notes: This oneshot. maybe future story formed. Enjoy
In the middle of the large circular room sat a young hopeful witch. The large windows and pictures of past headmasters and mistresses decorated the room. The pictures stared upon Evelyn Nightshade, even the four head of houses that sat at a floating table in mid-air. The man with a long silver beard, his crooked nose that carried his half moon specks, gave a reassuring wink. Evelyn felt her hands becoming sweaty, while placed upon her lap. Averting her eyes to the four professors that sat above, thinking they were here to judge more then just an interview. Albus Dumbledore, the silver beard wizard, shuffled thru the papers. Once he sent a copy magically to each professor above, clearing his throat to speak. "Miss. Nightshade...is that correct," he asked.
Evelyn nodded as her American accent filled the room. "Yes sir." The woman wearing the green cloak, known as Minerva McGonagal, arched her perfect brow. Dumbledore kept his kind smile as he spoke once more.
"You attended Ilvermorny and which house were you in, my dear?"
Ilvermorny, a school for witches and Wizards is located within North America. The school, similar to Hogwarts, had four houses. Magic was the same yet different in America, hoping it would not be an issue for her.
"Thunderbird" she answered.
"Ah, the soul and adventure if I'm correct" Albus chimed.
"Well, Miss Nightshade your paper work seems to be in order. We can start the interview. Behind me are the school head of houses. Are you familiar with Hogwarts houses?"
Evelyn's gaze returned to, Minerva McGonagal, Pomona Sprout, Serverus Snape, and Filius Flitwick. All four were intimidating to the young adult.
"Indeed, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor." She had did her proper research. Knowing enough about the four. Snape's expression was filled with distaste as he looked upon Evelyn. She knew enough to know that the man in all black, greasy hair, with a sinister glare, wanted the spot she was applying for. Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Albus interrupted her thoughts "The witches and wizards head of those houses will assist me. Each one will have a question. Answer truthfully." His words bringing Evelyn back to reality. She inhaled ready to begin.
Professor Sprout spoke loud and clear "Are you willing to make the sacrifice of leaving America? You will be far away from home." Giving a warm smile as she waited for an answer. Evelyn felt the question was more personal. Finding the answer that fit well with her true nature.
"The change will be different but I'm up for a new adventure. I am willing to relocate and start a new life here." Adventure and starting over was key. Evelyn needed to start over, she wanted a fresh start to make a name for herself. Scotland seemed like the perfect place to try and begin again. Dumbledore nodded his head as his quill magically wrote down the words she spoke. Sprout quietly clapped her hands approving of the answer. Snape turned to look at his fellow colleague, his blank stare making the older witch stop. Filius Flitwick, tapped his chin as he nodded in agreement to her words. McGonagall stayed still. The deputy headmistress cleared her throat as she gave Evelyn a firm stare.
"What are your strengths and weaknesses" she asked. Evelyn lost her eye contact briefly, looking at her black boots, she returned to speak directly to Mcgonagall. Knowing all ears and attention were on her.
"My strength would be patience, I understand that not all students develop skills at the same time. I truly believe that each child will and should learn at their own pace. Patience is key to lead successful young Wizards and Witches..." Averting her eyes to Dumbledore she gave a soft smile "now my weakness..would have to be understanding the art of potions" she giggled slightly. It was her least favorite thing to do. She knew the importance of the craft, it was not a gift she possessed. Especially when she attended school herself. McGonagall kept her hard exterior not showing any approval of the answer.
"Why do you deserve to be here." Snape snapped. Evelyn was caught off guard with his tone, she didn't answer right away. Snape lips curled upward in a smirk, his dark eyes danced with hope of her failing to answer.
"I wouldn't say I deserve the spot, I'm sure their is someone more intelligent then myself, but I'm willing to prove myself daily, while I help students achieve their standards" Evelyn answered. McGonagall glanced at Snape then back toward Evelyn, giving a slight smirk before it disappeared.
Sprout was writing notes down as Flitwick's voice filled the room with his question. "What do you do when you're having a hard time in a class?"
Evelyn listened and leaned back in her chair. It was the first question she needed to think long and hard before spilling the information. Dumbledore studied the witch before him, waiting.
