Blink......

"Erm, I can't say I have had the pleasure now that you mention it. But I've seen Mr Flynn around the castle." Leobald admitted. "Person's to consult besides the caretaker about security would be the Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Transfiguration professors." he supplied for good measure.

As Annie stood up he understood that his interview was over. "Thank you for taking time to speak to me headmistress." He inclined his head slightly before attempting to stand up. He was stopped by the cat which had leaped over to his lap. Stroking the cat several times Leo lifted him up gingerly and placed him in his warm chair.

"Bye!" Leo called over his shoulder as he left the office. Coming out of the office he found Hecate sitting in a wing back chair with a kneazle at her feet. "Hello, Hecate! You can head on in to the headmistress now she is waiting."

With a last glance at the potions mistress Leo left the Gargoyle entrance.

"Thank you, Leobald..." She said as she rose from her conjured chair which disappeared shortly after.

She walked into the room with no password needed as the Gargoyle entrance was opened by the librarian, and as she was shutting the door behind her, Mephisto, sneaky kneazle that he is, scurried into the room.

Hecate looked at the headmistress and ignored the kneazle. "Headmistress," she said with a polite nod. She stood in the doorway waiting to be asked to sit, or stand... or leave.

Mhmm, sure, Leobald supplied the right answer now, after she had already thought of it. Imagine that.

"Yes, well..." she watched as he petted her cat. "Good day to you, then." She saw him out and then turned to head back to her desk. She took a seat behind it and smiled at Gingersnapple, who was making himself comfortable in the warm spot Leo had left behind.

Anastasia was resetting her quill as Hecate walked in. She didn't look up until her own cat started spitting and hissing from his perch on the chair, his fur all on end as he looked at the kneazle that had snuck in.

"Ah, Hecate," she murmured as she took in the other woman's appearance. She did not bother to rise from her seat. "Do come in. You'll have to send your cat out, however, as Gingersnapple won't tolerate another in his area."

No indeed. Gingy was flexing his claws and flicking his tail now, completely prepared to strike.

"Kneazle..." She corrected. "And he isn't... exactly mine. He found me, followed me and decided to live in the dungeons in the castle... I don't exactly feed him..." Mephisto was a good mouser... "but I have healed him when he's been ill..."

Mephisto was confused by the other cat. He jumped up on a table, an purred looking at Gingersnapple.

"Mephisto... out." She said to the creature, but it would not mood. She rolled her eyes, and went to grab him, but the kneazle hissed. Hecate shook her head, grabbed the animal and carried it to the door, and tossed him out.

"I would apologize for him, but Mephisto has a mind of his own, and he doesn't really see me as his owner..." She went further into the room and took a seat. "He seemed to be intrigued with your Gingersnapple."

Yes, do go on, Lafay, like Annie really cares what the life story of Hecate's cat is. She found it interesting that the woman laid no claim to the cat and said it didn't claim her in return, yet... the two still behaved as owner and pet.

It didn't matter, since the cat was gone now. "Right..." she said carefully once it was out of the room. "Well Gingersnapple was also interested, but only in attacking him it seems." She gave the woman a firm smile and tapped the tea kettle to get it going again.

"So, Mrs. Greingoth... or do you prefer I address you as Lafay?" Annie would pretend to take her preferences into consideration. "Let's cut to the chase. You may, of course, help yourself to any tea or biscuits here... but tell me, why are you seeking this position?"

Of all people...

"Mistress Lafay, is how I like to be addressed professionally," she said to the woman, "Mrs. Greingoth is for ministry events. But you, Headmistress, may call me Hecate." She said crossing her legs.

Yes, she saw how the cat wanted to attack Mephisto. It would have been funny to see the cat fight the kneazle. Though she would have been held accountable if Mephisto got the upper hand.

"Thank you, but I only drink my own blend..." She said and then continued by answering the headmistress' question, "I suppose I could say I would like to give back to the school that gave me everything, it was here that I began my potioneering career, it was here that I met the man I fell in love with and it was here that I leaned to appreciate the youth of the wizarding world... Or I could tell you the truth, and tell you I'd like the power of being your second in command." She shrugged.

"Hecate. You may call me Annie." An almost-real smile flickered onto Annie's face for just a brief moment but then it disappeared in a flash.

She started her quill with a flick and it began writing again, as usual. Anastasia picked up her tea cup to move it to the tray and almost dropped the thing on her desk. Did Hecate just say she only drank her own blood? No, she must have misheard. She said she only drank her own blend, of tea, surely. Surely.

