June's Office - Come on in!

June, you know mention plot bunnies? Well what about doing a top 5 plot bunnies? just an idea

hmm... good idea... but how would you rank plot bunnies?

hmm, i dunno, i guess just take your favorites and post them in the order 1 2 3 4 5 i guess.

umm.. okay... xD What if I sent a mass pm asking if anyone has any interesting plot bunnies they'd like to share?

Yeah that's a good idea and i think we still have plot bunnies down in the Quill part of this forum.

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! WHERE DID ALL THE TIME GO?!?!?! *frantically writes to finish up*

*is typing madly to get this done by next week* I'm doing an interview with Luna . I've always wanted to write her.... *hopes that she's captured her semi-okay*

JUNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

How you getting on?

*tries to not panic*

Thursday is like almost here, so, you know, um, yeah, anything you have send to Amy.

I'm almost done!!! I'll edit everything tomorrow and send it in.

Aye aye captain!

Here's the interview; I'm still deciding how many fanfiction recs I'm going to put. Hmm.. maybe 5?

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I have waited in apprehension, excitement, and anticipation for this interview taking place today. Mrs. Luna Scamander née Lovegood has long puzzled the wizarding world with her personality, her beliefs, and her foggy version of what occurred during the Final Battle. We at the Hogwarts Pensieve have waited for a very long time for a chance to interview this enigma of a witch, and now, finally, we have the chance. Mrs. Scamander recently informed us of her return to England after travelling to Nepal in search of the infamous Yeti, which led to the meeting that will take place today. I sit at the table where all of my interviews, both past and future, take place, outside of Florean Fortescue’s icecream parlor, though it’s been managed by his daughter ever since his disappearance so long ago. At the sound of high heels against stone, and at the appearance of a somewhat familiar woman, I stand, stretching out a hand.

“Hello Mrs. Scamander,” I say with a smile.

Luna Scamander – I want to write ‘Lovegood’- hasn’t changed very much since the days of Hogwarts. She still has long blonde hair that’s held up in a half-bun by a blue and bronze-streaked quill, and her large blue eyes still don’t appear to settle on any one point for long. Mrs. Scamander is wearing a blue dress with gold accents along the sleeves, hem, and neckline, and she touts her customary necklace of bottle-caps as well as a pair of earrings that distantly resemble purple turnips. She smiles at me mistily and shakes my hand.

“Hello Ms. Mei,” she replies and adds, “But please, call me Luna. ‘Mrs. Scamander’ sounds so… dignified.”

I laugh and we both sit down. I think I’m going to like Luna, though she is a bit strange. “Then please call me June.” Trying to break the ice further, I say, “So, Luna, I hear that you’ve just returned from overseas?”

She nods and reaches for a purse that I must have overlooked… somehow. It looks as if it’s made of bronze dragon skin, and is covered with blue splatters: an interesting artistic tough. Luna opens her purse and takes out a small glass vial. Inside, are a number of small grey hairs.
“Rolf, my husband, and I had the most fascinating trip in Nepal!” Luna exclaims and holds up the vial. “We were looking for the Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowmonster, and though we didn’t really find it, we have proof!”

I look at the vial, skeptical. “The hairs?” I ask.

“Yes!” Luna plows on enthusiastically. “These hairs look exactly like the ones that have been documented by people who have actually seen the Yeti.”

“The hairs…” I repeat. “But they look as if they could have come from any other grey animal, like a cat.”

Luna shrugs and says, “So speak the narrow-minded. However, these hairs have been tested and show residue of snow and Estria Strals, the Yetis’ favorite food.”

I blink slowly. What in the name of Merlin are Estria Strals? I decide not to pursue that line of questioning and continue with the interview. “It sounds like you had fun,” I say truthfully. “Anyway, about the subject of this interview…”

Luna nods and reaches back into her purse, withdrawing a blue and bronze quill as well as a notepad. “You don’t mind if the Quibbler uses this interview as well, do you?”

I stare at her; I hadn’t really considered that possibility. “Well… could I have my editor speak with you later?” I ask, “But you can record the interview, if you like.”

She smiles dreamily and places her quill upon her notepad; apparently, it’s similar to a Quick-Quotes quill. I don’t bother pointing out that Luna has a quill, ready for use, in her hair, and steady my own red and gold-streaked quill on my own notepad and launch into the interview.

“I’ve heard and read many accounts about the Final Battle, Luna, yours included,” I begin, “but, and I mean no offense, your story has always seemed a bit… sketchy. As if you weren’t giving away all the details. I’m wondering, is there a reason for that? If so, what is it, and could you please tell your side with all the details?”

