Categories > Books > Harry Potter > The Part of me that is Missing
Phaelan comes in for a rough landing and meet's Hogwarts face on in her interview
2TrainWreck
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 finally at Hogwarts and the Ad Hoc committee is in for a surprise. Phaelan is not quite what they expected.
Let me know if I should continue this story because it takes a lot of energy out of a middle-aged business analyst. The next chapter is ready and a bit angsty and funny, if you want it. Some feed back please, good or bad.
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Phaelan again wakened early to prepare for her upcoming ordeal. It was easier than the previous day, in that she knew what her appearance would be. Arising and dressing in uniform had become second nature to her and afforded no stress.
After ensuring everything was still in order in her briefcase, Phaelan allowed herself a moment to relax. Walking to the refrigerator, she had thought to have a light breakfast. Yogurt, cheese or eggs, the very thought curdled her stomach. What time was it? She looked at her watch. It was just 8:00 am.
"OK, I have time to go to the coffee shop." She decided.
Gathering her briefcase and purse together, she headed out the front door. Starbucks had just opened an outlet in the yuppie neighbourhood and the thought of an iced latte was enticing. She picked up the morning rag and looked at the headlines. 'Mysterious fire engulfs seniors home.' 'Search for young teens continues.' Phaelan was often amused by British journalism. It was as much hard news as it was sensationalism. So it was, that she was not surprised by the main news headline, 'I felt my soul being sucked out through my mouth,' accompanied by the appropriate picture of the hapless victim of the attack. Phaelan snickered to herself as she sipped on the icy beverage, enjoying the morning sunlight upon the patio.
~~~~~~~~~
Arthur and Remus met together in the back office of the store awaiting the arrival of the next best thing to hit the Wizarding world since the Firebolt.
"How do you think this should go?" Arthur, for all his enthrallment with the Muggle world, was not innovative in his approach to any challenge.
"I think we should just introduce her and be done with it Arthur." Remus was looking forward to the upcoming meeting.
"Don't you think that Dumbledore will know what we're planning before we step foot in his office?" Arthur raised his eyebrows. He was convinced of Dumbledore's omniscience.
"Relax, Arthur. He knows we're bringing someone. As much as the Headmaster may think he's forward thinking; and given how old he is, that's not so far fetched; he's not likely to think of a woman for the job. He won't be looking past the part that we've arrived with said applicant safely." Remus poured tea for each of them.
"But, Remus, she's an American and young to boot. I wonder if what we're asking is fair or right." Arthur was thinking once more of his own family.
"It comes down to the committee and her in the long run Arthur. Let's wait and see." Remus looked at his watch and it was 9:25am.
~~~~~~~~~
Phaelan stepped out of the taxi in front of the dilapidated bookstore at 9:28am. The cabby had a dickens of a time finding the place. Paying the fare, Phaelan looked at herself in the storefront, pulled back her shoulders and straightened her cover (hat).
"By the left, quick march." She thought, as she strode forward and opened the door to a possible future.
"Good Morning Miss, the gents are waiting for you in the back room." The elderly clerk pointed to the doorway she had passed through the day before.
Phaelan walked past and entered the same room she had first met the wizards. Prof. Lupin and Mr. Weasley were there. She suddenly felt a huge knot of nerves take up residence in her stomach.
"Good morning Miss McKenzie." A smiling Mr. Weasley came forward extending his hand.
"I'm so glad you came, Miss McKenzie." Prof. Lupin also walked towards her but he seemed to sense her trepidation.
"Don't be afraid Miss McKenzie; there is no one who you will meet today who wishes you any harm." Lupin took her hand in his and held it. "Perhaps if you were to call us by our given names?"
"Yes, of course. Please, call me Arthur." Mr. Weasley looked with anticipation at the young woman.
"Arthur." Phaelan was still unsure of her status in all of this.
"And, please call me Remus." Lupin had still not let go of his hold on her hand and looked for her reaction.
"Remus." The soft brown eyes of the man holding her hand calmed her somewhat. "Please, call me Phaelan."
"Thank you Phaelan. Well we'd best be on our way; the port key is set for 9:45am." Said Arthur.
Looking at her watch, it read 9:43 but Phaelan had no clue what a port key was.
Arthur pulled out a container with the words McDonald's scribed across the top. To Phaelan, it looked like a piece of trash.
"It's all we had available on short notice I'm afraid," said Arthur, in an apologetic voice.
"Just hold on with one hand, Phaelan, and we'll be on our way," instructed Remus.
Incredulous, Phaelan reached out and took a hold of one side of the garbage. Almost immediately it felt as if someone had hooked her on a fishing line from behind her bellybutton. She was vaguely aware of motion whirling past her for a few seconds, and then the world suddenly stopped.... or maybe it was her. She had lost her footing when they arrived outside the gates to Hogwarts and was in an undignified sprawl on the ground. Phaelan was never so glad to not have eaten anything for breakfast. Even flying school had never left her feeling so disoriented.