The redhead shook herself just in time to hear Lafay's answer. "You want to be my second in command, or THE second in command, Hecate?" It was no surprise to Anastasia that the woman was power-hungry. Just look at who she had married. "Why's that? What would you do with such power?"

And could she be trusted with it?

"Your second in command... you are the Headmistress after all..." She smirked. "I'd continue teaching the students, trying to give them the best possible education, and helping them learn to survive. Also I'd take care of anything you wished me to handle. Things you didn't want to handle... Sending the parents letters telling them their student got hurt or passed away at school, telling the board of governors we need more money for the budget... I'm comfortable and fairly good at doing all that." She moved her gray lock behind her ear.

Wow. That was a surprisingly good answer. Annie tried not to look too put off by it, which she showed by blinking a few times.

"What are some changes you would make to Hogwarts as my second in command?" She continued the interview, noting that Gingersnapple had settled down and was now licking his tail thoroughly.

"Changes?" She asked a little confused. "If I understand the role of deputy correctly, it doesn't suggest changes. The deputy simply assists in executing and carrying out the changes that the Headmaster or Headmistress had decreed, so I believe my question for you is, what changes would you like to implement at Hogwarts? Depending on your answer I can tell you how I would ensure your changes are made."

"Generally, when one comes to an interview," the Headmistress smiled at Lafay, one of those 'Oh I'm on to you and it's a good thing you didn't drink the tea because it's poisoned' kind of smiles, "for a new position, one brings new ideas to the table. Sort of as a contribution. Change is good, wouldn't you agree?"

She wanted to hear what Hecate had to say. If she wanted her own ideas bounced back to her she'd stare at her pensieve all day.

"Oh, Change is fine." She said shrugging, "Annie. Let me be honest with you. I'm sure you have gotten plenty of ideas from my colleagues, you don't need mine. You are a smart woman, and I hope you can see I'm one as well. You wish for me to give you my ideas and while you are the Headmistress you may chose to implement them and claim them as your own. As deputy, I would get no credit... and as I said before, deputies don't decide on changes they merely carry them out." Hecate wouldn't go through that again. "Nothing against you, Annie... but I've been burned before by someone who even said he loved me, and took my ideas, my potion recipies, and my journals... and then took all the credit." He also told her, if she'd been smart she'd have taken his name when they married, so the credit would be hers then too. Men...

Anastasia's eyebrows went up a bit at Hecate's... well, rather improper insinuation that she was here to steal her ideas. "In your experience, perhaps, deputies don't instigate change. But in my experience, and as long as I'm head of this school, I will have a deputy who is as focused on progress as I am, not one who concerns herself with... taking credit."

She paused to consider the woman's history she had just shared. "No offense intended, of course, but I can't see why I should give you this job if you can't trust me to take what you say at face value and to leave it at that. I also can't see why you would deserve this job if you have nothing that sets you apart from the five other candidates who applied for this position." By the way Hecate described it, a trained monkey could be her second in command. Not that there was much difference between a monkey and Maximus Vindictus....

Anastasia was much more bothered by Hecate's comment than she let on, and she had certainly let on a lot. Why on earth would she steal - or even CONSIDER - anything Hecate Lafay had to say? "I'd like to believe I have more decency than you're giving me credit for," the redhead half-sighed, and half-said in an audible tone. She looked down at her notes.

She thought a moment and then said "I didn't realize Maximus was so focused on progress." It certainly hadn't shown... "I do focus on progress. I keep myself up to date on every new potion, every new change in procedure with older potions... Progress is very important to me." She said and then leaned forward in the chair.

"You wish to know what sets me apart? My drive. My ambition. My commitment. I WILL get the job done even if I'm on death's door, and you know I have proven that. I have issues with trust, and therefor protect myself. I do trust you are a good and fair Headmistress, I've seen it. I never said you lacked decency. I respect you. I would never work for someone who I do not respect. Credit is not the only reason I excel at my work, but it is important to me and I won't apologize for that."

She sighed and leaned back in the chair. "I take it my interview is over?" She had been too honest it seemed, and the Headmistress had taken offense. "I didn't mean to anger you, I meant it more as complimentary. We use what we can to succeed."

Yes, well, Maximus had already had the job when Annie had been hired. She couldn't very well fire the monkey legend. The redhead heard Lafay out, though, and tipped her head toward her when she mentioned respect.

"I see," the redhead responded simply. Would it be too much to push Hecate to say just WHAT job she was speaking of? Because she referenced potions, and she said she would enforce/do whatever Annie told her to do... but Anastasia didn't want a person like that. She wanted someone who would take initiative and sometimes do things on their own, not someone who... was a follower. Unfortunately, as much as Hecate was respected in her field, Anastasia felt that perhaps it was best she remained there.

