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Anthony and Professor Burbage wolfed down their breakfasts—Professor Burbage finishing first. She stood up, a mix of sympathy and amusement in her voice as she bid Anthony goodbye. He pretended he had something urgent to discuss, grabbed a pie, and left the table with her.
"Remind me," Professor Burbage said as soon as they left the Great Hall, "when did we ever write about those research topics? 'Magical elements in Muggle tales—a loophole in the Statute of Secrecy, or pure Muggle imagination?'" She glanced out a window at the rare, bright sunlight on the dry lawn. "Care for a walk, Henry?"
"Of course, Charity." Anthony relaxed. "And I can come up with more questions if you'd like. Muggle technology clearly impacts the wizarding world, but magic seems to have no effect on Muggles? Does emphasising the witch-Muggle divide fuel Pureblood ideology?"
Professor Burbage shot him a look. "And your answers, Henry?"
"Still searching for them," Anthony said. "And I doubt I'll ever—Oh, good morning, Professor Snape."
"Morning," Snape said darkly, nodding curtly to both of them. His greasy black hair hung over the shoulders of his usual black robes. He carried the chill of the outdoors with him.
"At least you're trying," Professor Burbage told Anthony. "Trying is always good." She then turned a concerned eye on Snape. "Where have you been, Severus?"
Snape's face twitched. "Knockturn Alley."
Professor Burbage nodded in understanding.
"Knockturn Alley?" Anthony asked.
"Severus needs to stock certain… less Ministry-approved potion ingredients," Professor Burbage explained. "For contingencies."
"Primarily to sell certain potions," Snape corrected, his voice dry.
"And to sell certain less Ministry-approved potions," Professor Burbage clarified for Anthony. "Though I doubt Umbridge could identify half of them. Minerva, however, recognised them instantly. She was absolutely livid when she found some stored in the supply cabinet next to his classroom."
Anthony repeated, "The supply cabinet? The one students access during class for ingredients? Seriously?"
Snape said drily, "I've no idea what you're referring to. I am but a poor, humble Potions master with a lamentably small office, forced to supplement my pitiful salary by selling potions."
"Oh, Severus, absolutely. Go get some breakfast." Professor Burbage rolled her eyes. "You must be hungry."
Snape offered a thin, false smile. "Indeed, Charity." He gave another curt nod and continued towards the Great Hall.
"Er, Professor Snape?" Anthony called.
Snape turned back, impatience etched on his face. "Professor Anthony?"
"Just a heads-up—"
Snape cut in, annoyed. "I'm certain you have more pressing concerns than my potions storage—"
"—Professor Lockhart is also enjoying his breakfast," Anthony finished, shrugging. "Thought you might want to know. Anyway, bon appétit."
Professor Burbage didn't burst out laughing until they were outside the castle.
"That was a very kind reminder, Henry," she said, still chuckling. "Oh, I did enjoy the look on Severus's face."
"What, Charity? Don't people like to check the menu before they sit down to eat?" Anthony said. "I hope it makes up for my rudeness in not sending him a Christmas gift."
"What? Wait, you sent Gilderoy a gift but not Severus?" Professor Burbage asked, amused.
"Well… yes. Hence the compensatory gesture." Anthony paused. "Hold on. Last Christmas, I sent him a gift. I don't recall receiving one in return. In the interest of fairness, Charity, I'd argue I'm not the ruder one between us."
Professor Burbage said judiciously, "I'd say you're both somewhat lacking in manners."
…
By the time Professor Sprout appeared at Hogwarts, Anthony had already, with Coco's help, delivered a set of quills and ink to Snape's office and sent a large package of Honeydukes' new products to Lupin.
"Henry!" Professor Sprout greeted him cheerfully on the stairs. "So glad you're back too. Looks like I'm not the only one who rushed to pack and return."
"But you were clearly the slower one," Anthony laughed. "Good to see you too, Pomona. I hope you've sorted all your business. You know Minerva scheduled a quick tea in the staff room for three?"
"Of course, I heard it's been prepared. As for my affairs… you'll soon see flocks of owls seeking me out. I've moved all meetings to Floo calls and letters." Even with her holiday plans upended, Professor Sprout seemed in high spirits. "Still, it's always nice to be back at Hogwarts."
"Even a Hogwarts preparing for a High Inquisitor?" Anthony asked.
"Oh, it might not be so bad," Professor Sprout said reassuringly. "Don't worry so much, Henry. I know Umbridge has a… reputation," she hesitated, "but this is Hogwarts, not the Ministry. Since Albus agreed, he must know she won't be a major issue."
"Speaking of which, where is Professor Dumbledore?"
"I just got back myself, Henry." Professor Sprout laughed. "Why would I know more than you?"
"Fair enough," Anthony said. "Maybe he's visiting a dragon too."
"Maybe he's visiting a mummy," said Fred or George, poking his head over the bannister above. "Professor Anth—oh, good afternoon, Professor Sprout."
Another red head appeared. "Mum had Elon bring Egyptian amulets for us and for you, Professor Anthony. Who were you talking about?"
"Percy?" said the first twin. "He's been acting shifty."
"Very suspicious."
"Wouldn't even talk to us today."
Professor Sprout smiled up at them. "Happy New Year, Messrs Weasley."
Anthony looked up too. "Professor Dumbledore. Any idea where he is?"
The twins exchanged a glance. "We might have a clue."
"Where is he?" Professor Sprout asked, concerned.
"He's gone to visit You-Know-Who," one twin said with mock solemnity.
"On this morning, under skies so blue," the other added.
