"Because our investigation also showed us a lot of the endeavors Mr. Dumbledore engaged in wouldn't have occurred had there been a full time Deputy Headmistress who had no other duties in the Castle, we have also decided to appoint a new Deputy Headmistress to the school. My Lady wife, Narcissa Malfoy, will be taking over the position. She will have an office here on the main floor of the Castle with rooms behind it while Madam Longbottom will be taking over the Headmaster's office. Beginning next year, Cissy will also be teaching an Introductory to Magic course for all incoming muggleborns and muggle raised children to help you adjust to our world. It was pointed out to us, the School Board, there are many things the incoming students from the muggle world do not know and they make many mistakes simply because they don't know they are. It was also pointed out that these children are never taught simple home running skills anyone born and bred to this society already knows so Cissy will incorporate that knowledge into the course she teaches to fill this gap between the cultures. Any of you who don't know these skills already are welcome and encouraged to join that class."
"For those of you who are seventh years now, the School Board stands by ready to answer any question you may have about how to find a place to live or a job in this world once you graduate. We can also answer questions on customs and traditions that you might have and will gladly do so."
"Professor McGonagal will still be the Head of Gryffindor House and your Transfigurations Professor. She's a good teacher and just because we have dismissed Mr. Dumbledore doesn't mean we found fault with her. It seems she's been so busy trying to do all her own work while attempting to do his normal work load as well, that she fell behind in keeping track of what mattered most. Really her workload was just too much for any one person. And the fact that the school has been operational at all is to her credit. So we have lightened her load and hope she will find it in her heart to forgive us for overworking her for so many years." Minerva smiled slightly and inclined her head acknowledging the apology.
"Because we feel we could've discovered this game of Mr. Dumbledore's sooner if she'd just had help in her tower, we've instituted a new policy as well. From now on all Heads of House will have a deputy head to help them maintain order in the tower. Given the reason we're here today, we've decided two people are needed to run a tower correctly just as a home needs two parents. So you'll have both a den mother or father and a Head of House to help you with any problems you encounter. It's also recommended to each Head that the den parent be someone of the opposite sex as themselves so as to further promote the idea of parenting the Towers."
"We hope this will not only prevent what happened in Gryffindor these past few years but also a lot of the bullying that goes on in the halls between and after classes. The den parents will be setting up game rooms and study chambers for all of you to use. Yes, we have been informed of your need for proper places to study outside of class, remedial study halls or the library. And for additional recreational activities. After all, not everyone wants to or can play Quiditch."
"Understand though, these new rooms will only be open to you when you are not scheduled to be elsewhere. In other words, no skipping classes or bending curfew. The den parents won't be teaching classes so you don't need to worry that their own teaching schedule will conflict with your classes schedules making it impossible for you to avail yourself of the game rooms or study halls. So yes, there will be some new faces around the Castle."
"We are also considering new courses to be offered here at Hogwarts as it was pointed out the current curriculum is lacking several basics a society is not a society without. That won't begin until next year or maybe the year following as it will take time to decide what courses are needed, find the funding and suitable teachers for each new course. We will also have to decide when said courses should be available to you. We may even be able to bring in some new sporting options for you to enjoy. We don't know yet."
From the gryffindor table Dean Thomas' eyes light up as he said, "Football?" He hadn't intended it to be heard by anyone but those sitting next to him but in the silence of the hall everyone heard him. Snickers to outright laughter met the unintended question.
Lucius gave the embarrassed boy a smile as he said, "I take it you can play this game and miss playing it while you are here?"
Dean nodded. "I do, Sir. But I didn't mean to interrupt you. I apologize."
Minerva leaned in and told Lucius who the student was. He nodded in thanks and addressed the young man. "Apology accepted, Mr. Thomas. I take it this football a muggle game? Team or single player?"
"Team Sir and yes Sir. It's played with a round rubber ball and two nets on opposing ends of the field. Only the goalie can touch the ball with their hands but the other players move the ball across the field any way they can without using their hands. It's a lot of fun and has a huge following in the muggle world. People play professionally and everything. It's big money these days and lots of people like it. Like Quiditch players do here."
"I see. We'll have to check it out. Maybe it's time for some muggle sports to be incorporated into our school since we are taking you children when you turn eleven from their world already. No reason why you should lose everything familiar when you come here. Finding a coach may be a bit of an issue though." Dean gave him a huge smile. He knew a squib who was currently a coach on rotation through the PeeWee teams from his home district that might be interested in the job if Mr. Malfoy was serious. He'd have to talk with him later and see.
"Another need was pointed out by Madam Pomfrey and we'll be filling that one immediately. Medi-Witch Jones is joining the staff as the mind healer/student counselor. She'll work closely with Madam Pomfrey and just as with the Madam any contact between yourselves and Medi-witch Jones is private and confidential. Sometimes a teacher may recommend you to Medi-witch Jones and sometimes it may be Madam Pomfrey who sends you to her. Other times it may be your Head of House or your Den Parent. In any case you are expected to show her the same respect you show to Madam Pomfrey."
"With a new Headmistress and a more even distribution of duties, it is hoped your school experience can be turned into more joyful memories for all of you. For the remainder of this year, we'll simply be working on clearing up left over problems from the administration of Mr. Dumbledore and assisting the Seventh Year muggleborn and raised to find security and happiness in our world."
With his speech finished, Lucius sat down and began to eat his dinner. Madam Umbridge immediately began hissing at him in a low voice so as not to be overheard. "What is this all about, Mr. Malfoy? You know Cornelius expected me to find the dirt on Professor Dumbledore and when he was dismissed, the position was supposed to go to me until Cornelius selects someone else for the position."
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