The Hardest Part Open

Japanese | English | Date:Late October | Word Count 424/200

Aiko had struggled with the immediate thought that she should apply when she heard that the four Heads of Houses at Hogwarts were stepping down. She enjoyed the students at Mahoutokoro, but she felt less connected with them now that she was Headmistress. Not to mention some of the staff and others in the magical community (her own mother included) felt that she did not exhibit the traditional values they favored, and she was encouraging bad behaviour in the students.

Then only a day or so after the announcement, her mother had asked her to visit as her father was feeling unwell. Aiko, worried as her parents were aging, had rushed home to visit, only to be surprised by five suitors her mother had chosen, and their parents. Aiko had not turned around and immediately submitted her application for Head of House, but it was a close call. She didn’t even spend more than two days on her application, and she certainly hadn’t edited it overly much before it was away via owl. It had been dreadful both waiting for a response and keeping the attempt secret. She didn’t want to add more fodder to her critics, and she knew they would see her as fleeing before she was shown a fraud.

Then the owl had come, inviting her for an interview. She had confided in her favorite colleague, and they had taken the time to cover for her while she left. Honestly, after the interview she had serious doubts about her chances of receiving an invitation back but hoped that her tenure as headmistress would set her apart from other applicants.

When she received the offer, she had stood in shock. Aiko had to then face what she would need to do for her next steps, namely giving her notice, packing her office and saying farewell to her students. Even know standing in front of the crowd in the dining hall, she had forgotten her prepared speech.

Taking a breath, Aiko just dove right in. “I ask that you please refrain from any interruptions until I’ve completed my announcement.

I understand that this may come as a shock, but I have been offered a position at Hogwarts as the Head of House of Gryffindor and accepted.

I have enjoyed immensely our time together, even though the transition last year was unexpected and tinged with sadness, you’ve been amazingly patient and kind while I’ve adjusted. It was a tough decision and please do not think it is because of any of you.

I hope to see all of you at one or many of the international events, and please do not hesitate to come find me or send me an owl, I will always be happy to talk with you.

Another headmaster or mistress will be appointed as soon as possible, so please be patient in this transition period.

I’ll be staying afterward if anyone wishes to come talk to me or I won’t be leaving until later this week if you wish to wait.”

Coughing quietly, as she did her best to keep her voice from trembling or tears from filling her eyes, she stepped down from the raised area for the final time, ready to embrace the new, even if she was upset at the moment.