Reynolds hadn't been bored? It certainly seemed that he had no desire to keep a job for longer than 5 years. Charles just nodded to him in thanks for his answer and once the professor had returned to his seat, his attention turned to Icy Ivy Knox. He brushed off the comment about their observation and raised an eyebrow at her saying she'd left her job. Well, they'd get into that a little more later, he was sure.

When Carter stepped up and spoke, staring at himself and the other obviously unimpressed member of the panel, he stared straight back at her. Yeah, she didn't scare or impress him and he wasn't going to answer her question, so that had been useless. He shrugged off the 'judgmental jerk' quip with a smile to her, figuring that she probably thought that would've hurt. Well, newsflash, he knew he was not the kindest person, and he accepted it.

He noticed the look Vinteren had given him after he'd answered the question and gave him a small nod show he approved of that answer. They wouldn't have gotten that kind of answer if he hadn't pushed for it, so... He looked down at his cards when he made a joke and had to try and get his composure back. He'd almost shown an indication of amusement, which was extremely rare for him.

Gavin's question hadn't gone down well, he could see it in his bosses face and almost felt the pain of the question himself. It was definitely a tricky one. As answers went, he thought it was a pretty reasonable one. Charles' brown eyes focused on Gavin's face and he gave the tiniest bit of a nod. Anyone who could evade that question successfully deserved some respect.

Aaaaand they were back to Ivy again! Gavin was leading the charge this time. It seemed he'd been waiting for his opportunity to get his claws out and go for the other candidates and as questions went, well, that was very trapping. Ivy's response, however was cool and calm with an undertone of irritation. He grimaced a little when Gavin conceded, but it was obvious that it was the right thing to do.

He took a drink of the water he had set to one side as he observed Gavin questioning Vinteren and almost choked at the response he'd gotten. Um, OUCH. That was below the belt, and also the first Charles had heard of Kat leaving. He almost squirmed in his seat, finding it very unfair to be going after Gavin's personal life. He saw Gavin give Ivy a look and wondered what was going on there. When he, himself, was asked a question, he was more than happy to answer. "No, my time in level five has been consistent in regards to the management." Being that he never did anything anyway. He probably could have made Gavin sign his soul over to him several times over.

Finally turning his attention away from the little catfight, he listened to Vanderbilt's response. Before he could say anything, Gavin had dived in again and gone straight for his throat. He leant back in his chair a little, listening for the answer. He knew that the person who did the communication between both ministries was sat right there in that very room. Vanderbilt's name had passed his desk a couple of times, so he did know him by name.

"Mr. Vinteren, thank you for answering all your questions. You're free to question and comment on other candidates answers." Be nice, blue eyes.

He turned to inner eye guy and gave him a nod. "Professor Reynolds," Yes, he'd corrected himself from earlier. "You're also welcome to question and comment on other candidates answers."

Now, back to Ivy. "Ms. Knox, do you consider yourself to be a role model?" You know, being cold, cut off, sickeningly sweet instead of bluntly honest, willing to step on people to get what she wanted, and sarcastic to boot.

Charles finally turned to the one who had just said something else that he agreed with. "Mr. Phillips, what sort of relationship do you think the Board should have with the Headmistress or Headmaster?" That was sure to be an interesting answer.

OOC: You can still post multiple responses, and you're all doing great!

Also, whomever finishes answering all of their 9 questions (be sure you answered 9!!), can respond to other people's answers now! This means, of course, that everyone should now keep an eye out for questions directed at them from other candidates.

Questions:

- For Althea Schirmer: Do you feel you can keep personal and professional separated?

- For Cooper Cope: Do you feel students should have a say in what goes on in their own education or should that be left up to the professionals like yourself?

- For Ivy Knox: Do you consider yourself to be a role model?

- For Carter Phillips: What sort of relationship do you think the Board should have with the Headmistress or Headmaster?

- For Sherman Clark: What wisdom and experience can you bring to the board and the younger generation of witches and wizards?

- For Lourdes Black: How committed are you prepared to be to this Board if you are selected, bearing in mind that it may sometimes require you to put the school above all other tasks?

- For Corineus Vanderbilt: Which parts of the current curriculum concern you and why?

- For Andrew Rose: Why have you missed such an important part of applying to be a Governor, the meet and greet and first debate? Were you starting as you mean to go on?

- For Atticus Aldredge: How far are you willing to go to ensure that you receive a position on the Board of Governors?

General questions for those who haven't answered as of yet:

Q1. Why do you feel you are more qualified for this position than the other candidates?

Q2. If a personal or professional situation arose at the same time as an equally important situation arose in the school, which would you deem more important to attend to first, and why?

Q3. If you were to be elected onto the board, what would you ensure becomes a priority as far as the long term plans of the Board are concerned?

Q4. Do you feel it is important as a board member to work along side of the professors and keep them in the know of everything going on or do you feel the board should be separate?

Q5. Would you consider to be important for a School Governor to be in contact with the students in any way? Why or why not?