Luna’s eyes sparkle and for a moment, I’m surprised. I had honestly expected her to be offended, but I suppose that nothing’s ever predictable with a woman like her.

“I’d been wondering when someone would pick up on that,” Luna says, amusement permeating her voice. “You see, I’ve always been worried about giving up all the information, because of the Methievrom Wodaries.”

Apparently, the rumors that I’d heard about Luna Scamander and her inclination towards creatures who were most-likely imaginary were true. “The Methievrom Wodaries?” I ask.

Luna nods and leans closer, for once, her eyes focused on mine. “Yes,” she says, lowering her voice. “The Methievrom Wodaries are very tricky creatures; they’re incredibly sneaky and it’s impossible to predict when they’ll strike. You see, the less that I say about large issues, which is when most Methievrom Wodaries attack, the less chance that I could be a victim. The Methievrom Wodaries steal words. If they strike while you’re talking, then those words that you said in their presence are words that you will never be able to use.”

I shudder. As one who loves to talk, that would be a horrific fate if indeed, it exists. “I see,” I say. “So will those creatures keep you from telling all today?”

My new friend shakes her head and smiles deviously. “On one of Rolf’s and my trips, this one to Australia, we discovered that if a Dirigible Plum is soaked in a certain potion, it can help to ward off Methievfrom Wodaries!” She indicated her earrings; those must be the Dirigible Plums.

I nod and ask, “Now that you’re protected, what did happen during the Final Battle, from your point of view?”

Luna shudders and begins to speak. “That was a horrible night… I met Harry – Harry Potter – when he came through the Room of Requirement and he expressed a need to get to Ravenclaw Tower. Ginny – Ginny Potter – offered for me to take him up, and so I did. It made me feel special, needed. We entered the Common Room and Harry inspected a bust of Rowena Ravenclaw, wearing her diadem. We were surprised by a Death Eater, Carrow, and she and Harry fought.” Luna has a faraway look in her eyes; it’s obvious that she’s reliving her experience. “Harry cursed her and knocked her out. I thought we were safe for a while, but then McGonagall and Carrow, the brother, entered. Harry cursed him as well, and we left them hanging in the Common Room.”

I lean forward, caught in the tale that Luna’s spinning.

“Everything was complete chaos after that. I lost track of everyone until Professor McGonagall called us all to the Great Hall, and then Voldemort said that he wanted Harry, and then… Merlin, everything was such a blur; it all seemed so surreal. Members of the Order of the Phoenix were put in charge of various stations for the fight, and when the Death Eaters finally attacked, I only remember being frightened, for the first time, for my life. I didn’t get injured, except for a few bruises and a stray cutting curse that was very weak, but… Merlin, I’ll never forget that night.” Luna shakes her head and wipes a tear from her eyes. “You know...” she says, almost in a whisper, “I – I was right next to Colin Creevey when the Killing Curse took him down. I remember being distracted from the Death Eater I was dueling, Rookwood, and staring at Colin’s body, not far from my feet.” She smiles weakly. “I think that’s what made me curse Rookwood so hard that he practically flew across the room.”

I sit stunned. Poor Luna… I wanted to go over and hug her, but knew that this was a professional meeting, not a social one.

She continues in her tale as my quill took down notes. “After the first bout of fighting was over and Voldemort ordered Harry to go to the Forbidden Forest, I stayed near Madam Pomfrey, helping her tend the wounded and the dead. It… was absolutely horrifying, and I felt as if I’d been trampled by a stampeding herd of Crumple-horned Snorkacks. Following Voldemort’s announcement, I was worried that Harry would go to meet him, but I didn’t really think about it much because of the other issues at hand. But… when all the Death Eaters and Voldemort came out of the Forbidden Forest… And Hagrid was carrying him… Merlin, I felt crushed. There was out hope, the one who was to lead us to victory, and he was dead, or at least he appeared to be. It was torture seeing everyone else’s expression, especially Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Ginny’s, my friends’… And there was nothing that any of us could do, except for stare. And then Neville showed his true Gryffindor bravery and defied Voldemort like many of us longed to do, but were too stunned to. And then… when he cut off that repulsive snake’s head – Nagini, I think her name was – all hell broke loose. Spells were flying everywhere and it was like the first part of the battle all over again. Suddenly, I saw Ginny with Bellatrix Lestrange. I stunned the Death Eater I was fighting and ran over to help my friend who looked as if she was barely staying alive. It was two against one then, but Lestrange was an extremely accomplished witch and it took all my skill at dodging to keep from getting cursed. But then, Hermione joined us. I’ve always thought Hermione to be slightly narrow-minded, but I was so relieved to see her there. She should have been a Ravenclaw, you know, with her memory of spells, and she was a great asset to us. With three against one, the battle finally seemed to even itself out, until Ginny’s Mum, Molly Weasley noticed us. She charged for Lestrange, practically knocking us out of the way, and then… then she killed her. It wasn’t long after that that Harry and Voldemort began to duel on their own. I’m sure you know the rest of the story. They fought, and Harry won.” Luna shrugs and smiles.