"I'm not a Slytherin, Hecate, as I do believe in teamwork and hard work, which is all I've used to get to where I am today." She did not yet rise from her seat, though. "If you feel this interview is over, then it is over. If you have anything else to say that you think would make me pick you, then speak now."

"Do you truly believe that because I'm a Slytherin, I did not get where I am from hard work, and teamwork?" Her eyes were wide now. Potioneering wasn't something you could just fall into and pay or bride your way through. Hecate had talent with potions, and she had worked extremely hard to become as good as she was.

... now she was offended. Not just for herself, but the fact that the headmistress though Slytherins didn't believe in hard work. Not every Slytherin had everything presented on a silver platter.

"I feel you've taken my honesty the wrong way." She said. "You asked me what I would like to change around here, and since you've invited me to take a stand rather than wait for your lead, then here's my proposed changes: I think we need to change the way we approach safety at the school. We shouldn't just look out for the students but teach them to look out for themselves. Do they know what to do if we’re attacked? Do they know where to go or what to do if we need to evacuate? We can teach them how to survive in this school so they will know how to do so in the real world. From what you've just said... I'd like to do away with the houses. Even if just for a week. I don't believe Slytherins are better than Hufflepuffs, or Gryffindors, or Ravenclaws... they need to learn that as well. Teach them to appreciate one another's differences. Thirdly, and I truly cannot believe I'm going to say this, but I’d encourage more staff and student events, because we don’t do enough with them. We sit in our offices and wait for problems to arise to handle the students. This needs to change. Do you know I'm one of the few professors that attends all the quidditch matches?"

She leaned forward again, meeting the woman's gaze and staring her down. "Annie... I have a vested interest in this school. As I said earlier, I went to school here and I fell in love here, I wasn't lying about any of that. My daughter that goes to school here, and I have one who I want to send here in 11 years. I learned survival at a very young age, and I know how to hold my own in a position like Deputy Headmistress. It may not seem like it to you, but I have ideas, I have dedication, and I care for the well-being of this school and the people who live inside. So if you’re questioning what I think would make you want to hire me, well… I believe I've just answered you, and even if you don't give me the position which I not only deserve but am perfect for, I won’t stop trying to get better and better."

"Yes and no, Hecate, as Slytherins are hardly known for their team work," Anastasia nearly spat the second word. "Don't mistake me, for I'm sure you have all the qualities.... of a professional, working woman. Otherwise you wouldn't still be here, would you."

It was only then that the redhead revealed the folder containing the notebook her notes had been collecting in. It was black, thick, plain but professional, and stamped on the front were the words:

HECATE LAFAY
CONFIDENTIAL

She put the file down and waited for the other woman to finish before speaking again. Now, there, THAT was the fire Lafay was famous for. "Finally!" she said in a pleased tone. "FINALLY you're being honest with me, and with yourself."

There was a long pause, made all the longer by the silence of the quill which had stopped writing everything down. Annie stood and held her hand across her desk. "Thank you for your time. I assure you, your ideas will not go uncredited nor unheeded, regardless of my final decision."

"Good day, Annie." She said standing, and with a look at the cat she thought how fun would it be to set up a little meeting between Mephisto and the orange creature...

... she and Annie could bet on the outcome.

She turned and left the woman's office.

Well that was an abrupt end to an awkward interview. Anastasia shook her head as soon as Hecate was out the door and scooped up her cat. "Well, Gingersnapple, what to do now? I think we deserve a break from all these interviews."

Before she made a decision, anyway. No rush on that!

The Date: 07 June 2080
The Time: 4:00 pm GMT
The Place: The Headmistress' 150% CLEANED Office Chambers
The Players: Headmistress Anastasia R. Truebridge and her... "former student," Peyton Barrow
The Whuuut?: Peyton has applied for the vacant CoMC position. She is the first candidate Bunz is interviewing for the job.

She hopes she's nervous.

*DUN DUN*

It was a fine, perfectly warm summer day, and since there were no students around who could POSSIBLY sneak into her office today, Anastasia had the windows open and her chair tilted back. She had her hair up in a simple sweep and was wearing a colorful summer dress which occasionally ruffled in the light breeze swishing her curtains around. Gingersnapple, her overweight cat, was still in the dog cathouse for befriending the two cattle in her office and was thus not in sight. However, her four-year-old son David was in the room, happily pretending to brew something on his child-size cauldron kit in the corner.

