Categories > Books > Harry Potter > The Part of me that is Missing
Phaelan goes for an interview. Remus and Arthur meet women's lib for the first time.
3TrainWreck
Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
A/N
My first fic, Please read and review. Thank you to my reviewers - you know who you are. We're not at Hogwarts yet
AA/N Savta is Grandmother in Hebrew.
Chapter 2
Phaelan had returned home to the US to tie up loose ends and begin her 3 weeks of shore leave before her official status change became effective. Many of her personal belongings had been stored at her grandparent's home in Maine. The rustic house had become hers when her grandmother passed away, shortly after Phaelan's graduation from Naval College.
In the middle of May, with everything she thought she would need for her life in the UK packed in two large cases, Phaelan left to catch a MAT flight to London, England. Her father had bought a flat in London to stay at on his many business trips there. It didn't happen often, but for now, Phaelan was thankful for her parent's affluence. She contacted the landlord and arranged to open the flat.
Arriving unceremoniously at the RAF base in East Anglia, she made her way to a taxi rank and hailed a cab. The London cabby, with his usual banter, tried to share the Knowledge with her. She let the running commentary flow over her without comment.
"Pardon my being forward, miss," started the cabby, "but you seem a mite quiet for someone comin' to London town?"
Phaelan realized the cabby had changed his usual patter and looked up. "Pardon?" she asked.
'I said, for someone coming to the most excitin' city in the world, you don't have much to say. You not lookin' forward to your time here or somethin'?" He looked in the rear-view mirror at his fare.
Phaelan laughed. "Nothing like that; I plan to make my home over here for a while. I've just got a lot to think about." She looked out the window at the passing River Thames. "I'm looking forward to opening a new chapter in my life."
"Well ducks," the cabby declared, "you couldn't have picked a better spot. London has somefin' for everyone; you wait and see."
The taxi pulled up at an upscale townhouse, which had been divided into separate flats.
"That's Fifteen pound forty five and I'll give you a hand wiv your luggage." The driver got out, lifted her cases to the front of the building, and rang the bell. Phaelan pulled out twenty pounds and paid her fare.
"Keep the change." She said.
"Thank you kindly, miss, and the best of luck." The cabby lifted his cap and returned to the taxi as the front door opened and the landlady met Phaelan.
"I'll have the porter take your luggage upstairs, Miss McKenzie. Welcome to London."
Phaelan followed the affable woman into the building, feeling suddenly tired and needing sleep.
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Arthur Weasley and Remus Lupin sat with the Headmaster in his office at Hogwarts. They made a dejected picture. They were each contemplating a glass of brandy, commiserating on their perceived failure.
"I don't think I've cast as many memory charms, in such a short period of time, on so many Muggles," said Lupin, voicing his defeat.
"Do you think we're asking for too much?" wondered Arthur, "After all, what use would a fighting soldier have for all that history and social science stuff. Too busy looking after his backside."
"I always thought the great military leaders of our time were highly intelligent," ruminated Lupin, "Lawrence of Arabia, Churchill, Schwarzkopf....."
"Stalin, Hitler, Tojo, Mao...,"continued Dumbledore. "Let's not equate military prowess with civilized discourse and moral rectitude. I refuse to believe there is not someone who can fill the bill at our school," declared the Headmaster.
"You know, that SAS fellow was very promising," offered Arthur.
"Remember what we found out though, Arthur?" Remus sat forward on his chair.
Dumbledore asked, "What was that?"
"Turned out, this fellow was a homosexual paedophile, that got his jollies off watching little boys fellate each other," said Lupin with a grimace.
"I doubt he would have lasted very long in Hogwarts with our Slytherins, eh?" Dumbledore looked over his half moon glasses at his friends.
Lupin laughed, "I think there would be a few tricks some Slytherins I know could teach that pervert; would have served him right if we'd have hired him." He snickered into his brandy snifter.
Arthur looked at his glass. "I think we've had enough of this stuff."
"Quite right," said Dumbledore, "let's continue until the end of term and see what happens, hmm?"
All parties agreed leaning back with satisfied, brandy-warmth blushing their cheeks.
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Phaelan settled into her English life. She had arranged with the RAF base at Mildenhall to set up her flying schedule and rented a car. She bought her first PC, setting up the internet immediately. The late spring weather was dry and pleasant, encouraging walks about the neighbourhood. She became familiar with local merchants and citizens.
As a child, Phaelan had accompanied her grandmother on shopping expeditions to buy wonderful fresh produce for the delicious meals her Savta made. Being from the Old Country meant Savta was used to cooking from scratch, in the kosher style. Savta was her sanctuary. Her grandmother loved her unconditionally. She sang to the little girl, taught her about the Jewish religion and traditions, always reminding her, it was their secret.
She shared her knowledge of Hebrew, the Torah and Kabbalah.
Papa, father and mother insisted on the strict old style Catholicism being adhered to, always. Punishment for anything involved the strap and prayer. Even her Italian grandparents from her mother's side were of this miserable religion, which seemed to have no joy. The unrelenting demands of perfection made up Phaelan's life from birth to her teens. Even her home based education was governed by the rules. The only relief to her angst-ridden childhood was with her Savta and her kitchen.
After a satisfying afternoon of shopping, Phaelan returned home and stored her shopping away. Walking over to her sound system, she selected some Yanni to listen to. Edgy enough, but soothing as well.
'Time to surf for a job' she thought to herself, as she logged on to her PC and brought up the browser. There were several sites and she had yet to hit them all. It wasn't as though a job was an immediate necessity. Her back pay and endowment from her parents' estate could support her quite comfortably for a while. There was simply an ingrained need to be useful, left over from growing up in a house where everything was regimented - lessons, prayer, exercise, recreation, prayer again, diet, etiquette.
While waiting for her online search to complete, Phaelan looked back over her growing years. It seemed as though she was always under someone else's control. Her opinion was never sought on anything. Elementary education was done at home with her mother and tutors. Excellence was the minimum standard; private lessons in music, dance, swimming and figure skating. Ah, the bane of every poor little rich girl, everything she might dream of and more. Except, these were not Phaelan's dreams and she did not have the luxury of having a tantrum when she didn't get her way. Mother had a dream of a perfect child and Phaelan would fulfil that dream, regardless of the nightmares she lived. God help the daughter who disobeyed.
The search engine finally came up with a number of options of job sites. Perusing the list, she came across an site for exclusive private schools and quickly brought up the site. There were a number of jobs, many of which required previous teaching experience. Some schools needed teachers for subjects she was clearly not qualified to instruct. She continued down the list. The top listings, the most recent, had positions which began in late August or early September. There were a couple for jobs over the summer months.
One had looked quite promising, with a lovely location on the Isle of Jersey. Phaelan became quite excited and clicked on the website link. No, definitely not, she thought. As uninhibited and laid back as a modern woman could possibly be; Phaelan could not see herself teaching in a nudist colony. I wonder who has the contract to provide sunscreen for that school, Phaelan mused, giggling inwardly.
She continued down the list, almost to the bottom and there, right below the listing for a job in a girl's school in Libya, was the one. It had been posted in May and so Phaelan wondered if perhaps it has already been taken. Maybe they had just forgotten to delete the ad. There it was in all its glory.
"Positions Vacant - Teacher - Private Institution.
