Chapter 704 - Rachel Grimond Ⅱ (2/2)

”No, sir,” Rowan replied as her face almost twitched at what she was about to say. ”It's just I've become recently inspired by my post as Prefect that I thought that the mentoring system can be applied to the transfer students this year. The fifth years can partner up with a second year, the sixth years with a third year, and the seventh years with the fifth years. Naturally, it will be same-gender pairings to prevent any issues.” Unless they swung that way, but at least the same s.e.x couldn't i.m.p.r.e.g.n.a.t.e the other even magic couldn't cause that miracle to occur.

Professor Slughorn's eyes gleam at scenting a valuable opportunity to take credit for himself. ”No need to trouble yourself any further Prefect Prince,” Slughorn pompously boasted. ”I'll take care of this nasty bit of business and ensure that the older years understand the reason for our doing so. Please upon your return to the common room let them know that there is a nine o'clock meeting.”

”And sir?” Rowan hesitantly interjected as she briefly contemplated if she wanted to pursue this particular course of action. Still, despite the risk, it was worth it if it gained Slytherin in actual Head of House.

”Yes, Prefect Prince?” Professor Slughorn impatiently replied tugging on his still strawberry-colored mustache very cartoon villain-like. He had many things to do and his time was precious!

”With the addition of Professor Mortimer on staff with the position of the assistant Potions Professor perchance it would not be a terrible idea for Professor Mortimer to also aid with the daily management house as the Slytherin Assistant Head of House. I have read in Hogwarts History that in ages past there used to be Assistant Head of House to ease the responsibilities and burdens on the Head of House,” Rowan persuasively said, before pausing to carefully compose her face.

”I am certain that would permit a man of your many talents, Professor Slughorn more time to deal with much more savory endeavors such a social activity,” Rowan drily suggested with a poker expression.

Professor Slughorn's beady eyes gleam at the very idea. With so many detentions and transfer students, he had been unable to properly devote time to his club. In fact, his social calendar had been severely affected to the point where he was forced to cancel such incredibly important events! No matter, how many detentions he assigned they simply did not seem to be going down! He was tired of ordering students around and dearly deserved a much-needed break!

No, this was a very suitable proposal! He would not have to deal with the tedious everyday events of his house nor deal with the full brunt of detention. Yes, indeed that pleasure would shortly belong to Professor Mortimer.

Still, there was a part of him that was uneasy about the whole subject. Professor Mortimer was a fierce witch. Professor Slughorn shivered with dread remembering the crocodile-like smile of Professor Mortimer. But what of his social calendar things simply could not continue as they were! The risk was worth it! He would have to be careful and sneaky, but he would convince his terrifying under-professor to accept the position.

”Yes, yes, I shall carefully ponder your words, Prefect Prince,” Professor Slughorn finally said as he impatiently motioned for Rowan to depart. He had many plans to bring to fruition!

”Yes, sir,” Rowan muttered, before striding out of his office and heading to dinner. She'd catch Professor Babbling afterward and have a word with her. That and she didn't want Professor Mortimer to know that she was the reason for her sudden change in position. That was assuming that Professor Slughorn had been successful, and still lived!

Professor Mortimer was twice as scary as Terry. Besides she didn't have a death wish, and Professor Mortimer was a potions master…. No, she would rather that Professor Mortimer never know!

Still, at least, Professor Slughorn had fallen into the trap she had cleverly sprung. There was no way on earth that the older years would listen to her and much less not earn their wrath and hatred. Coming from Professor Slughorn, they wouldn't be able to protest and would actually do a good job. Slytherin's were rather prideful, and competitive. There is no doubt in her mind that the older years would even end up competing against each other to prove that their protégé was the best.