Chapter 1

Marcy was nervous. The halls of Hogwarts were totally empty, save Professor McGonagall sweeping up the stairs ahead of her. She was barely older than a student herself and here she was applying for a staff position.

"Fizzer," Professor McGonagall said abruptly to the ugly stone gargoyle blocking their path. Marcy gave a little jump as the gargoyle suddenly moved aside, revealing a moving, circular staircase behind it.

"Come along my dear," Professor McGonagall said encouragingly. "The Headmaster's office is just up this staircase."

Marcy stepped onto the staircase, rather enjoying the feeling of being lifted upward. She could dimly hear Professor McGonagall talking to her, but couldn't quite make out the words over the pounding of her heart. She had never been to the Headmaster's office, and certainly not for such a purpose before. It was certainly foolish of her to have applied for the position at such a young age... Marcy was seriously considering fleeing, when the staircase stopped in front of a rather impressive set of double oaken doors, bearing the plaque "Professor Albus Percival Wolveric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster."

"Go on in," Professor McGonagall said. "He's waiting for you." She cast a pitying glance at the nervous girl- woman really, but it was hard to stop thinking of her as a girl- and added kindly, "I'll be waiting for you here when you're finished."

Marcy lifted a hesitant fist and knocked softly on the door. "Enter," came Dumbledore's voice as the large door swung open.

"Ah, Miss Drivyetsky," the Headmaster said genially. "Come on in, my dear."

Marcy entered the small, circular office, taking a moment to observe all of the delicate instruments and the portraits of past headmasters which were staring at her with unabashed curiosity.

"Please have a seat," Dumbledore invited. She sat gingerly at the edge of an armchair. "We are here to discuss your application for the post of Potions Master, if I am not mistaken. He smiled inwardly at he nervousness, before continuing. "I have here your references as Professor Hoxakoff and Professor Chere." He paused for a moment to survey her and added with a twinkle, "I'm surprised that you didn't put down Professor Slughorn."

She took a deep breath and twisted the ends of her dark hair around her slender fingers. "I- I had very little to do with Professor Slughorn," she said, her cheeks coloring. "I was never a part of the Slug Club."

"Pity that," Dumbledore replied with another smile. "Lemon drop?"

"I...beg your pardon?" she said politely, feeling as though she was missing something.

"Lemon drop," he repeated, pointing to a bowl of candies on his desk. "I find them quite nice." He winked at her and popped a sunny yellow candy into his mouth.

Marcy tried not to smile, but she couldn't help it. The sight of the distinguished old wizard sucking on a candy was too much for her. "Thank you Headmaster," she said, dimpling. "But I'm quite alright."

"You were at Hogwarts for two years, were you not?" Dumbledore continued with the interview as if nothing had happened.

"Yes sir, for my fifth and sixth years."

Dumbledore looked her over again and she felt as though he were peering directly into her soul. "As I recall, Miss Drivyetsky, you were in Slytherin House while you were here, correct?"

Marcy nodded, and opened her mouth to speak when a shrill voice spoke from behind Dumbledore's left shoulder. "Slytherins have always been the best Potions brewers, Albus," said painting announced haughtily.

"Yes, thank you, Phineas," Dumbledore said tranquilly, never taking his eyes off of Marcy's face. "I understand that you worked for the Ministry of Magic for the three years after you graduated."

"Yes."

"And, would you care to tell me why you chose to leave that job?" he asked, his tone never changing. "You had a rather advantageous position, Head Brewer at age 18, am I correct?"

She blushed again, and took a deep breath before answering. "I...decided that I would like to move on," she said carefully. "I was not entirely happy at my post...and I did want to try my hand at teaching."

Dumbledore chose not to point out that she had left her job at the Ministry before the post at the school had opened up. "Very well," he said. "It was excellent to see you Miss Drivyetsky."

Realizing her dismissal, Marcy stood up. "Thank you for taking the time Headmaster," she said, trying hard to bite back the feeling of disappointment. She hadn't really thought she'd get the job but...

"Miss Drivyetsky?" His voice stopped her halfway to the door, and she turned around inquiringly. "We will expect you here on August the 15th for our staff meeting, and so that you can get settled in before the school year starts."

"Thank you Headmaster," she breathed, hardly able to believe her ears. She had gotten the post after all! "Thank you ever so much!" She floated out the door, hardly noticing Professor McGonagall who was still standing outside the door. Professor McGonagall smiled to herself as she escorted the euphoric girl down the stairs. it would be nice for people to start seeing Potions as it was- and excellent subject and not a torture session with Professor Snape or a favorites session with Professor Slughorn. This girl-woman- had promise.

This is just a taste- if you like it, let me know and I'll write more...;-) It's a good story...