? Have you had any requests from Hufflepuff to have… high-speed Wi-Fi?”

Uh oh. Is she pronouncing it right? Hopefully her ignorance is not showing… Marvel blew on her tea, all while considering any and all possibilities concerning this. “I see no reason, either,” she replied on a sigh, opening her eyes to study her fellow colleagues. “I will allow it, but no one will be allowed to access it after curfew, and not during lessons. I will not let it serve as a distraction for the students.” Anything else? Hm. Marvel used a finger to tap her bottom lip, a sign she was thinking more deeply.

Professor Glass tilted his head back, studying the ceiling. “We also need to restrict what the students will be able to access,” he pointed out, “otherwise we will have… chaos on our hands.” It is the only way to describe what could happen if a student was to stumble across pornography, and who knows what else.

 

[Sunshine and Whiskey]

Lillian groaned rather audibly as she made her way towards the Staff Room, where the headmistress was holding a meeting for them. She didn't quite understand something since everything should've been covered already. Although it might be nice to hold these meetings every once in a while, she couldn't really complain as she made her way to the room. Lillian waited around outside the door for a little longer as she sighed softly to herself and rolled her eyes upward. She didn't want to be here or do this now, she'd rather be teaching, honestly, or stuffing her face in the Great Hall with something delicious.

Speaking of which, she wished she had brought a treat to nibble on.

She entered the room with a small smile spread between her lips as her heels clicked against the floor basically announcing her arrival before she could. ❝Hello, I hope that I am not late.❞ She spoke softly, eyes bouncing from person to person that was already present as she wandered over to sit beside Professor Burke, who was Deputy Head of Slytherin. There was a position for anybody but she made the final decisions for the entire house and always smirked at the thought. She couldn't help but take her hand and pat the top of Professor Burke's head and rose her hand up to give Marvel and Mina small waves.

Her eyes then went to a table of refreshments and that basically made her eyes gleam with delight as she walked over there, pouring herself a cup of tea and grabbing a treat. She rose the cup to her lips, taking a small sip and eventually a bite out of her treat. ❝Wi-Fi? Really?❞ Lillian interjected herself as she turned to face the three other staff members present and rested against the refreshment table. ❝We're here to teach our young wizards and mold them into becoming more than they can be.❞ She tried her best to not sound like such a debbie downer but she didn't see the need for Wi-Fi.

❝We also have to think about how will this affect their studies for OWLs, NEWTs, and their other curriculum.❞ Her shoulders shrugged as she reached for her cup, holding it in her hand as her eyes went towards Edmund with a smirk that curled upward at the corner of her lips, and eventually, she took a sip from her cup. She wasn't against the Wi-Fi ordeal but just wanted to seem like she cared about the young students at Hogwarts for a moment. Beat that. She thought to herself before rolling over her eyes to Mina. ❝Seems like you have something on your mind, Hufflepuff.❞ She observed, quirking a brow up as she was rather intrigued by what Mina had to say.​

 

[TheCorsair]

The Slytherin Head walked in and patted his head like he was some kind of pet. Not snarling took an effort of will, and a further effort was required to refocus. But, at least the Headmistress had approved it!

“We also need to restrict what the students will be able to access," Professor Glass said to the ceiling, "otherwise we will have… chaos on our hands."

“Chaos?” Will managed not to roll his eyes. “I doubt we’d have chaos…”

“Wi-Fi? Really?” Lillian interrupted.

“Yes,” he replied patiently. “It’s…”

“We're here to teach our young wizards and mold them into becoming more than they can be,” she interrupted again.

“I agree.” He turned his head to look at her. “Hence the wi-fi. They’re growing up in a world where it’s increasingly difficult to hide from Muggles or their influence. They’ll need a far better understanding of the Muggle world than even we did.”

“We also have to think about how will this affect their studies for OWLs, NEWTs, and their other curriculum,” Lillian replied, smirking over her mug.