Remus reached down to help a very dizzy Muggle to her feet. Arthur picked up her hat and briefcase. Phaelan looked around from her seat on the ground, completely confused.
"That was a port key," Remus explained. "We use it to travel between two points, fairly far apart, but in the same country, quickly. It leaves you a little dizzy if you're not use to it."
That's an understatement, thought Phaelan.
Arthur was brushing off her hat and assessing any damage to her. "Are you alright then?" he asked.
Rubbing her backside, under cover of brushing off her skirt, she replied, "I think so."
"Best get a leg on then," Remus called over his shoulder, turning to walk towards the iron gates, flanked by great statues of .....Hogs.
Passing through the gates, Phaelan got her first glimpse of the castle that was Hogwarts. She stopped, staring open mouthed, in awe at the wonder before her.
"You should see it at night time." Arthur watched the young woman, remembering his first time seeing the castle. "Come along, we don't want to be late." Her took her arm and urged her along.
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In the castle at the same moment, the remaining members of the ad hoc hiring committee were assembling in the Headmasters office. Tea and refreshments had been provided for the frazzled professors, who had just seen off the students for the summer break. There were no students in school over the summer this year, for a change. That would make it easier for the new Muggle teacher to become acquainted with the quirks of Hogwarts, without the further risk of being hexed as a joke by one of the bored adolescents.
"If we accept this Muggle, we'll need to make some accommodation for their lack of magic Albus," noted a concerned Minerva. "After all, there are some things we take for granted, like knowing how to light a fire or a candle."
"Everyone who comes to Hogwarts to stay has a period of adjustment, Minerva. The castle has a personality of its own. You know that." The Headmaster paused to scoop several spoonfuls of sugar into his tea making his staff grimace.
Sitting back he continued, "I'm sure we will come to a workable solution between ourselves and the castle elves that will allow the new professor as almost as much freedom as we have to do our jobs."
Snape snorted into his cup, "I doubt that will deter some of our more determined mischief makers from trying to make life miserable. It's hardly a fair fight." He had been thinking of his own Slytherins but that didn't rule out miscreants in the other houses.
"Yes, well, let's hold our judgement on that until after we meet this person. Best to fit a solution to a problem known to exist rather that assume problems not yet arisen." Albus looked at his clock, which had just chimed. "Ah, they're all here. Enter," he called and the gargoyle door swung open below.
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Phaelan had passed through the courtyard with its water fountain spattering in the sunlight. She entered the main hall through the great front doors and stopped to get her bearings. Truly, she hadn't known what to expect, but this was becoming a sensory overload; she needed to catch her breath.
"Remus, Arthur, a moment please." A gasping Phaelan asked. "Why haven't I heard of this place before?"
"Remus was becoming concerned. "We prefer to keep Hogwarts out of the public eye for the safety of the students," he replied. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Phaelan answered, "just a little overwhelmed."
"Hogwarts'll do that to you" replied Arthur. "We should get on."
They continued up the stairs and along the hallway leading to the headmaster's office. Phaelan was amazed at the artwork and statuary, not to mention architecture she saw in passing. They stopped in front of what appeared to be a stone gargoyle. Phaelan gaped as it spoke in a deep voice. "Password."
"Sugar Quills," called out Remus and the statue swung open to reveal a spiral staircase.
Arthur led the way, followed by Phaelan then Remus. Phaelan was surprised to note the stairs acted like an escalator.
"Ready?" Remus asked with a raised brow at the top of the landing.
"As I'll ever be." Came her answer.
Remus opened the door and entered in front of her effectively hiding her from view.
"Good Morning all," He called, "It's my pleasure to introduce Lt McKenzie, United States Naval Reserve." He gestured her in to the office and stood aside to let her enter.
She was vaguely aware of Arthur stepping in behind her and closing the door. In front of her was the most amazing character she had ever met. Resplendent in burgundy and gold robes, reminiscent of a medieval movie, was an ancient man who was now standing and offering his hand.
"Lt.Phaelan McKenzie, it's my pleasure to introduce Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Remus bowed, formally introducing her.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss McKenzie. It's a pleasure to meet you." Taking her hand, Albus tried to hide the shock that had crossed his face.
There, before the ad hoc hiring committee, stood a young American woman, smaller than everyone else present. Her neat Navy uniform topped off with her tightly bound hair and rigid stance did little to assuage the feeling that one of the school's students had been called to the office for discipline.
Remus and Arthur stood back taking in the reactions from the other three members of the committee in the room. Albus, who had at first stared open mouthed, had recovered and was giving both of them reproving looks. Minerva, the poor woman, had gasped and grabbed at the broach pinned at her neck. Snape, true to form, was standing at the back in the shadow of the window. His face did not reveal his inner feelings. Only his scowl deepened indicating his concern.