Nolan was done? Already? That had been easy! He stood up and walked to the podium, turning to Erik before speaking. "Mr. Vinteren, I have a question for you. You say that you want to have a sort of town hall meeting with parents. However, wouldn't you think we'd run into parents who have rather...unreasonable requests for our students? For example, a retake policy on exams that essentially negates the entire purpose of taking tests? Wouldn't you think you might get a mob of angry parents on our hands if we do not listen to EVERY complaint brought to their attention?"

While he himself didn't TOTALLY believe his question, he wanted to see what Erik would say. He knew crazy parents was a definite possibility, but a mob? Maybe not. But he wanted to see if he would handle it the way HE would handle it.

Let's see how well you trained your lackey, Bjorg.

Quote:

Now, back to Ivy. "Ms. Knox, do you consider yourself to be a role model?" You know, being cold, cut off, sickeningly sweet instead of bluntly honest, willing to step on people to get what she wanted, and sarcastic to boot.

Ivy had a feeling this man did not like her. She had that feeling with quite a few people, actually, but it didn't bother her. It was actually amusing to her. Ivy returned to the front of the stage to reply. "I have had a lot experience in the education field. From my Hogwarts days and to this day I have loved learning and exploring new things and keeping my eyes and ears open to absorb as much around me as possible. I have never stopped expanding my education and I never will. Because of this, I have had many opportunities in life that I have taken and become successful. Education equals success and success is one of the most gratifying feelings anyone can have. So, to answer your question," she looked over at the man, whatever his name was, who asked her question, "Yes, in this way, I do feel like I am a role model. I want to help these students get as much as education as possible so they can become the successful witches and wizards of the future." And that was her last question, right? Ivy nodded to the audience. "Thank you," she said and then returned to her chair.

"You're velcome," Erik returned the nod from Mr Charles Taylor. No sooner had he said that than Nolan was popping up with a question. Revenge of the Nerds! he thought to himself with a smirk-chuckle on his lips. He didn't let Nolan see just how amused he was at this...passionate librarian routine he had going on though. No, no he would take this question seriously.

"Oh I'm sure vhere are a share of passionate parents out there, but you run into crazies vith any job you take, isn't that right, Mr. Reynolds?" Erik raised an eyebrow, clearly alluding to the earlier question that had called the bespectacled man out on his employment ADD. "I'm confident vhat vith the election of eight new, qualified Governors, however, the Board vill be more vhan equipped to handle any parental concerns and address vhe serious ones. It is our job to serve vhe constituents of vhe school, you'll recall." Yes, Nolan knew he was asking a weak question, yet he asked it anyway. Fool.

Erik smiled firmly, but not unfriendily, and turned the question back on the asker. "Besides, Nolan, didn't you suggest open 'office hours' for vhe Governors? I fail to see how an open board meeting is any different. If anyvhing, you might get more complaints at vhe individual level via your open-door policy vhan you might see at a once a year town hall meeting vhere people haff to take turns speaking and listening."

Erik could just see one parent singling out a specific governor and regularly attending their office hours just to put a bug in their ear or just to chew the fat. Great Odin's raven, no one wanted that.

"I believe you misheard me," Nolan said in reply to Erik. "I had developed the office hours idea with students in mind, however I could see why you thought I was referring to parents as well." Actually, he didn't. Because he had clearly said STUDENTS like, a billion times while answering it. Erik must have just not been paying attention. Boo.

"Ah, I see, so you plan on having this town hall meeting moderated? Rather than just a free for all sort of discussion? That, I have to agree, sounds much more...controllable. I wanted to assure you had thought through the parent aspect of this idea--being a former professor I can assure you, parents can get awfully nasty at times," he added with a smile. You know, yelling at you via Howler for giving their kids detention and all that. Every day was an adventure. "You made no mention of any sort of control earlier. Thank you for that clarification."

Because honestly the way he had described it, Nolan had sort of pictured a giant room full of parents hounding the board members complaining at them. An actual debate sort of...thing actually sounded like a good idea. Not that he'd sayyyyy that.

Why would the Board of Governors even need open office hours for students? And where would they hold these hours? In the one tiny room on Hogwarts' ground floor where they were permitted to meet? How many Governors were supposed to hold 'hours' then at one time? And what about the childrens' academics, and the true professors with real office hours they could be attending instead? Erik could have easily asked fifty questions nitpicking Nolan's idea apart, but he didn't. And that was the difference between most of the other candidates and himself: he was on the defence, not the attack.

"Of course it vould be moderated..." Erik slowly turned his head to stare at Nolan like the idiot he was. "Forgive me if I vas unclear. I assumed most people understood how meetings vork...they are conducted, led by someone, usually by the person who called for the meeting in the first place." He continued staring at Nolan as he explained this oh so patiently. "In vhis case, the Board of Governors would be conducting the meeting. I trust President Rae-Branxton has alvays had parent complaints and Howlers to deal vith, so an open meeting, vith the support of additional Governors as moderators, vould hardly be the hurdle you must be picturing, Mr. Reynolds..."

He trailed off with a deliberate, thoughtful look out at the audience. "I vas only sharing one idea I had, should I be elected to the board. Nothing's certain yet for any ov the candidates up here," Erik smiled, "except that it seems you are certainly afraid ov a little work. Interesting quality in a former professor, Mr. Reynolds, but vhank you for the question regardless."

