Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who's reviewed! You guys have spurred me into a writing frenzy and I've pounded out the next couple of chapters. Seriously, I can't thank my reviewers enough! Lots and lots of chocolate bears to you guys!
Disclaimer: Don't own a thing.
Lily Luna,
It was great seeing you last night! It's a shame we've fallen out of contact since our days together in the internship program at the Ministry now.
I've heard that your label is really taking off! Congrats! It's a shame we couldn't really catch up properly yesterday.
Darius Zabini
Darius!
What a nice surprise in the morning! It was really great seeing you last night and I sincerely apologize for that idiot Randall. We all hate the oaf, but we're scared to let Rose catch onto the fact that we all think he's an idiot. You really saved me last night- I don't know what I would have done if I had to sit through his "I'm the best" stories all night by myself.
Let me make it up to you! Coffee today at 3? Think Uncle Percy will let you off for an hour?
Let me know,
Lily
Darius,
Didn't I tell you Randall was an idiot? Yesterday was proof.
Scorpius
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Albus,
Why is your cousin with such an idiot? He ruined my night. I was supposed to be relaxing after my stressful day, not listening to stories about how amazing of an idiot he is.
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Scorpius,
I really am genuinely sorry about Randall. Our entire family hates him.
I need to go into the simulation building for Auror training. I won't be able to respond to any owls for the next couple of hours!
Al
Darius,
I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. Being a junior writer is no fun. I'm stuck writing a column on the dangers of underage magic. Hmm… Actually, I've just thought of something entertaining to do.
Drop me a line, though, will you? You can't tell me you're SO busy that you can't write your best pal a quick note.
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Rose Weasley,
Hello! It's me again, your favorite writer, Scorpius Malfoy. I need to write a short article on the dangers of underage magic and I immediately thought of your story about the three boys that tried to duel.
I was thinking about popping over to St. Mungo's to ask the kid if I could write an article about that ass-boy, and of course I'll need a statement from his healer. What do you say? Want to help our your favorite writer? What am I saying? Of course you do- you're my number one fan!
I'll see you in a bit!
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Hey LL,
How was last night? I'm sorry that I left you alone with Randall and Rose.
It turns out I had nothing to worry about with my potion. My potion (I've decided to call him Burt) and I just wound up calmly sitting the entire night. Burt didn't even so much as make a bubble- he's really the perfect potion.
Anyways, I'll make it up to you! What say you to your favorite wicked hot chocolate from Beanery? I'll even throw in a delicious pastry or two.
Love,
Hugo and Burt
Darius,
Man, I am so sorry that my cousin Lily let that idiot Randall ruin our night. I know you've been stressed recently because of my Uncle Percy and Randall probably didn't help things much last night. He has a minor personality flaw in that he thinks he's the best thing to happen to the human race. The fact that girls (like my cousin Rose) find him intelligent and handsome doesn't really help him in correction that major personality flaw.
I hope my uncle doesn't try to kill you by paperwork and ridiculous demands.
Seriously, say the word and Scorpius and I will be there with our wands by our sides. I'll come visit the office and chat up my uncle so you can have a bit of a break from his incessant demands.
I'll be in the Auror training room for the next couple of hours so just let any owls you send my way know to just drop off the letter on my desk.
Al
Hi Lily Luna,
Coffee at 3 sounds great. Have you ever been to the Beanery? They make an amazing hot chocolate, plus they have these fantastic chocolate croissants. I swear, they must spell some sort of addiction curse on those croissants. I'm thinking I should do my duty as a Ministry official and look into some illegal spelling going on. Although I am conflicted- those croissants are so delicious! If there is anything illegal going on, maybe I should just let them continue.
Darius
Junior Writer Scorpius Malfoy,
As a Healer, I am required to respect the privacy and safety of my patients. I feel that you'll be a disruptive influence to my patient's health and recovery and so, unfortunately, I'll have to decline the interview on behalf of the patient.
As your biggest fan, I really am sorry I can't be of more help.
Rose Weasley
Healer in Training
St. Mungo's
Cousin Hugo,
So sorry, but I'll have to rain check on that hot chocolate!
I'm worried for you Hugo. Giving potions names isn't a really good sign that you're a sane wizard. Am I going to have to check you into St. Mungo's mental ward?
