Chapter 1: A New Era
My name is Lucianna Pasen. I am a formal Slytherin, and came back to Hogwarts in pursuit of the position of Potions master. My birth date is January 9th, 1960, but people say I look a lot younger than my age, unlike my twin brother, who has always appeared to be older. My shiny, raven-black hair falls to my waist, and my eyes, which are as dark as caves and just as mysterious, are intimidating to most people. I have a tall, slender stature, and small, delicate hands. My face is completely wrinkle-free, for which I am grateful.
I am a half-blood, born to a witch and a muggle, yet I was placed in Slytherin house. My best class in school was potions, yet Professor Slughorn ignored my talent. Instead, he favored Lily Evans, whom I despised. When I was twenty-one, I changed my last name, despite never getting married. I was ashamed of my family. Therefore, I had no desire to share the same last name.
As I headed to the headmistress's office, I was only slightly nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I knew Dumbledore had been killed during the war, so obviously, he was no longer headmaster. Professor McGonagall was deputy headmistress when I was in school, but I was sure she must be at least a hundred years old. To me, she was old when I went to Hogwarts, and that had been in the 70's. I thought she would have retired. Then again, Dumbledore was Headmaster until the day he died, and he lived to be one hundred and fifteen years old, so it was possible McGonagall was still there, but I doubted it.
When I reached the headmistress's office, I quietly knocked on the door. "Come in," a voice called so quietly, I wouldn't have heard it if I weren't paying attention. I opened the door slowly, making it creak. When the door was completely open, I had a full view of professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, and Hagrid. I stared at McGonagall, unable to hide my shock. She stared back at me.
"Take a seat, please." Professor McGonagall said.
I did as I was told. Everyone was silent for a moment. Finally, looking at her interview sheet, McGonagall said, "Ms. Lucianna Pasen, I presume?"
I nodded. "That is correct."
McGonagall smiled, which surprised me. I never liked McGonagall when I was in school. She was too strict in my opinion. It didn't really matter, because I wasn't exactly her favorite student.
"I remember you." McGonagall said. "You were in… class of '78, I believe. But, didn't your last name used to be -"
"Excuse me, Professor," I interrupted. "But why does it matter what my last name used to be? My last name is now Pasen, and that is what I wish to be called."
McGonagall nodded, and changed the subject. "Can you explain your family life, Ms. Pasen? Do you have a husband? Children?
I wondered what that question had to do with getting a job at Hogwarts. "I'm not married, and I never was." I answered truthfully. "I also have no children, so my life is pretty solitary."
"If you don't mind me asking," Professor Flitwick began, "If you were never married, then why did you change your last name?"
I frowned. "That's not something I like to talk about." I replied, trying not to sound rude.
Flitwick nodded, and McGonagall moved on to the next question.
"What was your previous career before applying to Hogwarts?" McGonagall asked.
"I was a healer at St. Mungo's." I answered.
"And why did you leave that job to pursue a career at Hogwarts?"
I sighed. "I just feel being a healer didn't really… fit. I also feel Hogwarts would better fit my needs.
"And what sparked your interest in the position of Potions master and deputy headmistress? Professor McGonagall inquired.
I hesitated, trying to find the perfect words. "My best subject at school had always been Potions. I excelled in it, and I want to help Hogwarts students excel as well. Also, most of my friends have said I am a natural born leader. They used to tease me, saying I would be headmistress of Hogwarts someday. None of them ever knew I would have an opportunity like this!"
McGonagall nodded. Her face was unreadable. Finally, she said, "Thank you, Ms. Pasen. That will be all, unless you three have any questions." McGonagall looked at each of the others in turn. Each professor shook his or her head.
"Very well, then. You're dismissed, Ms. Pasen." McGonagall said.
"Thank you, Professor." I said politely, and left the room. Once outside the headmistress's office, I closed my eyes and sighed. Why had my interview been so short? I thought it had gone well. Evidently, McGonagall didn't think so. Oh well, I thought. It was a shame, but I could always go back to being a healer. Still, I couldn't help feeling disappointed.
A week later, an owl appeared outside my kitchen window. I soon discovered the letter it carried was from Hogwarts!
Dear Ms. Lucianna Pasen,
After some discussion, we have come to a unanimous decision to hire you as our new Potions master and deputy headmistress. Everyone on the interviewing staff agreed you would be the best fit for the position. School starts September 1st, as usual, but we expect you to be at Hogwarts and settled in no later than July 20th. We look forward to seeing you again and starting a new era at Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress,
Rubeus Hagrid, Head of Gryffindor,
Filius Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw,
And Pomona Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff.
I gave a little squeal of delight. I would be teaching at Hogwarts! It was a dream come true for me. Like my new coworkers, I couldn't wait to start a new era at Hogwarts. It was going to be the best era of them all. I was sure of it.