Erik nodded and went back to his impassive watching. He had nothing else to say on the matter. He had made it pretty clear that as well meaning as Reynolds was, he was most definitely the village idiot.

She knew what the woman was getting at with that question, and Althea had no problem with addressing it. And just one 'close personal tie', though she liked several of them well enough to at least tolerate and be friendly. She stood and spoke, trusting the charms to carry her voice to all, but she kept it simple.

"I have so far." She began, shooting a smile at Cassandra. And no, she wasn't going to pull a reversal and point out that the former headmistress had worked with her husband at the school, "I intend to continue keeping my professional and personal life clearly delineated. As I have already said," A few questions ago, "I do endeavor to keep my personal life and professional life from intersecting in a way that will effect others or negatively impact my ability to work to a high standard."

As did anyone, surely? She returned to her seat. Two more questions to go was it?

Carter blinked several times. ... was everyone else getting these sort of questions? ... and was there more than one option here? Because. It seemed sort of like... a dumb question. And once again, the former Gryffindor was once again questioning his sanity.

"One of mutual respect." he said with a confident nod. "Headmistress Truebridge, and I'm sure any future Headmasters or Headmistresses, have the student's best interests in mind. We're all clearly on the same team. This isn't about some political power play. And that kind of thinking is bound to cause consequences quite the opposite of what we're all working for."

Yup. He believed in that so much he didn't even know there were other ways it could be.

While Charles was asking some other questions, Seth flipped through the cards he was holding and got ready for the next round. When the other man was done, the former Gryffindor stepped back to the place he was supposed to stand while asking and looked at the candidates with his best reassuring expression.

"I hope you are ready for another set of questions!" He said cheerfully. "We're almost done, don't worry." Seth looked at some of them that seemed like they had had enough of the debate already. Now, now, long way to go to be a Governor, huh?

And another one that was done with her own set of questions. Lovely. "Thank you, Ms Knox." Seth gave her another warm smile and a nod.

"Ms Schirmer." Seth eyed the woman as he bowed his head slightly in a half-nod, letting her know another question was coming her way. "Do you feel that you have an upper hand in knowing how to be a good board member since you have been a professor at Hogwarts before?" He himself remembered very well her niece talking about her first Charms professor in a very excited way. Good, good!

Time for another question. Seth looked over to one of the younger candidates. "Mr Philips." Smile, nod. He looked down to his card and inhaled a bit before looking back up at Carter. "You have experienced some significant life changes recently. How will you balance your personal and professional life with the Board?" Seth wondered how such a young man would answer this question.

Then he watched when Noland decided to ask a question of his own. Wicked! The 46 year-old liked seeing curious people like that, and he always appreciated when people showed interest in things. Good question, that was. But then again, all sorts of questions were good ones. Knowledge was always good.

Seth kept nodding as he listened to Erik Vinteren answering Reynold's question. Merlin, that debate was on fire! The man smiled to himself and went through his cards again while the candidates discussed between themselves. Good, good. Let them have their little talk. No harm would be done! Besides, it was another interesting point of view that could enrich the debate itself. Wicked!



OOC: You can still post multiple responses, and you're all doing great!

Also, whoever finishes answering all of their 9 questions (be sure you answered 9!!), can respond to other people's answers now! This means, of course, that everyone should now keep an eye out for questions directed at them from other candidates.

Questions:

- For Althea Schirmer: Do you feel that you have an upper hand in knowing how to be a good board member since you had been a professor at Hogwarts before?

- For Cooper Cope: Do you feel students should have a say in what goes on in their own education or should that be left up to the professionals like yourself?

- For Carter Phillips: You have experienced some significant life changes recently. How will you balance your personal and professional life with the Board?

- For Sherman Clark: What wisdom and experience can you bring to the board and the younger generation of witches and wizards?

- For Lourdes Black: How committed are you prepared to be to this Board if you are selected, bearing in mind that it may sometimes require you to put the school above all other tasks?

- For Corineus Vanderbilt: Which parts of the current curriculum concern you and why?

- For Andrew Rose: Why have you missed such an important part of applying to be a Governor, the meet and greet and first debate? Were you starting as you mean to go on?

- For Atticus Aldredge: How far are you willing to go to ensure that you receive a position on the Board of Governors?

General questions for those who haven't answered as of yet:

Q1. Why do you feel you are more qualified for this position than the other candidates?

Q2. If a personal or professional situation arose at the same time as an equally important situation arose in the school, which would you deem more important to attend to first, and why?

Q3. If you were to be elected onto the board, what would you ensure becomes a priority as far as the long term plans of the Board are concerned?

Q4. Do you feel it is important as a board member to work along side of the professors and keep them in the know of everything going on or do you feel the board should be separate?

Q5. Would you consider to be important for a School Governor to be in contact with the students in any way? Why or why not?

WHEN WOULD THIS END?!

It wasn't so much that he didn't like talking, he just got sooooo tired of toher people talking, you know, the ones that liked the sound of their voices. That that he didn't LOVE the sound of his voice... but he had limits.