“Of course we do,” he agreed. “I’m not talking about granting unrestricted access to the internet, any more than I’d let them run wild in the restricted stacks. Appropriate controls..,”

Lillian looked and spoke past him. “Seems like you have something on your mind, Hufflepuff.”

“Oh yes,” he muttered, sipping at his own tea. “By all means, let’s hear what Hufflepuff thinks.”

 

[LeaT]

Mina was only marginally interested in wi-fi of any speed. She was aware of the technology of course but saw it more as a waste of time compared to the magical world in which they lived and a distraction from the studies of their students. But she had heard of cravings among her own students. She was about to provide her opinion when prompted by the headmistress but was interrupted by her Slytherin colleagues using her house name as if it were a put down. It would not be the first time her mind pondered whether being a bitch was a pre-requisite of being sorted into Slytherin or a result. She had considered that since shortly into her first year though proof alluded her as a student. As a teacher, she had the opportunity to pose the question directly to the sorting hat, but in typical fashion he merely gave her more to puzzle over with a side helping of cheek.

She knew better than to respond directly but the flash of anger in her eyes towards her Slytherin colleagues would not be missed by those who knew how to read her. But her tone remained steady as he gaze softened and shifted to the headmistress. "As a teacher, I find it an unnecessary distraction from their studies and socialization." She left unsaid her concern for the muggle born retreating back into the internet instead of learning the many wonders of the world being revealed to them. But she didn't want to open her charges up to ridicule or manipulation, or more than they might normally receive especially from Slytherin. Hufflepuff had a tendency of attracting more muggle born than most houses, it was a point of pride for Mina, a muggle born herself, but she knew well such a view wasn't universal, even among the staff.

"As head of house for Hufflepuff, however, I have heard the interest. My only stipulation on the matter is that if any house gets it, they all should." She was very sensitive to her students feeling like second class citizens in the wizarding world, wanting a level playing field for them to find their full potential. "But my preference though would be none."

 

[Frogger]

Little wisps of steam waft from a cup cradled between two palms, ever so lightly tracing along graceful features and a pair of surprisingly calm grey eyes. It was not long until a sigh left Marvel’s lips, however. To those that barely know her, she still seemed to be as such… and yet, anyone else could catch the flash of annoyance and anxiety which disrupted those depths. “Enough,” Marvel spoke up at long last, lifting a hand to put a stop to the bickering. “I believe I have heard quite enough.” Marvel’s eyes opened once again, and a leg went to cross over the other. Doing so had the dark brown of her skirt shift, almost emphasizing curves hidden under the fabric.

“I do agree with Mina. If one House chose to have Wi-Fi, the rest needs to have it as well. It wouldn’t be fair otherwise. I think… it could be a distraction, but I also believe that students need to broaden their horizons and learn more than just magic.”

Zachariah leaned in to brace his elbows on the table, fingers interlocked. “Muggles are just as much a part of this world as we wizards are,” he chipped in, expression serious as always. “Rarely do we mix, but we know of them… and we should know more. Especially this next generation of witches and wizards.” Muggles are getting more and more perceptive, not to mention more suspicious, of those around them nowadays.

Marvel nodded. “Exactly. Of course rules need to be put into place regarding how we expect them to use it, because it’s a privilege, not a right, but I see no reason why the students shouldn’t be allowed to access Wi-Fi.” Hopefully the others won’t see her as naive for saying so. Marvel sipped at her tea again, just to set down the cup seconds later. “I want it to be used no later than nine,” she decided, “and not at all during classes. I don’t want it to be a distraction… or at least, no more than it will be.” Unfortunately, anything outside of the school curriculum serves to be one, regardless. Marvel brushed a few fiery red pieces of hair away, a single fingertip stopping to rest just below her cheekbone.

What else needs to be addressed?

Time restrictions? Check.

Anything else regarding the issue?

… Ugh, her ignorance seems painfully obvious.

