You’ve all met her. You’ve passed her in the hallways and some of you have even been unfortunate enough to end up in her office – but who is the woman whom so many seem to fear? What mystery does the Headmistress hold? Why does she strike fear in the hearts of many? Today we’ll get a one-time, inside-look at the woman in white.
There are not many who have the mettle to take on one of the country’s most difficult, and at times, unrewarding roles; Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts. The true caretaker of the castle, who inhabits every corner, shadow, portrait and tunnel. It was in the denouement of two thousand and twenty, in the collapsing month of Autumn that Hannah Jane Fischer sauntered the cold, esteemed steps and introduced herself as the newest bigwig.
In those small, collected minutes we allowed ourselves a moment of respite. Her voice was gentle and easing, her hair a novelty-red. She wore pearls and donned a soothing white that promised new beginnings. She was a walking sigil to Gryffindor house. But time is not a forgiving thing in the castle of Hogwarts, for as it pressed unwaveringly on, so did it’s curse. Things began to happen, out of everybody’s control. Attacks on students, Ministry interventions, nothing uncharacteristic. Soon, after all of this woman’s efforts to permeate the protection of the school, we began to criticize and undermine all of her choices. So is it any wonder that she became sullen and impatient?
She began her career doused in vacillation from her peers. A woman who was regarded as feeble and easy to exploit. Though in spite of all of that, she found herself at the pinnacle of the Ministry, as a representative for the international confederation where she came into contact with countless household names and personage. It is here that she learned a lot of what she knows about leading, where she festered an appreciation for it and undoubtedly found the confidence needed to take on the role as Headmistress at our establishment.
In this one-time interview, we explore this woman and find out her story, from her shackled past, to the family that gloss, and in some ways taint, her background, and more.
As I sit down with her, I immediately notice her hair. It is tired, and not its usual vibrant red. Her eyes seem elsewhere, and there is an air of desolation. But all of this washes away, when her clear voice breaks the silence.
Headmistress Fischer, I’d like to ask some basic questions first. Can you start by telling me where you grew up?
Watford, London.
What was it like?
Boring really.. I had a fairly Muggle upbringing. Nothing as exciting or tribulating as expected by some.
Muggle-upbringing? Are you a Half-blood or Muggle-born, then?
Half Blood. Mother is a Witch, Father is a Muggle.
You weren’t always a Headmistress – before any of this came about, did you ever wish to be something else? during your own time at the castle, perhaps?
Actually I planned on continuing my work around the world. It’s fascinating visiting other cultures and experiencing their way of life as compared to ours. Did you know that in America they call Muggles ‘No-Maj’s?’’ Fascinating stuff really..
Tell us about how you became Headmistress. Is it true that it was offered to you?
It rather came out of nowhere really. I heard talks of the position and offered myself up for it in hopes that I could make a difference, especially considering the shameful acts of Eponina Hawthorne that had just plagued the school. Strangely they accepted. I always did love children. It’s a shame I never got the chance to have more.
Eponina Hawthorne reigned as Headmistress in the year 2019 leading into 2020. She was an avowed villain, bent on the destruction and chaos of Hogwarts, in her savage animagus form: a dragon. It is said that she did this seeking revenge, for reasons unclear to us. She was publicly condemned by the Ministry, and was killed upon her final attack by those who call Hogwarts their home. This lead into regional outcry, parents and guardians in widespread disgust, until Hannah’s situated promotion to Headmistress ameliorated the temper.
Where you hired under false pretences?
I was sure they offered me the role considering my skills and knowledge of magic and other things. Perhaps I gave off a rather motherly figure. However.. I suppose that they had other plans. It seemed like what I was offered was merely to be a figurehead. I had no actual power so to speak. We’ll use the term puppet here.
What does a Headmistress actually do?
I’m not here to teach. Most of my time is spent away from the school or in my office dealing with very boring paperwork; meetings, funds, the board of Hogwarts. My job is to secure this school and keep it running. There is a lot that goes into Hogwarts behind the scenes that most don’t realise, so understandably I only ever see students when it’s something serious.
You said that you never had the chance to have more children. So you have children then? Are you married? Where are they? Tell us more:
I am married, yes. My husband works within the same field I used to and it’s very rare that I see him. My son works within the Wizengamot and I believe he’s due to be married. Unfortunately I have no contact with my son for reasons of the obvious kind. I shan’t involve him with the current politics of Hogwarts and the Ministry.
I have to ask: does your family know you were cursed?
No. It’s better not to worry them with such things. I don’t believe many know the full extent of the curse.
For those who do not know; the curse used was Rescendio Vitae, a form of black magic that drains the life source from its victims. It’s side-effects are prolonged and agonizing. Hair begins to dull, skin and aesthetics seem to deteriorate, and the bodily functions collapse if not immediately treated. It’s conclusion is usually death. It is an unbearable pain, and one that should never be endured alone. Like many curses, no cure has been found.