And so, head held high, Cooper approached the front of the stage again. Could he not stand here all night? It'd be easier. And he wouldn't have to worry about losing weight that way.
"I think as with anything, students, surely... have the right to be involved in the teaching-learning process. I think it would be right, as in any democratic classroom or school, to take into account, students thoughts, feelings and idea. This does not mean that the educators and facilitators of learning must adhere to what students want, no... but it would be nice, and sociable if students could elect to spend more time on a topic that interests them and is more worth their needs and time."
... he remembered days of studying rubber ducks... pffts... look where that got him. NOWHERE!

It was nice to have at least one of the people asking questions seemingly cheerful about it, and enjoying himself. Althea looked out at the audience as she stood up, her eyes coming to rest on Dash for a small moment, though for a little look it said a lot. To him anyway. Because... well, he'd made effort. He was right there front and center in what would have been her seat had she not been running, and of course that suit... granted she'd picked it out but he wore it and even combed his hair. Which was like a thing. At any rate, she had another question to answer so as soon as she was in place she nodded her respect at the man who had asked her the question and smiled slightly.

"It may help me indirectly, as I do have a good grasp and understanding of the teaching and curriculum side of Hogwarts, and the day to day necessities of looking after that many students ,and focusing on each of them as unique individuals with unique learning requirements, but I wouldn't say it gives me an upper hand: as you say I taught at Hogwarts before, but I've not been on the Hogwarts Board of Governors before." Another little smile, "Rather I would say it is my work here at the Ministry of Magic, and with the Fawley-Schirmer Foundation which has best prepared me for the role I hope to earn with the Board. Thank you." A nod. That one was an easy enough question to be succinct with. She returned to her seat.

She had been listening too to the... well it was almost squabbling rather than debating wasn't it? Yes. She'd been listening with some disapproval, though she supposed that she at least approved of how both Ivy and that Vinteren character had handled it at least, and glad that neither Gavin nor Nolan had thrown any ridiculous questions her way. Probably better for them if they refrained from that. Lets all just focus on our own campaigns shall we?

And she was still rather approving of how Carter was responding to his questions. Certainly he was taking it seriously enough.

One more question then, yes?

Corin’s gaze shifted to the International Coop Head, arching his brow at the man’s statement. Wow, how incredible was it that he actually considered that Corin had to ability to apparate from DC to London? Permissions and bureaucracy aside, how about the realistic considerations of apparating over that distance? Forget about the very very difficult aspect of even achieving that feat, how about trying not to get torn into shreds by the internal and external pressures of being squeezed into a tube and travelling at the speed of light? “Well, thank you for assuming that I have the ability of doing that Mr Higareda, but I will admit to you right now, I am not that good of Wizard to apparate from DC to London in one go. Nor will I attempt to do so. Apparating between London and Hogsmeade can be quite stressful on a Wizard’s body already, I couldn’t even imagine how apparating across 3000 miles of open waters would do to a Wizard’s body.” Care to experiment? Sure. Just not on him.

“If you must know how I usually travel between the two cities I use the portkey system that we use in America when we need to travel around outside of the usual floo network.” Which understandably isn’t always available to places they need to go, or they just don’t like the dust that goes with it “The portkey system I use is part of the transportation business our family have, with proper licenses in the United States and across every major country and territories.” The Vanderbilt legacy in transportation has grown beyond rail roads, trains and steam ships? Most definitely, they do keep up with the times “And even then, when I travel, it is mandatory to make a few stop-overs between DC and London—smaller islands not obvious to Muggles act as Wizarding ‘ports’ during travel.” So its not a big leap from one city to another, more like a smaller hops along a path.

Ah but of course the last minute aspect, which he didn’t think was such a big deal because the option was really obvious “There is something called conferencing. Many Muggles and some Wizards might use a telephone or a videophone, but in my work we actually use two way mirrors where we can see and talk to the other person wherever they may be.” Three thousand miles away or literally just around the corner. “If this feature is not available in the BOG offices, I would be happy to have one installed.” If he gets elected of course. “But really, the urgency of contacting someone for last minute meetings?.... To do what? Are you actually saying we are prone to make decisions at the spur of the moment? No deliberations?” Eyes shifts momentarily to President Branxton then back to Gavin. Is he again assuming that that is the norm for the BOG? "If a vote is all that’s required of the BOG members, wouldn’t it be simpler to just call it in or send an owl or a patronus? Your physical location would be irrelevant now wouldn’t it?”Not to mention someone's thoughts and opinions on the matter at hand, which kinda makes the whole concept of even having a Board kinda pointless.



He nodded his head at the direction of the BOG President as she started to address him, although there was an imperceptible pause at her question. Thoughts drifted to the classes he observed, and certain matters about those classes, some of which are rather sensitive in nature. Naturally he had the perfect sense of what he can discuss in a public forum and what are best left behind close doors.