I sit, completely entranced by what Luna’s telling me, and it takes a few moments for me to come back to earth. “Wow,” is the only thing that I can say. Suddenly realizing the time, I glance at my watch, read the planets, and turn back to Luna. “I’m really sorry, but I’m running late,” I say, reluctant to leave. “I think your story took up a lot longer than both of us anticipated.”

Luna smiles and rises; I do so as well. “Thanks for listening,” Luna says, shaking my hand. She stows everything back into her bag and says, “Rolf and I are leaving in a week for Italy. Are you free for lunch in, say, three days?”

I check my planner and see that yes, I am indeed free. “Yes,” I say, and we decide on a time and place.

As I walk towards my office, I think that Luna isn’t really as loony as some people painted her to be. Perhaps she was at Hogwarts; I only knew her name there, but if she was, then she’s definitely changed now. I glance at the notepad that I hold in my hand and my eyes widen in shock at the copious notes that I took. Luna Scamander certainly has an interesting story.
-- RhiannonMei
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What do you think?

*nods whilst writting a large angry note to the boyfriend*

VEry good June Make sure you send it straight to Amy. *frowns* is "you selfish big headed egotistical greedy piece of scum" too offensive for an angry note considering the day it is? Not that he bothered to get me anything but atleast i got him something and i did treat myself to a bar of chocolate (hence the angry letter becoz he ate it last night whilst i was asleep.Oh he left me a square, a very small square, out of nearly 2000...maybe he thought i wouldn notice.)

*goes to work*

*spazzes*

The due date's in a week!!! And I haven't even started!!!

... Hehe.... xD

But anyway, actually.... I have started... I've already written > 1000 words for my interview... but I still have my book review(s) to do and my fanfic recs.... *Sigh*

My interview article:

A Post-War Interview with Severus Snape

I stare up at the colorful umbrella that shades the quaint white table that I always sit at for these interviews, and smile. A soft breeze blows past me and I start to tap my foot while glancing at my watch. It’s almost time for the interview, and for the third time in the past five minutes I wonder why I chose to get here early, especially for an interview like this. I breathe deeply to calm my nerves. Oh well… hopefully he – it – won’t be late. I glance at my watch once more and, as I’m about to raise my head, a shadow falls over me that isn’t caused by the table’s umbrella. I look up and smile a little, relieved: right on time. I stand as is only courteous and shake his hand, this man who has done this favor for me.

“Thank you, Mr. Longbottom,” I say, glancing down at the large rectangle that the Herbology Professor has propped up on the chair opposite mine.

He grins and replies, “It was no trouble. Flitwick was going to come, but – well – his age is catching up to him so he asked me to do him a favor and take his place.” He gestures to the rectangular object and quickly adds, “But please call me Neville. We were at school together, weren’t we?”

I smile more strongly as the butterflies settle in my stomach and say, “Yes, actually. I was a few years behind you, but I was a Gryffindor and I remember seeing you a few times. How’s Hannah?”

The smile that he shows now is radiant, and I think how wonderful it must be to be in love. “She’s doing great!” Neville says enthusiastically. “But, well… I was going to use this time to shop for an anniversary gift and I was wondering, when should I get back?”

I nod in understanding and smile to myself: Here was a man who could actually remember his anniversary. I glance down at my watch, even though it’s unnecessary. “I think an hour’s all that we’ll need.” I shoot a quick look at the intimidating rectangular figure shrouded in black and add in a whisper that loses its joking quality halfway through, “I think an hour’s all I’ll be able to take.”

Neville chuckles, nods, and says, “Well, see you in an hour then! Good luck.”

“Thanks, and good luck with the gift, though I’m sure Hannah will love whatever you get her.”
He leaves with a twirl and a soft popping sound, and I turn to regard the object resting in the opposite chair with excitement, anxiety, and more than a little apprehension. I sit in my seat and flick my wand. The sheet of black velvet previously covering the object slides off in one fluid motion and settles itself into a neatly folded triangle. It reveals a large portrait featuring a very familiar face that once haunted my nightmares back at school. With another flick of my wand, I make it so that no one but me can see the portrait, except for Neville when he comes back.

