So Much for No Strings Attached

Chapter 100 Meetings of a Legitimate and Not So Legitimate Nature

‘Bathsheba, Aurora, how are your students?’ asked Filius.

 

‘My colleagues have said it all,’ Bathsheba said. ‘Most of my students are taking one of the new subjects or dropping their least favoured option in exchange for continuing astronomy.’

 

‘And Mr Weasley,’ Filius said. ‘How is he doing?’

 

‘Angry,’ sighed Bathsheba. ‘Very angry.’

‘Not surprising,’ sighed Minerva. ‘He’s lost a lot in the last few months.’

 

‘His own fault,’ hissed Umbridge.

 

‘His mother’s fault,’ Minerva returned. ‘And Dumbledore’s, who fooled a lot of us here to one degree or another.’

 

Poppy nodded, ‘yes, he did.’

 

‘We are not here to judge,’ Filius said. ‘I am just here to ask you do you think he will be trouble?’

 

Bathsheba was quiet, ‘I’m not sure. I think he is well aware of the consequences of further troubling behaviour, but I got the impression he has poor impulse control. I do think that the therapy appointments are much needed … and time with family, away from Hogwarts, might help him … recalibrate because from what I have observed his housemates are angry at him on young Heir Slytherin’s behalf.’

 

Filius nodded, ‘that will not help him in the long run. But I understand their response. Keep an eye on the situation.’

 

Bathsheba nodded, ‘of course.’

 

‘Any other concerns about your students?’ asked Filius.

 

Bathsheba shook her head, ‘not so far.’

 

‘Septima?’ asked Filius.

 

‘I think the points on the new subjects have already been raised,’ Septima said. ‘And I’ll keep you informed of any information you need to know.’

 

Filius nodded not expecting any information on the Slytherins in such a public setting. Slytherins were often like that Filius had found. Filius knew it was partially due to the distrust they were shown from the other houses.

 

‘Now, onto our new staff,’ Filius continued. ‘How have your introduction sessions been?’

 

‘Popular,’ chuckled McKendrick. ‘I had to split mine into four slots.’

 

‘Not, that is surprising,’ chuckled Crouch. ‘Duelling was always going to be popular.’

 

‘There was some interest in Healing especially amongst the sixth and seventh years,’ Vane said.

 

Toots agreed, ‘there was a lot of interest amongst Muggleborns.’

 

‘That’s good,’ Filius said unsurprised.

 

‘Limited,’ admitted Bancroft. ‘But those who were interested had a lot of questions.’

 

Orpington hesitated but when she spoke it was calm and confident, ‘there were those who wanted to know what books we would be reading. There were others who wanted to know what the purpose of learning English was – when it was explained how vital English was to their other subjects and to their potential future employment those questions abated.’

 

‘Good, good,’ Filius clapped. ‘Now, Dolores, what are your plans for the inspection?’

 

‘I think observing classes will be a good start,’ Umbridge said simply.