An exclusive, specialty preparatory school has a current opening for a teacher of Modern History and Social Studies. The position will entail the instruction of a co-ed student body, between the ages of 11 and 18 years of age, in the recent history of the U.K, Western Europe and North America. In addition, the incumbent will be required to provide instruction regarding the social customs and morals of 20th Century culture in our global society.
In order to fulfil staffing requirements, the incumbent must also be qualified in physical fitness, martial arts and should have recent (within the past 2 years) active military experience. Employment would commence as soon as possible."
It was as if they had created the position just for her. She leaned forward to send her resume in reply, feeling the excitement one might feel in knowing they were going to ace an exam as soon as they saw the first question. It took only a few clicks of the mouse to prepare the e-mail reply. She looked at the address line and frowned 'quidditchballs3@hotmail.com
"What the hell was Quidditch" she wondered. "Must be one of those strange Briticisms," she decided and filed it away in her Trivial Pursuit brain cell.
Send! There, it was done. Now, it was time to wait and see what the answer would be.
Phaelan walked over to her music collection and selected a tape of her favourite loud music. The Doobie Brothers, perfect! Pouring herself a nice strong drink, Captain Morgan's Navy rum and Pepsi, Phaelan began to dance around the flat. Life was looking up!
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Dr. Granger DDS received another incoming notice to the odd address he had set up for Hogwarts. He had a scholar's understanding of what Quidditch was and knew Wizards held it in the same esteem as Muggles did soccer. The balls3 he didn't get, ah well.
Arthur Weasley got a fellytone call from Hermione's father advising of the latest response to the job listing. The ministry maintained a phone for Muggles to use when quick communication was necessary with the Wizarding community. An arrangement was made for Arthur to floo to the Granger's home that evening to pick it up. He loved visiting the Grangers home to see and experience the native Muggles in their habitat. Not to mention the good single malt one might expect to be offered.
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The owl tapped on the kitchen window to let Remus know he had mail. When the window was opened, the owl hopped in and extended his leg. Lupin fed the bird an owl treat and took the scroll. It was from Arthur telling him he was coming to Grimmauld place later that Friday evening with good news. Lupin hoped it was for the job but he was becoming doubtful of the odds of finding a candidate.
Late on Friday, the two men looked over the CV of the most recent applicant and for once, they felt there was some hope Dumbledore's plan would work.
"What do you think Remus?" asked Arthur, "Should we let Dumbledore know? This is by far the best letter we've yet received."
"Yes, I think this time we should let him know before we interview this person...did they say whether they were male or female?" wondered Remus looking over the page in front of him.
"No," replied Arthur, "Muggles aren't required to give that information nor their age or race; something about equality and civil rights." At this, both men laughed. The concept of equality to wizards had more to do with how fast and how well you could use your wand and into which family you were born. Nepotism was alive and well in the Wizarding government.
"Never mind, I'll send an owl off to Dumbledore in the morning and you get Dr. Granger to reply with a date and time for our interview." Lupin decided.
"Right you are then," answered Arthur, "now where did you hide the Firewhiskey?" looking in all the usual hiding spots. Molly was forever finding and confiscating the stuff.
Saturday morning found Phaelan at the Naval air base south of London for her session of flying. She needed to put in two hours per month to keep active. This was really no burden, as flying was akin to breathing for her. It gave her a sense of freedom, which is what had pulled her towards it in the first place. Phaelan's grandfather had given her flying lessons as a present, just before he had suddenly died. She would be eternally thankful for that one gift.
After the flying session was over, she jumped in her car and returned home. There had been no answer to her job application so far and she had thought that perhaps there was no longer a job available. There had been no time to check her e-mail this morning and she hoped there may yet be a reply waiting.
Stopping off at a favourite restaurant, Phaelan picked up some Chinese take-away for lunch. The weather had turned and rain was threatening; time to get home. She walked into her apartment throwing her keys on the kitchen counter. Picking up her Chinese food and chopsticks, Phaelan walked to her PC and logged on. Her e-mail indicated she had incoming mail. Popping some Lemon chicken into her mouth, she clicked her e-mail open. There it was a reply to her application. Putting down her container of food, she wiped her hands on her jeans.
The reply began:
"Greetings,
Thank you for your application for the position of Teacher of Modern History.
We have reviewed your current Curriculum Vitae and are most impressed with your qualifications. While never having held a position as teacher before, your experience would appear to be sufficient in other areas to overlook this lack.
To further assess your suitability and to provide you with any information you require regarding our institution, we request you to attend a personal interview with two of our faculty.
You are invited to meet with Prof. R. Lupin and Mr. A. Weasley at 10:00 am on Thursday next, June 26, 1997 at 1313 Gandalf Lane, W.Biblios Book Exchange. Please mention you have an appointment regarding Hogwarts to the clerk in attendance.
We look forward to meeting you.
Regards
Pr.R. Lupin
Hogwarts S.W.W"
"I got an interview, yes!" Phaelan pumped her fist in the air. "Wa Hoo!" She sat clapping like a 6 year old at a birthday party. If any who knew her were to see her, they would not have recognized the woman before them. Going to the music tapes, she selected 'Celebrate' by Kool and the gang and played it loudly. Singing at the top of her voice and dancing around the flat, Phaelan let go of some of the energy she had stored in expectation of a decline outright. Maybe with the kids, she could show that part of herself her grandmother loved. The funny, sarcastic, smart and talented person she was. It was time to come out of the cocoon and spread her wings. It was time.
Later that night, she lay in bed; sleep eluding her. She hadn't felt this nervous in years. She wished morning would come soon and in the mean time began to go over her interview in her mind. Somewhere in the process she finally fell asleep...
...There was a figure; dark, just far enough away she couldn't make out any features. Then there was a voice 'I have waited, unknowing, for the part of me that is missing. We are of a kind. How great is the payment you seek? How will you barter?' The figure began to leave as she felt herself shout....
..."Wait" she shouted herself awake; just a dream. Phaelan turned and looked at the clock; time to get up.
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Albus Dumbledore looked over the CV handed to him by Remus.
"It certainly looks impressive," said the Headmaster. "I wonder how someone with so much academic study would have been taken with the military? It would seem this person is a study in contrasts." He looked over his glasses at Remus and Arthur, "I wish we knew the gender and age of this person."
"In today's Muggle society, that is not supposed to make much difference in selecting a candidate for a job." Arthur offered.
"You know that's not true, Arthur. I will admit that it will be the character of this person that will finally determine their qualification for the job. Whomever we chose, must be able to command respect and loyalty. That usually comes with age." Dumbledore looked at the page in front of him once again. "I think I will ask Severus to perform Legilimency on our candidate."
"Albus that is an extremely intimate and invasive thing to do to a stranger," warned Remus.
"Be that as it may, Remus. If this person cannot endure this contact with one of our strongest allies, they will not likely have the fortitude to last against Deatheaters and Voldemort." Albus stood and walked to his window. "This Muggle must be stronger than we are. They must have the strongest of convictions and the will to act on them. Indeed, the person we seek would be formidable in any situation. I fervently hope we've found our teacher."
Changing the subject slightly, Remus asked, "If we decide this person is truly a candidate, when did you want to schedule the meeting with you."
"You've decided that if the applicant seems suitable, that you will reveal Magic to them at your interview, is that correct?" asked Dumbledore.
"I should think that seeing their reaction to magic, presented in that manner, should reveal a great deal about them." Arthur nodded to Remus. "We'll do the usual spell to prevent any discussion of the school or magic outside the bookstore."
