Friday, February 6
4pm

Hands clasped before her, and a bright smile on her lips, Madam Zephyr turned slowly in place, taking in the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts.  She hadn't been at the castle since Remembering Day she always forgot how absolutely fantastic Hogwarts castle was. She just burst with pride and a sense of tradition whenever she was here, thinking about all the young witches and wizards, all getting their start here at Hogwarts. 

"Just... marvelous.  Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, ahead as usual...!" she mused.  A passerby would find the curvy old witch, decked out in traditional-style brown and yellow robes, gazing up at the hourglasses filled with shining gems, each gem a moment of academic or moral achievement.  She kept on her slow rotation, a heavenly body in repose, slowly, slowly moving around the great entrance hall.   She stopped a little abruptly at a notice for, oh dear.

Her expressive face wrinkled, and a deep frown formed along with furrows in her forehead when she saw the poster was for that student group S.A.W.S.  Even in presumed privacy, though, she checked her expression to one more neutral, and shook her head, still vocalizing to herself.

"Oh to be young..."

((Sorry this took so long :S))

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN ZEPHYR IS HERE?!"

Anyone who might be spying outside Ana's quarters would have gotten quite an earful. In an uncharacteristic panic, Analiza thrashed around her room in an attempt to prepare herself for the unplanned visit. The poor portrait that had the misfortune of being the messenger cowered in the corner of its frame as Ana tossed shoes and other articles of clothing in rage. After a 6 inch stiletto nearly embedded itself 4 inches deep in the canvas, the portrait quickly slunk off to the hallway in fear of its life. Meanwhile, Analiza stumbled around the room trying to make herself presentable.

"Why... Why did she have to come now? Of all times..." Analiza muttered to herself as she pulled on a simple but elegant shift and ran her fingers through her mess of crimson curls. It wasn't that she was unhappy to hear that Persepolis, the woman responsible for Ana being there in the first place, was visiting. It was the fact that Ana was in the middle of packing and preparing for what would probably be the most important event of her career as headmistress. After Ava's death, Analiza had to do whatever it took to keep the school afloat. The fact that Persepolis chose to pay a visit to Hogwarts now made her nervous. Was she there to demote her for her failure as headmistress? Merlin, she hoped not. There was still so much to be done.

"It can't be that... She likes me... Or I think she does, you can't tell with that woman... but she wouldn't have given me this position if she didn't think I could do it." Analiza muttered to herself as she applied her lipstick with the quick but steady hand of a master. Her insistence that Persepolis wasn't there to criticize did little to calm her nerves, but it gave her enough confidence to appear calm. No matter how much of a mess she was inside, a little arrogance went a long way in fooling people into thinking she was an ice queen. Unfortunately, Analiza and Persepolis were birds of a feather. If she didn't calm down, Zephyr would see right through her.

After a couple more mantras to assure her that she was a strong, confident woman with job security, Ana took a deep breath and nodded to her image in the mirror. "I can do this..." she said lightly before sticking her chin in the air and striding out the door. The students that scattered out of her way as she passed helped her confidence swell. The sight of Zephyr, in her exotic yellow robes, deflated it a little and Analiza swallowed past a lump in her throat. With a pleasant smile, Analiza strode up to her 'boss' and offered her hand "Persepolis! I heard you were in the building for a visit... To what do we owe this honor?"

Headmistress Analiza Snark was preceded by a cluster of scampering students and the sharp rap of her heels on the floor.  The svelte, fashionably done up young witch always made an entrance, didn't she!  That fire-red hair, those sculted calves, and those bright nearly-yellow eyes.  Persepolis positively glowed with pleasure at the approach of her golden girl. 

"You are as regal as a queen!" Persepolis gushed, throwing her saffron-cloaked arms wide and raising Snark's handshake by clasping her shoulders and kissing her lightly on both cheeks.  The Governor came away from the Headmistress with a giant Cheshire smile. 