It is shocking that in spite of this, here this woman sits before me. There is a stammer in her hands as she holds a cup, and wisps of hair that seem to fall limp from her skull in the passing conversation. Yet her words remain clear, and almost comforting to listen to. I wonder to myself why she carries on, when it is obvious she is suffering. Though I am reminded, almost instantly, that this is who she is: a lion.
Not many know the true extent of the curse. Are you in pain?
I’d rather not disclose that information dear. As you can tell it’s not the best for morale. However the discomfort I am in, I am still able to do my job.
Students (and the press) seem adamant on targeting you – but from where I am standing, I can see only a woman who has been through trial and triumph, to do what’s right. Why do you think this is?
I’m human aren’t I? perhaps I have made mistakes.. perhaps I haven’t. I believe people look for figures to blame in a crisis. My actions are bold and sometimes hasty but they don’t come from malice. Children will learn that sacrifices are to be made if you expect to progress. Some see my actions as merely contradictory.. we’ll take for instance the owls. A lot of people had a lot to say about that but if they stopped and thought about why I did it they’d understand. In politics and villainy, the innocent are used as leverage to topple things and it wouldn’t be beneath those whom seek to bring injustice to this school to take the innocent words (or parchments in this case) and effectively use it against the students or the faculty and I.
So, you made unpopular choices, to keep everyone safe. Does this mean that the Ministry are up to something again? Are the rumors true?
Once thing I have learned is that you can never be too safe or trustful. Always expect the unexpected and always be on your guard. I have no doubt there are troubling times ahead. Profess-
She pauses here, adjusts her body slightly, seeming to shift some discomfort. She soon continues:
… perhaps I’m too bold in continuing to call her Professor. Zimelda Zemeckis was merely a tool. No good villain reveals all their plans in one bold move, that’d be silly wouldn’t it?
If you could say anything to Zimelda Zemeckis at this very moment, what would it be?
If by the off chance she is reading this somehow. I only have one thing to say. You were a fool, Zimelda.
In an article released by the famed columnist and gritty writer Sidgeon Quilt, for the Daily Prophet, he accounts the tale of Zemeckis’ climb to influence, her alleged whereabouts and ends the article in his usual acclaimed way, with a question that truly begs; Is Hogwarts cursed? (as seen here: http://goo.gl/rdtahN)
I decide not to press on the matter. Time was running out, and I wanted to know more about her take on the Ministry:
We’ve talked and talked about what the curse did to you (and in some ways, the school) – but I’m more interested to know about Seung Hightower. She was once Headmistress of this castle, turned Inquisitor, turned frenemy. Who is she, and what is your relationship with her?
I don’t believe it’s my place to comment on Madame Hightower’s position within this school. It’s no secret she and I have had our differences as most students noticed when we fell victim to some jinxed sweets. However, she has proven herself a worthy figurehead, she has plenty times tried and attempted to protect this school and thus she is deserving as my companion to help me build this school into something we can all be proud of. It’d be childish to hold onto teenage squabbles. Wouldn’t it?
Do you trust her?
Yes, completely.
How do you feel about the recent press in the Daily Prophet yourself and the school have been center stage of?
Journalists have no integrity these days. They’d rather try and pick at rocks in an attempt to get a story rather than investigate what has happened. I find it rather odd that nobody has deemed it necessary to question why things are happening but more so who is to blame.. don’t you?
Pay no attention to the baseless accusations and words of ill-trained and low moraled supposed ‘Journalists’ but instead form your own opinions and use your own brain. THAT is my feelings regarding the subject.
Interviews with you are exceptionally rare. Why did you agree to this one?
In all my time at Hogwarts none but few have bothered to truly get to know me. It would appear I have acquired a few nicknames over the years (Dragon-Lady), people fail to understand my reasoning and my logic. I’ve chosen now to speak up. I am a human being, a woman…a mother. Yet here I am. I will defend this school, it’s students and i’ts residents – witch, wizard or otherwise until my last dying breath. Did anyone know I enjoy knitting? Perhaps not. The focus seems more on what I do than who I am. I want to remind you all that even though you may never meet with me personally, you are all in my thoughts.
Is there anything you would like to say to the students of Hogwarts?
We will prevail… and do you homework.
As I thank the Headmistress for her time, and I leave those grand doors, out of her office and down that magnificent corridor, I find myself reeling with emotions. There is so much more to this woman than meets the eye. She is not a dragon lady, nor is she anyone to blame. She is our guardian, our guiding light, and in many ways our mother. Every choice that has lead up to this moment has been made by a woman who has shaped her life, in spite of every obstacle thrown in her path.
She does not have all the answers. She cannot always be who we want her to be. But perhaps we expect too much, when we get so much already. Through trial and tribulation, through love and loss, one thing is absolutely certain: we need Hannah Fischer.
Signed,
The Golden Eagle