"Miss McKenzie, may I call you Phaelan?" the Headmaster asked, the twinkling returning to his eyes.
"Yes, of course Headmaster." She replied.
Snape noticed that she did not seem to have the Midwestern nasal tones, the southern drawl or New York accent. That was a plus.
"Let me introduce you to the rest of my staff here. This is Minerva McGonagall, deputy head-mistress, professor of Transfiguration and Head of Gryffindor house." The Headmaster indicated the older woman on his right. Phaelan stepped forward and shook her hand.
"How do you do Miss McKenzie." Minerva was politely reserved. Phaelan noticed the Scots accent.
"Professor McGonagall, I'm pleased to meet you." Phaelan blurted out.
"And this is Severus Snape, Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House." The Headmaster indicated the tall dark forbidding man to his left and behind.
He made no move to shake hands, but he bowed formally, "Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss McKenzie." His voice seemed modulated and controlled but oddly familiar; she wanted to hear him speak again.
"Professor Snape. Is it possible I may have seen you before?" she had to ask.
"I find that highly unlikely, Miss McKenzie." Snape kept his tone haughty but he was taken by her voice. It was familiar.
"Well, now that the introductions are over, let's all sit down and chat a bit, shall we?" said Dumbledore.
'The Headmaster seems amiable enough, if a little...eccentric,' thought Phaelan.
"As you are aware, we had left the preliminaries of our search for a new teacher to Remus and Arthur. These two gentlemen are undoubtedly, fine judges of character; otherwise we would never have trusted them to find a suitable candidate." Albus looked over his glasses at the two men sitting behind her. His hint of irritation did not escape Phaelan's attention.
"We have, of course reviewed your CV; I believe you call that a resume in America. Quite impressive for one so young, Miss McKenzie." The Headmaster's scrutiny was now focussed on her. "Please, tell us something about your early years Phaelan? Where and when were you born? Where did you receive your primary schooling?"
"I was born in the US, Texas to be exact. My parents were graduate students at Texas A&M University. My mother studied Philosophy with a minor in Mathematics and father studied Chemical engineering with a minor in physics. I was born in 1970, I'm 27 years old, or at least I will be in December." Taking a deep breath she continued. "I was home schooled for most of my life, either by my parents, mostly my mother or by tutors. When I was studying a subject my mother felt she was weak in, I had a tutor."
"How then did you achieve such academic accomplishments while still so young?" Minerva queried. "You appear to have earned more than one degree already."
"Home schooling let me progress at my own rate and I was studying at a college level at 14. I received my first degree at 16." Phaelan appeared almost apologetic at her results. "I have all my transcripts here." She reached into her briefcase and removed a small binder, which she passed to the headmaster.
Dumbledore opened the binder and briefly perused the contents before passing it back to Snape.
"You are apparently proficient in a number of languages, Miss McKenzie." How have you achieved such ability?"
"My mother felt every young woman should be conversant in French. She herself was from Italian roots and I came to know the language in growing up with it. My maternal Grandmother was Jewish and taught me Hebrew"
Professor Snape then spoke up asking "Hal tatakalum Al Arabiah?" to which Phaelan answered "Baa'ref Arabee, Na'am" (Do you speak Arabic? I speak Arabic, yes.)
"Lemaza (why)" he asked.
"It was required for work I was involved in for the Armed Forces in the US. I find it very rude to speak in a language that not everyone may be conversant in, Professor." Came her taut reply.
"Please Miss McKenzie, do continue. What were your major accomplishments during your time as a scholar and how did you come to join the Navy?" Dumbledore quirked his eyebrows and looked at her over the half-moon spectacles.
Taking a deep breath, Phaelan began her narrative being interrupted frequently by, Albus, Minerva and on one instance by Remus, for clarification and probative questions. There were questions from Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall and Lupin testing her knowledge of Languages, French, Italian, Latin, Hebrew and Arabic. Then came the questions about history and social studies. On and on about every subject she had ever studied. She felt she was justifying and explaining every decision she had made from the age of 15 on to these relative strangers. It was exhausting.
In the meantime, Severus sat back, looking at her transcripts and listening. He was impressed by the quality and variety of her study, having put some time himself into courses in a Muggle college. Fine arts mostly, but some science too. He looked up at the young woman in the hot seat. It appeared the subject under scrutiny was becoming agitated. Her voice was becoming tense and her manner more than a little annoyed.
"This should be interesting." He thought and sat back in anticipation.
Finally, Phaelan, having endured enough interrogation for a score of jobs, lost her temper. She abruptly stood and slammed her hand onto the centre of the Headmaster's desk causing several items to jump.
"Enough! You've asked more questions of me and inquired into my motivations more than the National Security Agency did back in the US. What the hell is going on here? Why am I here? What is it you're not saying old man? It's my turn for some answers. Now!" Phaelan was furious.