“Pr-Professor,” I say softly, instantly reprimanding myself for still stuttering his title even after many years of no longer being his student.

“Miss Mei,” he replies slowly, scrutinizing me with glittering black eyes that, for some reason, don’t seem as cold and hate-filled as they did when he lived. Perhaps it’s because of what I’ve heard from rumors and from the people themselves… but then again, it could quite possibly be because even magic couldn’t have captured those terrorizing eyes in a portrait.

“Professor Snape,” I say again, wondering why I can’t just get on with my questions.

“I do believe we’ve already established that,” he says as he rolls his eyes. Well, it’s not like he was ever one for polite restraint. “You haven’t changed very much have you, Miss Mei?” he continues. “Still the little Gryffindor who asks all those incessant questions? At least Miss Granger answered them.”

I force myself to get back in gear, in control, and to remember that Professor Snape can’t do anything besides regurgitate insults that I was supposed to get used to a long time ago. “Yes, Professor,” I say, and I get my red-and-gold streaked quill and my pad of parchment out of my bag, “which is why we’re here in the first place. I knew there was a reason why I became a journalist; all of your words must have sparked me to continue to ask my ‘incessant questions’.”

I notice an almost imperceptible sneer on my late Professor’s face as he sees my quill. “Gryffindor,” he mutters, but is it my imagination, or is there a slight hint of admiration in his eyes for my retort? I hope so, but I know that I need to finish this interview either before Neville gets back, or before my self-confidence completely crumbles. “Idiots,” the Professor adds and my hopes for admiration are dashed. Fan-bloody-tastic.

“Yes, Professor,” I say. Absolutely, definitely, whatever you say so I can get this interview moving! Resisting the urge to tear up a sheet of paper, I balance the tip of my quill on my pad and continue. “Shall we get down to business then, Professor?”

He looks at me grudgingly for a few moments, but finally says with the air of a prisoner succumbing to torture, “If we must.”

“And we must,” I say somewhat unnecessarily, determined not to get sidetracked and undermined. This is my interview and no ex-Professor of mine is going to ruin it! “So, Professor, one of the many things that the public wants to know about you is: Why did you choose to become a spy against Lord Voldemort?”

Professor Snape’s eyes take on an almost faraway quality, as if he’s thinking about something that is very long gone – which it is, of course – and that is bittersweet. “Many reasons,” he says bluntly, and I wait for him to elaborate.

He doesn’t.

“And those reasons were?” I ask, pressing for more information. Honestly, does he really expect me to print “Many reasons” as the answer to so many peoples’ questions?

He shoots me a look similar to the recurring glares that Mr. Malfoy gave me when I interviewed him, and though I quail inside for a second, his eyes soon gain that reminiscing quality once more. “I realized that in my chaotic youth, I had been… misled by people that I had previously believed to be my friends, and - ”

I know that I shouldn’t, but at that moment I can’t resist interrupting him. “Who?” I ask quickly, preparing for the glare that I know will come.

I’m right. Professor Snape breaks off and gives me such a scathing look that a little part of me dies inside. “How do you expect to find out any information, Miss Mei, if you interrupt everyone at every bend and turn?” I open my mouth to object but he cuts me off, adding, “And no, I will not tell you who they were; they’re all dead anyway.” He shrugs in his portrait and raises an eyebrow. “Now, if I may continue…?”

I snap my mouth shut and nod quickly; I’d almost forgotten how intimidating Professor Snape could be when he wanted to.

“As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted,” Professor Snape begins again, his eyes slowly travelling up to look at the umbrella above our table, “I realized that people I had thought were my friends had lied to me about a number of things, and I also realized how cruel the Dark Lord could be when - ” He breaks off again and I bite back a frustrated groan as he gives me a strange look. “How many people will be reading this interview, Miss Mei?”

Taken aback by the question, I stare at him for a moment before quickly answering, “A lot of people. Since all of the Pensieve staff are ex-Hogwarts students, a batch of the most current edition gets sent to Hogwarts, and, well, I like to believe that we are well-known outside Hogwarts as well. Not as popular as the Daily Prophet used to be in its heyday, but we’re a very respectable paper.”