Professor Glass’ gaze shifted to the table, as though considering whether to partake in the treats offered. “I have heard that a professor wishes to have any and all students who are interested, no matter what House, to participate in a joint lesson,” he put on the proverbial table, so to speak. “I must say, my interest is piqued. I would like to extend my offer of help, if it is needed.”

“Oh?”

 

[LeaT]

Mina blushed as Professor Glass mentioned what could only be her plan for a more practical session of Defense Against the Dark Arts. She had hoped to bring it up privately with the new Headmistress before bringing it to the staff meeting, but she had procrastinated and now here they were. She had rationalized putting it off a week for the next staff meeting, but that seemed no longer an option. She did not recall pitching the idea to Zachariah personally, but she had probably chatted it up too much for it to be a real and true secret. Her eyes shot darts at the astronomy professor though his own eyes on the table suggested he knew Mina would not be pleased with this announcement.

But yet he himself appeared interested in the idea, perhaps he just hadn't considered the position he put her in by bringing it up so publicly. Was he disappointed in not being invited personally to participate? She would have words with him later, but for now she had to talk quickly and try not to let her lack of preparation scuttle the whole idea.

"I believe Zachariah means my upper class practical lab on DADA." She said, annunciating her words carefully and now looking towards the Headmistress. Mina was a proud woman and did not enjoy asking permission for something that she felt was imminently practical and well within her discretion. Or at least should be within her discretion, but all in the room well knew why Professor Burke was no longer the DADA instructor. His supposedly overzealous methods had brought parent complaints upon the school and the MoM resulting in him being sacked and herself being elevated to the post. The only problem was, as much as she often despised Edmund Burke for a number of reasons, on this point she happened to think he was correct. But it was a political pixienest for a headmistress, especially a new one. Perhaps the less Marvel knew about it the better, for her at least.

"It would be purely for the older students, something a little less...sanitized than the official curriculum." She tried to keep things vague, the problem with the MoM, parents, and even certain professors was that they spent little to no time in the wizarding underworld that was often cruel, unforgiving, and unpredictable. Few outside of the Aurors and those they were forced to confront, knew just how ugly that world could be for those that are unprepared.

Turning back to Professor Glass she forced a smile onto her face. "For the first class, I have secured Edmund's help which I think will be quite adequate. But I would love to discuss some applications of Astronomy and your own experiences, perhaps before the second lesson?" She hoped that might be enough of an olive branch to smooth any hard feelings that might have arose. "It would perhaps be a suitable precaution to have Madam Abbott and the hospital wing on standby, just as a precaution of course." Mina winced inwardly at the request but thought it a reasonable and necessary precaution. But if the new Headmistress was overly squeamish about bruises, broken bones, or curses; it wouldn't be helpful to her cause.

 

[Frogger]

Uh oh. Did he perhaps mention something he should not have?

Invisible -and yet surprisingly hot- darts shot into him, implying that yes, yes he did. Zachariah did not mean anything malicious behind his mentioning the Defense Against the Dark Arts practical lab, he was just genuinely curious and intrigued. It was a very good idea. There is no way all… evil is gone from the world. It lurks in the shadows, waiting for a chance to strike when it is least anticipated. His blue eyes lifted, only to clash with a pair of infuriated brown. Oh. Well. It appears his speculation was correct. Lovely. A soft sigh left his lips just moments later, heard by no one. Does it not figure? It is impossible to please everyone. Zachariah was halfway tempted to pinch the bridge of his nose, to help alleviate the headache blooming already, but decided against doing so.

Unfortunately, it seems his word has already piqued the interest of Headmistress Rose. An eyebrow was flirting high, grey eyes shifting focus. “Is that right?” Marvel replied, a fingertip tracing over the warm porcelain. It most certainly doesn’t sound like an awful idea. Voldemort may be gone… but he may still have witches and wizards to keep his ideals from going extinct.