"My word, this suits you.  Hogwarts suits you, my dear.  Lovely, just lovely."

Then suddenly, out of her revels of pride at her own wisdom for appointing such an excellent witch to Headmistress, her face dropped and she reached out to clasp her hands.

"Ava.  My dear, how are you?  You poor dear witch, how are you holding up?"

"You are as regal as a queen!"

Persepolis' greeting caught Ana by surprise. It had been a while since she had the joy of being in the elder womans presence and Ana remembered now why she liked her. The complimentary part, not the habit of grabbing and kissing part. Ana still found herself tensing up awkwardly as Zephyr lightly but forcibly kissed her on each cheek. Such affectionate greetings were so uncommon in her family that she found herself uncertain what to do when presented with it. In the end, she just turned her cheeks to each side, as she had seen her mother and sister do, and smiled as they pulled apart.

"My word, this suits you.  Hogwarts suits you, my dear.  Lovely, just lovely."

Compliments, though greatly appreciated, were also uncommon for Analiza. If most people had anything appreciative to say about her, they never vocalized it. Flushing slightly in pleasure, Analiza just tilted her head in a bashful manner to hide her pleasure at the praise. Giving compliments were just as hard as recieving them for Madame Snark, perhaps more so, and she struggled to come up with one that didn't sound like she was being glib. Not as lovely as you... No, too corny... That shade of yellow makes you as radiant as the sun... no, not much better... It is amazing how you are able to pull of such a shapeless tent without looking dowdy... wow, no... that just sounds insulting... Ana's mind reeled as she tried to come up with something adequate, her mouth flopped open like a dead fish. Luckily for her, Persepolis didn't wait long before switching the subject to something that Ana could be more then eloquent in: Bitching about the unfairness of life.

"Ava.  My dear, how are you?  You poor dear witch, how are you holding up?"

"Ah..." She said lightly, a hint of sadness coloring her eyes a shade darker "... Well enough I suppose... It was... quite a blow..." An uncharacteristic look of uncertainty crossed her face and she sighed "I mean... aside from losing an excellent student and just... all over lovely girl, we also lost a great deal of trust in the school... I try to make the school safer and they attack me... and then when someone gets killed, I am blamed for the school being unsafe. They are turning the poor childs death into a rallying call... like it was a good thing..." Sighing, she touched her forehead as though just talking about it was giving her a headache "... It only makes matters worse that she was family...""

Analiza seemed stiff and formal, but that was ever Analiza Snark.  Perhaps it came from being a Ministry transplant where professionalism was everything.  How long would it be before her more nurturing instincts caught on and she learned a softer hug?  But it was no matter - Analiza Snark had a warmth that was all her own.  For all her opponents, none of them ever accused her of anything less than complete dedication to the students' well-being and that was paramount.  Maybe it wasn't a hugging warmth.  Perhaps it was the warmth of sleeping soundly on a cold night, knowing Analiza Snark stood between your children and all the evil things in the world.

Persepolis stood, a head shorter than the Headmistress, gazing up at her with earnest brows, as Madam Snark explained the complications surrounding Ava Grosvenor's tragic murder.  But Analiza was dead on with her concerns.  That aweful event was like chum in the water for the gremlins and trolls who looked for an opportunity to bring down any establishment or authority as if they had some better idea.  Everyone was the same, really.  It just made people feel better to switch leaders - like they'd done something.  But no one ever did anything different.  People could cry and bleed their hearts out, but the only differences between McGongagals, Greyfriars and Snarks were trifles - they were all the same and had always been the same year since founding.  Hogwarts would endure and all this was just a hiccup, wasn't it.

But Persepolis knew that people's lives were fleeting and the power of the moment was impressive.  This moment would have to be appropriately handled for maximum positive effect.  But by way of the high road, of course!

