Harry Potter The Surprise

While Harry and Hermione were angry at hearing that, neither were surprised. "I think contacting the muggle-born has to be near the top of our to-do list. With you three working at the Institute, who does that leave to be Deputy Headmaster? I can't see Snape impressing any of the new muggle-born, especially if we get to them first.

The idea of Snape as Deputy Headmaster was a step too far for the twins. They made a heartfelt plea. "Harry, can we come here to?"

George as always was on the same wavelength as his twin. "We could repeat fourth year, and be in the same classes as you?"

"Sorry guys, but that would be a decision for our new Headmistress. Our job here is to get the Institute up and running. After that, Hermione and I will just be two of the students attending here. When you give people jobs, we feel it's important to then stand back and let them do those jobs."

Taking a deep breath, Pomona publicly confirmed her appointment - only the contract now remained to be signed. "Boys, we've a long way to go before that decision needs to be made. What I will say is antics that Dumbledore put up with at Hogwarts will not be tolerated here. With only twenty students per year group, and after hearing Harry's plans, I would say those positions are going to be very much sought after. I won't hesitate to remove anyone whose behaviour doesn't meet the higher standards we will be demanding at the Potter Institute. I'm also certain there will be a long waiting list of people hoping places become available."

While not the yes they would have liked, the twins consoled themselves by accepting it wasn't a definite no. Their mother's reaction to the Ginny situation would also bear heavily on that decision. Their sister seemed frightened by her shadow, a pale imitation of the boisterous young witch they'd always known her to be.

Madam Pomfrey had explained to them that Ginny would be like this until her confidence could once more be built up, with the mind-healer dropping in every morning to work with her. Ginny knowing she was well over a thousand miles away from the Burrow - while staying in Harry Potter's house - was also having a positive affect on her. Mentioning her brother Bill had been contacted, and hopefully would be showing up in a day or two, was what gave Ginny the confidence to attend tonight's meeting.

After the last gathering she had attended here, tonight would let her see that no one held Ginny's behaviour against her. Luna approaching and asking if she wanted to share a room at the new school actually drew the first genuine smile from Ginny that Poppy had seen.

As the meeting broke up, Harry and Hermione found themselves being hugged by an excited Sirius. "I'm so proud of you two, I could burst. Remus never let a word of this slip either, he's good at keeping things close to his chest. I have to say though, I prefer PISS to π."

Pomona gave him a gentle nudge in the ribs. "And that is why you are not Headmaster. I also heard from Min about your lack of attire while sunbathing, I assume I won't have to place you in detention for baring all again?"

Watching Pomona effectively shut Sirius down just confirmed to the teens they'd made the right choice for Headmistress. "Madam Sprout, I was assuming you would have no problem having McGonagall, Flitwick or Poppy on the staff. Remus here is Steward to House Potter but is also easily the best defence professor we've had. Should he wish to teach here, the reduced timetable next year could easily see him holding down both jobs."

"I'm delighted with the staff already in place, and Remus would certainly be a welcome addition too. There are a couple more Hogwarts professors I would like to offer positions..."

Hermione knew at once who she was meaning. "Professor Vector and Professor Babbling, arithmancy and ancient runes - two of my favourite subjects. That would be brilliant."

Harry couldn't help but smile at his betrothed's enthusiasm. "Remus has the salary scales we worked on for the Institute, he also has contracts the goblins drew up. While there are no heads of house, we certainly thing you should have a deputy to help..."

Pomona cut in immediately with her choice. "Minerva."

Remus had something to add too. "I will not take another salary for teaching. The gold you're already paying me is more than enough. I've resigned from my role as Steward to House Black. With Sirius a free wizard, the house doesn't need a Steward."

This got a sly smile from Sirius. "Wait until you see your severance pay. Hey, you helped get me free."

Remus didn't get a chance to complain as Harry moved things along. "Remus is our organiser here, he will be your main contact with getting this in motion. I think having Italian language classes for everyone would not only help us if we step outside the Institute, it will let the Italian Ministry know we're here to stay. We also want to see if it's possible to install some muggle technology in the Institute too. Phones at a minimum, tv's or a cinema would be a big bonus."

....

Want to read ahead by more than 60 chapters. Then join my pa*treon now.

Link: pa*treon.com/Amelie796 (Remove the *)

Free members will get 2 chapters for free.