Professor Snape sighs and closes his eyes for a quick moment, almost as if he’s in pain, though I’m sure that’s impossible for him. “Well then… I suppose… if I must…”

“If you must what, Professor?” I ask, leaning forward; my interest is piqued now.

“I suppose you’ll want to know everything?” he asks, giving me a longsuffering look, “as you always do?”

Well, obviously. But I keep my thoughts to myself and reply, “It’s my job, Professor, and also, I’m naturally a curious person as - ”

“As I, of course, am quite overly aware of,” he says, completing my sentence. I nod, confused. “Well then…”

I sit back and check on my quill, noting that yes, it is working properly. I look up again, eager to hear more of my old Professor’s story. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to hear him speak.

“Continuing from your original tangent,” Professor Snape continues, a look of loss crossing his face, “I realized how cruel the Dark Lord could be when… when he ordered the Potters killed based on information I had given him. I… I had had a certain amount of respect for the family and I hadn’t thought that he would hurt her – them, and that indirectly, I would hurt them.”

My eyes widen in surprise; so the rumors were true! Professor Snape had actually cared for the Potters and my penchant for a good story began to connect the dots. He wasn’t saying it outright, but at that point I was relatively sure that this great, black, looming, intimidating, downright scary bat of a Professor, had actually been in love… and with Lily Potter, no less! Well alright, he didn’t actually say that, but it was a justifiable journalistic inference if you take into account all the rumors flying around after Harry Potter named his son Albus Severus, and – well- I can’t very well ignore them, can I?

Professor Snape continued. “I went to Dumbledore and asked him for help, and it was because of him and other issues that persuaded me to become a spy.” He sighs and that pained look comes over his face once more. I never thought that I would ever see Professor Snape look less than menacing, but if it hadn’t been for the fact that he was the scariest teacher I’d ever had, I might actually sympathize!

“What happened then?” I ask, unable to stay silent any longer. I know, just know, that there has to be more to the story.

He shrugs as only a portrait can shrug, and says, “One thing lead to another. The Potters died. I became Potions Professor, though that Defense job was meant to be mine for longer than a year. I was his spy, until the Dark Lord fell, though I resumed the job when he rose once more.” He shrugged once more and added, “I’m sure you know the rest.”

I do, and so does the public, most of it anyway.

“Done yet?” a voice asks from beside me and I look up, startled from my thoughts.

“Just finished!” I say, smiling. In all actuality, I do have more questions for my former Professor, but after what he’s revealed – well – I think it’s good to keep the public wondering a few things, isn’t it? I stand and nod to the portrait. “Good bye, Professor,” I say, “It was an enlightening conversation.”

He raises an eyebrow and smoothly says, “To someone like you, perhaps,” before he nods, indicating dismissal.

I hide a an exasperated smile: Professor Snape will always be Professor Snape. I cover his
portrait once more with the velvet cloth and take down the privacy charm. “Thanks, Neville, Professor,” I say, handing the portrait back to the Gryffindor.

He stows it somewhere and smiles. “I hope this was helpful, Rhia,” he says, and I nod.

“Very.” I pull my purse over my shoulder after putting away my quill and pad. “Good bye!” As I turn to apparate, the sight of Fortescue’s new flavor of ice cream, Raspberry Release, makes me smile a little. It lifts my spirits, in a way, and I wonder what it tastes like. Probably something new, something fresh, but also something sweet… Well, perhaps I’ll be able to try it out the next time I stop by.

- RhiannonMei

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Fanfic recs:

Echoes by Duck the Duck
http://www.hogwarts-quill.com/viewstory.php?sid=159
Summary: What if Lily and James hadn’t died all those years ago, but had lived their lives as Muggles, with no knowledge of the magical world? Will they give up their new life for a world they know nothing about, and a son they don’t remember? Semi-AU, Post-DH.

No Greater Love by elfbwillow
http://www.hogwarts-quill.com/viewstory.php?sid=25
Summary: “Wouldn’t you do anything for the ones you love?” That was the question Harry asked as he knelt by his unconscious Godfather Sirius. Sirius had been caught, and no matter how hard Remus, Dumbledore and Harry pleaded, the Ministry was still sending him back to Azkaban to receive the Dementors kiss. Harry would do just about anything for his Godfather, including a dark magic body swap to save him from the grasps of the Dementors.

With All My Love by Lady Chi
http://www.phoenixsong.net/fanfiction/story/1368/
Summary: Seventh year starts off with a bang for Lily, James and the Marauders. Voldemort is rising to power, Remus is in danger, and Lily and James are falling in love... Can they face Voldemort and live? Can they face each other
and live? Read and find out!