“Thank you President Branxton. Let me start off by saying that of the classes I observed, ALL their topics for that day’s discussion I found to be interesting.” he said in all earnest, looking first at the BOG President then at the audience assembled. “What I think could better bolster the curriculum is to relate the topic at hand to something that is relevant to either current or recent events, or even distinguishing moments in Hogwarts or Wizarding history.” He raised a hand to give him a chance to explain just in case what he said didn’t make sense. “For example—man-eating plants possessed by ancient spirits-- what exactly can we learn from that? How does one defend themselves from that?-- not just physically defending but also coming to grips with dealing with it mentally and emotionally? What are the spells, strategies or techniques we can teach our students who found themselves in that situation or might find themselves in a similarly distressing situation? How did a plant get possessed in the first place? What were the plant’s origins? Did that play any significance to its selection as a vessel of the Spirit? Who was that Spirit? What was he about? What magic did he have or did he use to have affected so many people, for events to play out the way they did?” See so many questions, and that was just about ONE Hogwarts news-making event. And doesn’t Hogwarts excel in news-making events. “Even if we couldn’t find exact answers or exact Magical equivalents to what happened, it a great learning springboard to teach basic and advanced Magic for many subjects already taught in Hogwarts. I’m not saying that the current curriculum is lacking, BUT connecting them to something relevant to the students-- something that happened recently, something memorable from the past, or even something significant to their growth as Witches and Wizards in training—it adds a special value to learning, that its not just something out of a textbook. There is relevance to why they are learning something.”

Nolan GLARED at Erik. Bjorg had certainly taught him well, and Nolan's campaign manager still hadn't spoken to him in DAYS. He wouldn't let the man see he was flustered and instead chuckled at the man's blatant dig at him.

"On the contrary, Mr. Vinteren. I'm not afraid of the extra work at all. I manage a bookstore and I'm raising a daughter, which is a full time job in itself, and yet I am prepared to take on being a board member as well, should I be elected. That is definitely not a small amount of work," DUH. Maybe bookstores didn't work like English bookstores in...wherever Vinteren was from.

"I was simply making sure that YOU, Mr. Vinteren, had thought your ideas through thoroughly. I had concerns, as I was sure a few in the audience did, and I wanted to address them. So once more, thank you for addressing them," Ok, enough of this nonsense, he turned to Althea now. He wanted to hear more about this FOUNDATION.

"Miss Schirmer, you keep talking about this foundation that you are a part of. While it sounds very interesting and beneficial, I have never heard of it and was hoping you could give more specifics on how your foundation has BENEFITTED the school in recent years. As a former staff member and someone who has been observing the classes in the school for some time now, I find it concerning that this is the first I've heard of this foundation," he told her.

He braced himself, as he was SURE the former Charms professor would be reciting a novel to him in response to this one.

Sherman was a bit confused about how to answer this question. That was.. kind of.. VAGUE, wasn't it? Did they just want a very vague answer in return? He blinked at the man asking the question a couple more times before answering again. "I.. well, I'm old." He didn't like acknowledging it, but everyone could tell. It wasn't like it was a SECRET. "And with old age comes more stuff than prune-like skin, sir. Because of my years at Hogwarts, I can relate to students' feelings very well and be empathetic, if you will, which I think would help me assist the Board in solving any problems they might have." But that was all boring stuff that he'd said like a MILLION times now. He felt repetitive. Hadn't he had done some other, more interesting stuff in his life than go to Hogwarts?

No? Well, then.

"And, because I'm so, um, aged, I think I'd have a lot of things that could be helpful to the other governors. I've been in many different situations that have given me useful insight into other issues." LIKE. Um. EXAMPLES. He needed some. "I, of course, have my experience from the Ministry, and then I also have a very, very small bit of teaching experience because of a seminar I taught at Hogwarts last term." No need to mention that he had baby-fied his head while there, mmk? "These, along with other events I have been a part of in my lengthy life and gained wisdom from, make me rather well-rounded. I can have ideas and opinions different from some other candidates, so I feel that I could be of assistance to the Board and the younger generation of witches and wizards."

.. did he even answer the whole question? He didn't know. Besides, people like Althea Schirmer, and probably that Nolan Reynolds chap, too, had Ministry and teaching experience. And had gone farther with it than he ever had. He hadn't ever done anything EXCEPTIONAL. Could he back and change his answer? But if Sherman kept talking any longer, he was going to start hyperventilating or something so he would just stop now. Was that okay?

Althea looked over when Nolan addressed her, one brow raising slightly as she patiently listened to his question with a small smile on her face. Well. So this was why he had been bottom in the last debate. You'd think if you were going to ask such questions, trying to trap someone, that you'd do a little research first. Fancy a bookstore manager not knowing everything there was to know about everything ever. Stop the presses-- If Nolan Reynolds, retailer, hasn't heard of something, it surely can't exist. And to think she had thought him a respectable candidate until this moment. Still, she would answer him, simply because she didn't at all mind talking about the Foundation.

"The Fawley-Schirmer Foundation is not intended to benefit the school, it is intended to provide scholarships and training grants through Wizarding University, as well as Wizarding Organisations and Businesses for those career paths where Apprenticeships and Internships are preferable over Higher Learning and Degrees." She said with surprising patience but much like she was explaining something to a small child.