Evelyn spoke. "First keep calm, but second I'd need to assest the situation in the proper manner. Listen to the side of the child, evaluate if the problem can be handled with myself or if I need to go above and speak with their head of house "
Sprout clapped once more as she ignored the glares Snape was giving her. All five started to write notes as Evelyn sat in silence waiting for the next person to speak.
Albus Dumbledore stood. "I think this is all Miss Nightshade. You may exit and wait in the staff room with the fellows . . .wait before you leave dear, would you like a lemon drop"
Evelyn grabbed a sweet, from the floating clear jar" Thank you for your time, all of you." She turned on her heels and slowly walked out. Leaving everyone inside Dumbledore's office to discuss the matter. She went down the circular stairs, walked down the corridor, until she reached the door belonging to the staff room. Inside the room she noticed curtains were hanging from the ceiling. It made a square tent for each person to have their own space, away from one another. Evelyn never saw the other contenders as she paced inside her own curtain tent. The door made a small creak. Dumbledore entered. Evelyn waited until it was her turn, he entered the small tent beaming at her.
"Congratulations Miss Nightshade, we proudly welcome you to our school, with open arms" Albus added. The other two left before he announced the wonderful news. Evelyn wanted to jump and down, but held the urge. Trying to contain the excitement. The thrill of starting a new job, in a new location was the rush she needed. Professor Sprout walked toward her. Evelyn noticed the woman was shorter than she expected.
"You will fit right in" the Head of Hufflepuff added. Dumbledore had made his way out of the staff room. Leaving his new group of teachers alone to mingle. Evelyn watched as the man whom wore all black glided his way toward her.
Snape's cold voice matched his black hallow eyes. "Yes, I'm sure. . .some pupils will enjoy having a mischief Defense Against the Dark Arts. . .Professor. So was the lack of potion skill before or after you blew up the lab at Ilvermorny." Evelyn's mouth dropped open. As much as she had looked into her fellow colleague, she realized the wizard before her did the same. Not sure what else he knew of her past, Evelyn felt her nostrils flare as the Potion Master walked away.
She never noticed Professor Flitwick was standing near her until he spoke. "He's a bit rough around the edges. But Professor Snape is...well. . . He's a great assest to the school...did you really blow up the lab?" He asked. Evelyn nodded but assured him she would gossip about the story with him later. She was upset and unable to concentrate. Evelyn walked away as she called out Snape's name. The pair were away from the fellow teachers, their eyes narrowed upon each other. "I was informed that you wanted the position. But I didn't expect we would be bitter" Evelyn hissed in a whisper not wanting to be heard. Having a small disagreement with a man who wanted her job, on the day she was hired, was not the plan she had.
Snape hissed "Bitter?..I am not bitter, just stating facts" eyes filled with distaste for the American before him.
"Well here is a fact for you, I'm not a student you can bully around into a corner. . ." Evelyn fought the urge not to shove. Feeling humiliated because of this man. Evelyn crossed her arms across her chest, keeping her glare. Snape's lips curled in a grin but before he could retaliate with a snarky comment Albus returned.
"Oh I'm glad the two of you are chatting. Serverus, with Ilvermorny being different from our ways. I believe it would be perfect for Evelyn. If you become her mentor."
The words Evelyn did not want to hear. Mentor. He had three others that he could pick from, Evelyn quickly turned to Albus. Not wanting to complain she gave a fake smile. "If you say so, but my fear is she may need more than a mentor" Snape sneered. It was becoming obvious to Evelyn that Snape did not believe in her. Once Albus cheerfully left the Mentor and Mentee alone, Snape spun around. Authority leaked from each word. "Well, I want to see the list of books you are requesting for this term. First thing tomorrow morning..six am sharp." Before she could respond Snape left. Evelyn was still extremely excited but her stomach felt like it dropped to her toes. Out of all four head of houses, she now had to learn from the one person that wanted to see her fail. Evelyn wanted to prove that she has what it takes. It wouldn't be an easy first year, but Evelyn was determined.
"This will be a long year" she whispered to herself.