Worried,
Lily
Darius,
Beanery sounds great! I'm already addicted to their hot chocolates, but I've never had a chance to try their chocolate croissants! Please never launch a Ministry investigation into them. I've fallen under their spell and I'd be forced to challenge you to a duel if you were ever to threaten my dear Beanery.
I'm surprised you have the time to be writing me! From what I overheard of your conversation at The Lucky Cat last night, it sounds like my uncle's not a very easy person to work for.
Lily Luna
Lily Luna,
Alright, I'll leave Beanery alone!
I'm pretty busy, but not so busy that I can't write a few letters here and there. I will admit though that your uncle is not the kindest boss. He's done some pretty ridiculous things while I've been working here.
I know he's your uncle, but I have to admit there have been times I thought he might be absolutely insane.
Darius
Lily,
Guess what just happened. C'mon. Guess.
No matter what you just said, you're wrong. Scorpius Malfoy just popped into St. Mungo's after I clearly told him that the butt patient I told you about wasn't interested in an interview. (Okay, I fudged that bit, I didn't ask him exactly, but I was pretty sure that kid doesn't want his story released to the entire wizarding community.)
He hunted me down and trailed me as I made my rounds until it got to the point where I absolutely had to check on butt patient. And what do you know, the butt patient is even more of an idiot than I thought. He thinks it will be "brilliant" to be in the paper and he gave Malfoy permission to check his condition everyday.
Yes, you read that right. Scorpius Malfoy, the most annoying git in the world, is going to be in my place of work everyday till that butt patient gets better.
Rose
Darius,
Things with me are excellent. The butt kid has agreed to an article and invited me to come everyday to check on his status and to learn more about how exactly his head managed to get magically glued to his ass. This means I'll be in constant contact with none other than Rose Weasley!
Haven't heard from you in a while… let me know you're alive, won't you? I want to make sure that you haven't killed Percy and that he hasn't killed you.
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Hey Rosieposie!
These new paper airplane notes they've got here at St. Mungo's are excellent! I told Head Healer Petrage just the other day that we needed a system like they had at the Ministry. I didn't think it would be implemented so quickly! I guess it just shows how much the head healer respects my ideas.
I'm about to assist on a major operation right now. Some guy walked in with his limbs just rotting. We suspect it has something to do with a dark object, but he won't admit it. Healer Olfer, the head healer of the curse department, himself recommended me for the operation
Randall
Lily Luna Potter,
I'm fine and Burt the potion is also fine. I'm not crazy; I've just developed father-like feelings for Burt because I've been nurturing him for three months. Burt is the product of four failed potions and countless hours of studying and worrying.
Don't check me into St. Mungo's.
Hugo
Burt says hi again, even though you insulted him in your last letter.
Darius,
Sorry for this late response! My contact in India just told me that one of their fabric people can't actually produce as much fabric as I need so I was running around flooing people back and forth trying to figure out what to do. Not fun.
Anyways, I'm looking forward to hot chocolate at Beanery- I just really need to get away from all this madness.
Chaotically,
Lily Luna
Lily Luna,
It's fine! I'm also a little swamped at work. Albus told me before I took this job that Percy wasn't one of the most loved family members in the Weasley/Potter household… Now I think I know why.
I'm really sorry to hear that your fabric guy fell through! Have you found someone else? I think my cousin might know some people in China that might be able to help. I can owl her if you think it would help.
I'm also excited for Beanery. I have to finish rewriting this one report (he claims that it's because his higher ups won't understand the complicated Arithmancy without dumbed down explanations, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it's him that doesn't understand, and then I'll be free for an hour.
See you soon!
Darius
Rose Weasley.
So when are we going to have our little interview about ass-boy?
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
...
How are you authorized to use these airplane notes?
And why would you include that stuff about "Junior Writer, Daily Prophet" on a paper airplane note. This is sad Malfoy, just sad.
...
My boss charmed my name so every time I write it, the "Junior Writer" bit appears. It's part of the punishment I'm receiving thanks to that letter you sent.
So when are we having our little interview?
...
You didn't answer me. How did you get the authorization to use these airplane notes? And stop charming them to bonk me on the nose.
...
Bonk you on the nose? I'd love to see that. I'm not doing anything to these airplane notes- I guess they just don't like you very much. Have you done paper airplane notes any wrong in the past?
So... interview?
...
