Sanctuary

Chapter 52

Tuesday 24th October, 6:15 pm

'Ah, Minerva, Wonderful. Everyone's here,' Albus said. He held up the small box which had arrived shortly after the Howler and gazed around the Staff Room. 'It would seem we have some plans to make.'

'Surely we're not actually going to take part in this game?' Tabitha asked. 'You don't think it's all a bit childish?'

'Certainly, it's childish. But why on earth should that mean we wouldn't play? A little childish fun once in a while keeps us young,' Albus said, smiling at the Arithmancy professor. She was excellent at her job, but a little uptight, in his opinion. Allowing herself to act like a child for once might do her some good.

'I, for one, think it's an excellent idea. I've already got some ideas.'

'Thank you, Filius,' Albus said. He could always count on the fun-loving Charms teacher for a little competitive spirit. 'I look forward to hearing them, but first, I think I should clarify something. I don't intend for us to try to win this competition. That wouldn't be fair. But I do think this is a wonderful opportunity to test the students' magical proficiency.' And make them consider the various aspects of defence and protection, he finished mentally.

The news that Riddle was gaining support—now going by the name of Lord Voldemort—weighed heavily in his mind, reminding him of that time in his past that he tried so hard not to think about. If things went the way he expected them to, everyone would need to be proficient in protective magic if they hoped to survive.

He was drawn from the dark turn his thoughts had taken by a groan from Filius. 'I don't see much point in a competition if one isn't trying to win.'

'You're a teacher, Filius. Try to act like it, yes?' Minerva said, smirking at him.

Filius laughed. 'You can talk. That was you I saw chasing squirrels down by the forest this morning, wasn't it?'

Minerva stuck her nose in the air. 'When you've mastered the animagus transformation, you may talk to me about indulging one's animal instincts. Until then, I'll thank you to keep your comments to yourself.'

Albus cleared his throat above the chuckles from the other staff. They were all well used to Filius and Minerva's playful banter but now was not the time. 'Quite,' he said. 'But back to the subject at hand. I propose we set up an obstacle course composed of our various specialities to put the students through their paces.'

'Sounds like a capital idea to me,' Horace said. 'How soon will you be needing our contributions?'

'By lunchtime tomorrow, I think,' Albus said. 'I'd like to have everything set up well before the five pm deadline.'

'I'll have mine with you first thing tomorrow, Albus,' Deasura said. 'But if that's all, I need to be going. I have an appointment to keep.'

Albus waved her off. He knew she was giving private defence lessons to Remus Lupin and his friends, an endeavour of which he wholeheartedly approved. Most people would probably think him quite mad for hiring a vampire, but she was an accomplished duellist, and the perfect mentor for young Remus. He wanted the boy to see that his disease didn't have to mean his life was over, as well as be able to defend himself when he left the safety of Hogwarts. When he first saw him, he'd been unsure if the child would survive until seventh year, but the friendships he'd formed with the Black, Potter, and Pettigrew children had done him the world of good. He was looking much happier these days, and Poppy had reported his full moons were getting easier. Albus suspected that might also have something to do with Lupin's friends, but he'd decided not to pry into that too much. He didn't want to be forced to put a stop to something that was helping. All in all, he was quite hopeful about the boy's future.