'Good luck, gentlemen," he said, "If all goes well, and I'll see you on Friday at 10:00am."
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Thursday morning, Phaelan rose at 6:00am. The night before, she had gone through her wardrobe looking for something to wear for the interview. Being in the Navy had meant she didn't need a large selection of civvy outfits. In fact, most of her leave clothes were jeans, khakis, tee-shirts and the like.
When shopping, Phaelan had tended to go for a few quality pieces rather than a quantity of the latest fashion. Now, she wished she'd gone looking for something new. After showering, she agonized over her hair. Up or down; severe or soft. God, she didn't want to look like an old schoolmarm, but she did want an air of professionalism. Finally, she left in down and simply pulled the sides back in combs; casual but practical. OK, now the clothes.
Black wool worsted with white shirt cuffs folded over the outer sleeves, NO! Dress of small floral print and matching cardigan. God no! I look like Maryanne from Gilligan's Island. Royal blue pantsuit with a light blue tank top, Hmm. Black dress boots and purse, OK! Then, Savta's locket for luck. Finally, Phaelan stood back and looked at herself in the mirror.
Jeez, she thought, you'd think I'd never had a job interview before. In reality, she'd never had one like this and consequently, she was scared stiff. She looked at her watch, 9:25 am. The briefcase had been packed the night before with all relevant documents. She was ready to go.
Taking a deep breath, Phaelan grabbed the briefcase, her purse, and keys along with a map printed from the internet, to find her way to the location of the interview. It turned out the shop wasn't far away and she made it there with 10 minutes to spare.
Better early than late, she thought, makes a good impression. She got out of the car and locked the doors. She looked up at the shops' exterior. It was old, very old and had not seen paint for a while. The windows were covered in the ubiquitous London grime and gave little away as to what the interior might be like.
Taking a deep breath, Phaelan opened the door to enter. She heard an old-fashioned bell tinkle to warn that someone had entered. There was no one behind the counter at the moment. Phaelan approached and placed her briefcase on the scarred wooden surface. Closing her eyes and inhaling, she was taken back to her childhood and her grandparent's library in Maine. This shop had the same scent of old books, a mixture of dust and old paper. It smelled like home.
"May I help you Miss?" An older man wearing what appeared to be a smoking jacket and skull cap had appeared behind the counter.
Phaelan blinked in surprise. "I'm here to meet some people from Hogwarts." she replied, pulling a print of the e-mail letter from her briefcase.
"That's alright Miss, you're expected. You're a couple of minutes early, though."
The old man looked at her expectantly. "Why don't you browse our selection of books while you wait?" he offered. "Just don't touch the book if you hear it growl or see it move. You should be safe enough." He smiled.
Phaelan looked at the clerk thinking, "Not all there." But instead she replied,"Thank you."
She walked over to the book stacks and began looking at titles. The subject listed at the end of one of the shelves was History. Looking at the spines of the books, Phaelan began to frown at the titles; 'Goblins and Gold, a history of your monetary system' and 'Great moments in the downfall of Grindelwald - an abridged history of the Wizengamuts' overthrow of the Dark Lord'. She moved to the next row, Homes and Household, 'Basic charms for the newlywed,' and, 'Renovate your home - keys to removing ghosts and ghouls'. Phaelan had a strange feeling creeping up her spine, her fight or flight instinct was coming on line.
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Remus and Arthur had met at Grimmauld Place and apparated to the shop on Gandalf Lane. They appeared in the back alley and entered through the rear. Arthur went to the office they were using for the interviews to make it ready while Remus went into the front to meet the applicant.
"Has anyone shown up yet, Ivan?" asked Lupin.
"Yes." replied the elderly shopkeeper. "Go look down in the H section, I haven't heard any screams yet." He turned away snickering to himself.
Remus went to the section the clerk had said the person had wandered into. There, perched on a ladder, was a young woman peering intently at the titles on the shelves. She was completely engrossed in her task and didn't notice the company in the aisle. Remus took the time to study the reactions of this woman to the books in front of her. Clearly, she had looked at the titles and was a little confused, but undaunted.
Phaelan had climbed the ladder to look at the titles on higher levels. 'Horrors overcome - Creatures not to be touched by you'. Phaelan reached out, thinking to take and open the book, when the volume began to shake and growl. She pulled her hand away quickly.
"Hello," said a gentle voice from in front of her. Phaelan drew her eyes away from the shelf to meet the brown eyes of a smiling man.
"Let me help you down." The man extended his hand and assisted her to the floor. "That book always had an inflated idea of itself," he commented calmly.
Phaelan didn't know what to make of him. She followed him out of the stacks towards the counter.
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Remus Lupin. I am an erstwhile teacher at the school you've applied to and I have a long time connection there." Remus gently took her hand and shook it.
"How do you do," replied Phaelan, still a bit shaken from her experience.
"Let's go into the back office and meet my friend. He will be completely overcome by you." Remus grinned in anticipation. "I don't think either of us was expecting anyone like you to apply for the job."
Remus led the way into a room at the back of the shop. Phaelan, with her briefcase firmly in hand, squared her shoulders and followed.
"I'd like to present Arthur Weasley, a member of the board of governors for the school."
Phaelan stepped forward and extended her hand. "How do you do Mr. Weasley?"
Arthur stood gaping at the vision in front of him. Here stood a lovely young woman, certainly no older than his eldest son. The picture didn't seem to fit the person described in the CV.
"Arthur?" prodded Lupin much to Phaelan's amusement.
"Oh! Yes of course. And you are?" Arthur looked to Remus.
"I didn't get your name yet, did I?" said Remus.
"Phaelan McKenzie." She replied, now feeling she had entered the Twilight Zone.
"That would be Lt. Phaelan McKenzie?" asked Arthur.
"Yes" she replied "but I'm currently on reserve status awaiting my final discharge."
"Lt P. A. S. McKenzie USN. Please, sit down. Tell me Lt., how did one as young as you, manage to garner such wide experience in so few years?" Remus had her resume in front of him. Her appearance and her CV hardly made any sense.
"I had the benefit of being home schooled by my mother and with tutors. I completed my elementary education before I turned 12." Phaelan cast back to her adolescence. "I was participating in elite sports by then and I was tutored in my secondary education while I travelled to competitions and exhibitions. There was little else to do, so I completed the required levels for high school graduation quickly, by 14 years old in fact."
"Indeed, Miss McKenzie, you had achieved two degree's before the age of 20?"
wondered Arthur. "This is a huge accomplishment, is it not?"
"On the face of it, I suppose it appears so. There is a great deal of history, not covered in the resume, which I am not prepared to go into." Phaelan was becoming uncomfortable with the discussion. "I have all the relevant certification and transcripts with me if you wish to confirm....."
"No, no, Miss McKenzie," interjected Lupin, "We do not doubt your veracity, we are simply astounded by your accomplishments."
Mr. Weasley continued to look over the resume. "What exactly was your last assignment in the Navy, Miss McKenzie?" He was a bit confused over some of what he had read.
"I flew Tomcats off an aircraft carrier stationed in the Mediterranean for the past two years. I'm not permitted to say more than that, military secrets and all that if you know what I mean."
"Indeed," answered Remus, "Tomcat, Miss McKenzie?"
"An F14D jet fighter capable of Mach 2.3......" Phaelan stopped at the looks of confusion on the faces of the men before her. "A really fast jet plane, that was based on a really big ship, with a airstrip on the deck."
