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Last of The Fae Chapter 19: Teacher's Meeting
🕑 Added 2024-08-09 18:25:57 +0000 UTCDumbledore groaned as he lowered himself in the chair placed at the head of a long oak table around which the rest of the teaching staff for hogwart sat, “Forgive me for being late, they announced the newest flavors for the next release of bewitched jelly beans and I got bit side tracked.”
The rest of the teachers aside from Snape smiled though even the sour professor didn’t seem upset at the joke.
“Enough of my antics, tell me. How have the first years fared this week?” Dumbledore asked as he cast his gaze around the table.
“I would say far better than I expected,” McGonagall answered, speaking up first, “Students seem to be grasping class material far quicker than their seniors did. Though the typical rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor is a bit more strenuous this year.”
“I believe that can be attributed to the continuous lack of decorum and respect your house has demonstrated Minerva,” Snape replied waspishly making McGonagall narrow her eyes.
“Is that so Severus, because on more than one account I have had students complain about the open hostility of Slytherin students,” McGonagall replied as she stared Snape down daring him to object to her claim.
Before the conversation could devolve further Dumbledore raised his hand, “Both houses will be reminded about proper conduct and instructed that there will be an increased penalty for any unscrupulous behavior.”
Both Snape and McGonagall nodded, making Dumbledore smile, “Good, now with that issue resolved I would like to discuss one student in particular. Mister Thane Carter of House Slytherin. In the past week everyone of you has recorded awarding Thane a large amount of house points.”
“Well it’s hard not too,” Flitwick replied with a joyful tone, “While he’s only attended my classes twice, the boy has performed well beyond what is expected of him. Imagine my shock when I discovered he was a muggle born and only learned of the magical world two days before his enrollment at Hogwarts!”
“That may be true, but I believe Thane has known about magic for the majority of his life.” McGonagall replied, causing everyone at the table to turn and stare at her, “When I went to inform Thane of his magical aptitude, he managed to sense me even when I was suppressing my aura. He also learned how to hide his magic without any instruction.”
“Extraordinary,” Flitwick replied with wonder in his eyes, “But are you positive that Thane had no previous contact with a wizard?”
McGonagall shook her head,“I haven’t sought to confirm it, but I don’t believe so. Why do you ask?”
“Because the boy is in possession of one of the rarest forms of magical foci,” Snape replied frostily, “Where could he have possibly gotten his hands on such a relic possibly worth millions of galleons?”
Instead of responding McGonagall glanced at Dumbledore who cleared his throat to get the room's attention, “When Professor McGongall initially met Thane she informed me of his great magical potential as well as the possibility that he possessed an innate magical affinity. We both agreed that there was a possibility that Thane could be a lost heir and ordered a blood test to be performed at Gringotts.”
“Well, is he?” Snape asked intently, almost demanding an answer.
“Yes he is, but I am not sure of the exact details. When Thane’s results came the Day Director of Gringotts was summoned who then asked Thane if he was comfortable sharing details of life and death with me.” McGonagll answered only to be met with silence from the room.
“Well what happened after that?” Professor Sprout asked after a moment.
“I told Thane to be careful of who he revealed information to, and then he asked me to leave the room and I complied,” McGonagall replied defensively, “Some time later Thane walked out with a grimoire and spellblade, though I didn’t realize what it was until we visited Olivanders.”
“You let a newly integrated fifteen year old boy negotiate with goblins, alone?” Snape asked in bewilderment.
“Well I certainly wasn’t going to demand that I stay,” McGonagall snapped back.
“So we don’t have the slightest clue about the boy’s ancestry?” Snape replied just as hostilely.
“No,” McGonagall answered with a smug smile, “In fact I am almost confident that I know exactly what lineage Thane descends from.”
“Oh and how could have possibly come to such a conclusion,” Snape asked, clearly not believing McGonagall in the slightest.
“Simple, the boy is a Parseltongue,” McGonagall revealed as she crossed her arms in the sleeves of her robe.
The silence was nearly deafening after McGonagall's reveal and every set of eyes looked to Dumbledore who sat there with an expectant look on his face.
“You knew,” Snape said accusingly to which Dumbledore nodded his head, “Yes, Minerva informed me the day of. But I was reluctant to share such information with all of you considering the negative reputation the ability has garnered.”
“Then why bring this to our attention now?” Flitwick asked with a confused look across his face.
“Because above all else wanted you to form an unbiased opinion of Mr Carter,” Dumbledore replied before resting his forearms on the table, “But I bring this issue up now, because I am concerned about how Thane is adapting to his place in Slytherin. It is no secret to how muggle borns are received.”
“You fear what he could become,” Snape spoke as he stared at Dumbledore with an unreadable expression, “You believe that with his heritage he has a potential for darkness.”
Dumbledore let out a sigh and for the first time since the start of the meeting a look other than absolute confidence flashed across his face, “You are not entirely incorrect Severus, however I don’t believe Thane is inherently evil.”
“Of course not, but you are taking precautions nonetheless,” Snape replied sourly before he stood from his seat, “If you would excuse me I believe I will retire for the night.”
The room watched in silence as Snape left the room before glancing back at Dumbledore who could only sigh and slowly shake his head.