"It is a charity organisation primarily focused on those young witches and wizards who are disadvantaged in some way, perhaps monetarily, perhaps due to having different learning styles which effected their ability to perform well on standardized exams. Currently we have one-hundred-and-six students studying a variety of subjects at various Wizarding University campuses, including Montreal, Cairo, Mumbai, Salem, Athens, and St Petersburg, just to name a few. I'm not sure of the exact number of students off the top of my head that we fund in apprenticeships and internships but if you like, you can come to the Foundation offices, and I'd be happy to go over such things with you, as an interested party." She paused and eyed Nolan for a moment before adding, "And I'll send you a brochure."

You know, in case he needed more information.

As a concerned bookstore manager.

Goodness his opponents were being picky about word choice. Not that Nolan blamed them, he'd be the same way, if he were being questioned. Still, Althea picking on his use of 'school' was such a silly attempt to undermine his question. So he shot her a question right back.

"I'm sorry, but doesn't benefitting the students indirectly benefit the SCHOOL as well, Miss Schirmer?" he said with a wrinkled brow. His blue eyes looked at her, trying to analyze a weak hole in her argument that he could use to unravel it. "Obviously word is about to get around about such an excellent program. Students will tell other students, and your program will grow as well as the student's interests in classes, correct? However, I'm wondering if this information is actually AVAILABLE to students. As I said, I have never heard of it. I'm willing to venture a guess that a number of people here haven't either," he said, gesturing to the audience.

If he could get a tally of hands right now, he would. He doubted half of them were even paying attention, though. Ugh. Mindless fools.

"Since there seems to be some...disconnect, between your charity and the school, how would you remedy this? How would you assure that word gets out about your foundation?" he asked.

He certainly had never heard of any internships or anything like that. Internships, mentoring programs, extra stuff like that was his whole PLATFORM. Yet supposedly there was already something like that in the works? Hmmm. Something was fishy about this whole thing.

"It will be a benefit if I'm on the board." Althea responded simply, surprised that he hadn't shut up yet. Never mind the 'miss' Schirmer. Rude. "It is available, via the Universities, Mr Reynolds. And for anyone who applies for scholarships, which is a usual process for Higher Learning Institutions. After NEWT level graduation." Did he not know how University worked?

"I plan to, if elected, establish a closer connection with Hogwarts specifically, and as I have said," Constantly and consistently throughout this campaign, "I intend to establish work experience and extra training opportunities for those Hogwarts students who wish it, while they are still at Hogwarts, and provide exposure to careers that may not otherwise have been considered by the Hogwarts children. I will use my connections via the Foundation to help achieve this, but I am not running to benefit the charity, rather I am running because I believe I can be of service to the school, the students, and the community at large, and the connections and experience that I have can benefit Hogwarts." The priority was not that 'word gets out' about the foundation. At all.

"Thank you, Mr Reynolds, for your questions. I would be happy to discuss further with you later if you like. Perhaps you can even volunteer with us." She said politely.

He really needed that brochure.

Geez, such attitude. Nolan paused for a moment or two, wondering if he'd keep this up or if he'd sit down and let her finish her questions. He could tell he was getting under her skin. She was smiling at him and being polite, as he had been, but the EMPHASIS on all the words showed him that he was breaking away at her. Just a little bit. She wanted to snap, he knew it...

Should he continue to bait her? Or bow down gracefully? Hmmmm...

"I see your point, Miss Schirmer. Thank for you clarifying everything," he said with a smile. It was one of those 'i'm smiling but really I'm cackling inside' kind of smiles. Despite the fact that Althea had, by far, shown that she was able to back up her answers, he was pleased to see that he had agitated her JUST a bit. "My confusion came from the fact that, as you said, it is a university scholarship and internship program, yet the majority of kids don't seem to know it exists. Many of them graduate and head straight to the Ministry. An old friend of mine just hired one for her level, in fact. If I'm elected, I look forward to meshing our ideas together, if you will, since we seem to be thinking along the same lines...now that I know what page you're on, of course," he added.

Ok, no further questions...for her. Or Erik. As of right now. He looked at Roxanne, almost as if asking her are you going to help?? before taking his seat again.

Maybe he'd try and break down some other candidates now...even if he couldn't get them to completely cave, just the fact that he CHALLENGED them was a good way to at least get himself remembered in the crowd.

This was getting rather tedious. They were all saying things they thought people wanted to hear and they were quite right in doing this but he wasn't believing any of it for a second. He would not be fooled. His eyes darted from face to face as if he was looking for something but really he wasn't. It was just so amazing how well some of them could pretend.

His gaze went to Seth when he asked the next round of questions but he didn't dwell on them for long because he was listening to the back and forth arguments discussion that was taking place between the candidates who were actually done.

This, he had to admit was a little entertaining.

Oh. But he was meant to be listening to the ones who were actually responding. Before turning his attention back to them he eyed the candidates who had made very little attempts. There were words that could be said to them but at this point there was no need. The debate was coming to a close and he wasn't particularly interested in their responses anyway. It would only make things easier for those who planned to waste their time voting. This was a relaxed setting and they were drawing blanks; what would they do if a dragon suddenly broke into the school? That should have been a question!

But it wasn't and it was time to move on to the next set of questions. The next card he pulled had him scowling just a bit. What kind of question was this? Who on earth would have sent in something like this when there were far more important things to be asked? He sighed but proceeded to the question anyway. "Mr. Cooper, how important is it that Governors be considered role models and exemplary citizens?" Honestly, that was a no brainer.