"Miss McKenzie, please calm yourself, we mean you no harm here. All your questions will be answered." Dumbledore was looking into her eyes clearly trying to regain the upper hand but she was having none of it. Her outburst had startled everyone in the room. Save for Severus Snape that is.
"You're damn right and the answers had better start coming now. Why are you hiring a Muggle military veteran?" Phaelan had begun to pace.
'Sit down Miss McKenzie. Please." Began Dumbledore.
"Start talking old man, I have no more patience." Phaelan was still along way from placated.
"We, the Wizarding community, are a microcosm of society at large. We have our own ruling body, our own laws and our own culture. There is little that makes us different from any other society save for our magic. The majority of our people are decent, hard working folk but there are some who seek to change the status quo of our world." Dumbledore indicated the chair Phaelan had been seated on with his hand and rose from his own seat to cross to the front of his desk.
Accepting the silent invitation, Phaelan lowered herself to the chair and watched while the Headmaster considered how best to begin.
"Witches and Wizards are either born to this world or they find their way to us from the world of smuggles. A child with magic may be born to parents who are a witch and wizard but they may also be born to parents who have absolutely no magic in the family. Sometimes, the child will be born to parents of whom; one might have magic while the other nothing." He looked at the young woman seated in front of him. Dumbledore rarely underestimated anyone's intellect and he knew that this feisty young woman was a match for anyone he knew, in intelligence.
"Being as human as any Muggle, Witches and Wizards may fall prey to prejudices and bigotry. Some of this intolerance is peculiar to our culture. Moreover, while you may regard the ability to cast spells and charms to change and shape the world to your needs as a guarantee of a life of luxury, nothing could be farther from the truth. To live in our world, one still requires money and for some, the lure of wealth and power is difficult to resist. No different from your experience, I daresay." Dumbledore stopped and regarded Phaelan's reactions to his speech.
"That lesson in civics and ethics, as interesting as it is, still does not explain your advertisement. What does this mean to me?" Phaelan asked again. She had a feeling the answer would be less than comforting.
"For a number of years, the Wizarding community in the UK and certain parts of Europe have been immersed in a conflict caused by the rise of a dark Wizard by the name of Voldemort." Dumbledore looked around the room at the other staff members who had flinched at the name. "The very mention of his name, causes powerful witches and wizards to have pause. His rise to power has been gradual, but steady, over the past 17 years. Unfortunately, his number of followers grows through either the crass greed of some or the subjugation and intimidation of others. To all who cross his path, there is the danger of torture, death or worse, for themselves and their families. He cares little if they are adult or child."
Looking at the Headmaster's face Phaelan could see the embers of anger behind the benevolent visage he portrayed.
"What about your government? What have they done to stop this tyrant?" after asking the question, Phaelan felt a chill settle over the room. This appeared to be the crux of the problem.
"Alas, our Minister of Magic, the titular head of our government, has declined to accept the imminent downfall of our society. He believes the danger to be a minor hiccup in his tenure as Minister."
A loud snort was heard from the corner where Prof Snape was seated. "Bloody bollocks of the man. He refuses to see anything, if doesn't have galleons pouring out of its arse. They've bought him off, pure and simple. Don't water it down, Albus." Severus was standing now, his feelings obvious upon his face.
"Yes, be that as it may, Severus. We have no tangible evidence that cannot be disproved once revealed. We must tread carefully there. You know that." The Headmaster answered with an impatient gesture.
This was an old argument, it seemed to Phaelan.
"Hogwarts is the one place in the UK where we can, somewhat covertly, organize the resistance to this madman. Many of our senior students and recent graduates are involved in doing just that. What they are lacking is formal tactical and guerrilla training." With that, Dumbledore returned to his seat and looked at Phaelan over his specs once again.
Everything fell into place for the Navy Officer. She voiced her understanding. "You want me to train your students and others to be a militia. My cover would be the teaching position at the school. How old are they?" Phaelan felt a cold fist pushing into her gut as she waited for an answer.
Remus walked to the centre of the room. "The students who form the current militia, as you call it, are 17 and 18 years old. The graduates are of course older. In the next school year, we may have some 16 year olds who will want to join us."
Minerva spoke again, "It is shameful, that we look to children to fight a war they had no part in making. We've already lost too many." She fell silent, tears making their way down her cheeks.
No one else spoke a word. All were waiting for her choice, for it had to be made here, now.
Closing her eyes, Phaelan looked inwardly. Old memories began to swirl behind her closed eyes. Sounds, smells, faces...childish smiling faces on the bodies of boy soldiers. Women and girls, too young to have menses, stacked in warehouses for men's pleasure and later to share a common grave.
"Will I have assistance?" she asked in a suddenly quiet voice.
"We, all of us here and many others will be there to support you. You would not be alone in this. You would be the fuse to light the cannon. It still takes a team to load and aim." Dumbledore waited.
Phaelan stood, walked to the window behind her and looked out over the ruggedly beautiful Highland landscape. The sunrise was always perfect. Man always managed to fuck everything else up; even in the land of Once Upon a Time.
