"I do," Erik stood up when another question was quickly directed his way. Once again he went to centre stage to respond with a smile and a nod. "Vhe basic curricula of all wizarding schools feature vhe same core subjects, subjects such as Defence, Charms, Herbology, Transfiguration, and so on. I did my research before applying to vhe board, sir, and feel confident I am familiar with vhe history of Hogwarts. Part of that history was my motivation for running in vhe first place. No staff member or student should ever lose vheir life during the school year."

He paused to add something else he had done, more than any of the other candidates. "I haff also taken a proactive approach to observing lessons and getting to know vhe current students of Hogwarts ever since Headmistress Truebridge permitted us candidates into vhe school. I vould even go so far as to say I am more familiar with vhe school now vhan are some of the candidates here before you who consider vhemselves alumni." Looking at you, Higareda, you, Vanderbilt, and you, absent Andrew Rose.

Erik turned his blue gaze back to the audience. "Thank you." He dipped his head with respect and returned once more to his seat.

Erik had barely taken his seat before another candidate, one who seemed to think he was good enough to run a debate on his own, started jumping down his throat. Erik held up a hand to calm the man who seemed so intent on attacking him with questions.

Still bitter about the wet pants, Higareda? he wanted to ask, but didn't. Erik instead replied very calmly and patiently, so the slow man would understand.

"No you cannot assume vhat at all, Mr. Higareda. Vhat's not vhat I meant and I haff no desire to return to Norway. I believe you must haff been listening to my answer solely vith your ears and not at all vith your brain or your heart." His blue eyes twinkled with mischief in the man's direction as he touched his own heart. "I vas merely making a joke, attempting to lighten my very serious answer about vhy I am so passionate about joining Hogwarts' Board of Governors. I haff no desire to return to Norway, not vhen I haff a good job here and a strong passion to help Hogwarts. Hogwarts is vhe school vhat lost not one but two strong academic minds over vhe course of vhe last school year, and saw a woman attempting to rob children of vheir young lives the year before that. Vhose kind of problems are vhat I seek to remedy, and vhose are the problems Hogwarts is facing." Therefore, if they wished to see those problems remedied, they should elect him to the board.

Erik paused and shifted in his seat slightly so that he was angled more towards Gavin. He studied the man with his piercing blue eyes and leaned forward, resting his arms lightly on his knees as he returned fire.

"If you'll allow me the honour of asking you a question, Gavin...is it true vhat you don't really vish to live in Britain any more since your wife left you? I read vhat you haff been thinking of moving to America. Is there a Board of Governors you vould rather join over vhere? I apologize if I'm touching a sensitive spot here, I vould just hate to see the Board crumble if you were elected and then suddenly left, due to a lack of dedication and the stress of vorking vith and constantly seeing happy Hogwarts families..." unlike Gavin's own.

It was very difficult not to smirk as he asked the question, but Erik's face bore an expression of genuine and concern and interest in the other candidate.