He then focused his gaze on a woman that seemed to have an answer for everything. One day a question would find her and she would go running from it. It always happened and it was always the sure ones. "What, in your opinion Ms. Schirmer, is the role of the Ministry of Magic at Hogwarts?" That one, he would admit, might have needed a bit more thought but at the same time it was her last. It should have been a bit more...memorable than that. This was what happened when people didn't leave him incharge. Sigh. When would they learn?

And this one was for Mr. Vanderbilt. Mhm. He eyed the man who had been doing a decent job of keeping up. Only a decent job. Nothing special, and nothing that impressed him either...not that most anything could impress him but that wasn't the point. Time for his question. "You’ve stated before that you’re not happy with the way things are done in relation to the running of the school and its safety policies, Mr. Vanderbilt, what would you do differently if elected?" Or was he one of those that just kept talking without a plan to back it up...probably not since he was able to get this far with the questioning.

This was the last question he had to ask for now--but only because some people decided to develop an acute level of shyness that was NOT winning over the crowd. It was like they didn't enjoy the sound of his voice. Didn't they know that they had to answer in order to hear him speak? Merlin, it was almost enough to have him shaking his head. But on to this one. "Mr. Clarke, how much input should the Board of Governors have in the curriculum at Hogwarts?"

That last word meant he'd have to stop talking again. This was his least favourite part.

SIGH.

Questions:

- For Althea Schirmer: What, in your opinion, is the role of the Ministry of Magic at Hogwarts?

- For Cooper Cope: How important is it that Governors be considered role models and exemplary citizens?

- For Carter Phillips: You have experienced some significant life changes recently. How will you balance your personal and professional life with the Board?

- For Sherman Clark: How much input should the Board of Governors have in the curriculum at Hogwarts?

- For Lourdes Black: How committed are you prepared to be to this Board if you are selected, bearing in mind that it may sometimes require you to put the school above all other tasks?

- For Corineus Vanderbilt: You’ve stated before that you’re not happy with the way things are done in relation to the running of the school and its safety policies, what would you do differently if elected?

- For Andrew Rose: Why have you missed such an important part of applying to be a Governor, the meet and greet and first debate? Were you starting as you mean to go on?

- For Atticus Aldredge: How far are you willing to go to ensure that you receive a position on the Board of Governors?

General questions for those who haven't answered as of yet:

Q1. Why do you feel you are more qualified for this position than the other candidates?

Q2. If a personal or professional situation arose at the same time as an equally important situation arose in the school, which would you deem more important to attend to first, and why?

Q3. If you were to be elected onto the board, what would you ensure becomes a priority as far as the long term plans of the Board are concerned?

Q4. Do you feel it is important as a board member to work along side of the professors and keep them in the know of everything going on or do you feel the board should be separate?

Q5. Would you consider to be important for a School Governor to be in contact with the students in any way? Why or why not?

Carter couldn't hide the grin on his face at that question. He smiled stupidly as he spun the wedding ring on his finger. This was a worthwhile question.

"I am honestly the luckiest guy in the world. Destiny is amazing. So, there won't be any problems there." He was still sporting his dopey grin. "So, yeah, it'll take some balancing, and I'll probably be busy, but this is something that I want to do. She understands that and she's amazingly supportive."

He played with his ring again.

And... it wasn't like she was someone that deserves constant attention. She was independent and has things to do as well.

Right. This one, was EASY!... despite the dude person getting his name WRONG.
"Mr COPE, actually."

"While the most obvious answer is, it's very important... and the reason being, because when parents send their children to Hogwarts they want to know that their children are in the best, most responsible and most capable hands possible..." DUURRR.

Though, really, he wasn't SOLD on the idea.
"However, ones definition of a role model or exemplary citizen, may vary." Each to their own and all that JAZZZ..
"I would like to communicate however, that the Board of Governors standard of conduct and professionalism will ensure that any member is and will continue to OOOOOZE exemplaryness."
Yes, he just made up a word. He liked it. "And really, parents, citizens, esteemed professionals... you all have the ability to judge for yourself the candidates who exhibit those qualities you feel best represent the behaviours and attitudes you would like to be modeled to your children, family members or friends..."

Sigh. Did she need to repeat that it was via the universities? Or that actually the point was, and what she'd been saying, was that she wanted to implement a program within the school to illuminate the children on their options? She wasn't sure that Nolan had been listening to her throughout the campaign. Or he had selective hearing. In any case it was all to the benefit of her that he'd started this line of questioning.

And yes, she'd send him a brochure.

"Of course. And its Professor Schirmer. Thank you." She held an emeritus title after all. Not 'miss'. And what was that look on his face? Nevermind, it was no skin off her nose.

Well that was an interesting question in a way, deceptively simple but also... loaded, given the history between the school and the Ministry. She took a moment to consider her response before standing up and making her way to the front to address the question.

