Written for Hogwarts Challenges & Assignments - Term 14, Assignment 10 - Demonology, Task #7: Alt. Write about worshipping or celebrating someone or something.

Fervent Fans

"I love you, Gilderoy!" a blonde woman shrieked, throwing her arms around the author's waist. She looked up at him and smiled, revealing dimples in both cheeks. "I've read your books cover-to-cover so many times that I've lost count. I can't believe you've done all of those heroic things!"

Truthfully, Gilderoy couldn't believe that she believed it, but he wasn't about to shatter her delusions, nor the delusions of the rest of his adoring public. As he gingerly removed the woman's arms from around his torso, nodding at his bodyguard as he did so—one could never be too careful with the rabid fans—he checked for a wedding ring. Upon seeing one, he cleared his throat and stepped back.

"I am so flattered to hear that you enjoy my work, Mrs...?"

"Baker," she said breathlessly. "Lucinda Baker."

"Ah. Delighted to make your acquaintance, Lucinda." He flashed her a brilliant smile and watched as she all but swooned before his eyes. "Tell me, which of my adventures is your favorite?"

"Dealing with Dementors," she answered at once. "I still get shivers when I think of how you fought off a whole swarm of them with nothing more than your own wits!"

Gilderoy nodded. That was a particularly harrowing experience for the man who had managed it, and it made for such a suspenseful story.

"I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed it so much," he said. His eyes fell on a dark-haired man who had inched his way through the crowd to stand just behind Lucinda, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder. "Is this handsome fellow your husband?"

Lucinda glanced back at the man before facing Gilderoy once more. Her cheeks had taken on a fetching shade of crimson, and Gilderoy was suddenly quite sorry that she was married. "Yes, this is my husband, Hugh."

Hugh gave him a brief nod before passing something to his wife and whispering in her ear.

"Yes, yes, dear," Gilderoy heard her say. "I won't be but a minute."

Hugh slipped away into the crowd as Lucinda pressed a neatly wrapped package into Gilderoy's hands.

"This is for you." She beamed at him again. "I hope you like it."

Gilderoy examined the package before handing it to his bodyguard. Lucinda seemed sweet enough, but he knew from experience that the seemingly nice fans were usually the ones with the dangerous schemes.

"I'll open it later," he promised. "Take care, Lucinda Baker."

...

The package contained a homemade pie infused with a Love Potion, Gilderoy was later told. He was glad that he hadn't eaten any of it, but disappointed that he wouldn't be having any pie. He would have to order one to satisfy his sudden craving.

"I never have any normal fans," he griped, pacing his room at the Leaky Cauldron. He was staying there while he promoted his latest book as it was close to Flourish and Blotts, but it was one of the smaller rooms, and he could travel from one end to the other in only twenty paces. "They're either madly in love with me—not that I blame them, but must they act on that feeling?—or perfectly boring, not worthy of a second thought. I suppose I should be thankful, though. Without them, I would be a nobody." He continued to tread in a circle, even as a thought occurred to him. "Perhaps I could write a book about all of my more noteworthy encounters with fans. I've certainly had my fair share of those, and they would make for an interesting read. I'm sure the public would eat it right up!"

He stopped pacing and hurried over to the small desk in the corner. On a spare piece of parchment, he scribbled, Write book about notable experiences with fans? Ask editor! Potential title - Fervent Fans? He studied the words for a moment before clucking his tongue. "That probably needs some work."

It didn't matter that he didn't have a set title yet, though. What was important was that he had an idea for a new book, and he could fill it with real experiences, genuine anecdotes. And the best part? He wouldn't need to Obliviate anyone to write it.

WC: 700