"Nice rhyme," Anthony said. "Professor Dumbledore might appreciate your poetry, but the incoming High Inquisitor probably won't."
"Who's that?"
"The person coming to investigate if Hogwarts is teaching young witches and wizards correctly," Anthony said.
Professor Sprout said hesitantly, "Henry—"
"They'll find out soon enough," Anthony insisted. "And we need to make sure the High Inquisitor isn't welcomed by a dozen Fanged Frisbees, right? So, Messrs Weasley, if you could ensure all… contraband is securely hidden away—I'm sure you're experts at making things vanish—we'd all be very happy."
"And if we don't?" the twins challenged, leaning over the rail.
"Well…" Anthony said, "some people will be rather unhappy. Minerva, for one. And possibly Molly."
He didn't add Mr. Weasley. While Umbridge's attention might cause problems for Arthur's Ministry job, Anthony suspected Mr. Weasley might not care all that much.
Both Weasleys let out dramatic, synchronized sighs. Professor Sprout watched them leave, smiling at their overly heavy, almost troll-like stomping, then bid Anthony farewell.
"See you in the staff room later, then," she said. "I need to prepare some tea."
…
The two gargoyles still guarded the staff room door, though they seemed more subdued. Anthony greeted them and pushed the door open, then froze at the sight.
"Do come in, Henry," Professor McGonagall said.
Anthony stepped inside, closing the door behind him, and surveyed the room. The balloons, streamers, gold glitter, and Lockhart photos were gone. So were the old sofa, the stove with its kettle, and the tea cabinet. The lounge had reverted to a vast, wood-panelled chamber that looked old and gloomy. The wooden floor was littered with mismatched old tables and chairs piled haphazardly.
Professor McGonagall sat in a high-backed chair. A black wooden table before her held teacakes on a white china plate, confirming this was indeed afternoon tea. Professor Sprout was sunk into an armchair, discussing hallucinogenic plants with Professor Flitwick.
Anthony dragged a chair over and sat at the table. He gestured around. "What happened here?"
"It's reverted to the staff room's original state," Professor Sprout said. "No Gilderoy's… decor. No Minerva and Filius's renovations either."
Professor McGonagall said tartly, "If Umbridge thinks it needs redecorating, she can do it herself. As the Ministry warned, we won't be showing students any 'magic beyond exam requirements.'"
"But Minerva, without a stove, making tea is much harder," Professor Sprout complained.
Professor Flitwick squeaked, "The lack of a stove won't stop a wizard from brewing tea!" He raised his wand, flicked it gracefully through the air, and a flame burst into existence.
"Wingardium Leviosa," Anthony incanted, floating the patterned teapot to settle over the flame. "What warning were you mentioning, Minerva?"
"Oh, not a warning. Educational Decree Number Twenty-Two," Professor McGonagall said, handing him a newspaper. "We assumed you hadn't seen it, Henry. Romania probably doesn't sell the Daily Prophet much."
Professor Sprout helpfully levitated the paper to hover before him, revealing a photo of Cornelius Fudge's beaming face.
Anthony glanced at the date. December 27th.
"Ministry Strengthens Cooperation with Hogwarts," he read aloud. "Today, the Ministry of Magic passed Educational Decree Number Twenty-Two, ensuring that, when necessary, the Ministry may appoint a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts. This official will investigate whether Hogwarts is providing a satisfactory education to the young witches and wizards of the wizarding world and will facilitate communication between the Ministry and the school.
"'This decree perfectly addresses a worrying gap in Hogwarts' educational oversight,' said Mr. Lucius Malfoy, a Hogwarts school governor, yesterday. 'We are often concerned about the quality of education our children receive at school. Knowing the Ministry has noted our concerns and is willing to act is very reassuring.'
"Mr. Barty Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, also expressed support. 'Many magical schools worldwide actively seek closer cooperation with their national Ministries. It is a natural choice. I am pleased to see Hogwarts choosing to open its closed castle doors and cooperate with the Ministry.'
"When pressed, he elaborated: 'The education of young witches and wizards is a matter of great concern to Ministries worldwide and is crucial for the future of all witches and wizards internationally. Widely recognised magical qualifications—for Britain, of course, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s—are awarded by the Ministry following their examinations. Previously, Hogwarts' teaching has often conflicted with what we deem essential knowledge. I have indeed heard complaints that the school overemphasises magic beyond exam requirements while neglecting core fundamentals. I believe Educational Decree Number Twenty-Two will improve Ministry-Hogwarts communication and change this situation.'
"Regarding the High Inquisitor appointment, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge revealed to our reporter that the first appointee would be carefully considered.
"'I cannot, of course, promise to please everyone,' Minister Fudge said earnestly. 'But I am confident it will be a choice that satisfies the vast majority. The role of High Inquisitor is extremely challenging. We want someone who can faithfully report to all what is happening at Hogwarts. Both the Ministry and Hogwarts look forward to this close cooperation.'
"Through close work with school administrators and staff, the Inquisitor will identify areas for improvement and implement changes beneficial to students and staff. The Minister hopes this collaborative approach will foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within Hogwarts."
"I'm done," Anthony said. "Thank you, Pomona."
The newspaper dropped onto the table with a soft thud as Professor Sprout released the charm.
"'A choice that satisfies the vast majority,'" Professor McGonagall quoted, glancing at the paper with a snort. "I can't wait to see who that is."
Professor Sprout prompted, "Any thoughts, Henry?"
"The water's nearly boiling," Anthony said. "Would someone like to Summon the teacups?"
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