I just talked to the head nurse and she told me that you told the her that you need to be in constant contact with me at all times? And she actually believed you? Why would a reporter need to be in constant contact with me at all times? The stupidity of people. Honestly.
Stop bothering me.
...
I'm just asking for one measly interview from ass-boy's primary healer. Can't you grant me that much? Or are you just too busy for something as little as that? Is Rose Weasley incapable of coming off her high horse?
...
Fine! One interview! Meet me in the cafeteria in a half hour.
...
Why thank you.
So. How's your day going?
...
So now you're just going to bother me?
...
I'm just asking you how your day is going. Am I not allowed to do that?
...
No, you aren't. Scorpius Malfoy, Junior Writer at the Daily Prophet, doesn't do nice. What are you plotting?
...
What's with the third degree? I'm genuinely just wondering how your day is going.
...
Stop bothering me. I need to go assist in an operation. Some girl double spliced herself when she tried to Apparate back to get her spliced limb.
...
Sounds gory. Can I watch?
...
NO! Go away. I'm going into the operation room now. Paper airplane notes aren't allowed in there unless it's a priority note.
I'll see you in the cafeteria after the operation so let's push the interview back an hour.
Scorpius,
Are you with Darius right now? I went to his office to see if he was there, but Uncle Percy told me that he stepped out for a bit. I haven't heard from him all day and I know he's been really stressed working for Uncle Percy.
If you're with him, tell him I think we should hit up The Lucky Cat tonight and I'll pay for the first two rounds. Sound good?
Al
Hey Al,
Sorry, I'm not with Darius right now. I actually owled him a couple of times, but he hasn't owled back. He's probably just dying from paperwork and stepped out for a strong drink.
The Lucky Cat sounds great (do we drink too much? Nah, forget that I even asked that). I'll let Darius know we're buying tonight.
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Darius.
You. Me. Al. The Lucky Cat. 9pm.
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Al and I are buying the first two rounds because we're excellent buddies and we know you're stressed.
The Cafeteria at St. Mungo's 3:15pm
"Rose Weasley, How was the operation?" Scorpius asked as Rose walked into the room. He had a tray filled with food in front of him.
"Pretty standard. Splicing happens pretty often, but this was an unusual case because she actually spliced herself twice while trying to Apparate to her spliced limb. Anyways, I'm going to grab some food first," Rose said as she stood up.
Scorpius grabbed her elbow to sit her back down and said, "What do you think all this is for? I figured you hadn't eaten yet so I got you some food."
"Really?" Rose said, shocked. "Is this something you do to all your interviewees to butter them up?" she said while wolfing down the food. "Wow and you've managed to somehow grab all my favorites," she said as she picked up a waffle.
"Well I didn't spend a year living with you in the head's dorm at Hogwarts for nothing. Anytime it was your turn to get the snacks from the kitchens for our head meetings, you always included waffles."
"Hmm, observant. I can see why you'd make a good journalist," said Rose as she munched on her waffles.
An airplane note sailed into the cafeteria and landed right next to Rose.
Hey Rosieposie,
Did you get my last note? My operation was successful and all the healers said I was an integral part of the success. They mentioned that they're planning on selecting the head for the healers in training and implied that my name is one of the top ones being considered. It really doesn't come as a surprise to me. I did, after all, come in first in the written exams to get into the program.
Yours,
Randall
"Shit!" exclaimed Rose.
"What's wrong?" asked Scorpius.
"I forgot to write back to Randall," Rose said as she scribbled a quick note to him to let him know that: yes, she had gotten her letter and yes, she was glad to hear about his recent successes. "You distracted me," she looked at Scorpius, as she folded the note and sent it on its way. "I was so busy writing to you that I completely forgot to respond to his note."
Scorpius peeked over, "Rosieposie? I didn't figure you as the type to like pet names."
"I don't. I've told him a couple of times that I don't really like pet names but he always forgets. I've sort of given up trying to get him to stop."
"Alright Rose Weasley, let's get started. So tell me how often you see these sort of underage magic cases?" Scopius asked as the interview went underway.
Meanwhile at the Beanery 3:00pm
"Darius! Hi!" said Lily as she sat down. "Oh you already got the drinks and the pastries? How much is my half?"
"Don't worry about it!" said Darius.
"No, really. Let me pay for my share."
"Why don't you just get the bill next time?" said Darius.
"Hmm… alright. I'm fine with that. So tell me what's going on? How's working with Percy?"
