A/N:
1) Triwizard Tournament: Choose Thy Dragons- Character: Kingsley Shacklebolt
He sits in his office alone. Simply as a man.
Not as the Minister of Magic.
Not as a wizard.
Simply as a man.
The living photographs that lined his desk brought back all the memories of the ones he's lost. On the farthest right, there lay a simple silver framed photograph of Remus and Tonks at their wedding. They both had been adamant about the "no photographs" rule, however Kingsley couldn't resist himself and had taken one snapshot. The couple had been so involved in one another they hadn't even noticed. It was Teddy's favorite and Kingsley planned on sending him a copy for his birthday this year. Although the photograph had been of two people very close to him, it would always symbolize finding the light in nothing but darkness and finding the best in life no matter what.
Next to the silver framed photograph sat a fiery red frame with a photograph of the full 2nd Order of Phoenix. Looking at it reminded Kingsley of how few of the members were now left. Most didn't take Kingsley as a sentimental person, however, it still pained the man to look at the photo. Despite the pain, Kingsley truly believed he owed it to his friends to preserve their memories, so he left the photograph up. Although the photo was clearly faded due to two decades of age, it was in good condition, with no frayed edges of splotches of discoloration. This photograph always filled Kingsley with pain, but somehow it also managed to fill him with courage and determination as well as the strength that the Order had garnered as a group.
Towards the middle of his desk, was a photo of his parents with a young, smiling version of himself, as well as his younger sister. He could clearly remember the day that photograph was taken. His mother had forced him and his father into matching dress robes, while she had dressed in a long dress of similar colors. His younger sister had been dressed in matching dress, however it was clear she wasn't very pleased with he outfit. Mrs. Shacklebolt had hired one of the most famous wizarding photographers to photograph the family and had hung the photograph in almost every room in the Shacklebolt Manor. Although he missed his parent, he knew they would be proud of what he had become. They had both passed of natural causes, two years between each other. Although not necessarily war heroes, they were heroes none the less, providing Kinglsley with whatever he needed throughout their entire lives. His sister, on the other, was just married, living in the family manor. The photo would always bring back memories of his family, support, and love.
Next, on the glossy, wooden desk was a messily created wooden frame, clearly created by a young child. Inside was a Christmas card from the Potters and Weasleys. Smiling faces were plastered all over the cards and Kingsley believed it fit quite nicely in his office. The most recent photograph almost juxtaposed all the old, faded ones that lined his desk. Despite this, it reminded Kingsley of the future they had fought for and it was living proof they had created something better. Living proof that the war had been won.
Finally, on farthest left, a golden frame held a photo of sunset or a sunrise. He could never tell. He had taken the photo on his trip to Transylvania, however the memory of when he had taken the photo often eluded him. All he could see was a little hint of sun peeking out from behind a silhouette of a mountain. Although no a soul could be seen, it was a reminder of so much. The darkness. The light. But most importantly, the promise of a new day.