Hogwarts Faculty Meeting Minutes, 11/15/95

[Caius Marcius]

No: HPFGUIDX 8060

Minutes of Hogwarts Faculty Meeting 

November 15, 1995

In Attendance 

Headmaster Dumbledore – Hogwarts' Headmaster ; Prof. Binns  -
History of Magic; Prof. Flitwick – Charms; Mr. Hagrid – Care
of Magical Creatures; Prof. McGonagall – Transfigurations; Prof. 
Moody – Dark Arts Defense; Madam Pomfrey – Nurse; Prof.
Sinistra– Astronomy; Prof.  Snape – Potions; Prof. Sprout  -
Herbology 

Absent 

Madam Hooch - Quidditch; Prof. Trelawney – Divination; Vector - 
Arithmancy


*  Headmaster Dumbledore reminded all faculty that Hogwarts will be 
under heightened scrutiny during the Triwizards Tournament, and staff 
were reminded to extend the utmost courtesy to our foreign guests, 
Ministry officials, and members of the press.  Prof. Snape and Prof. 
Moody both made a statement about Headmaster Karkakoff of Durmstrang 
that they declined to repeat for the record. Prof. Snape inquired as 
to the status of the investigation of the irregularities surrounding 
the selection of the Triwazards champions. Headmaster Dumbledore 
reviewed the security procedures that were implemented during the 
Champions' selection, and reported that no clues have as yet been 
unearthed as to how this security was breached. Prof. Moody stated 
his opinion that the selection of Harry Potter (4th year Gryffindor)  
indicated that powerful dark forces were afoot, and requested  
everyone to maintain "constant vigilance."  Prof. Snape
stated, in his opinion, that Potter and Potter alone was responsible  
for what he termed "the Goblet of Fire fiasco," and moved
(for the 
29th time) that Potter be expelled from Hogwarts. Motion was tabled. 

*  Prof. McGonagall asked for the faculty to review proper student 
disciplinary procedures, running from the least restrictive (losing 
points, detention) to most restrictive (expulsion).  All 
interventions must be properly documented.  Hogwarts was cited and 
fined two years ago when a previous Dark Arts Defense professor 
caused the bones in a student's arm to disappear.  She reminded
staff that transfiguration of students as a consequence for 
inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited. Prof. Moody objected, 
claiming that spending 15 minutes as a rodent would teach a 
recalcitrant student more than a week of detention.  Headmaster 
Dumbledore suggested that Prof. Moody lobby the appropriate Ministry 
officials if he wished to advocate for a change in this policy.  
Until then, only approved disciplinary procedures may be enacted. 

*  Several professors expressed some concern over the placing of two 
unemployed house-elves on the payroll. There was some worry over the 
effect on the budget and Hogwarts' reputation. Headmaster
Dumbledore reassured staff that the two house-elves in question were 
fully trustworthy, and would be unlikely to instigate any seditious 
undertakings. Prof. Snape still expressed concern over the precedent 
being created, and further noted that Hermione Granger (4th year 
Gryffindor) was contributing to the elves' unrest by distributing 
subversive literature on their behalf.  He moved (for the 19nd time) 
that Ms. Granger be expelled. Motion tabled.

*  Headmaster Dumbledore expressed concern over budgetary overruns in 
the following departments: Care of Magical Creatures, DADA, and 
Potions. Mr. Hagrid attributed his Department's budget overrun to
an unexpectedly high death rate among the Blast-Ended Skrewts, but 
assured the faculty that the population has now stabilized.  It was 
noted that Prof. Moody ordered an unusually large supply of Polyjuice 
Potion, which he insisted was essential for the curriculum he is 
currently utilizing. Prof. Snape attributed the greater part of his 
department's budget expenses to replacing cauldrons and other 
materials ruined by Neville Longbottom (4th-year Gryffindor). He 
moved (for the 11th time) that Longbottom be expelled. Motion tabled. 

* Madam Pomfrey stated that the Blast-Ended Skrewts, currently being 
raised in Care of Magical Creatures, have resulted in a 263% increase 
in visits to the infirmary for lacerations, bruises, and first and 
second-degree burns.  Mr. Hagrid pointed out that there were no 
incidents of third-degree burns, and that many students found the 
creatures "cute." Several professors asked what they were
being raised for, and Mr. Hagrid replied that the Skrewts have 
several important uses.  He was still researching their most 
important use.  Staff narrowly voted to allow Mr. Hagrid to continue 
raising the Skrewts until the end of the current school year. At that 
time, their status will be re-evalauted. 

*  Prof. Binns stated that he is still having 4.7 Galleons deducted 
each pay period for health insurance, despite the fact that as a 
ghost, he is no longer is at risk for illness or disability.  Madam 
Pomfrey confirmed that Prof. Binns has not been seen in her infirmary 
since his acquisition of post-biological status. Headmaster 
Dumbledore promised to bring the matter to the attention of Payroll. 

*  Prof. Flitwick and Prof. McGonagall stated that the Yule Ball 
Committee will hold its first meeting a week from Wednesday.  All 
volunteers are appreciated! 

*  Several professors expressed concern over Prof. Trelawney's 
continued absence at these faculty meetings.  Headmaster Dumbledore 
acknowledged these concerns, and reminded faculty that he has spoken 
to her about her non-attendance on several occasions.  She claims 
that wishes to attend, but certain unfortunate planetary alliances 
forbid it.  Headmaster Dumbledore begged for the faculty's
continued indulgence of Trelawney's eccentricities, and reminded 
everyone that her record of two accurate predictions has made her 
Hogwarts' most successful Divination Professor in over three 
centuries. 

*  Headmaster Dumbledore reminded staff that Hogwarts' owls are
to be used for official purposes only.  Staff were reminded to use 
their own owls for all personal correspondence. 

* The first-floor girls' restroom on Gryffindor continues to be
in disuse. Headmaster Dumbledore stated that its repair is not in the 
budget this year. 

* Prof. Snape moved (for the 15th time) that Ron Weasley (4th year 
Gryffindor) be expelled. He refused to cite a specific reason.  
Motion tabled.   

*  Next meeting is scheduled for 11/29/95