Chapter 422 - Hogwarts Governing Board Ⅳ (2/2)
With the throng of Hogwarts staff members making their way out of the door, Albus manages to catch the eye of his deputy and signals at her to stay behind. When the last of the stragglers left, Albus firmly closed the door and beckoned for Minerva to take a seat across from him. And despite an inquiring arched brow, she does as she is told.
Professor McGonagall impatiently waits for Albus to finish serving them both teas, before accepting the overly sweet tea. Minerva McGonagall physically winces at the overpowering sweet taste as she had counted five spoonsful of sugar. Swallowing against her will, she firmly puts the teacup down having taken a sip in order to appease the Headmaster.
”Well, Albus, what is it?” Minerva finally said. ”I am to be fired or demoted? Is that what the Hogwarts Governing Board requested of you in exchange?”
”Not necessarily,” Albus sheepishly admitted as he took of a sip of his delicious sweet tea. ”Rather the Board was worried that you would be unable to fulfill all of your duties properly.”
Minerva opens her mouth to protest, but Albus silences her by saying, ”I am well aware that you at present can handle all your duties and responsibilities, Minerva. But what of next year, it will be a record-breaking unprecedented influx of students. Even you, Minerva will be hard-pressed to truly be able to give your best and fulfill all those responsibilities.”
Minerva closes her mouth with a frown. She hated to admit it, but she had been worried in regard to that very subject. She couldn't in full confidence state that she would not fail any position, nor much less not find herself severely overworked. And nor would she be allowed too.
Minerva glanced at the ring on her finger and sighed. ”And just what is it that Board wants of me?” Minerva finally asked.
”They only requested that you give up one position, Minerva,” Albus candidly answered. ”Your position as my Deputy or as Head of Gryffindor. Please forgive me, my dear, but I fully trust you as my Deputy, and cannot stand to lose you. As such, we will need to decide on a new Head of Gryffindor, after the end of this term for the next upcoming school year.”
Minerva feels a pang of loss for her Gryffindor's, but still feels a thread of relief. As Deputy of Hogwarts, she'd still be able to look after her lions. Maybe, not in such close proximity as before, but still that would be enough.
”Very well,” Minerva said. ”But that being said, I already have a candidate in mind, Bathsheda Babbling. She's a Gryffindor and has her feet firmly on the ground. She'll manage, my lions well enough.”
”Excellent,” Albus instantly replied with some relief evident in his eyes. ”I shall mention the subject to Bathsheda this very afternoon.”
Minerva flashes a thin smile at Albus and warily shakes her head. ”You already had her in mind, did you not, Albus?”
Albus cheekily grins back with a twinkle in his eyes. ”You caught me out, Minerva.”
Ruefully shaking her head, Minerva rises to her feet and says, ”You must excuse me, Albus, but I have classes this morning and I have yet to eat breakfast. I really must be on my way.” Without any further ado, the stern witch departs and vanishes with her robes trailing after her.
Albus sniffs, before taking another sip of his tea. Well, that had gone much better than expected. And with that cheerful thought in mind, he happily sipped his tea and enjoyed chewing on some chocolate covered biscuits. For what could be more British than enjoying a cuppa tea?