"Oh you know, it's a nightmare. I'm pretty sure Scorpius and Al are both worried that I'm going to explode and curse the living hell out of him one day."
"Oh! That reminds me. Have you heard that Scorpius has now invaded Rose's place of work?"
"Yeah he sent me an owl bragging about how he's found a new brilliant way to annoy Rose. I swear, I thought this incessant talk about Rose would end after Hogwarts."
"Yeah, I heard my fair share of complaints at Hogwarts too. Although they did manage to get along alright when they were both heads. Don't you remember? It wasn't as explosive as I thought it would be. They almost seemed… friendly."
"Well enough about them for now. I have a feeling that now Rose and Scorpius are going to be in constant contact with each other, we'll have plenty to talk about in the future. So tell me, did you manage to figure out the whole fabric thing? Do you want me to talk to my cousin?"
"Oh it's fine. I figured it out. It's just going to be a little hectic for a while, but I think I'll manage."
"Do you want to relieve some of that stress with me and a couple of friends tonight? You're brother will be there. We're going to The Lucky Cat for a couple of drinks and Al promised to pay for the first two rounds."
"Sounds like fun. Can I ask Rose to come as well? She's always game for a couple of drinks, especially when someone else is doing the buying."
"Sure. Might as well abuse Al's offer to pay for drinks."
"So tell me what's going on with uncle Percy… I've heard some things from Al at our monthly dinners and it doesn't sound pretty."
"Well…" Darius started to tell Lily, "a lot of things have changed since that internship you had. He's actually managed to become even more of a dick since then..." Darius continued on to tell the top five Percy is a dick stories as Lily listened with rapt attention.
Al,
See you at The Lucky Cat. I invited your sister Lily and she's bringing Rose.
Darius
Scopius,
Yes to The Lucky Cat. I invited some people to tag along.
Darius
Darius,
I didn't know you were such good friends with my little sister. Well, I don't mind my sister tagging along. We'll have to make sure Rose doesn't wind up sitting next to Scorpius. I hope she doesn't bring that idiot Randall. I hate that guy.
Al
Darius,
FINALLY! I was worried Darius, I truly was. I thought I would hear about some wizard lying in a ditch off Diagon Alley with mounds of paperwork on top of him OR about some wizard going batshit crazy on Percival Weasley and cursing the living daylights out of him.
I'll see you at The Lucky Cat.
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Rose,
Al's treating us to free Firewhiskey tonight at The Lucky Cat, you coming?
Lily
Lily Luna,
Free Firewhiskey and the company of my lovely relatives? How could I say no?
Rose
Let's use Al for all he's worth. Only top notch Firewhiskey for us tonight. I want my Firewhiskey aged, dammit. Aged! 15+ years! The 75 galleons per bottle variety!
Mr. Scrinege,
I know that my demotion to "Junior Writer" status is part of my punishment, but I had an interesting idea for a column. I'm currently working on the "Underage Magic Use" bit that the paper does every summer and I'm profiling a young boy that was admitted into St. Mungo's with some pretty extreme injuries.
I realized how fascinated I was with this article and I thought it might be a good idea to start a medical column of sorts. It can include a variety of things from really peculiar medical cases or more mild things like recommendations from healers or revealing common medical errors that wizards and witches make. I've taken the initiative to talk to the head healer at St. Mungo's and he said he would be very supportive of a column like this in the Daily Prophet.
Please let me know your thoughts. I know I'm supposed to be serving punishment, but I believe I can take on this column while attending my mandatory journalism ethics class while not shirking my other responsibilities as a general Junior Writer.
Scorpius Malfoy
Junior Writer
Daily Prophet
Scorpius,
It's not a bad idea. Let's discuss the idea further tomorrow and if I like your first article we can think about turning it into a regular column. I don't think it would work as a daily column, but we can think about having it twice or once a week.
We'll discuss it tomorrow before your journalism class.
Jon
Author's Note: Oh ho ho. I don't think Rose is going to take the news that Scorpius might be hanging around the hospital more often too well. Wait a second, I'm the author, I know that Rose isn't going to take this news too well. Anyways, please REVIEW! Reviews seriously prompt me to write faster, and therefore update faster. Click that button!
I send tons and tons and tons of love to my existing reviewers. Love Love Love and chocolates filled with all sorts of goodies like mint creme and almonds.