Her choice was made. "I accept."
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 finally at Hogwarts and the Ad Hoc committee is in for a surprise. Phaelan is not quite what they expected.
Let me know if I should continue this story because it takes a lot of energy out of a middle-aged business analyst. The next chapter is ready and a bit angsty and funny, if you want it. Some feed back please, good or bad.
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Phaelan again wakened early to prepare for her upcoming ordeal. It was easier than the previous day, in that she knew what her appearance would be. Arising and dressing in uniform had become second nature to her and afforded no stress.
After ensuring everything was still in order in her briefcase, Phaelan allowed herself a moment to relax. Walking to the refrigerator, she had thought to have a light breakfast. Yogurt, cheese or eggs, the very thought curdled her stomach. What time was it? She looked at her watch. It was just 8:00 am.
"OK, I have time to go to the coffee shop." She decided.
Gathering her briefcase and purse together, she headed out the front door. Starbucks had just opened an outlet in the yuppie neighbourhood and the thought of an iced latte was enticing. She picked up the morning rag and looked at the headlines. 'Mysterious fire engulfs seniors home.' 'Search for young teens continues.' Phaelan was often amused by British journalism. It was as much hard news as it was sensationalism. So it was, that she was not surprised by the main news headline, 'I felt my soul being sucked out through my mouth,' accompanied by the appropriate picture of the hapless victim of the attack. Phaelan snickered to herself as she sipped on the icy beverage, enjoying the morning sunlight upon the patio.
~~~~~~~~~
Arthur and Remus met together in the back office of the store awaiting the arrival of the next best thing to hit the Wizarding world since the Firebolt.
"How do you think this should go?" Arthur, for all his enthrallment with the Muggle world, was not innovative in his approach to any challenge.
"I think we should just introduce her and be done with it Arthur." Remus was looking forward to the upcoming meeting.
"Don't you think that Dumbledore will know what we're planning before we step foot in his office?" Arthur raised his eyebrows. He was convinced of Dumbledore's omniscience.
"Relax, Arthur. He knows we're bringing someone. As much as the Headmaster may think he's forward thinking; and given how old he is, that's not so far fetched; he's not likely to think of a woman for the job. He won't be looking past the part that we've arrived with said applicant safely." Remus poured tea for each of them.
"But, Remus, she's an American and young to boot. I wonder if what we're asking is fair or right." Arthur was thinking once more of his own family.
"It comes down to the committee and her in the long run Arthur. Let's wait and see." Remus looked at his watch and it was 9:25am.
~~~~~~~~~
Phaelan stepped out of the taxi in front of the dilapidated bookstore at 9:28am. The cabby had a dickens of a time finding the place. Paying the fare, Phaelan looked at herself in the storefront, pulled back her shoulders and straightened her cover (hat).
"By the left, quick march." She thought, as she strode forward and opened the door to a possible future.
"Good Morning Miss, the gents are waiting for you in the back room." The elderly clerk pointed to the doorway she had passed through the day before.
Phaelan walked past and entered the same room she had first met the wizards. Prof. Lupin and Mr. Weasley were there. She suddenly felt a huge knot of nerves take up residence in her stomach.
"Good morning Miss McKenzie." A smiling Mr. Weasley came forward extending his hand.
"I'm so glad you came, Miss McKenzie." Prof. Lupin also walked towards her but he seemed to sense her trepidation.
"Don't be afraid Miss McKenzie; there is no one who you will meet today who wishes you any harm." Lupin took her hand in his and held it. "Perhaps if you were to call us by our given names?"
"Yes, of course. Please, call me Arthur." Mr. Weasley looked with anticipation at the young woman.
"Arthur." Phaelan was still unsure of her status in all of this.
"And, please call me Remus." Lupin had still not let go of his hold on her hand and looked for her reaction.
"Remus." The soft brown eyes of the man holding her hand calmed her somewhat. "Please, call me Phaelan."
"Thank you Phaelan. Well we'd best be on our way; the port key is set for 9:45am." Said Arthur.
Looking at her watch, it read 9:43 but Phaelan had no clue what a port key was.
Arthur pulled out a container with the words McDonald's scribed across the top. To Phaelan, it looked like a piece of trash.
"It's all we had available on short notice I'm afraid," said Arthur, in an apologetic voice.
"Just hold on with one hand, Phaelan, and we'll be on our way," instructed Remus.
Incredulous, Phaelan reached out and took a hold of one side of the garbage. Almost immediately it felt as if someone had hooked her on a fishing line from behind her bellybutton. She was vaguely aware of motion whirling past her for a few seconds, and then the world suddenly stopped.... or maybe it was her. She had lost her footing when they arrived outside the gates to Hogwarts and was in an undignified sprawl on the ground. Phaelan was never so glad to not have eaten anything for breakfast. Even flying school had never left her feeling so disoriented.
