"I'm sorry, Madam Minerva McGonagall, but you don't seem to understand what we mean."
At Hogwarts, a short, somewhat hunched wizard with a rodent-like face stood arrogantly before Professor McGonagall, craning his neck to look up at her.
"Last night, representatives from the Ministry of Magic held a meeting with the Hogwarts Board of Governors. We unanimously concluded that you are no longer suited to the position of Headmistress."
"Oh?"
Professor McGonagall glanced at him, her expression calm. "If this truly was the Ministry's decision, why isn't Amelia Bones here?"
"She has other matters to attend to and cannot come for the time being," the short wizard said.
"Then have her come speak to me when she is free." Professor McGonagall waved a hand impatiently. "I have no attachment to this position, but replacing the Headmaster of Hogwarts is a serious matter. It is not something a mere head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports can decide."
"What did you say?" The short wizard seemed insulted, but quickly calmed himself and said, "But the governors have already agreed. Compared to that, the Minister's opinion does not seem quite so important, does it?"
He took out a parchment covered in names.
"Would you like me to read them out?" the short wizard asked smugly. "By unanimous decision of the governors, Minerva McGonagall is hereby removed from the position of Headmistress, to be replaced by Severus Snape."
Professor McGonagall's expression darkened. She had not expected the governors to undermine her at a time like this.
Yet she still did not seem concerned, looking at the short wizard with disdain as though he were something filthy.
"The governors do indeed have the right to remove a Headmaster."
"Since you know that, this will be easy." The short wizard sneered.
"However..." Professor