After the End by Arabella and Zsenya
http://www.sugarquill.net/read.php?storyid=619&chapno=1
Summary: It's the summer after seventh year, and Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and the rest of the wizarding world must learn to live without fear. This story was written prior to the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."

The Seventh Horcrux by Melindaleo
http://www.fictionalley.org/authors/melindaleo2000/TSH01.html
Summary: The hunt for the Horcruxes begins. Harry has to decide who to trust as he moves closer to fulfilling his destiny. Will he be able to find and destroy all the Horcruxes? And at what price? Will he be able to find the strength within himself - the Power the Dark Lord Knows Not - in order to succeed in vanquishing Voldemort? And...can he do it and still get the girl? Join Harry and his faithful friends on their quest to finally defeat a Dark Lord.
H/G, R/Hr

This Means War by Jeconais
http://jeconais.fanficauthors.net/This_Means_War/index.php
Summary: When the Weasley Boys interfere in Ginny's relationship with Dean, they make the biggest mistake of their lives. The witch decides that revenge is in order, and her first point of call is a new boyfriend - Harry.

When a Lioness Fights by Kayly Silverstorm
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2162474/1/
Hermione Granger, master spy, and Severus Snape, spymaster to the Order. An unlikely partnership, forged to defeat the Dark Lord on his own ground. But to do so, they must confront their own darkness within. Spying, torture, angst and love.

An Aunt's Love by Emma Lipardi
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2196609/1/
Summary: Harry comes home from school and Petunia is upset at the change in her nephew. Petunia decides to do what she should have been doing all along. Dumbledore had better stay away. Petunia Dursley is upset. H, Hr
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I'm really really sorry, but I won't be able to do the book review. If submissions will still be accepted tomorrow, I can probably send it in, but I don't have the time tonight to finish. I'm really sorry.

[co0lor=blue]Thanks for the articles June.. I added them to the layout already so you can take a quick look at it to make sure it's right[/color]

It, and everything else, looks great! Thanks, Stephy .

A Post-War Interview with Kingsley Shacklebolt

The elevator doors open and I find myself at the end of a large room that almost seems to take up the whole floor. Paper memos are flying through the air and I’m forced to duck as one heads my way. The many desks are littered with papers, books, and mugs of coffee as various secretaries go about their day. The air is filled with the buzz that always seems to surround a large crowd of people all talking at the same time, and this group is no exception. The white-tiled floor is pristine and as I walk towards a desk with a sign saying “Receptionist” on it, my high-heels make click-clack sounds in staccato.

“Good afternoon,” I say to the brunette witch behind the desk. “I’m Rhiannon Mei from the Pensieve to see the Minister; my appointment’s for 2:30.”

“Good afternoon,” she replies and she checks what I assume to be a scheduler. “I need to see some identification.” I show her my press pass and she nods, continuing, “And you’ll need to leave your wand with me.” She grins. “We can’t have anyone armed going in to see the Minister!” I’d been told to expect this security measure and smoothly hand over my wand, though my fingers feel as if they lack some essential part of them as I release the familiar wood. “The Minister’s office is down the corridor there, the door at the end,” the receptionist says and gestures towards a small hallway that I had missed, dismissing me.

I nod my thanks and walk towards the small opening between the walls. The long corridor is stifling after being in such a large room before, and as I pass door after door, I start to walk faster, just wanting to get to the end. Finally I reach a large set of double doors made of what appears to be Brazilian cherry, and in front of them stand two Aurors, a witch and a wizard. They remain silent when I stop before them, waiting for me to announce my purpose there and my hands start to sweat as I once again pull out my press pass. Perhaps it’s in the job description of guarding the Minister, that one must stare down any civilians, but that doesn’t make the process any less cringe-worthy.

Holding out my pass, I say, “Rhiannon Mei with the Pensieve. I’m the Minister’s 2:30 appointment.”

The witch points a small black triangular object at me and after a moment it beeps. “She’s clean,” the witch announces to her partner who nods and knocks on the door.

“Yes?” a deep voice calls from within.

“Your 2:30 appointment, Minister, a Miss Mei from the Pensieve.”

“Let her in.”

I breathe a sigh of relief and put away my press pass as the male Auror pulls one of the doors open for me. “Thank you,” I murmur as I enter the room and the door slowly clicks shut behind me.

The room I’ve stepped into is spacious and the walls are paneled in the same wood as the door. The floor is a soft burgundy plush, almost like velvet, and slightly beyond the center of the room is a large wooden desk. In front of the desk rest two chocolate brown leather armchairs and behind the desk sits the Minister of Magic himself, Kingsley Shacklebolt. He rises as I walk towards the desk and he comes around it, his arm held out.