Remus reached down to help a very dizzy Muggle to her feet. Arthur picked up her hat and briefcase. Phaelan looked around from her seat on the ground, completely confused.
"That was a port key," Remus explained. "We use it to travel between two points, fairly far apart, but in the same country, quickly. It leaves you a little dizzy if you're not use to it."
That's an understatement, thought Phaelan.
Arthur was brushing off her hat and assessing any damage to her. "Are you alright then?" he asked.
Rubbing her backside, under cover of brushing off her skirt, she replied, "I think so."
"Best get a leg on then," Remus called over his shoulder, turning to walk towards the iron gates, flanked by great statues of .....Hogs.
Passing through the gates, Phaelan got her first glimpse of the castle that was Hogwarts. She stopped, staring open mouthed, in awe at the wonder before her.
"You should see it at night time." Arthur watched the young woman, remembering his first time seeing the castle. "Come along, we don't want to be late." Her took her arm and urged her along.
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In the castle at the same moment, the remaining members of the ad hoc hiring committee were assembling in the Headmasters office. Tea and refreshments had been provided for the frazzled professors, who had just seen off the students for the summer break. There were no students in school over the summer this year, for a change. That would make it easier for the new Muggle teacher to become acquainted with the quirks of Hogwarts, without the further risk of being hexed as a joke by one of the bored adolescents.
"If we accept this Muggle, we'll need to make some accommodation for their lack of magic Albus," noted a concerned Minerva. "After all, there are some things we take for granted, like knowing how to light a fire or a candle."
"Everyone who comes to Hogwarts to stay has a period of adjustment, Minerva. The castle has a personality of its own. You know that." The Headmaster paused to scoop several spoonfuls of sugar into his tea making his staff grimace.
Sitting back he continued, "I'm sure we will come to a workable solution between ourselves and the castle elves that will allow the new professor as almost as much freedom as we have to do our jobs."
Snape snorted into his cup, "I doubt that will deter some of our more determined mischief makers from trying to make life miserable. It's hardly a fair fight." He had been thinking of his own Slytherins but that didn't rule out miscreants in the other houses.
"Yes, well, let's hold our judgement on that until after we meet this person. Best to fit a solution to a problem known to exist rather that assume problems not yet arisen." Albus looked at his clock, which had just chimed. "Ah, they're all here. Enter," he called and the gargoyle door swung open below.
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Phaelan had passed through the courtyard with its water fountain spattering in the sunlight. She entered the main hall through the great front doors and stopped to get her bearings. Truly, she hadn't known what to expect, but this was becoming a sensory overload; she needed to catch her breath.
"Remus, Arthur, a moment please." A gasping Phaelan asked. "Why haven't I heard of this place before?"
"Remus was becoming concerned. "We prefer to keep Hogwarts out of the public eye for the safety of the students," he replied. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Phaelan answered, "just a little overwhelmed."
"Hogwarts'll do that to you" replied Arthur. "We should get on."
They continued up the stairs and along the hallway leading to the headmaster's office. Phaelan was amazed at the artwork and statuary, not to mention architecture she saw in passing. They stopped in front of what appeared to be a stone gargoyle. Phaelan gaped as it spoke in a deep voice. "Password."
"Sugar Quills," called out Remus and the statue swung open to reveal a spiral staircase.
Arthur led the way, followed by Phaelan then Remus. Phaelan was surprised to note the stairs acted like an escalator.
"Ready?" Remus asked with a raised brow at the top of the landing.
"As I'll ever be." Came her answer.
Remus opened the door and entered in front of her effectively hiding her from view.
"Good Morning all," He called, "It's my pleasure to introduce Lt McKenzie, United States Naval Reserve." He gestured her in to the office and stood aside to let her enter.
She was vaguely aware of Arthur stepping in behind her and closing the door. In front of her was the most amazing character she had ever met. Resplendent in burgundy and gold robes, reminiscent of a medieval movie, was an ancient man who was now standing and offering his hand.
"Lt.Phaelan McKenzie, it's my pleasure to introduce Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Remus bowed, formally introducing her.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss McKenzie. It's a pleasure to meet you." Taking her hand, Albus tried to hide the shock that had crossed his face.
There, before the ad hoc hiring committee, stood a young American woman, smaller than everyone else present. Her neat Navy uniform topped off with her tightly bound hair and rigid stance did little to assuage the feeling that one of the school's students had been called to the office for discipline.
Remus and Arthur stood back taking in the reactions from the other three members of the committee in the room. Albus, who had at first stared open mouthed, had recovered and was giving both of them reproving looks. Minerva, the poor woman, had gasped and grabbed at the broach pinned at her neck. Snape, true to form, was standing at the back in the shadow of the window. His face did not reveal his inner feelings. Only his scowl deepened indicating his concern.
"Miss McKenzie, may I call you Phaelan?" the Headmaster asked, the twinkling returning to his eyes.
"Yes, of course Headmaster." She replied.