"I've got complete faith in you," she said, linking arms with Analiza and moving towards the steps.  "It's very fashionable right now to oppose Hogwarts, but I assure you we're no less an icon of our great society as we ever were.  The Aurors will sort this out, and we will heal, all in good time.  But we've got a school to run, haven't we!  The examinations shall happen on schedule as they always do, the world keeps turning!  Tell me - what have you got planned?  I see that spark in your eye - what's up your sleeve besides your wand?"

When Persepolis linked her arm through Anas in such a familiar way, Ana felt her guard weaken and she allowed the diminutive woman to lead her off down the hallway like they were sisters whispering gossip. Despite their differences, and Analizas best attempts, she felt dominated by the smaller woman. Perhaps it was this that made Ana crave Zephyrs praise so intensely, nearly flushing in pride and bashfulness when the woman continued in a calming tone.

"I've got complete faith in you, It's very fashionable right now to oppose Hogwarts, but I assure you we're no less an icon of our great society as we ever were.  The Aurors will sort this out, and we will heal, all in good time.  But we've got a school to run, haven't we!  The examinations shall happen on schedule as they always do, the world keeps turning!  Tell me - what have you got planned?  I see that spark in your eye - what's up your sleeve besides your wand?"

As she became more relaxed under the watchful eye of her advisor, Analiza was able to let out a light laugh at this comment "Persepolis, you offend me! I never have anything hidden in my sleeves..." She smirked, raising a bare arm as if to prove this " I do, however, have a treasure trove of deviousness hidden away up here..." She tapped her forehead and winked "... and I think I have lit upon an idea that will save the schools reputation, provided I can get the other schools to agree to it after such a traumatic incident."  Pulling away, she turned so she was facing Persepolis "Tell me... In Hogwarts history, what was the one thing that not only portrayed the schools advancement in academics and safety, but also united the world in its support?" Without waiting for an answer, she went on ".... the Triwizard Tournament of course! It has everything we need to revitalize the schools reputation as an academic stronghold as well as a beacon of safety. Do you not agree?"

It was so nice to be speaking with her top choice to succeed Greyfriar.  She was a witch of vital vim and virility.  Strong. Capable.  And with a background in politics.  She knew just how to handle the public and the Ministry of Magic - traits after Persepolis's own heart. 

And so when Analiza turned round to reveal her plan, being both properly humble and candidly proud, Persepolis was rapt.  Madam Zephyr's bright face lit up in a genuine smile and she clapped her hands together in front of her mouth, and her eyes twinkled.

"You'll have the full support of the Governors, I can almost guarantee it!'" she exclaimed in a hushed whisper.  "You'll be speaking to the big three, won't you?  Your man Storm has connections at Durmstrang.  And isn't your Healer American?" she tattered on, the pieces coming together.  This could certainly work. 

"I will approve your leave of absense as soon as you owl it.  Now that you've got your Deputy in place, easy as pie."

But her face stalled a moment, and the smile faded.  Her brows arched high in concealed admonishment.  "But this does have to go flawlessly, does it not?"

"You'll have the full support of the Governors, I can almost guarantee it! You'll be speaking to the big three, won't you?  Your man Storm has connections at Durmstrang.  And isn't your Healer American?"

"I wouldn't know, she is one of the few left over when the previous administration..." Ana said a bit loftily, finding it difficult to hide her distaste when she spoke of Nagde and the previous headmaster. She would have added how much she would appreciate if Zephyr would help her rid the school of the remaining shaft from Greyfriars reign, but she decided against it. With a woman like Persepolis, you had to be careful with your words. Who knew if or when she would turn on you. Instead, she went on to say "... But yes,  I do intend on speaking with all three. Salem is particularly interested, it would seem, and is biting at the bit to join the big leagues..."

"I will approve your leave of absence as soon as you owl it.  Now that you've got your Deputy in place, easy as pie."

"I was just about to do that when I heard you came..." Ana said quickly, worried that the diminutive governess might think she was irresponsible. When Persepolis' face fell and her expression became serious, Analiza felt the hair rise on the back of her neck. Merlin, did she say something wrong?