"Ah," responded Lupin.
"Why don't we get on to what our school stands for and what is required of the faculty," suggested Arthur. He turned to Remus with a knowing look.
"Yes, of course, Arthur." Remus looked at the young woman in front of him with consideration. "Hogwarts is a co-educational boarding school, which caters to students from a very elite stratum of society. The faculty is expected to live at the school for the better part of the school year."
"I had expected as much. I would need one day off a month to fulfil my reservist obligations," said Phaelan. "Would that be a problem?'
"I shouldn't think so, Miss McKenzie," replied Mr. Weasley, "The teachers are allowed time off after all."
"I have one last question if I may....what exactly makes your student body so unique?" she asked.
Remus thought about his answer carefully. They hadn't got this far in an interview before. There was something about this girl that caused him to trust her and he decided to take the plunge.
"For someone like yourself, there would need to be a period of orientation, in order for you to become comfortable with our institution and for the staff to become accustomed to you. Not only that, there would be a need for special accommodation, for someone like yourself to.....live and participate fully at the school." Remus sat back and observed the woman in front of him.
This answer struck Phaelan as odd and she said as much. Arthur and Remus exchanged looks.
"Miss McKenzie, when you were very young, did your parents tell you wondrous stories of witches and wizards, good and bad, who had fantastic powers and abilities?" asked Arthur.
Phaelan who had very little in the way of fantasy allowed as a child, remembered her Savta's tales of the Kabbalah, and answered, "Yes, I remember some."
"What if we were to tell you, such things actually existed?" asked Remus.
Phaelan sat back in her chair and pondered the books she had just browsed.
"Are you thirsty, Miss McKenzie," Asked Arthur. He reached into his sleeve, withdrew a slender piece of wood, and waved it over the desk. A complete tea service appeared on the surface.
"Accio book," Called Remus.
Before she could turn her head, a large book flew past her head and landed in Remus' hand.
"It's real," whispered Phaelan. "There is real magic in the world, it's not fantasy is it?"
This was not the reaction either of the wizards expected. Before them sat a young woman, with tears flowing down her cheeks; she looked up at them with a plea in her eyes.
"Please tell me this is real? Please tell me she wasn't wrong all those years ago?"
Remus came around the table to Phaelan's side and knelt.
"Who was she?" he asked gently, while he passed a handkerchief to her.
"When I was very young, my grandmother told me tales of her grandfather. About how he could walk through walls and make objects appear and disappear." She wiped her face and blew her nose. "I had thought, as I got older, she had created fairy tales for me. Now looking back on it, she was trying to teach me something."
Remus returned to his side of the table.
"Savta told me her grandfather was part of the Kabbalah. I knew he was a Rabbi but being catholic and very young, I thought the Kabbalah was like the Vatican or something. I've not really thought about it since then." Her tears had stopped.
'Miss McKenzie, it is possible that your great, great grandfather was a Wizard and it may be possible to confirm this for you. Many Muggles are related to witches or wizards and don't know it."
Arthur was amazed at how easily this woman had accepted magic. It was as if she was waiting to hear about it all her life. Perhaps she was.
"What is a Muggle?" Phaelan asked.
"A Muggle, is a person who is neither witch nor wizard, and whose parents were not magical," answered Lupin.
"So, then; we need you to meet with the Headmaster and some other faculty members, Miss McKenzie." Arthur had steered the meeting back to business.
"Yes," said Lupin, "Are you available tomorrow to visit Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for another interview? We are anxious to have you begin your orientation, if you are accepted." Remus had already accepted her as the one in his mind.
"Yes, that would be fine. What time?" she asked.
"Well the interview is at 10:00 am but it will be in Scotland so we'll need a few minutes to travel," answered Arthur.
"Scotland is over 400 miles away," stated an incredulous Phaelan. "I'd need to get a flight tonight."
Both men chuckled. "Don't worry Miss McKenzie, just be here for 9:30 tomorrow and we'll be there in plenty time," replied Remus.
"Do you still have your Navy Uniform?' asked Arthur.
"Yes. Why?" Phaelan asked.
"I think that it might make quite an impression, if you wear it tomorrow." Arthur had a mysterious smile on his face.
"Yes, indeed," agreed Lupin. "Let me see you to your car." He rose and walked to the door ready to see her out.
Picking up her briefcase, Phaelan turned to Arthur Weasley and asked, "Will you both be there tomorrow?"
"We will escort you, Miss McKenzie. You've no reason to be concerned." Arthur answered. Phaelan nodded and walked to the door with Remus.
Lupin led her out of the shop to her car and stood behind her. He looked around before pulling out his wand and muttering an incantation. Phaelan felt a tingling sensation pass over her. She turned and saw Remus tucking away his wand in his sleeve.
"What did you do?" she was clearly disturbed.
"Just taking a small precaution, Miss McKenzie, it wouldn't do to have our secrets shared with just anyone. Try to say Hogwarts, Miss McKenzie?"
Phaelan opened her mouth to comply. "Hoooomefries.....Hogtttttttied.......HHow did you do that?" she finally asked, her rabid curiosity taking over.
"Oh, it's magic." Remus smiled. "One more thing, you shouldn't bring your car tomorrow. We don't know how long you'll be gone and I'd hate to see you get a fine. Until tomorrow Miss McKenzie."
"Until tomorrow, Professor." Phaelan climbed into her car and returned home.
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After meeting with Phaelan, Arthur and Remus apparated immediately to Hogwarts. They were anxious to share with the Headmaster and the committee, the news that they had found a viable candidate for the position. While walking from the apparation point to the office, they had agreed that the gender and age of the young woman should be kept secret, until she was finally introduced. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day to say the least.
Phaelan entered her flat still reeling from the revelations of her past hour. She changed out of her business attire into shorts and crop top; there was no air-conditioning in the flat. Walking out to the roof top patio from her bedroom, she sat in the shade still afforded by a taller, neighbouring building and contemplated what her decision would wrought.
"Oh, Savta, you tried to tell me but I was too young. How I wish you were here today. I would plead, beg for these people to let you see their world." Phaelan's memories swirled around in her mind. Moments in time coming forward, unbidden, to remind her vividly of the happy times spent in Maine.
The more she contemplated on her decision, the more Phaelan wondered about the motivations of the people looking for someone like her.
Why would people with such power need someone who is so much weaker, to teach their children, she pondered. There is more to this than what is on the face of it.
Phaelan may have been young in years, but she had experienced enough manipulation in her life to be sceptical of every situation, wary of every friendly face. Tomorrow promised to be interesting to say the least.
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Later that evening, Severus sat pondering the meeting from earlier that day. He knew that the Headmaster's proposal had merit, but the thought of bringing a Muggle into the fold, caused him no end of torment. It wasn't that Muggles were incapable by any means, but when confronted by the powers of combined dark wizards, Muggles had nary a chance to protect themselves. He knew of no Muggle invention that could deflect magic. It felt like one more burden added to his already heavy load.
Snape went to bed, hoping sleep would remove his headache. He tossed and turned but sleep eluded him. He began to work through what he would suggest to the headmaster as appropriate questions for the applicant. Somewhere during the process he fell asleep...
There was a figure; dark, just far enough away he couldn't make out any features. Then there was a voice 'I have waited, unknowing, for the part of me that is missing. We are of a kind. How great is the payment you seek? How will you barter?' The figure began to leave as he felt himself shout....