“Rhiannon Mei, from the Pensieve,” I say as I shake his hand, smiling, “though I’m sure you knew that already.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Mei,” Minister Shacklebolt says, his teeth gleaming bright white against his dark brown skin. A small golden hoop hangs from one of his ears and a part of me wonders how they let him keep it once he got the job. However, when you’re faced with a wizard of the Minister’s power, confidence, and ability to intimidate, who would have said ‘No’?

“The pleasure is mine,” I reply.

“I’m sorry, but I’m meeting with a delegate from the French Ministry of Magic at 3:15, so the interview will have to be over by 3:00. Is that alright?”

An almost imperceptible grimace crosses my face, but it’s soon gone. I had been warned that I wouldn’t have much of the Minister’s time, so I would just have to work with it. “That’s fine,” I say, taking out my pad and quill. “I should be able to get the job done within a half hour.”

“Please, sit,” he says, pulling out an armchair for me before sitting behind his own desk. Once seated, he folds his hands and patiently waits for me to begin.

“All those years ago when the War broke out, one of the first places that was struck was the Ministry. You were an Auror there, but also working for someone else, correct?”
Minister Shacklebolt nods and says, “I was one of the few members of the Order of the Phoenix in the Ministry and even after the Minister at the time, Rufus Scrimgeour, was killed, I continued to try to appear loyal to the new regime while also working for the Order. It was a trying time for many and sometimes I was amazed that I hadn’t yet broken under the pressure.”

I’m starting to relax as I get into the interview. The Minister has obviously been the subject of many already and it shows; he is extremely easy to talk to. “But some time into the ‘new regime’ as you put it, you were forced to go underground, were you not?”

He looks up at the ceiling for a moment and then his thoughtful gaze returns to me. “Indeed,” he says slowly. “The name of Lord Voldemort had become Taboo and one night I accidentally broke it, saying his name. I was almost instantly surrounded by Death Eaters and it was only due to a large amount of luck that I managed to get out alive. I had to leave behind everything, though my most valuable possessions were under multiple wards just in case I was ever forced to run.

“After you ran, where did you run to?” I ask, leaning closer to the desk. It’s a question my readers want to know the answer to, and I’m curious as well. “Did you have a safe house already constructed, or were you reduced to camping in the woods?”

“Well…” The Minister hesitates before continuing. “Yes and no. I had talked to Andromeda Tonks before about the possibility of staying with her for a while if I ever needed to hide, but nothing was ever finalized.” The corners of his mouth twitch upwards. “I suppose it was a shock when I suddenly turned up on her doorstep, weak and injured.”

“But why go to her house with Death Eaters after you? Weren’t you afraid of leading them to her as well?”

“Andromeda’s house was very useful because not only was is Unplottable, but it had some of the strongest protection and distraction wards placed on it that I had ever seen.” Minister Shacklebolt grimaces and looks down at his desk. “It was only through tricking Ted Tonks out of his house that the Death Eaters were able to make him run and to eventually catch him.”

I don’t want to talk about the deaths right now; there will be too many to discuss later. “Were you able to help the Order from your safe house in any way?” I ask instead.

“Not as much as I would have liked, but yes,” he says, looking back up at me. “I still had a couple of trustworthy contacts within the Ministry and if they ever heard anything, they would tell me as quickly as they could. Through this chain, I was able to help foil some Death Eater raids and attacks, but still, far too many lives were lost.”

“When the Battle of Hogwarts finally came about,” I say, changing topics, “you were right in the thick of things. How were you able to find out what was happening? How did you get there?”

“Nymphadora Tonks Lupin was one of the most promising Aurors the department had, may she rest in peace. She heard about the upcoming battle and I met with her when she stopped by her mother’s house, Andromeda’s, to leave Teddy, her infant son, in her safekeeping. Nymphadora told me about how fighters were gathering at Hogwarts and I left as soon as possible to join them. I followed Tonks’ directions and Apparated to the Hog’s Head where Aberforth Dumbledore showed me how to get inside the castle through a tunnel.” Minister Shacklebolt shrugs. “From then on, as they say, it’s history. Once the fighting began, there was no thinking, no true planning involved. It was survival of the fittest and I was very lucky to survive.”

“Trust me, Minister, when I say that the Wizarding World is very glad you survived,” I say
with a smile.