"As with any Wizarding location within the United Kingdom, the primary responsibility of the Ministry is to maintain the Statute of Secrecy, and to keep all Witches and Wizards safe. Unfortunately there has been a lot of history between Hogwarts and the Ministry where the Ministry has interfered inappropriately with the running of Hogwarts, but likewise, many occasions where the Ministry has not been informed of situations in a timely manner where help would and should have been provided." Truth enough. There had been a few Heads of the school that had been understandably biased against the Ministry, but likewise plenty that were biased for absolutely no reason.

"Ideally a mutually beneficial arrangement should be reached, including a clear outline of what constitutes Ministry business within the school. The Board of Governors could possibly help draft such an arrangement, but it would still need to be agreed upon and initiated by Minister Greingoth and Headmistress Truebridge." Pause, "And obviously Hogwarts is subject to the laws enforced by the British Ministry, and it is in the best interest of the Ministry of Magic, and the entire Wizarding Community to ensure that Hogwarts can operate safely and without dangerous interference from outside parties."

Well, that was her opinion, as asked, but also, it wasn't specifically a Board matter, was it? She hoped that the newest incarnation of the Board of Governors could help facilitate a healthier relationship though, and would do her best to be of service if she herself was elected.

So that was why Phillips seemed so dopey. He was in love. Oh, the pain Charles felt for the poor fool. He gave the mushy-brained man an understanding nod. "Glad to hear that, Mr. Phillips, you've answered all of your questions and are now free to question the other candidates should you wish to."

He then turned to Professor Schirmer, yes, it seemed a little out of turn because the woman had answered AFTER Cope, but heck, she had to be told it was her turn to be asking questions, right? "Thank you for that well thought out answer, Professor Schirmer, and for answering all of the other questions. You may question the other candidates if you should so wish."

Now onto Cooper. "Just one more question, Mr. Cope, if some of the ideas you have for the school may require funding, how do you think the Board should raise that money?" He asked, tilting his head curiously at the man.

Questions:

- For Cooper Cope: If some of the ideas you had for the school required funding, how do you think the Board should raise that money?

- For Sherman Clark: How much input should the Board of Governors have in the curriculum at Hogwarts?

- For Lourdes Black: How committed are you prepared to be to this Board if you are selected, bearing in mind that it may sometimes require you to put the school above all other tasks?

- For Corineus Vanderbilt: You’ve stated before that you’re not happy with the way things are done in relation to the running of the school and its safety policies, what would you do differently if elected?

- For Andrew Rose: Why have you missed such an important part of applying to be a Governor, the meet and greet and first debate? Were you starting as you mean to go on?

- For Atticus Aldredge: How far are you willing to go to ensure that you receive a position on the Board of Governors?

General questions for those who haven't answered as of yet:

Q1. Why do you feel you are more qualified for this position than the other candidates?

Q2. If a personal or professional situation arose at the same time as an equally important situation arose in the school, which would you deem more important to attend to first, and why?

Q3. If you were to be elected onto the board, what would you ensure becomes a priority as far as the long term plans of the Board are concerned?

Q4. Do you feel it is important as a board member to work along side of the professors and keep them in the know of everything going on or do you feel the board should be separate?

Q5. Would you consider to be important for a School Governor to be in contact with the students in any way? Why or why not?

Good bludger, when WOULD this end?!? Andrew's eyes flitted around the seating area, searching for one Covington Penney to hopefully give him some sort of expression on how he was doing. A thumbs up or thumbs down or .... well.... something?

As he was searching the crowds, he nearly missed the one fellow address him with another question;

Rising, he bowed slightly as he considered the question. He should have expected a question as such, but honestly, he hadn't really expected it to be noticed the way it was... the way the man had to say it... "The important part of applying to be Governor is the fact that I applied. Yes, I admit that by missing out on the first debate, I may have hindered my chances of election slightly, but..." He paused. "I assure you that I am more than capable and determined to meet the challenges that come with being a Governor. And I do hope that my ending can prove to be better than my starting."

Small bow again, as he took a step backward into his seat.

It was time for the individual and personal questions. Lourdes prepared herself as she waited for her time to speak and for someone to say her question. The woman continued to sit on her seat, back straight and all that lady attitudes. They were almost done... soon they'll all be finished and then the Ministry opens for all the next day. Wasn't that exciting? Yes.

Her question. There it was. And it was another brilliant one, just like the others. Lourdes could tell that there was so much preparedness in making the questions and in organising the debate. Congratulations to all the members of the debate team. But she was going to speak now. Lourdes walked to the front of the stage, maintaining her smile. Ahem. She was about to speak so she wanted the people to listen otherwise she'd feel like she was speaking to air. "I will commit myself wholeheartedly, of course, if I was elected onto the Board. Whenever the school needs me, I will try my best to be there. If it does interfere with my responsibilities as a department head in the Ministry, I would connect this to the previous question; it would depend on the situation I'd be in. If it is important, I believe my department could handle it and if my Ministry duty calls, I believe the other board members could handle it too. I have faith in everyone," she said and it was kind of a bad thing to trust everyone, but Lourdes knew her limitations. "The board and my department aren't just consisted of one person, so there are other people who would step in and help. I assure everyone that I will equally handle the tasks given to me, both on the Board and in the Ministry. I won't let you down. Thank you."

And Lourdes made a curt nod before returning back to her seat. Alright, she was ready for her next question.