"Wait" he shouted himself awake; just a dream. Snape turned and looked at the clock; time to get up.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
A/N
My first fic, Please read and review. Thank you to my reviewers - you know who you are. We're not at Hogwarts yet
AA/N Savta is Grandmother in Hebrew.
Chapter 2
Phaelan had returned home to the US to tie up loose ends and begin her 3 weeks of shore leave before her official status change became effective. Many of her personal belongings had been stored at her grandparent's home in Maine. The rustic house had become hers when her grandmother passed away, shortly after Phaelan's graduation from Naval College.
In the middle of May, with everything she thought she would need for her life in the UK packed in two large cases, Phaelan left to catch a MAT flight to London, England. Her father had bought a flat in London to stay at on his many business trips there. It didn't happen often, but for now, Phaelan was thankful for her parent's affluence. She contacted the landlord and arranged to open the flat.
Arriving unceremoniously at the RAF base in East Anglia, she made her way to a taxi rank and hailed a cab. The London cabby, with his usual banter, tried to share the Knowledge with her. She let the running commentary flow over her without comment.
"Pardon my being forward, miss," started the cabby, "but you seem a mite quiet for someone comin' to London town?"
Phaelan realized the cabby had changed his usual patter and looked up. "Pardon?" she asked.
'I said, for someone coming to the most excitin' city in the world, you don't have much to say. You not lookin' forward to your time here or somethin'?" He looked in the rear-view mirror at his fare.
Phaelan laughed. "Nothing like that; I plan to make my home over here for a while. I've just got a lot to think about." She looked out the window at the passing River Thames. "I'm looking forward to opening a new chapter in my life."
"Well ducks," the cabby declared, "you couldn't have picked a better spot. London has somefin' for everyone; you wait and see."
The taxi pulled up at an upscale townhouse, which had been divided into separate flats.
"That's Fifteen pound forty five and I'll give you a hand wiv your luggage." The driver got out, lifted her cases to the front of the building, and rang the bell. Phaelan pulled out twenty pounds and paid her fare.
"Keep the change." She said.
"Thank you kindly, miss, and the best of luck." The cabby lifted his cap and returned to the taxi as the front door opened and the landlady met Phaelan.
"I'll have the porter take your luggage upstairs, Miss McKenzie. Welcome to London."
Phaelan followed the affable woman into the building, feeling suddenly tired and needing sleep.
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Arthur Weasley and Remus Lupin sat with the Headmaster in his office at Hogwarts. They made a dejected picture. They were each contemplating a glass of brandy, commiserating on their perceived failure.
"I don't think I've cast as many memory charms, in such a short period of time, on so many Muggles," said Lupin, voicing his defeat.
"Do you think we're asking for too much?" wondered Arthur, "After all, what use would a fighting soldier have for all that history and social science stuff. Too busy looking after his backside."
"I always thought the great military leaders of our time were highly intelligent," ruminated Lupin, "Lawrence of Arabia, Churchill, Schwarzkopf....."
"Stalin, Hitler, Tojo, Mao...,"continued Dumbledore. "Let's not equate military prowess with civilized discourse and moral rectitude. I refuse to believe there is not someone who can fill the bill at our school," declared the Headmaster.
"You know, that SAS fellow was very promising," offered Arthur.
"Remember what we found out though, Arthur?" Remus sat forward on his chair.
Dumbledore asked, "What was that?"
"Turned out, this fellow was a homosexual paedophile, that got his jollies off watching little boys fellate each other," said Lupin with a grimace.
"I doubt he would have lasted very long in Hogwarts with our Slytherins, eh?" Dumbledore looked over his half moon glasses at his friends.
Lupin laughed, "I think there would be a few tricks some Slytherins I know could teach that pervert; would have served him right if we'd have hired him." He snickered into his brandy snifter.
Arthur looked at his glass. "I think we've had enough of this stuff."
"Quite right," said Dumbledore, "let's continue until the end of term and see what happens, hmm?"
All parties agreed leaning back with satisfied, brandy-warmth blushing their cheeks.
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Phaelan settled into her English life. She had arranged with the RAF base at Mildenhall to set up her flying schedule and rented a car. She bought her first PC, setting up the internet immediately. The late spring weather was dry and pleasant, encouraging walks about the neighbourhood. She became familiar with local merchants and citizens.
As a child, Phaelan had accompanied her grandmother on shopping expeditions to buy wonderful fresh produce for the delicious meals her Savta made. Being from the Old Country meant Savta was used to cooking from scratch, in the kosher style. Savta was her sanctuary. Her grandmother loved her unconditionally. She sang to the little girl, taught her about the Jewish religion and traditions, always reminding her, it was their secret.
She shared her knowledge of Hebrew, the Torah and Kabbalah.
Papa, father and mother insisted on the strict old style Catholicism being adhered to, always. Punishment for anything involved the strap and prayer. Even her Italian grandparents from her mother's side were of this miserable religion, which seemed to have no joy. The unrelenting demands of perfection made up Phaelan's life from birth to her teens. Even her home based education was governed by the rules. The only relief to her angst-ridden childhood was with her Savta and her kitchen.
After a satisfying afternoon of shopping, Phaelan returned home and stored her shopping away. Walking over to her sound system, she selected some Yanni to listen to. Edgy enough, but soothing as well.
'Time to surf for a job' she thought to herself, as she logged on to her PC and brought up the browser. There were several sites and she had yet to hit them all. It wasn't as though a job was an immediate necessity. Her back pay and endowment from her parents' estate could support her quite comfortably for a while. There was simply an ingrained need to be useful, left over from growing up in a house where everything was regimented - lessons, prayer, exercise, recreation, prayer again, diet, etiquette.
While waiting for her online search to complete, Phaelan looked back over her growing years. It seemed as though she was always under someone else's control. Her opinion was never sought on anything. Elementary education was done at home with her mother and tutors. Excellence was the minimum standard; private lessons in music, dance, swimming and figure skating. Ah, the bane of every poor little rich girl, everything she might dream of and more. Except, these were not Phaelan's dreams and she did not have the luxury of having a tantrum when she didn't get her way. Mother had a dream of a perfect child and Phaelan would fulfil that dream, regardless of the nightmares she lived. God help the daughter who disobeyed.
The search engine finally came up with a number of options of job sites. Perusing the list, she came across an site for exclusive private schools and quickly brought up the site. There were a number of jobs, many of which required previous teaching experience. Some schools needed teachers for subjects she was clearly not qualified to instruct. She continued down the list. The top listings, the most recent, had positions which began in late August or early September. There were a couple for jobs over the summer months.
One had looked quite promising, with a lovely location on the Isle of Jersey. Phaelan became quite excited and clicked on the website link. No, definitely not, she thought. As uninhibited and laid back as a modern woman could possibly be; Phaelan could not see herself teaching in a nudist colony. I wonder who has the contract to provide sunscreen for that school, Phaelan mused, giggling inwardly.
She continued down the list, almost to the bottom and there, right below the listing for a job in a girl's school in Libya, was the one. It had been posted in May and so Phaelan wondered if perhaps it has already been taken. Maybe they had just forgotten to delete the ad. There it was in all its glory.
"Positions Vacant - Teacher - Private Institution.
An exclusive, specialty preparatory school has a current opening for a teacher of Modern History and Social Studies. The position will entail the instruction of a co-ed student body, between the ages of 11 and 18 years of age, in the recent history of the U.K, Western Europe and North America. In addition, the incumbent will be required to provide instruction regarding the social customs and morals of 20th Century culture in our global society.