Annie was too busy reading over school budget and BoG paperwork to bother telling the boy that the broom he was stirring his cauldron with was a collectible. As long as he was happy and quiet, she would be happy and quiet. And... she would wait on this Barrow she was supposed to be interviewing. Girl should be here any minute now.

Peyton Barlow tried not to feel like an over-excited former schoolgirl as she walked through the familiar corridors of Hogwarts School. Truth be told, she was a mixture of nerves and excitement. This was such a big step for her, and if she succeeded, which she would, this would be a wonderful opportunity for her.

She paused and smoothed down her skirt as she tried to collect her thoughts and compose herself. This woman was BRUTAL. No, really. She was. She'd taught Peyton Herbology when she was a seventh year, and...Peyton had heard things. Once, she overheard Anna Greingoth saying that Bunbury had tried to steal her boyfriend.

Really? Cale Newell? Eww... Peyton had heard things about him, too. Someone had spread around that he'd cut the tails off rabbits and fixed them to his head to use as hair.

HA. Those things seemed silly now, but it was all running through Peyton's head like it'd happened yesterday. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of Professor Bunbury's door. Headmistress Truebridge. She was Headmistress Truebridge now.

She knocked three times and waited for the Herbology professor--HEADMISTESS--to call her in.

Come on, Peyton. Get it together.

Tick tock, tick tock went the clock. And where oh where was little old wheel Barrow? Annie smoothed out her skirt and flipped open the file on the candidate for the job, studying it one last time before the girl was due to arrive.

Davie heard the knock before she did. "I'LL GET IT MUM," he shouted unnecessarily, pushing himself up from his play area and scrambling for the door. He was just tall enough to reach the knob if he stood on his tippy-toes and jumped for it, and with such an effort, the four-year-old managed to get the door to swing open with himself clinging to the back side of it.

"Come in," Anastasia looked up from the file. She set her self-inking SmartQuill on its nib and folded her hands on her lap. Where had Davie gone now?

When the door opened, seemingly by itself, Peyton was only slightly taken aback. Not because it opened by itself, though. No, that was something very simple to accomplish just by magic alone. The reason she was a bit taken aback is because in her mind, she'd imagined how this would go, and what she had imagined was being told to come in first. Then she'd open the door slowly and confidently, while preparing her best interview face for The Bunz.

...but no. She was left just standing there, door wide open, with The Bunz right before her. Peyton quickly smiled and smoothed down her skirt once again. Now she had to remember not to call this woman The Bunz either...

"Good day, ..." Slight pause. "Headmistress Truebridge." YES! Score one for Peyton. She'd said the right name. She came to a stop beside a chair, debating on whether or not to take a seat. No, no she wouldn't take a seat. She'd wait to be asked. Instead, she shifted a portfolio from one hand to the other and extended a hand. "It's good to see you again."

Once the laaaady in the skirt had stepped through, Davie shoved all his weight (and both feet) against the door to give it a good SLAM shut. Then he let go of the doorknob at last and dusted off his hands, marching back over to check on his potion. Just like this was an every day thing.

Oh there was her son. How kind of him to open the door for this young woman. "Thank you darling," Annie mentioned with a smile toward her boy. She stood up then, finally, as the girl had offered a handshake. Annie first of all scrutinized her outfit, as she always did, with the simple, but extremely judgy, copywrighted Bunbury move: a head-to-toe flick of the eyes, her gaze lingering juuuuust enough so that the other person KNEW you were judging them but not long enough to be be misinterpreted as anything flirty. Especially not in that color of suit. No no, no. No.

The Bunz finally nodded and shook Peyton's hand. "Miss Barrows, is it?" She did not remember the girl in the slightest. Whups. "Please, have a seat." She gestured toward the chair opposite hers and waited.

Peyton had just extended her hand and offered her best 'let's get this interview started' line, when the door SLAMMED behind her. Right. She hadn't been expecting that at all; however, she only slightly budged, and by that, she meant she turned her head to see what the commotion was and saw...a child?

"Oh, hello there," she said, offering the boy a smile, too. "This must be your..." She toyed with the idea of son versus grandson, but in the end, she decided to go with what would sound better. "...son. How polite of him to open the door for me." Now if he would have only known not to SLAM it, as well, things would have gone perfectly.

She turned around just in time to see the scrutinizing of the outfit, but tried not to think anything of it. After all, this woman was out of Peyton's generation. Perhaps the older crowd had moved on to a slightly different styles. Grays, maybe?

"Barlow," Peyton said, taking a seat as she said her last name. "Peyton Barlow." Just then, a breeze traveled in through the open window and blew Peyton's bangs backwards. Peyton gave a tight-lipped grin before sweeping them back in place.