"But this does have to go flawlessly, does it not?"

Analiza swallowed past the lump in her throat and tried to smile confidently. She couldn't let Persepolis know that she was terrified about what was going to happen. Instead she tried to laugh it off "... Oh I wouldn't worry about that... Didn't I tell you that my middle name is Flawless? I'm not worried..." It was a baldfaced lie, but it made her feel better to hear it being said, as if she was speaking it into existence "... I plan on taking every precaution to keep it safe for the participants... Without losing the difficulty of course..." She added the last part on as an afterthought, knowing that the Triwizard Tournament would be a bust if there wasn't at least a little danger. Entertaining the masses meant more money flowing into the school and more support from the community, so making it too easy would completely defeat the purpose.

As talk turned more seriously to the tournament, Persepolis took half a breath to shoo them both more quickly towards the Headmaster's Office up on the second level.  She picked up the pace as they strolled through the halls.  Groups of students parted before them giving them a wide avenue even in a narrow bottleneck - clearly Snark had control over Hogwarts, and Persepolis smiled.  As it should be.

But as they walked, and as dear Analiza talked, Persepolis couldn't help but notice ... a touch of something.  Her disagreements with Greyfriar had never been cloistered away, but she had the savvy not to speak on it.   Good for her! But then, about the tournament, that false laugh? Oh, Madam Snark, I do hope you have everything in order... she thought.  The nervousness was so rare in Analiza Snark, even these the most faintest of indications that Persepolis Zephyr resolved to ensure this was all air tight.

"Of course!" she echoed.  "The event must stand up to the rigor of old! No cockatrices, naturally, and great care should be taken that we don't have another Dark Lord In Remission situation -," well that was darker humor than Persepolis was usually capable of..."But yes - run those champions through their paces!  And victory for Hogwarts!"

She was smiling again, and had allowed her outburst to sing through the halls. 

But as they rounded a corner, Persepolis stopped them at the base of a staircase.   She lowered her voice.

"I don't think it's overly prudent to consider serious collaboration with the Aurors," she said, her face serious, almost plaintive.  She wasn't sure how Analiza would react to a push towards the Ministry.  The Aurors were already visibly at Hogwarts and while it helped the parents, it did nothing to save face for the Governors.  The whole idea of autonomy was that Hogwarts wanted for nothing - that it could handle itself.  She wouldn't push Snark into collaboration with Level Two... but then, who needs pushes when words can shove?

"Don't you?"

"Of course! The event must stand up to the rigor of old! No cockatrices, naturally, and great care should be taken that we don't have another Dark Lord In Remission situation -But yes - run those champions through their paces!  And victory for Hogwarts!"

"Victory for Hogwarts..." Analiza echoed a bit reluctantly, the nervousness creeping into her voice. Persepolis's comment regarding Voldemort caused worries that hadn't even been in consideration to bubble up and drown Analizas attempts to keep optimistic. She had a feeling that anyone who wanted to hurt her or her cause, they would choose to ruin possibly the biggest event of her career. Even a failed attack on the school would tip the scales against her, as precariously balanced as they already were. Determined not to think about the possibilities, Ana focused back on Zephyr as she continued on.

"I don't think it's overly prudent to consider serious collaboration with the Aurors, Don't you?"

"Well..." Ana said thoughtfully, thankful that she changed the subject. It wasn't necessarily an easier subject to address, but it allowed Ana to relax a little and swallow the worries plaguing the back of her mind. Ministry politics was something she could discuss with little fear. "... You know, of course, of my ties to Level two..." She was speaking of her father, who had been a decorated auror before his death "... And how much respect I have for what Raynor is doing. Although I don't agree with all of their tactics and I am pretty sure they don't agree with my own..." She chuckled, since that was something that everyone knew better then the back of their own hands "... I am more then willing to utilize their services. Keeping the children safe is of utmost importance to me... However..."