In order to fulfil staffing requirements, the incumbent must also be qualified in physical fitness, martial arts and should have recent (within the past 2 years) active military experience. Employment would commence as soon as possible."
It was as if they had created the position just for her. She leaned forward to send her resume in reply, feeling the excitement one might feel in knowing they were going to ace an exam as soon as they saw the first question. It took only a few clicks of the mouse to prepare the e-mail reply. She looked at the address line and frowned 'quidditchballs3@hotmail.com
"What the hell was Quidditch" she wondered. "Must be one of those strange Briticisms," she decided and filed it away in her Trivial Pursuit brain cell.
Send! There, it was done. Now, it was time to wait and see what the answer would be.
Phaelan walked over to her music collection and selected a tape of her favourite loud music. The Doobie Brothers, perfect! Pouring herself a nice strong drink, Captain Morgan's Navy rum and Pepsi, Phaelan began to dance around the flat. Life was looking up!
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Dr. Granger DDS received another incoming notice to the odd address he had set up for Hogwarts. He had a scholar's understanding of what Quidditch was and knew Wizards held it in the same esteem as Muggles did soccer. The balls3 he didn't get, ah well.
Arthur Weasley got a fellytone call from Hermione's father advising of the latest response to the job listing. The ministry maintained a phone for Muggles to use when quick communication was necessary with the Wizarding community. An arrangement was made for Arthur to floo to the Granger's home that evening to pick it up. He loved visiting the Grangers home to see and experience the native Muggles in their habitat. Not to mention the good single malt one might expect to be offered.
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The owl tapped on the kitchen window to let Remus know he had mail. When the window was opened, the owl hopped in and extended his leg. Lupin fed the bird an owl treat and took the scroll. It was from Arthur telling him he was coming to Grimmauld place later that Friday evening with good news. Lupin hoped it was for the job but he was becoming doubtful of the odds of finding a candidate.
Late on Friday, the two men looked over the CV of the most recent applicant and for once, they felt there was some hope Dumbledore's plan would work.
"What do you think Remus?" asked Arthur, "Should we let Dumbledore know? This is by far the best letter we've yet received."
"Yes, I think this time we should let him know before we interview this person...did they say whether they were male or female?" wondered Remus looking over the page in front of him.
"No," replied Arthur, "Muggles aren't required to give that information nor their age or race; something about equality and civil rights." At this, both men laughed. The concept of equality to wizards had more to do with how fast and how well you could use your wand and into which family you were born. Nepotism was alive and well in the Wizarding government.
"Never mind, I'll send an owl off to Dumbledore in the morning and you get Dr. Granger to reply with a date and time for our interview." Lupin decided.
"Right you are then," answered Arthur, "now where did you hide the Firewhiskey?" looking in all the usual hiding spots. Molly was forever finding and confiscating the stuff.
Saturday morning found Phaelan at the Naval air base south of London for her session of flying. She needed to put in two hours per month to keep active. This was really no burden, as flying was akin to breathing for her. It gave her a sense of freedom, which is what had pulled her towards it in the first place. Phaelan's grandfather had given her flying lessons as a present, just before he had suddenly died. She would be eternally thankful for that one gift.
After the flying session was over, she jumped in her car and returned home. There had been no answer to her job application so far and she had thought that perhaps there was no longer a job available. There had been no time to check her e-mail this morning and she hoped there may yet be a reply waiting.
Stopping off at a favourite restaurant, Phaelan picked up some Chinese take-away for lunch. The weather had turned and rain was threatening; time to get home. She walked into her apartment throwing her keys on the kitchen counter. Picking up her Chinese food and chopsticks, Phaelan walked to her PC and logged on. Her e-mail indicated she had incoming mail. Popping some Lemon chicken into her mouth, she clicked her e-mail open. There it was a reply to her application. Putting down her container of food, she wiped her hands on her jeans.
The reply began:
"Greetings,
Thank you for your application for the position of Teacher of Modern History.
We have reviewed your current Curriculum Vitae and are most impressed with your qualifications. While never having held a position as teacher before, your experience would appear to be sufficient in other areas to overlook this lack.
To further assess your suitability and to provide you with any information you require regarding our institution, we request you to attend a personal interview with two of our faculty.
You are invited to meet with Prof. R. Lupin and Mr. A. Weasley at 10:00 am on Thursday next, June 26, 1997 at 1313 Gandalf Lane, W.Biblios Book Exchange. Please mention you have an appointment regarding Hogwarts to the clerk in attendance.
We look forward to meeting you.
Regards
Pr.R. Lupin
Hogwarts S.W.W"
"I got an interview, yes!" Phaelan pumped her fist in the air. "Wa Hoo!" She sat clapping like a 6 year old at a birthday party. If any who knew her were to see her, they would not have recognized the woman before them. Going to the music tapes, she selected 'Celebrate' by Kool and the gang and played it loudly. Singing at the top of her voice and dancing around the flat, Phaelan let go of some of the energy she had stored in expectation of a decline outright. Maybe with the kids, she could show that part of herself her grandmother loved. The funny, sarcastic, smart and talented person she was. It was time to come out of the cocoon and spread her wings. It was time.
Later that night, she lay in bed; sleep eluding her. She hadn't felt this nervous in years. She wished morning would come soon and in the mean time began to go over her interview in her mind. Somewhere in the process she finally fell asleep...
...There was a figure; dark, just far enough away she couldn't make out any features. Then there was a voice 'I have waited, unknowing, for the part of me that is missing. We are of a kind. How great is the payment you seek? How will you barter?' The figure began to leave as she felt herself shout....
..."Wait" she shouted herself awake; just a dream. Phaelan turned and looked at the clock; time to get up.
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Albus Dumbledore looked over the CV handed to him by Remus.
"It certainly looks impressive," said the Headmaster. "I wonder how someone with so much academic study would have been taken with the military? It would seem this person is a study in contrasts." He looked over his glasses at Remus and Arthur, "I wish we knew the gender and age of this person."
"In today's Muggle society, that is not supposed to make much difference in selecting a candidate for a job." Arthur offered.
"You know that's not true, Arthur. I will admit that it will be the character of this person that will finally determine their qualification for the job. Whomever we chose, must be able to command respect and loyalty. That usually comes with age." Dumbledore looked at the page in front of him once again. "I think I will ask Severus to perform Legilimency on our candidate."
"Albus that is an extremely intimate and invasive thing to do to a stranger," warned Remus.
"Be that as it may, Remus. If this person cannot endure this contact with one of our strongest allies, they will not likely have the fortitude to last against Deatheaters and Voldemort." Albus stood and walked to his window. "This Muggle must be stronger than we are. They must have the strongest of convictions and the will to act on them. Indeed, the person we seek would be formidable in any situation. I fervently hope we've found our teacher."
Changing the subject slightly, Remus asked, "If we decide this person is truly a candidate, when did you want to schedule the meeting with you."
"You've decided that if the applicant seems suitable, that you will reveal Magic to them at your interview, is that correct?" asked Dumbledore.
"I should think that seeing their reaction to magic, presented in that manner, should reveal a great deal about them." Arthur nodded to Remus. "We'll do the usual spell to prevent any discussion of the school or magic outside the bookstore."
'Good luck, gentlemen," he said, "If all goes well, and I'll see you on Friday at 10:00am."