“I will make sure to make myself available,” Zachariah spoke up, albeit reluctantly? Or was she reading the tone of his voice wrong? A quick glance over revealed nothing, and knowing him, he prefers it to stay that way. Marvel let her suspicions wither, not in the least bit interested in involving herself with petty drama. “I agree that it would be wise to have Madam Abbott aware of the lesson, and know you may be in need of her help,” she spoke at great length, using this time to gather her thoughts. “I definitely approve. Let me know when you intend on having this happen, please. I doubt anything will happen, but I’d like to know.” A small, nonchalant shrug rolled through her shoulders. Zachariah let his hands fall right then. “I cannot think of anything I feel needs discussing,” he cut in. “I do know it is getting late. Early for me, of course, but does anyone else have something they wish to elaborate on?”

Marvel sipped at her tea again. “I believe just going over the rules, to refresh our memories, is in our best interest.” Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Leonheart]

"No students allowed to enter the Forbidden Forest. Fighting is not allowed at Hogwarts or else detention and subtraction of points from the offending House. No magic allowed in the corridors between classes. First year students are not allowed a broom. Only small pets such as a cat, owl, or toad." An upbeat voice seemed to call from nowhere before the face and body that owned it appeared from the hallway.

Briskly, Felias Proctor entered the staff room, a pair of brown dress shoes lightly tapping against the floor with an echo. A smart-fitting pair of dark khaki pants with a simple brown belt and light blue collared button-down shirt adorned his slim frame, unbuttoned one button at the top with a white undershirt and the sleeves rolled to mid-forearm. His brow appeared furrowed and his gait determined as he made straight for the first open chair to stand behind it rather than sit. In his right hand he carried a dilapidated brown leather-bound notebook with parchment askew around the edges and bound by a single strand of black leather lace. In his left hand, he carried what the Muggles called a tumbler inside of which was his favored blend of organic herbal tea he had been a fan of during his time in Italy.

"The written word is a beautiful thing", Felias stated as he set his notebook down on the table in front of him before placing his now free hand on the back of the chair before which he stood. His eyes sunken from lack of sleep the previous day, the shaggy-faced professor selected to teach Ancient Runes took his turn looking at each of his fellow educators with one hazel eye and one chestnut eye, giving Marvel a grizzled grin of embarrassment due to his tardiness.

"My apologies for being late, Headmistress. You look very lovely this evening." He placed his hand down on his small pitiful tome, tapping the cover a few times with spread fingertips. "I am afraid I lost track of the time as my lesson plans took a little longer than I expected." Felias took a small sip from his drink, trying to calm himself from the manic fixation experienced earlier when writing out every last detail of his plans for the first semester. When his lips left the edge of the container, his eyes had time to focus upon Edmund Burke, a colleague he had often spoken with during his days at the Ministry.

"William, always a pleasure, sir." He gave the man a calm, infectious smile and nodded at his tie, gesturing with his drink. "It's a good choice. So...anyone to catch me up on what I have missed thus far? Were those the rules for students we were talking about or have I mucked it up?" He looked from William, to the Headmistress, to Mina, Zachariah, and to Lillian.

 

[LeaT]

Mina relaxed visibly as the headmistress was supportive of her idea. She glanced back to Professor Glass, her gaze softening as her temper died down. At first thought she had practically scoffed at the idea of astronomy being of much use at the tactical level, but she should give some thought to more strategic uses of astronomy and astrology. It would be more high level stuff, they would have to discuss it extensively before suggesting to any students. He was easy on the eyes, her smile warming. "I will definitely take you up on your generous offer."

She was however grateful for the change of subject that the headmistress proposed, reinforced by the late arrival of Professor Proctor, to discuss the more general rules. She was keenly interested in knowing if the new headmistress would be planning any rule changes. It was certainly within her prerogative as headmistress, however there were of course risks in alienating the more senior staff members as well. She certainly didn't envy the responsibility, though perhaps the authority, of headmistress but she knew she was poorly equipped for the political and diplomatic aspects of the job. But she would certainly do her best to stay on the headmistress' good side as best she could.

