Here you have a slightly longer chapter, which I hope you enjoy as much as the previous ones. This story is starting quite slowly, but once we reach the beginning of the action it will increase it's pace.

I'd like to thank bazingabeast for being the first person to follow my story and I encourage all of you do follow her example ;) Also thanks to Smithback, AFLlover, and Danny Potter, I truly appreciate your reviews. Again I want to ask you to comment on anything you like/dislike or ask me any questions you have. Feel free to PM if you feel like it.

The Interview

"Miss Granger, I must say that I truly doubt that you will fail to convince me that you deserve the post, however we must go through the typical conventions and therefore there is a need for me to interview you. As much as I want to offer you the job without any questioning, I am unsure as to how the Board of Directors is going to react if I do not give them an elaborate and interview-based list of reasons for your appointment. Of Course, I feel that it is not necessary for you to explain anything about the events that led to you resigning from your post at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement as it is simply not relevant to the job that you have applied for here at Hogwarts. Now, I am afraid I must start questioning you. I firstly wish to ask you about your motivations. Why of all subjects would you choose to teach Potions?" Enquired the Headmistress

Blushing slightly after hearing McGonagall not make a fuss about the incident that had ruined her professional career she began to recite the answer that she had carefully prepared for the occasion. "I took my PGCME in Potions, Transfiguration and Charms because they were the subjects in which I felt that I performed best in. I would have been open to teaching any of these subjects, but it is true that Potions seems to attract me beyond measure. Having taught me you will remember how I enjoy perfection and as Potions is an exact art, mastering it requires quite a level of perfection. I feel that I can transmit this feeling to the students and encourage them to improve their performance in the subject."

While Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her seat, the Professor fired her next question. "We have had a decrease in the number of students taking Potions at NEWT level for about 15 years, do you have any ideas as to how that could be solved? Even though there was a slight improvement since Professor Slughorn came back, Potions remains an unpopular subject" I can perfectly figure out who is to blame.. Ahem Snape mmm ahem. It's not like it is difficult to be more encouraging than him, thought the aspiring Professor. "The main solution in my opinion is to improve the quality of teaching at lower levels, if we make the teaching more friendly at pre-OWL level it is highly likely that the students will become more fond of Potions and will want to carry on with it. Also, I think that students often miss the essence of it, they think it is all about brewing the perfect potion by practicing, but without a good theoretical background it is impossible. It is possible that if more weighing is given to theoretical assignments, students will improve in the practical side of the subject. At least that is how it worked for me" replied the young witch.

"Well I am quite sure that there was a correlation between your trips to the library and your grades, so I believe that your idea of placing more importance on theory does make sense. Of course if you make your lessons resemble those of Dolores Umbridge, I will see myself forced to fire you". At this point, McGonagall could not keep a straight face, but Hermione, who had never been able to get jokes quickly, was staring at the Scot and was as white as Nearly Headless Nick. "Oh please Miss Granger, I was only joking!", although she had clearly told the young witch that it was not serious, Hermione didn't seem to recover from the shock. She then decided that maybe actually informing her about certain aspects of the job would take her mind of it. Bless her, Hermione is so nervous, she does seem to be interested on the job. Oh, how I'd like to have more Gryffindor company like her in the castle.

"Miss Granger, there are a couple of things I need to let you know about the job, were you to accept it. Firstly, considering that you have never taught before you would need to receive a two week specialised training course before the start of the academic, so that you familiarise yourself with the syllabus. As much as I am aware that you would rather have Professor Slughorn deliver the course, I must warn you that he is leaving to travel around the world the second that he leaves this summer, so the one issuing you the training would be Professor Snape". Spending two weeks of my summer with Snape? What have I possibly done to deserve this? "In addition...-continued McGonagall. Great, more surprises... What will it be this time? I hope that they don't make me the school psychologist now! ..."During the first term you will have a teaching assistant, as the ministry requires that all new staff which has had no previous experience have someone overlooking them for health and safety reasons. I have in the past dealt with this particular person, as he was once my student and I am sure that you too will get on well, Mr. Jacob Prince is a very decent young man. Would you accept with this situation?"

It's not like a have a choice now, do I? As much as I dread the idea of having to spend more time that what is necessary with a man that considers me to be an insufferable know it all, I will have to cope with it if I want the job. And as for having an assistant, it can't be that bad can it? If McGonagall thinks he's nice, he will be. She has always been my favourite Professor, it's not she would lie to me so blatantly. "I don't see why I wouldn't! I am looking forward to starting teaching here, if you end up offering me the job, I would accept it as quickly as I could." -replied Hermione eagerly.

Suddenly a voice that Hermione recognised began to talk. "Minerva! You didn't tell me young Miss Granger was here for a job interview. It is absolutely great to see you again. Nice scarf by the way, it is good to see that house colours remain after Hogwarts". As soon as the young witch heard Professor Dumbledore speaking she let out a gasp, how could she forget that even if he was dead, there was a portrait of him that would immortalise him. "Professor! I'm just so surprised to have heard you... Muggles don't make talking portraits and after all the lack of magic in my upbringing has kept me from thinking from a witch's frame of mind constantly" said Hermione quickly, as if she was gulping for air. She wasn't a person to be surprised, as she liked to think of her having everything under control. The portrait spoke again "Minerva, if you don't convince the Board of Directors to hire her, I will. You know I always liked to welcome former students into the staff".