She paused for effect, her golden eyes peaking sidelong at her companion, studying her. As much as she respected Persepolis, she knew that the woman was as ambitious and crafty as she was. Exactly what was she aiming at by asking about the aurors? "... I am determined for Hogwarts to remain in Hogwarts control, if you know what I mean?... Just how much collaboration are we talking here?"

"That," Persepolis said with an equally meaningful glance, "remains to be seen.  Let us in, shall we?"  She gestured  at the majestic stone griffin that guarded the entrance to the centuries-old tower, the traditional home of the Hogwarts Headmaster or Headmistress.

Persepolis had heard every word Analiza had spoken.  As much as the two witches trusted each other, their silver tongues hid more meaning then they seemed to reveal.  Persepolis was very familiar with Analiza Snark's ties to the Ministry.  She'd been extremely influential as Head of the Department of Mysteries and her name was well respected (especially when Falmouth was doing so well, as they were this season.)  That's what made her so perfect.  Her loyalty.  And her influence.  And Persepolis had the same to offer in return.  But Hogwarts halls had ears.

As Analiza took them past the sentry and up the winding stair and into the round, classical wizarding tower office, Persepolis's smile widened.  She'd kept her ambitions to herself these last few years, waiting until the time was right, laying out the proper plans, touching the right people.  She wandered step by step around the office, her arms folded into her goldenrod robes.

"A show of confidence in Level Two, and the subsequent success of that partnership that both highlighted Hogwarts' capabilities and its cooperation and concern for the larger wizarding community..." she trailed off, paused in her step and smiled at Analiza Snark.

Her confession came out in a giddy whisper.  "I intend to pursue Minister of Magic."

"That, remains to be seen.  Let us in, shall we?"

"Ah... yes." Analiza said distantly, still a bit put off by Persepolis' comment regarding Hogwarts autonomy. Leaning forward, she whispered something in the ear of the griffin before stepping back so it could slowly rotate into place. It wasn't that she didn't trust Zephyr to know her password... well, alright, she didn't. But she didn't trust anyone with her personal life. She changed the passwords to her tower daily and always picked obscure childhood references that few people, if any, knew. It was a habit she had picked up as a child thanks to her nosy, conniving twin sister. As the stone statue clunked loudly into place, Analiza politely ushered the older woman into the passage. As they entered her office, Analiza begin to feel much calmer. Something about being surrounded by familiar objects, specifically ones that didn't talk back or disrespect you, was so relaxing. She smiled at Persepolis as she took a seat behind her desk.

"A show of confidence in Level Two, and the subsequent success of that partnership that both highlighted Hogwarts' capabilities and its cooperation and concern for the larger wizarding community..."

Analiza waved in a small tea trolley and poured herself a cup of warm tea, nodding politely as Persepolis went on. She agreed with Zephyr, whole heartedly, about the school needing to show that it was willing to work with the ministry. She knew that most of the professors would disagree, but she had a suspicious feeling that most of them were loyal to themselves more so then the school. They simply didn't want to have their private lives scrutinized. However much Ana understood that feeling, since she herself was quite the private person, she felt that the good of the school relied on them being willing to admit their mistakes and compromise.  If that entailed bringing in Aurors, then so be it.

"I intend to pursue Minister of Magic."

Analiza nearly spit out her mouthful of tea when Zephyr quite suddenly made this announcement. Swallowing it with much difficulty, Analiza carefully put down her cup of tea and composed herself. "Really?" She said lightly, though her inflection suggested it was a rhetorical question. She was merely trying to buy herself some time to comprehend what she was just told. She wasn't sure if Persepolis knew about Analiza's friendship, what was left of it, and her previous romantic entanglement with the current minister. Ever since he dumped her for Gertrudis, and subsequently turned against her, she hadn't really spoke to him but there was still a smidgen of feelings left in her for the man. She hoped that Persepolis didn't have any plans to hurt or kill him to get the position.

