Chapter 420 - Hogwarts Governing Board Ⅱ (2/2)
Albus's eyes actually sparkle with delight as he stares at the Slytherin. Lucius's is barely holding back a sneer, before quickly saying, ”Those are all the agreed-upon hires. Is there anything that else that you wish to add, Professor Dumbledore?”
”Not at all,” Albus sincerely said. ”I am quite grateful for the Board anticipating the needs of Hogwarts. I was quite worried to be truthful, but it seems that is out of the question now. I have the feeling that Chairman Malfoy will continue to go on to do great things!”
Lucius barely stops himself from chocking in anger and despair. He hadn't wanted to hire the muquib or squib, but Reginald Prince had merely stared rather pointedly at him. And Lucius knew for a fact that he did not have a choice, not if he wanted to continue his alliance with the Prince family.
But feeling a shift in the wind, Lucius straightens up in his seat, and rather pointedly says, ”Though someone must be done about Professor McGonagall.” However, to his profound dismay, the twinkle in Albus's eyes did not diminish whatsoever.
Somewhat infuriated by Professor Dumbledore's lack of reaction, Lucius aloofly says, ”Minerva McGonagall is at present the Transfiguration Professor, Deputy Headmaster, and Head of Gryffindor. It is not proper that such a brilliant witch be subjected to so many posts at a time. Professor Dumbledore, please select between one of two options which must occur, Professor McGonagall must either cease to be the Head of Gryffindor or give up her post as Deputy Headmaster? It must be one or the other.”
Professor Dumbledore is silent for a long time, before finally saying, ”I trust Minerva McGonagall fully as my Deputy as such I will relieve her of the post as Head of Gryffindor. I merely request that I be permitted to elect a new House Head for Gryffindor, after the end of this school term.”
”That is reasonable,” Lucius said with a bit of satisfaction. ”With that being said, there is also a request regarding the squib Caretaker Argus Filch. With the influx of students this upcoming school year, it will become increasingly difficult for him to maintain order. As such, the Board will be hiring another squib and a muquib to aid him in maintaining the castle. They shall be employed starting the next school year.”
”I'm sure Argus will simply be delighted with the news,” Albus cheerfully said, almost causing Lucius to grind his teeth frustration. Was there nothing that he could do to gain a foothold over Dumbledore?!
Close to losing his composure, Lucius suddenly understands why his father disliked the infuriating Headmaster so much. Albus Dumbledore was simply impossible to deal with! Blasted Gryffindors!
Rather eager to see Professor Dumbledore now leave, Lucius quickly says, ”I'm certain that you will have an early day tomorrow, Professor Dumbledore, and will need to inform the school's Professors. And so, if there is nothing further, you are excused, Headmaster.”
None of the other Hogwarts board members speak up as Albus smiles rather genuinely and says, ”I must admit I was quite delighted by today's meeting. Let us do so again but with tea and chocolate-covered biscuits next time.”
Lucius's brow visibly twitches as Albus Dumbledore happily strides out from the office. It would be far soon if he had to deal with that confounding wizard. But then again, he was the Hogwarts Governing Board chairman. Sooner or later, he'd have to accept that request of tea, whether he liked it or not. It was the price of politics after all as one must often dine with enemies and rather odious individuals.