School just ended yesterday! I'm off for three months! That means more writing time! Plus, on the same day, Tia turned thirteen! I went to her sleepover on Saturday, and even though I had to leave early it still rocked sox. I had an awesome time, singing along and jumping to Taylor Swift songs with all my friends! And you know what else? My birthday is coming up! Yeah!

Chapter Ten: Deal

The more I thought about it, the more I regretted even mentioning my idea. All it had done was get Minerva angry at me, and who's to say that anyone would ever read or be interested in Harry Potter? Repeatedly kicking myself, I made it through the week and sat anxiously in my living room on Sunday.

I had prepared a short speech eloquently stating that they should just disregard my proposal entirely. I didn't know what I was thinking. I just wanted to be friends again.

When Dumbledore and Minerva finally arrived, I invited them to sit down and began giving the somewhat forgotten by now speech. By the end, it was mostly ad lib, but they heard me out. "I'm sorry I even suggested this in the first place," I started. "I guess I just got carried away in my own hopes and I didn't consider the possible effects on your world. I would never want to endanger you or the Wizarding World, so I think it would be best if we all just forgot about this whole episode and moved on. What do you say?"

I guess the longing to write the book still hung in my eyes. No amount of lies to myself or my friends could change that. Minerva smiled warmly. "We think that you should write your book. It's obvious that's what you want, and we wizards can protect ourselves. It's worked for all this time, and I would be surprised if it suddenly stopped working just because of a book." Minerva paused. "We trust you, Jo."

I couldn't believe it. I looked at Dumbledore, who was smiling in an almost mocking way. I couldn't help but grin. That seemed the appropriate thing to do until I could find the right words.

When I finally found my voice, I said, "Thank you! I mean, are you sure? Oh, of course you are! Thank you so much. This is my dream, you know. Not exactly how I pictured it, but that's okay! Thank you!" I realized I was rambling tediously and stopped myself, still smiling.

"But," Dumbledore said, "there is one condition."

"What's that?" I asked.

"We get a copy once it's published," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling.

I felt like the smile would burst off my face as I said, "Deal!"

After that, I got right to work on my book. I observed Harry Potter to find that his life was not ideal. I wanted so much to help him get away from those awful Dursleys, but really, what could I do? Legally, there was nothing wrong with anything they did. Plus, it would all be over soon enough. He would get his letter from Hogwarts and it would all be better. . . wouldn't it?

I was ecstatic when Harry's powers started to show. When Dudley trapped himself behind the glass in the zoo, I could barely keep from laughing at him. I remember thinking, Serves him right, the pig of a boy that he is! Little did I know that he would end up with a real curly pig tail later on.

However, when Hagrid took Harry to Diagon Alley, I had a problem trying to get in. The spells cast over everything magical to keep Muggles out proved very effective. I went home numerous times, thinking I'd forgotten something. I also took several wrong turns. Eventually, I sought out Dumbledore. I would need his help to get back into the Wizarding World.

Dumbledore, always helpful, went all out to make sure I got all the information I needed. He showed me how to get into the Wizarding World with no difficulty and even presented me with a gift! A timeturner, he called it. I told him I couldn't accept it, but of course he insisted. I found myself in the Leaky Cauldron sooner than I thought possible just as Hagrid entered with Harry. Luckily, everyone there seemed fascinated with "The Boy Who Lived" so I didn't look out of sorts, staring at him in the crowd.

Suddenly, my life became Harry's, with one big exception: I wasn't magical. Sure, I could have pretended to be a Squib, but I would rather pretend I could do magic. I just bought the magic quill and set into actress mode. I didn't want to live among Wizards; I wanted to be one.

I was Rita Skeeter, not Joanne Rowling. I had to create a different look for myself as well as a new personality. I didn't like ruining all those people's reputations, but that was my new reputation, my job. I especially had a hard time interviewing Harry. I wanted to ask him entirely different questions, give my books more than my thoughts and my observations. But I had to stay in character or people may become suspicious of me. I had to be mean.

It nearly broke my heart, writing the article about Harry, but I had to do it. I couldn't disrupt his natural life in any way. I wanted to give only facts in my books, the Harry Potter series.

However, facts were hard to come by. I couldn't be everywhere, even with a timeturner! Sometimes, I just had to add things for special effect. They fit in with the plot, covered up mistakes, and even explained some things. I didn't think there could be too much harm in that.

I was surprised at how successful they were. I could only hope the Dursleys wouldn't come across them, and if they did, that they wouldn't tell Harry about them.

After the release of the seventh and final book in the series, I actually met Harry Potter as myself. I told him everything: my secret identity, my reasons, and my apologies. To this day, we are great friends, although he is a harsh critic on my writings. He even had me over for dinner once. Ginny is an excellent cook! Their children are so sweet, and exactly as depicted in The Deathly Hallows.

Now, as I conclude my story, I hope you will find a new understanding and appreciation of the Harry Potter series. And even if you don't, I am glad that you took the time to read this little story of mine.

Also, I hope you take these words to heart and always abide by them: Nothing -- nothing -- is impossible.

I am J. K. Rowling, and I have just proved those words to you.

So, what did you think? I kind of liked it, and now it's over! Boo-hoo! But as long as people read it, it will never be over! Yay! I know I'm nothing like Joanne Rowling, and I can't help but think that maybe I shouldn't have made this first person. Oh, well! There's no changing it now! Now I bid you adieu. :-)