What is the single thing you regret most?
Ever allowing myself to be used by the Queen. I should have quizzed her a lot sooner than I did as to why she was leaving the dangerous work to me. It wasn’t just because of her accession I swear it. Even before she tragically lost her mother, she seemed to like others to do the dodgy, difficult, dangerous stuff. I should’ve realised I was being used earlier. I guess I was kept too busy precisely to stop me from thinking!
What would you say was your greatest strength?
Guts I suppose and determination to keep going. I’ve needed both to see me through a lot of dangerous situations. And the people know I’m honest. I think that’s helped me in my dealings with them.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I know I’m stubborn. I’m aware that’s sometimes a good thing as it helps me keep going but I also know it has got in my way, given me more difficulties than I needed. I need a better sense of perspective at times.
What would you say was your finest achievement?
Magically being the finest aim with a wand in five centuries and when the Queen kept sending me on dangerous missions managing to come back alive every time! Laughing in Brankaresh’s face whenever he looked disappointed at that. Not many laugh in the face of a Chief Wizard and live to tell the tale! Personally, meeting and falling for Derek, marrying him and giving birth to Jennifer. I’ve managed to have two lives – magical and non-magical.
Do you regret not breaking the news of your daughter’s half-magical blood to Jenny sooner?
No. She had a normal life for as long as possible before my darling cousin (does sarcasm come across well in print?) interfered. I appreciate if Jennifer grew up with the idea of being half-magical, it might have been easier for her to accept but all in all I still stand by my decision to shield Jennifer.
Would you have killed the Witch if necessary?
I would have done everything I could to have avoided the necessity. I maintain that the Witch was greatly misunderstood. More diplomacy on the part of the Queen and her government would have made it more difficult for the Witch to justify being violent.