A serving girl brought over the only alcohol he would ever drink: wine. "Thank you, m'girl," he said gratefully and took a sip. Not bad, not bad at all. It wasn't his prized Merlot, but it wasn't the most horrible thing he'd ever drank, either.

"I believe everyone is here. As you all know the Ministry are concerned about security after recent events and for the past few months Hit Wizards have been stationed at Hogwarts.

Ah. So that's what this was about. Slughorn usually was in his own little world, and at times refused to acknowledge anything that had to do with anything bad. Hence him not noticing these "hit wizards".

The idea of tonight is basically to asses this security. I believe that the Auror office have some questions regarding the level of security, and as we are discussing Hogwarts, it was only appropriate for the staff to have their say. They do, after all, know the school better than most.

Horace listened to Dumbledore and Filius' views on the subject, and was about to say something until the female Auror opened her mouth. With all due respect, I dont think thats a wise idea. Aside from being an added burden to the Hit Wizards, who have proven themselves capable no doubt, its an unnecessary risk.

"I don't mean to put a damper on everyone else's parade," he said, putting his wine down, "but I agree with the Auror here." He nodded in her direction. "Not to say that my students haven't been excelling, they have, and I have heard no complaints. But if there are hard times and Hit Wizards are needed, then extending hours is not very wise. But if I'm overruled--" he threw a pointed glance in Dumbledore's direction, "--then there's not much I can do about it."