Maybe for a Miracle

[Isabella Quirrell]

After a year of it, Isabella had determined that her position as a chaperon was not quite what she wanted. It was not engaging enough. She had wondered if a position she was qualified for was open at Hogwarts, but there was not -- well, except Etiquette but by the time she had heard Miss Prewett was leaving someone else had already been hired. However, it occurred to her that she could potentially create a position for herself, if things went well.

She'd arranged to see Mrs. Pendergast, and Bella kept reminding herself that she was qualified to to teach both Potions and Herbology at Hogwarts. She'd not get either position over a more experienced applicant, but she had the minimum qualifications. What was more, the girls (at least the ones that weren't new) already knew who she was and respected her. She was a reasonable choice, if not so fine a one as Professor Prince.

But Hogwarts had Professor Prince.

"Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Pendergast," she said. "I had thought I might suggest an expansion of the curriculum. While the girls don't need to be expert in either, there are benefits to a young lady being proficient in herbology and potion, and so I thought that a class that combined the two might be advantageous."

@Odira Potter
@Olivia Pendergast

  

[Olivia Pendergast]

Though no longer the height of the academic season, it was a busy time of year—both for her own social calendar and that of her students. Rosalind’s upcoming debut in particular had been keeping the witch busy, and so the only reason Mrs. Quirrell was now seated across from her was because the chaperon had made an appointment some days prior. Tea had been served and the necessary greetings extended, and Olivia was pleased to see the younger widow promptly getting down to business.

“I confess,” she replied after taking a moment to consider the suggestion, “I had not thought either subject particularly important—still do not think so of potions, for it can go so dreadfully wrong so easily! But I think you are right that herbology might be a sound addition to the curriculum—” sound enough that Olivia was slightly miffed not to have thought of it herself “—and I thank you for the suggestion!”

  

[Isabella Quirrell]

That sounded uncomfortably like a dismissal. Bella shifted slightly, and then pressed forward. "If you do add Herbology to the curriculum, I would like to put myself forward as a potential instructor. I might not have educational experience, but the young ladies are already familiar with me, and I achieved an O in the subject on my NEWTs."

  

[Olivia Pendergast]

Ah. There it was.

The request did make the suggestion appear much less out-of-the-blue, but Olivia could not help but think it would make for a peculiar appointment. She did, after all, pride herself on having the highest of quality instructors. It was part of her brand, and hardly something that anyone should scoff at.

“I didn’t realized you had an interest in the subject,” Olivia replied diplomatically, her frown minor, but present. A lack of educational experience Olivia already knew, but did she even have any experience with herbology outside of her own schooling?

Table by Lola

[Isabella Quirrell]

"A lady must have interests, especially when she has little else to draw her attention. I have something of a green thumb, and so my interests naturally turned to expanding my knowledge of herbology." There were, of course, more knowledgeable people, but she was qualified to teach at Hogwarts. It was just that the position was not open, nor was Potions, nor Etiquette - which left her quite without options in that regard.

  

[Olivia Pendergast]

“I am just concerned,” she offered, though there was no ‘just’ about it, “that both you and the pupils might have hard with the transition in your relationship. The trust of our girls—and their parents,” Olivia reminded the chaperon, “is of the utmost importance.”

Table by Lola

[Isabella Quirrell]

"I certainly understand, Mrs. Pendergast," Bella said respectfully, "but I am confident that I can make the transition without much upset. In addition, if I may say, a widow might have a better perspective on the type of herbology knowledge a wife needs - what sorts of things it is better to do yourself or have your lady's maid do, and what sorts of things are best to purchase from the apothocary. There should be a different focus here than there would be at Hogwarts."

  

[Olivia Pendergast]

Those were the first words Mrs. Quirrel had uttered in the entirety of their conversation that gave Olivia any confidence that she would not be a dire mistake for the post. It was, however, a long way from a properly convincing argument, at least to the woman who was notoriously difficult to please.

She pursed her lips thoughtfully.

“It is a sound proposal,” she acknowledged at last, “and one that I shall carefully consider. I trust you would like to be informed when I come to a decision?” Olivia added wryly.

Table by Lola

[Isabella Quirrell]

Bella was hardly convinced that Mrs. Pendergast intended to give her any sort of chance, but there was nothing else for her to do about it at the moment. She had clearly been dismissed, and perhaps she would be able to come back with a curriculum and convince Mrs. Pendergast that she would be an effective instructor for the way in which young ladies might use herbs.

"Thank you very much for your time, Mrs. Pendergast. I will get that proposal to you as soon as possible."

  

[Olivia Pendergast]

With a nod of dismissal to Mrs. Quirrell, Olivia turned her attentions back to her correspondence.

Table by Lola