Snape noticed that she did not seem to have the Midwestern nasal tones, the southern drawl or New York accent. That was a plus.
"Let me introduce you to the rest of my staff here. This is Minerva McGonagall, deputy head-mistress, professor of Transfiguration and Head of Gryffindor house." The Headmaster indicated the older woman on his right. Phaelan stepped forward and shook her hand.
"How do you do Miss McKenzie." Minerva was politely reserved. Phaelan noticed the Scots accent.
"Professor McGonagall, I'm pleased to meet you." Phaelan blurted out.
"And this is Severus Snape, Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House." The Headmaster indicated the tall dark forbidding man to his left and behind.
He made no move to shake hands, but he bowed formally, "Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss McKenzie." His voice seemed modulated and controlled but oddly familiar; she wanted to hear him speak again.
"Professor Snape. Is it possible I may have seen you before?" she had to ask.
"I find that highly unlikely, Miss McKenzie." Snape kept his tone haughty but he was taken by her voice. It was familiar.
"Well, now that the introductions are over, let's all sit down and chat a bit, shall we?" said Dumbledore.
'The Headmaster seems amiable enough, if a little...eccentric,' thought Phaelan.
"As you are aware, we had left the preliminaries of our search for a new teacher to Remus and Arthur. These two gentlemen are undoubtedly, fine judges of character; otherwise we would never have trusted them to find a suitable candidate." Albus looked over his glasses at the two men sitting behind her. His hint of irritation did not escape Phaelan's attention.
"We have, of course reviewed your CV; I believe you call that a resume in America. Quite impressive for one so young, Miss McKenzie." The Headmaster's scrutiny was now focussed on her. "Please, tell us something about your early years Phaelan? Where and when were you born? Where did you receive your primary schooling?"
"I was born in the US, Texas to be exact. My parents were graduate students at Texas A&M University. My mother studied Philosophy with a minor in Mathematics and father studied Chemical engineering with a minor in physics. I was born in 1970, I'm 27 years old, or at least I will be in December." Taking a deep breath she continued. "I was home schooled for most of my life, either by my parents, mostly my mother or by tutors. When I was studying a subject my mother felt she was weak in, I had a tutor."
"How then did you achieve such academic accomplishments while still so young?" Minerva queried. "You appear to have earned more than one degree already."
"Home schooling let me progress at my own rate and I was studying at a college level at 14. I received my first degree at 16." Phaelan appeared almost apologetic at her results. "I have all my transcripts here." She reached into her briefcase and removed a small binder, which she passed to the headmaster.
Dumbledore opened the binder and briefly perused the contents before passing it back to Snape.
"You are apparently proficient in a number of languages, Miss McKenzie." How have you achieved such ability?"
"My mother felt every young woman should be conversant in French. She herself was from Italian roots and I came to know the language in growing up with it. My maternal Grandmother was Jewish and taught me Hebrew"
Professor Snape then spoke up asking "Hal tatakalum Al Arabiah?" to which Phaelan answered "Baa'ref Arabee, Na'am" (Do you speak Arabic? I speak Arabic, yes.)
"Lemaza (why)" he asked.
"It was required for work I was involved in for the Armed Forces in the US. I find it very rude to speak in a language that not everyone may be conversant in, Professor." Came her taut reply.
"Please Miss McKenzie, do continue. What were your major accomplishments during your time as a scholar and how did you come to join the Navy?" Dumbledore quirked his eyebrows and looked at her over the half-moon spectacles.
Taking a deep breath, Phaelan began her narrative being interrupted frequently by, Albus, Minerva and on one instance by Remus, for clarification and probative questions. There were questions from Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall and Lupin testing her knowledge of Languages, French, Italian, Latin, Hebrew and Arabic. Then came the questions about history and social studies. On and on about every subject she had ever studied. She felt she was justifying and explaining every decision she had made from the age of 15 on to these relative strangers. It was exhausting.
In the meantime, Severus sat back, looking at her transcripts and listening. He was impressed by the quality and variety of her study, having put some time himself into courses in a Muggle college. Fine arts mostly, but some science too. He looked up at the young woman in the hot seat. It appeared the subject under scrutiny was becoming agitated. Her voice was becoming tense and her manner more than a little annoyed.
"This should be interesting." He thought and sat back in anticipation.
Finally, Phaelan, having endured enough interrogation for a score of jobs, lost her temper. She abruptly stood and slammed her hand onto the centre of the Headmaster's desk causing several items to jump.
"Enough! You've asked more questions of me and inquired into my motivations more than the National Security Agency did back in the US. What the hell is going on here? Why am I here? What is it you're not saying old man? It's my turn for some answers. Now!" Phaelan was furious.
"Miss McKenzie, please calm yourself, we mean you no harm here. All your questions will be answered." Dumbledore was looking into her eyes clearly trying to regain the upper hand but she was having none of it. Her outburst had startled everyone in the room. Save for Severus Snape that is.
