Applying for the position of Charms professor was something that came almost as a whim to Benny. He kept feelers out in the Charms community, had a lot of friends, was generally a well-networked sort of man. And when he heard the post was coming open for the following school year, he sent in a letter of inquiry followed by a formal application for the position. He resume did not have much in the way of teaching experience- thus, being summoned for a formal interview with the headmistress came as a slight surprise.

Of course, his credentials were far from lacking. He had spent a good number of years working in the Department of Mysteries doing experimental spell research and creation- both in Charms and Transfiguration. He had written a number of books on charms, in various subjects. He was considered a scholarly authority on the matter of charms work. But apart from training new-hires he had little experience in imparting his knowledge on, directly at any rate, to others.

But he wanted the position. It seemed a good career move. He was a single man, of advancing years, with enough experience under his belt to be considered an appropriate fit for an educator. So he dressed in some of his nicer dress robes, and found himself seated in McGonagall's office at the day and time she had pre-determined.

When the Headmistress appeared, he rose from his seated position, standing to greet her. "Headmistress McGonagall," he greeted. He was accustomed to dealing with those in higher authority, but always felt awkward at how formal the wizarding world could be at times. "It certainly is a pleasure to see you again." She had been teaching Transfiguration when he was at Hogwarts, and he had always enjoyed her class. And excelled- as evidenced at his O on his NEWTs. "I appreciate you taking the time to interview me for this position. It was most unexpected."

Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had found herself seated in the library – like a school girl – for most of the afternoon. Laid upon the surface of the desk were scattered various tomes – all by the same author. Benjamin Pattershaw was no new name to the elderly witch – even had she not been his teacher, she believed she still would have known his name. The wizard was exceptionally bright – and his skill was rarely matched.

The Headmistress was finding it extremely hard keeping the school fully staffed. Professors ran through like water, and there was simply nothing Minerva could do about it. Such a high turnover wasn’t always a bad thing – as students were exposed to several styles of teaching (sometimes several styles in the same year), but eventually… qualified candidates started to trickle out. That reason, and that reason alone, was why Minerva sat in the library, pouring over the written works of Mr. Pattershaw.

Soon, her shoes were clacking down the hallway toward her office, nodding at students and staff alike as they went about their daily business. Clutched in one arm was a single volume – use for the interview. As she made her way into the office, Minerva offered the man before her a warm smile. “Welcome back to Hogwarts, Mr. Pattershaw,” She said, offering him her hand, “You should never confuse expectation with reality, Mr. Pattershaw. Your reputation speaks for itself,”

A portrait behind Minerva’s head snorted, and the headmistress turned her head to give the culprit a withering stare, “Please, have a seat,” She said, before taking her own behind the large wooden desk, “So, Mr. Pattershaw, what brings you back to Hogwarts? Teaching isn’t for everyone.”

He took her hand gently, and smiled lightly when she said his reputation spoke for itself. A reputation was little more than that- just a reputation. He was glad that his preceded him, though, and it made Benny feel like all of his hard work over the span of his career had not been in vain. Minerva McGonagall said he had a good reputation- he had never felt more proud in his entire life. The only way it could have been a better moment had been if Dumbledore were still alive, and if Dumbledore himself had complimented his skill and reputation. "Thank you, Headmistress." He was choosing to take it as a compliment.

Benny waited on the headmistress to sit down, then settled back into his chair, smoothing down his tie and adjusting the dress robes around him. He had never been a fan of wizarding robes, but felt then a necessary part of looking professional for such an interview. He preferred nice slacks with a button up, tie, and a blazer. He would have to ask if that would be appropriate for teaching. If nothing else it made wand waving much easier.

What brings you back to Hogwarts? It was a question he had pondered for quite a while, even so he pursed his lips in thought, taking a few moments to gather his words before responding to the direct inquiry.

"No, it isn't. And I am first to admit I don't have much formal experience with teaching- apart from helping trainees and new employees when I was still working at the ministry. But I heard the position was coming open, and couldn't help but feel drawn to it. I have always wanted to get involved in the Charms field again in a more direct manner. I've written a few books on the matter, but educating someone in person sounds very... fulfilling." He felt ridiculous talking about it like this, like he was trying to sound like some kind of great mind who had something to give to the world.

"I want to make a difference, I suppose. Teach students how to incorporate charms into their every day life, and some of the more practical uses versus entertainment choices. I want to show young people important life lessons that I think they often miss out on until they are older. There is something appealing about the idea of being able to do that- of making a difference for someone, and on the future. I know how that sounds- sentimental nonsense. But I never had the chance to have children of my own before my wife... passed." Translation: was murdered during the second war for being a muggleborn working at the ministry. "We talked about the things we teach them, the lessons we would want them to learn, the important values. I think combining that kind of an attitude with teaching charms would be a great way to fulfill that since I have none of my own."