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Thursday morning, Phaelan rose at 6:00am. The night before, she had gone through her wardrobe looking for something to wear for the interview. Being in the Navy had meant she didn't need a large selection of civvy outfits. In fact, most of her leave clothes were jeans, khakis, tee-shirts and the like.
When shopping, Phaelan had tended to go for a few quality pieces rather than a quantity of the latest fashion. Now, she wished she'd gone looking for something new. After showering, she agonized over her hair. Up or down; severe or soft. God, she didn't want to look like an old schoolmarm, but she did want an air of professionalism. Finally, she left in down and simply pulled the sides back in combs; casual but practical. OK, now the clothes.
Black wool worsted with white shirt cuffs folded over the outer sleeves, NO! Dress of small floral print and matching cardigan. God no! I look like Maryanne from Gilligan's Island. Royal blue pantsuit with a light blue tank top, Hmm. Black dress boots and purse, OK! Then, Savta's locket for luck. Finally, Phaelan stood back and looked at herself in the mirror.
Jeez, she thought, you'd think I'd never had a job interview before. In reality, she'd never had one like this and consequently, she was scared stiff. She looked at her watch, 9:25 am. The briefcase had been packed the night before with all relevant documents. She was ready to go.
Taking a deep breath, Phaelan grabbed the briefcase, her purse, and keys along with a map printed from the internet, to find her way to the location of the interview. It turned out the shop wasn't far away and she made it there with 10 minutes to spare.
Better early than late, she thought, makes a good impression. She got out of the car and locked the doors. She looked up at the shops' exterior. It was old, very old and had not seen paint for a while. The windows were covered in the ubiquitous London grime and gave little away as to what the interior might be like.
Taking a deep breath, Phaelan opened the door to enter. She heard an old-fashioned bell tinkle to warn that someone had entered. There was no one behind the counter at the moment. Phaelan approached and placed her briefcase on the scarred wooden surface. Closing her eyes and inhaling, she was taken back to her childhood and her grandparent's library in Maine. This shop had the same scent of old books, a mixture of dust and old paper. It smelled like home.
"May I help you Miss?" An older man wearing what appeared to be a smoking jacket and skull cap had appeared behind the counter.
Phaelan blinked in surprise. "I'm here to meet some people from Hogwarts." she replied, pulling a print of the e-mail letter from her briefcase.
"That's alright Miss, you're expected. You're a couple of minutes early, though."
The old man looked at her expectantly. "Why don't you browse our selection of books while you wait?" he offered. "Just don't touch the book if you hear it growl or see it move. You should be safe enough." He smiled.
Phaelan looked at the clerk thinking, "Not all there." But instead she replied,"Thank you."
She walked over to the book stacks and began looking at titles. The subject listed at the end of one of the shelves was History. Looking at the spines of the books, Phaelan began to frown at the titles; 'Goblins and Gold, a history of your monetary system' and 'Great moments in the downfall of Grindelwald - an abridged history of the Wizengamuts' overthrow of the Dark Lord'. She moved to the next row, Homes and Household, 'Basic charms for the newlywed,' and, 'Renovate your home - keys to removing ghosts and ghouls'. Phaelan had a strange feeling creeping up her spine, her fight or flight instinct was coming on line.
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Remus and Arthur had met at Grimmauld Place and apparated to the shop on Gandalf Lane. They appeared in the back alley and entered through the rear. Arthur went to the office they were using for the interviews to make it ready while Remus went into the front to meet the applicant.
"Has anyone shown up yet, Ivan?" asked Lupin.
"Yes." replied the elderly shopkeeper. "Go look down in the H section, I haven't heard any screams yet." He turned away snickering to himself.
Remus went to the section the clerk had said the person had wandered into. There, perched on a ladder, was a young woman peering intently at the titles on the shelves. She was completely engrossed in her task and didn't notice the company in the aisle. Remus took the time to study the reactions of this woman to the books in front of her. Clearly, she had looked at the titles and was a little confused, but undaunted.
Phaelan had climbed the ladder to look at the titles on higher levels. 'Horrors overcome - Creatures not to be touched by you'. Phaelan reached out, thinking to take and open the book, when the volume began to shake and growl. She pulled her hand away quickly.
"Hello," said a gentle voice from in front of her. Phaelan drew her eyes away from the shelf to meet the brown eyes of a smiling man.
"Let me help you down." The man extended his hand and assisted her to the floor. "That book always had an inflated idea of itself," he commented calmly.
Phaelan didn't know what to make of him. She followed him out of the stacks towards the counter.
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Remus Lupin. I am an erstwhile teacher at the school you've applied to and I have a long time connection there." Remus gently took her hand and shook it.
"How do you do," replied Phaelan, still a bit shaken from her experience.
"Let's go into the back office and meet my friend. He will be completely overcome by you." Remus grinned in anticipation. "I don't think either of us was expecting anyone like you to apply for the job."
Remus led the way into a room at the back of the shop. Phaelan, with her briefcase firmly in hand, squared her shoulders and followed.
"I'd like to present Arthur Weasley, a member of the board of governors for the school."
Phaelan stepped forward and extended her hand. "How do you do Mr. Weasley?"
Arthur stood gaping at the vision in front of him. Here stood a lovely young woman, certainly no older than his eldest son. The picture didn't seem to fit the person described in the CV.
"Arthur?" prodded Lupin much to Phaelan's amusement.
"Oh! Yes of course. And you are?" Arthur looked to Remus.
"I didn't get your name yet, did I?" said Remus.
"Phaelan McKenzie." She replied, now feeling she had entered the Twilight Zone.
"That would be Lt. Phaelan McKenzie?" asked Arthur.
"Yes" she replied "but I'm currently on reserve status awaiting my final discharge."
"Lt P. A. S. McKenzie USN. Please, sit down. Tell me Lt., how did one as young as you, manage to garner such wide experience in so few years?" Remus had her resume in front of him. Her appearance and her CV hardly made any sense.
"I had the benefit of being home schooled by my mother and with tutors. I completed my elementary education before I turned 12." Phaelan cast back to her adolescence. "I was participating in elite sports by then and I was tutored in my secondary education while I travelled to competitions and exhibitions. There was little else to do, so I completed the required levels for high school graduation quickly, by 14 years old in fact."
"Indeed, Miss McKenzie, you had achieved two degree's before the age of 20?"
wondered Arthur. "This is a huge accomplishment, is it not?"
"On the face of it, I suppose it appears so. There is a great deal of history, not covered in the resume, which I am not prepared to go into." Phaelan was becoming uncomfortable with the discussion. "I have all the relevant certification and transcripts with me if you wish to confirm....."
"No, no, Miss McKenzie," interjected Lupin, "We do not doubt your veracity, we are simply astounded by your accomplishments."
Mr. Weasley continued to look over the resume. "What exactly was your last assignment in the Navy, Miss McKenzie?" He was a bit confused over some of what he had read.
"I flew Tomcats off an aircraft carrier stationed in the Mediterranean for the past two years. I'm not permitted to say more than that, military secrets and all that if you know what I mean."
"Indeed," answered Remus, "Tomcat, Miss McKenzie?"
"An F14D jet fighter capable of Mach 2.3......" Phaelan stopped at the looks of confusion on the faces of the men before her. "A really fast jet plane, that was based on a really big ship, with a airstrip on the deck."
"Ah," responded Lupin.