"You're damn right and the answers had better start coming now. Why are you hiring a Muggle military veteran?" Phaelan had begun to pace.
'Sit down Miss McKenzie. Please." Began Dumbledore.
"Start talking old man, I have no more patience." Phaelan was still along way from placated.
"We, the Wizarding community, are a microcosm of society at large. We have our own ruling body, our own laws and our own culture. There is little that makes us different from any other society save for our magic. The majority of our people are decent, hard working folk but there are some who seek to change the status quo of our world." Dumbledore indicated the chair Phaelan had been seated on with his hand and rose from his own seat to cross to the front of his desk.
Accepting the silent invitation, Phaelan lowered herself to the chair and watched while the Headmaster considered how best to begin.
"Witches and Wizards are either born to this world or they find their way to us from the world of smuggles. A child with magic may be born to parents who are a witch and wizard but they may also be born to parents who have absolutely no magic in the family. Sometimes, the child will be born to parents of whom; one might have magic while the other nothing." He looked at the young woman seated in front of him. Dumbledore rarely underestimated anyone's intellect and he knew that this feisty young woman was a match for anyone he knew, in intelligence.
"Being as human as any Muggle, Witches and Wizards may fall prey to prejudices and bigotry. Some of this intolerance is peculiar to our culture. Moreover, while you may regard the ability to cast spells and charms to change and shape the world to your needs as a guarantee of a life of luxury, nothing could be farther from the truth. To live in our world, one still requires money and for some, the lure of wealth and power is difficult to resist. No different from your experience, I daresay." Dumbledore stopped and regarded Phaelan's reactions to his speech.
"That lesson in civics and ethics, as interesting as it is, still does not explain your advertisement. What does this mean to me?" Phaelan asked again. She had a feeling the answer would be less than comforting.
"For a number of years, the Wizarding community in the UK and certain parts of Europe have been immersed in a conflict caused by the rise of a dark Wizard by the name of Voldemort." Dumbledore looked around the room at the other staff members who had flinched at the name. "The very mention of his name, causes powerful witches and wizards to have pause. His rise to power has been gradual, but steady, over the past 17 years. Unfortunately, his number of followers grows through either the crass greed of some or the subjugation and intimidation of others. To all who cross his path, there is the danger of torture, death or worse, for themselves and their families. He cares little if they are adult or child."
Looking at the Headmaster's face Phaelan could see the embers of anger behind the benevolent visage he portrayed.
"What about your government? What have they done to stop this tyrant?" after asking the question, Phaelan felt a chill settle over the room. This appeared to be the crux of the problem.
"Alas, our Minister of Magic, the titular head of our government, has declined to accept the imminent downfall of our society. He believes the danger to be a minor hiccup in his tenure as Minister."
A loud snort was heard from the corner where Prof Snape was seated. "Bloody bollocks of the man. He refuses to see anything, if doesn't have galleons pouring out of its arse. They've bought him off, pure and simple. Don't water it down, Albus." Severus was standing now, his feelings obvious upon his face.
"Yes, be that as it may, Severus. We have no tangible evidence that cannot be disproved once revealed. We must tread carefully there. You know that." The Headmaster answered with an impatient gesture.
This was an old argument, it seemed to Phaelan.
"Hogwarts is the one place in the UK where we can, somewhat covertly, organize the resistance to this madman. Many of our senior students and recent graduates are involved in doing just that. What they are lacking is formal tactical and guerrilla training." With that, Dumbledore returned to his seat and looked at Phaelan over his specs once again.
Everything fell into place for the Navy Officer. She voiced her understanding. "You want me to train your students and others to be a militia. My cover would be the teaching position at the school. How old are they?" Phaelan felt a cold fist pushing into her gut as she waited for an answer.
Remus walked to the centre of the room. "The students who form the current militia, as you call it, are 17 and 18 years old. The graduates are of course older. In the next school year, we may have some 16 year olds who will want to join us."
Minerva spoke again, "It is shameful, that we look to children to fight a war they had no part in making. We've already lost too many." She fell silent, tears making their way down her cheeks.
No one else spoke a word. All were waiting for her choice, for it had to be made here, now.
Closing her eyes, Phaelan looked inwardly. Old memories began to swirl behind her closed eyes. Sounds, smells, faces...childish smiling faces on the bodies of boy soldiers. Women and girls, too young to have menses, stacked in warehouses for men's pleasure and later to share a common grave.
"Will I have assistance?" she asked in a suddenly quiet voice.
"We, all of us here and many others will be there to support you. You would not be alone in this. You would be the fuse to light the cannon. It still takes a team to load and aim." Dumbledore waited.
Phaelan stood, walked to the window behind her and looked out over the ruggedly beautiful Highland landscape. The sunrise was always perfect. Man always managed to fuck everything else up; even in the land of Once Upon a Time.
Her choice was made. "I accept."
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