Genre Reflection: Ms. Dawson and the Halls of Hogwarts

Ms. Dawson and the Halls of Hogwarts

It had been over fifteen years since Voldemort was defeated and while pockets of dark followers still existed in hiding – or secret, the world of magic was quiet. It had been quiet long enough that the Ministry of Magic had grown restless; and so started the era of revisions. Everything from muggle interactions to flying regulations to education had become subject to rigorous investigation – things couldn’t possibly be fine as they were. Quidditch however, remained untouched – no one dared to challenge the Minister’s favorite pastime. With revision comes expenses and with expenses, budgets.  After the second Dark Age, even Gringotts had suffered financial loss which affected businesses and magic folk alike. It is within this era of revision that a new term at Hogwarts begins.

The Potters’ son, James, had been sorted into Gryffindor along with the first born children from the Weasley families and Neville Longbottom had been the newest addition to the professors until today. After the sorting but before the great feast the interim headmistress stood and addressed the student body, just as the late Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore had done many years ago.

“Greetings and Welcome!” Headmistress McGonagall said, with a genuine smile. She was aging gracefully but aging nonetheless and would undoubtedly be looking for a replacement.

The crowd of students, both newly sorted and returning, silenced. She may have lightened up over the years but McGonagall was still not one to be crossed.

“I am pleased to announce,” She began again “that we have a few new additions to our staff this year”.

The students began to cheer but with a warning look from the headmistress, they settled back down.

Their applause would have to wait until she was finished.

“Please join me in welcoming Professor Dawson, who will be filling the Care of Magical Creatures position.” Several students expressed a sadness at this appointment. Over the summer it had spread that Hagrid would be retiring in order to travel but no student or parent wanted to believe it. Everyone loved Hagrid and while he was never the most practical professor, he was well liked and full of old stories.

Headmistress McGonagall silenced the students once more. “Professor Hagrid has given our new instructor his best wishes and has promised to visit throughout the term.” At this, the faces of the students brightened. “And please welcome Professor Burridge who will be filling my old post in transfiguration.” The students clapped and cheered, eager to get on with the feast.

“Our last announcement if you please. I must advise against entering the Astronomy tower for any reason this term. And now, without further ado, let the feast begin.”

Professor Dawson sat quietly at the head table and tried to take in her surroundings. She had always wanted to teach here, though it was not until her early twenties was she aware of any magical abilities within her possession. She turned and smiled at the other new professor, Professor Burridge, who seemed to be lost in thought and possibly upset about something. She shrugged it off and left the table for her sleeping quarters. There was much to be done before the term started but she was thankful that the headmistress had graciously assigned her a mentor: Professor Longbottom. She hoped that, as a relatively new professor, he would understand the challenges she would be facing and she was especially thankful that, as another professor not teaching within the castle, she would be able to find him quickly if she needed assistance; the layout of the school was confusing and it would be quite embarrassing to be lost or stuck during her first term teaching.

Ms. Dawson took one last glance at her work robes and her second-hand, wide-brimmed, pointed hat. She smiled and closed her eyes, excited for what this new adventure will have in store for her.