The Minister chuckles softly and opens his mouth, but his next sentence is cut off by a knock on the door. “It’s 3:00 pm, Minister,” a voice says from outside and I sigh as I realize that the interview is now finished. We both rise simultaneously and after I stow my pad and quill, we shake hands.

“Thank you for your time, Minister,” I say, pushing in my chair. “Would you like a copy of the article when it’s printed?”

“That would be great,” he replies, walking me to the door as an Auror guard soundlessly pulls it open. “Thank you.”

I nod at Minister Shacklebolt and at the two Aurors before heading down the corridor once again, my shoes resuming their click-clack pattern now that I’m no longer on carpet. The small hallway widens into the large room I had seen initially and once I cross it, I press the button for the elevator. I have a story to write.

- RhiannonMei
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I'm leaving for a competition tomorrow and won't be back until Sunday. Is it possible for me to turn in my book review and fanfic recs then? If not, I'll try to post them as soon as possible. I'm sorry!!! I am SO bad about procrastination (obviously)...

June i'll give you an extension until 9am GMT on MONDAY.

But it won't happen again!

I will never be this late again. Thank you so much!!

The Doll Army by FernWithy
http://www.sugarquill.net/read.php?storyid=1425&chapno=1
Summary: Six year old Dora Tonks gets a visit from three Marauders, and her dolls get a new mission in life. (I Wonder If...) This story was written prior to the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

Your Very Own Dora by FernWithy
http://www.sugarquill.net/read.php?storyid=1981&chapno=1
Summary: It's November of 1981, and Dora Tonks feels like people keep leaving her. She's not about to just let her favorite Latin teacher leave as well. Sequel to "The Doll Army." This story was written prior to the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

Shifts by FernWithy
http://www.sugarquill.net/read.php?storyid=2339&chapno=1
Summary: During the year of "Order of the Phoenix," Remus Lupin is assigned to protect Dudley Dursley by posing as a teacher at Smeltings. This story was written prior to the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

Dumbledore’s Army and the Year of Darkness by ThanFiction
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4315906/1/Dumbledores_Army_and_the_Year_of_Darkness
Summary: Originally posted as the Dumbledore's Army Series: A novel following Neville and the D.A. through the 7th year at Hogwarts under the reign of Snape and the Carrows. Contains ALL previously posted sections.

Sluagh by ThanFiction
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4384697/1/Sluagh
Summary: When Neville agreed to become an Auror after the Battle of Hogwarts, he never expected to be asked to hunt down an old friend...or the nightmare into which that would lead. Sequel to "Dumbledore's Army and the Year of Darkness" set 5 years later.

A Mary Sue Alphabet by Irony-chan
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2217444/1/A_Mary_Sue_Alphabet
Summary: A's for Amanda Our hero's twin sister Got lost as a baby and Gosh, how he missed her...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Do Over! by va32h
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4072698/1/Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows_Do_Over
Summary: Fidelius? Fixed. Camping? Cut. Elder Wand? Eliminated. A rational Lupin. Hedwig lives! Slytherin redeemed! Snape doesn't die in such a lame way! The seventh book as I'd have written it. Canon ships. Story is complete. Reviews welcome.

Backward with Purpose by deadwoodpecker
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4101650/1/Backward_With_Purpose
Summary: AU. Harry, Ron, and Ginny send themselves back in time to avoid the destruction of everything they hold dear, and the deaths of everyone they love. This story is now complete! Stay tuned for the sequel!

The Book of Albus by deadwoodpecker
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4337434/1/The_Book_of_Albus
Summary: This is the companion novel to Backward with Purpose. I'd read that one first. This story is complete; the sequel has begun.

The Start by sweasley
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4473801/1/The_Start
Summary: Every relationship has a spark, but every friendship has a start. Even the best of friends can face obstacles, which Ted Lupin & Victoire Weasley must learn the hard way. PREQUEL to "A Year in the Life" and "The Spark"

The Spark by sweasley
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4498508/1/The_Spark
Summary: T/V. Done with school and forced to deal with growing up, Ted's year is filled with ups & downs. Annoying coworkers, crazy hours, breakups, hookups & falling for the last person he ever expected to. This is Ted's trip through "A Year in the Life"

A Year in the Life by sweasley
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4085144/1/A_Year_in_the_Life
Summary: T/V. Victoire's sixth-year at Hogwarts is full of ups & downs. Fights with mean girls; a boy that's more trouble than he's worth, she's in for quite a few surprises. Including the realization that she might be falling for the last person she ever expects.

*huggles*

Thank you!