She might have dismissed Ancient Runes as nearly useless as Astronomy towards her own specialty, but her summer encounter with Leslie Blackwood had changed her outlook significantly. She would definitely want to confer with Felias on the subject, though she might need to leave out a few of the more, salacious details. But the young student's creative use of runes had been most impressive, she would undoubtedly be one of his top students. She was unaware of his familiarity with Burke, such social connections could complicate things. Her own relationship with Burke was rather colorful and memorable. The idea that she might have been a subject of conversation brought a blush to her cheeks.

@Frogger @SagittariusX @Leonheart @TheCorsair @Charming Primrose

 

[TheCorsair]

“Felias,” William acknowledged with a nod. “We’re establishing preliminary rules for allowing the students to access the internet from their dormitories.” He sipped his tea. “My understanding is that there has been covert access provided by a few Ravenclaws for several years now, and I don’t believe it has impacted their studies. Bringing it out of the shadows simply allows us to supervise it more efficiently,”

“They need less supervision and more life experience,” interrupted a contralto voice from the door. “And certainly not exposure to the Muggle internet. Most of them sit too much.”

The speaker was a redhead wearing khaki cargo pants and jacket over a t-shirt with a cat on the chest. She snatched two oranges and a bottled water off the side table, then dropped into a chair between Mina and Marvel. “For that matter, we should get rid of that ridiculous rule banning them from the forest. Let them go get into trouble. They’ll learn a lot more that way.”

“This is the twenty-first century, Professor Sumner,” William began. “And…”

“Please,” she interrupted, “call me Laura.”

“And we can’t afford to keep the students in the dark about developments in the Muggle world,” he continued, voice arch. “They’re…”

“Sure we can,” Laura interrupted again. Her hands worked as she spoke, skinning the first orange. “We’re cunning folk, not button-pushers trying to escape a drab, boring life. Let the kids embrace the deep mysteries of the Art and the wonders of the Nine Worlds, not some boring box stuffed with the tedious rambling nonsense the mundane folk think of as entertainment.” Dropping the peel on the table, she bit into the orange.

“The internet also gives access to the knowledge the Muggles have accumulated through their sciences,” William pointed out.

“All the more reason th keep the kids away,” Laura pointed out with a laugh. “Why sidetrack them, when we offer them the great Mysteries?” Taking another bite out of the orange, she shifted and stared up at Mavel. “But what about the forest? Sarah and I would love to take our students out looking for bones - especially skulls - so they can practice divination. We could make it a joint project with DADA,” she added, grabbing Mina’s hand with fingers damp from orange juice. “Extra credit and house points to anyone willing to fight off ghoulies and ghosties, and long-leggedy beasties, and things that go bump in the night.”

 

[Frogger]

"Nice to see you join us, Felias," Marvel replied in turn, dipping her head in a courteous nod. Grey eyes fixated on the late arrivals, and tempting as it was to lecture about the importance of punctuality… she decided to let it slide. Until later. This may be a staff meeting, but it is one revisiting the rules and regulations, nothing more. Besides, it isn’t as though they are discussing anything dire. Marvel meant to let him know what he’d missed, but William beat her to it, and explained in her stead. It was… satisfactory. A contralto voice interrupting, on the other hand… was anything but.

Distasteful. Marvel resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose, though she did nothing to hide the disgust she felt. In fact, it practically dripped off every syllable onto the table. “Laura, must I remind you how incredibly rude it is to interrupt? I know -and recognize- your thoughts, but you can refrain from talking over your colleagues. Everyone here is entitled to their opinion, and to those opinions being heard.” Marvel’s eyes were sharper than usual, and with a long, almost exasperated sigh, she closed her eyes to entertain the prospect once again. Much as she’d like the Muggle and the Wizarding worlds to remain separate… to remain ignorant would be unwise.