"Thats... Wonderful... I support you completely..." Analiza managed, after composing herself. This was mostly true. After his betrayal, Ana found it hard to support Marcus just as he didn't support her, so she was more then happy to encourage someone that did appreciate her hard work to take the position. She just knew that, like herself, Persepolis had no qualms about stepping on others to get her position. "... How do you intend on getting the position? I don't see Marcus stepping down any time soon..." She asked casually, as though she didn't care.

Persepolis lowered herself down into a lightly upholstered settee and patiently waited while Analiza took a few moments to absorb her announcement.  It brought a close-lipped smile to her face, watching the mixture of surprise and just a touch of panic.  She didn't take it personally - it was tricky business politics and it was risky for everyone involved.  And Snark knew the Ministry like the back of her hand - she knew all the major players and probably could have been viable had she chosen to pursue it. 

"Thank you," she responded, as obligingly as Madam Snark's pledge of fidelity had been.  She'd probably meant it, and Persepolis was counting on it.

With the practiced motion of a witch of her experience, she drew her wand and summoned a cup of tea for herself with a quiet whisper, "Accio tea."

"Oh, I'll go about it the usual way and that doesn't really require Annwyl's cooperation or even participation.[1]  He's a dear lad, but I think you agree that the time of war hero Ministers has passed.  Scrimgeour, Shacklebolt, Annwyl? I think magical society is due for a witch's touch and I'm confident they'll see it my way.  What do you think?"

Then, she added, "You can relax."

1.	How the Minister is selected.

"Oh, I'll go about it the usual way and that doesn't really require Annwyl's cooperation or even participation. He's a dear lad, but I think you agree that the time of war hero Ministers has passed.  Scrimgeour, Shacklebolt, Annwyl? I think magical society is due for a witch's touch and I'm confident they'll see it my way.  What do you think? You can relax."

"Relax? Me? Oh don't worry about me, I am as relaxed as I can be. I am having good tea with a good friend while listening to great news, what is there to worry about?." Analiza laughed as sincerely as she could, but it came out a tad too bright to be completely honest. She was still trying to convince herself that this was a good change. While Zephyrs promise not to harm Marcus did give her a much needed sense of relief, it didn't completely erase Ana's fears. She was well aware that if Persepolis was caught doing something underhanded that it would not only ruin the governess' reputation but it would call all her decisions into question, including Analiza's appointment as Headmistress. It would be all her dissenters needed to oust her completely.

"I am quite excited actually... The current regime has been a mess honestly... Thats why I left..." Well OK, that wasn't necessarily true, she mainly left so she could be a meddling parent, but the tension she was feeling at the MoM was definitely part of it. Sipping her tea, she let the comment hang in the air before continuing "... I think that the weakness shown in the ministry is in part why the school is garnering such a bad reputation. People assume that if the government can't take care of their messes, then the school was also weak. I think that you taking control would greatly increase our standing and stability."

Persepolis raised a hand in apology and permitted Analiza Snark to convince her she was as content and pleased as she claimed to be.  It was startling news, and the implications were enough to set even the most halcyon on edge, for at least a moment.  Persepolis knew that Analiza would need her own time to orient herself, and to formulate her own strategy.  Everyone had an agenda, Persepolis knew this.  But that didn't mean that personal agendas were mutually exclusive of cooperation and the betterment of their society.

She clapped her hands lightly together in excitement.  "Yes yes yes! I think my chances are very good.  But you must remember, my dear, that adversarialism is no way to earn friends.  Or should I say, it's no way to earn many friends.  It can certainly earn you a few very passionate friends, but I'm not aiming to make those kinds of friends.  Tearing down Annwyl would only cast me as a controversial character - I aim, my dear, to be as agreeable as I can.  Who needs a revolution?" she asked, with a peal of laughter. 

"No one!  You can be sure that education and tradition is at the top of concern for most of our little world, and you can bet Hogwarts will come out gleaming if I achieve what I mean to."