Massive floor lamps in the shape of lilies are placed strategically throughout the room. Even the desk lamps in the study area are in the shape of some sort of flower. Cut crystal vases brimming with various brightly colored floral bouquets are placed on surfaces throughout the room alongside bowls of potpourri and framed pictures of Minster Brennan Cooper and his lovely Clara Belle.

The walls of the room are painted a soft baby blue and the trim is a bright snow white (like the couches, chairs, and carpet). One wall looks like it contains awards but upon closer inspection you realize that each individual frame contains a school rule that lights up when your eyes fall upon it. Another wall has a massive portrait of a woman sitting thoughtfully at her desk gazing lovingly at a picture of her beloved while holding a large peacock quill - it's Clara Belle portrayed as a Jane Austen heroine gazing at the love of her life, the infallible Brennan Cooper. Portraits of other famous witches surround this particular image which dwarfs them. But over the fireplace, another portrait catches your attention - the subjects are a man and woman standing in a sea of flowers dressed in snowy white togas. It's Minister Cooper and his lovely Clara Belle.

Lord Borr, obviously the most important man in the Great Hall, approached the table. He was as large as he was important, a great swell of a man. A great man. The greatest man to ever live - right under the Minister. His cane's tap against the hardwood floors preceded him, as did his brown clad belly that was striped with plaid suspenders.

He took a deep breath and liked what he smelled. Men. A school of properly (or after he was finished with them) bred men. Men that would walk in his footsteps and try to be as great as him. Oh they could try...


Finally, Lord Berty Borr reached the Staff Table. He shoved some kid out of his way and preceded. He clapped his hands for attention (as if that were needed and everyone wasn't already looking at him), "Your attention! Your attention up here!" Lord Borr raised his cane once and let it slap down against the table in a loud, startling crack.

"Welcome, Men! Welcome to Cooper's School of Magic for Young Wizards. This is a proud, proud day indeed! Do you know what I see before me? Do you?" He paused in case anyone needed a chance to look around see.

"I see a change! A change from the uneducated boys that other school turned out. I see the future of the Ministry, and it is as bright as the day! I see no frilly perfumed distractions," Lord Borr glanced around to be sure of that," and I see law abiding champions!" Lord Borr raised his fist in the air, his speech growing more and more animated. Spit was flying from his over eager lips. "We are back on track and greatness will be achieved in this newly built monument to the Minister."

Lord Borr began to clap. His clap started slow, then started picking up a pace. "A round of applause for our Minister, Brennan Cooper!!"

Doyle sighed again. "Cooper... The Minister..." he shook his head. He had nothing nice to say. Time for stalling was through. It was time for the speech. He placed his hands on the table to help ease himself to his feet. His knees were cramping. He cleaned his glasses and then tapped his spoon on his glass. "Please take you seats!"

Once everyone was settled he cleaned his glasses again and cleared his throat. He took a deep breath and tapped his fingers on his thigh for a few moments before finally opening his mouth to speak. "Welcome to.... Cooper's... School of Magic for Wizards," Professor Branxton announced, though it was a wrench not to say something inappropriately vulgar instead of "Cooper's". "I am the newly appointed Headmaster of this school. Those of you who are returning from previous terms at Hogwarts will recognize some returning faces amongst the new ones on staff. We'd like to welcome you all to this new, all boys school.

"The Ministry has declared Hogwarts unsafe. The school governors agreed as I believe all of us should after the events of the past fifteen years, most recently the abduction of students right from the school. The Minister decreed that two schools would be built to split the student population into two in order to more closely monitor them... for your protection, of course. There are several new and strict rules in place and I would implore you to obey them. Rule breakers will be sent home if necessary.

"I apologize for my poor speech skills. I'm used to my wife giving the speeches. Perhaps Lord Borr has more to add?" Doyle differed to the big man, knowing the best way to handle him was to pander to his ego.

When Macadrian spotted a couple more hands in the air, she thought it best to encourage participation by allowing them to serve as example calculations too. She pointed to them both, "You two ladies, I have a very special task for you. I'll be right back." With a mischievious glint in her eye, Professor Shackleton left the classroom briefly.

When she returned, she carried four buckets of paint and a bag full of brushes. She had planned on using them in her office to spruce up the place, but this classroom was just as drab and needed some life. So what better time to infuse life than now?

Professor Shackleton explained, "I'd like both of you girls to choose a paint color of your choice and a brush and write your own calculations on these plain and boring white walls! What do you say?" She wasn't sure if the ladies would be fearful of defacing school property, but she certainly thought it was a great way to get back at boring Clara Belle and her mundane decorative stylings of the classroom. Besides, if anyone asked, she could just talk it up as an effective learning tool to be surrounded by calculations...

I miss you, and the girls do too. I have something important to tell you. I need to see you in the village soon. Midnight on Tuesday. I love you.