“Excuse me, but I believe we can’t afford to keep the students in the dark,” Marvel disagreed, a grimace settling over her features. “We need to know of the Muggles, or else… we may unintentionally reveal ourselves because of our ignorance. I will allow Wi-Fi at Hogwarts, as long as a curfew and rules are put into place. I think nine o’clock is more than reasonable.” Marvel looked into the depths of her cup, letting her thoughts drift for a moment before continuing on. “The Forbidden Forest is very old… and it has many secrets. Not many have been uncovered over the years… and I think it is about time we explore what hides among those trees.”

How best to delve into the unknown, though? Marvel had her elbows rest upon the table, a single finger tracing along the edge of the cup. “You… may have a point. Definitely confer with Mina on what works best with her schedule. I want not a single student harmed during any of your… trips. Precautions will be taken. Do you understand?” Marvel had her eyes rest on Laura, to have her know that she means business. “I think we should conclude things here. Everything has been discussed, hasn’t it?” A wave of her hand had the cooled tea disappearing, the rest of the delicacies offered erased into nonexistence.

 

[Leonheart]

Felias quietly sipped on his drink as he watched the exchange. Bicolored eyes flicked this way and that, taking in the expressions of each staff member in turn and remaining receptive to the differing viewpoints brought about concerning the two primary subjects. He had some use for Wifi during some of his investigations, often staying up late at night to browse through random collections of manuscript labeled "forums" for information concerning runes. Most of what he had found was conjecture, but he would be pleased to have the ability to complete similar study here on the grounds during his down time.

"I know I was late but hopefully not too late to cast my vote for the Wifi. I think it is an excellent idea and perhaps a new means for us to share lesson plans and other school resources with the students. I have a limited experience with the resource myself but I know we are able to communicate utilizing electronic text. That alone is a huge step forward from the tradition. I hope the same amenity will be provided for the staff as well." Felias reached down and picked up his notebook while simultaneously setting down his tumbler, flipping through the scraps of pages he had torn out and placed in a random assortment during his hurry to the meeting. He had written down some notes on the school grounds, rules, hours, classes, and general layout, but could not get a great deal of information on the Forbidden Forest since so little was revealed about it.

"The Forbidden Forest is a moot subject for me. Should you need an additional resource to help protect the students I would be happy to oblige." Felias' schedule was fairly open considering his class size was rather small, meaning less grading and more time researching for lesson plans and personal leisure. "I have nothing else to add other than my apologies once again for being late. William was always the punctual one." Felias nodded and procured his wand from his back pocket, waving it once over his notebook and watched as the pieces of parchment rustled and slid their way back into their original positions before being torn away. What resulted was a completed notebook no longer haphazard but entirely acceptable. He placed his wand back in his pocket and retrieved his tumbler.

 

[LewisPotter]

Enter a young caucasian gentleman of about twenty nine black hair with tints of blue that ripple through when the light hits it in the right way.. a stray raven feather caught in the depths of his hair as if naturally in the hair and not placed. his deep blue eyes piercing the room as he scans around the entrance towards the rest of the people in the room if any where still lingering from their lunch or dinner. The moon light likely drifting into the staff room now as his Ravenclaw Prefect robes were illuminated by the rays of moonlight. his wand holstered at his left hip. He carried a air of confidence but clearly still inquisitive as he announces himself with a clearing of his throat.

"Hello? Sorry to disturb but im here to inquire about tutoring for other students and offering my abilities to the faculty staff as a substitute teacher or as the new Quidditch instructor." he would smile hoping that anyone left in the room would be able to attend him in his request for information. "I sent a Owl to the headmistress and the Deputy head but the train was rather delayed from London."

He places down his trunk as he sighs making sure all of his belongings survived the train ride north before waiting patiently.