"Why don't we get on to what our school stands for and what is required of the faculty," suggested Arthur. He turned to Remus with a knowing look.
"Yes, of course, Arthur." Remus looked at the young woman in front of him with consideration. "Hogwarts is a co-educational boarding school, which caters to students from a very elite stratum of society. The faculty is expected to live at the school for the better part of the school year."
"I had expected as much. I would need one day off a month to fulfil my reservist obligations," said Phaelan. "Would that be a problem?'
"I shouldn't think so, Miss McKenzie," replied Mr. Weasley, "The teachers are allowed time off after all."
"I have one last question if I may....what exactly makes your student body so unique?" she asked.
Remus thought about his answer carefully. They hadn't got this far in an interview before. There was something about this girl that caused him to trust her and he decided to take the plunge.
"For someone like yourself, there would need to be a period of orientation, in order for you to become comfortable with our institution and for the staff to become accustomed to you. Not only that, there would be a need for special accommodation, for someone like yourself to.....live and participate fully at the school." Remus sat back and observed the woman in front of him.
This answer struck Phaelan as odd and she said as much. Arthur and Remus exchanged looks.
"Miss McKenzie, when you were very young, did your parents tell you wondrous stories of witches and wizards, good and bad, who had fantastic powers and abilities?" asked Arthur.
Phaelan who had very little in the way of fantasy allowed as a child, remembered her Savta's tales of the Kabbalah, and answered, "Yes, I remember some."
"What if we were to tell you, such things actually existed?" asked Remus.
Phaelan sat back in her chair and pondered the books she had just browsed.
"Are you thirsty, Miss McKenzie," Asked Arthur. He reached into his sleeve, withdrew a slender piece of wood, and waved it over the desk. A complete tea service appeared on the surface.
"Accio book," Called Remus.
Before she could turn her head, a large book flew past her head and landed in Remus' hand.
"It's real," whispered Phaelan. "There is real magic in the world, it's not fantasy is it?"
This was not the reaction either of the wizards expected. Before them sat a young woman, with tears flowing down her cheeks; she looked up at them with a plea in her eyes.
"Please tell me this is real? Please tell me she wasn't wrong all those years ago?"
Remus came around the table to Phaelan's side and knelt.
"Who was she?" he asked gently, while he passed a handkerchief to her.
"When I was very young, my grandmother told me tales of her grandfather. About how he could walk through walls and make objects appear and disappear." She wiped her face and blew her nose. "I had thought, as I got older, she had created fairy tales for me. Now looking back on it, she was trying to teach me something."
Remus returned to his side of the table.
"Savta told me her grandfather was part of the Kabbalah. I knew he was a Rabbi but being catholic and very young, I thought the Kabbalah was like the Vatican or something. I've not really thought about it since then." Her tears had stopped.
'Miss McKenzie, it is possible that your great, great grandfather was a Wizard and it may be possible to confirm this for you. Many Muggles are related to witches or wizards and don't know it."
Arthur was amazed at how easily this woman had accepted magic. It was as if she was waiting to hear about it all her life. Perhaps she was.
"What is a Muggle?" Phaelan asked.
"A Muggle, is a person who is neither witch nor wizard, and whose parents were not magical," answered Lupin.
"So, then; we need you to meet with the Headmaster and some other faculty members, Miss McKenzie." Arthur had steered the meeting back to business.
"Yes," said Lupin, "Are you available tomorrow to visit Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for another interview? We are anxious to have you begin your orientation, if you are accepted." Remus had already accepted her as the one in his mind.
"Yes, that would be fine. What time?" she asked.
"Well the interview is at 10:00 am but it will be in Scotland so we'll need a few minutes to travel," answered Arthur.
"Scotland is over 400 miles away," stated an incredulous Phaelan. "I'd need to get a flight tonight."
Both men chuckled. "Don't worry Miss McKenzie, just be here for 9:30 tomorrow and we'll be there in plenty time," replied Remus.
"Do you still have your Navy Uniform?' asked Arthur.
"Yes. Why?" Phaelan asked.
"I think that it might make quite an impression, if you wear it tomorrow." Arthur had a mysterious smile on his face.
"Yes, indeed," agreed Lupin. "Let me see you to your car." He rose and walked to the door ready to see her out.
Picking up her briefcase, Phaelan turned to Arthur Weasley and asked, "Will you both be there tomorrow?"
"We will escort you, Miss McKenzie. You've no reason to be concerned." Arthur answered. Phaelan nodded and walked to the door with Remus.
Lupin led her out of the shop to her car and stood behind her. He looked around before pulling out his wand and muttering an incantation. Phaelan felt a tingling sensation pass over her. She turned and saw Remus tucking away his wand in his sleeve.
"What did you do?" she was clearly disturbed.
"Just taking a small precaution, Miss McKenzie, it wouldn't do to have our secrets shared with just anyone. Try to say Hogwarts, Miss McKenzie?"
Phaelan opened her mouth to comply. "Hoooomefries.....Hogtttttttied.......HHow did you do that?" she finally asked, her rabid curiosity taking over.
"Oh, it's magic." Remus smiled. "One more thing, you shouldn't bring your car tomorrow. We don't know how long you'll be gone and I'd hate to see you get a fine. Until tomorrow Miss McKenzie."
"Until tomorrow, Professor." Phaelan climbed into her car and returned home.
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After meeting with Phaelan, Arthur and Remus apparated immediately to Hogwarts. They were anxious to share with the Headmaster and the committee, the news that they had found a viable candidate for the position. While walking from the apparation point to the office, they had agreed that the gender and age of the young woman should be kept secret, until she was finally introduced. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day to say the least.
Phaelan entered her flat still reeling from the revelations of her past hour. She changed out of her business attire into shorts and crop top; there was no air-conditioning in the flat. Walking out to the roof top patio from her bedroom, she sat in the shade still afforded by a taller, neighbouring building and contemplated what her decision would wrought.
"Oh, Savta, you tried to tell me but I was too young. How I wish you were here today. I would plead, beg for these people to let you see their world." Phaelan's memories swirled around in her mind. Moments in time coming forward, unbidden, to remind her vividly of the happy times spent in Maine.
The more she contemplated on her decision, the more Phaelan wondered about the motivations of the people looking for someone like her.
Why would people with such power need someone who is so much weaker, to teach their children, she pondered. There is more to this than what is on the face of it.
Phaelan may have been young in years, but she had experienced enough manipulation in her life to be sceptical of every situation, wary of every friendly face. Tomorrow promised to be interesting to say the least.
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Later that evening, Severus sat pondering the meeting from earlier that day. He knew that the Headmaster's proposal had merit, but the thought of bringing a Muggle into the fold, caused him no end of torment. It wasn't that Muggles were incapable by any means, but when confronted by the powers of combined dark wizards, Muggles had nary a chance to protect themselves. He knew of no Muggle invention that could deflect magic. It felt like one more burden added to his already heavy load.
Snape went to bed, hoping sleep would remove his headache. He tossed and turned but sleep eluded him. He began to work through what he would suggest to the headmaster as appropriate questions for the applicant. Somewhere during the process he fell asleep...
There was a figure; dark, just far enough away he couldn't make out any features. Then there was a voice 'I have waited, unknowing, for the part of me that is missing. We are of a kind. How great is the payment you seek? How will you barter?' The figure began to leave as he felt himself shout....
"Wait" he shouted himself awake; just a dream. Snape turned and looked at the clock; time to get up.
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