The Bounty Hunters
Chapter II
Frank's Tale
Today had been a truly dreadful day, thought a despondent Frank Longbottom gloomily. Only three years ago, all had looked so bright. It was at this time that Frank had achieved an outstanding on all of his many NEWTs. This had ensured him the path to becoming an auror. For the past three years, Frank had worked non-stop to achieve this goal. However, in one instant all was ruined.
What was it that destroyed Frank's passion to become an auror? His other obsession, the lovely Alice Prewitt. Oddly enough, it was because of Alice that he was in his current predicament. Right before he took his final Auror examination, he went to visit the lovely Miss Prewitt. They chatted about the future and about Frank's chances. It was at this time that Frank became emboldened and gave Alice a chaste kiss on the cheek. Regrettably, he was seen doing this by Alice's older brothers, Gideon and Fabian, who shot jinxes at him. Whilst his auror training had made young Frank quick, he was not quick enough. Fabian hit him with a confundus charm, which did not wear off until after his dreadful auror exam.
And so it was that a depressed Frank arrived at the Three Broomsticks to drink rum, heavily. At any rate, Frank thought, the day could not be any worse. He was wrong. The door to the pub opened and in walked a vengeful Alice Prewitt, still seething about the infamous kiss.
"Oh Frank, Frank dear."
"Aye," said Frank groggily. "Who is it?"
"Why it's Alice Prewitt. I have an important issue to discuss with you, Frank."
"What about? Sorry about all the mayhem my little peck on the cheek caused. Blimey am I sorry."
"Why?"
"B'cause I just failed my auror examination miserably, and have no future anymore. None whatsoever, 'cept you."
"Well, you've hit the nail right on the head, Frank. You're just wrong on one point."
"What's that, my dear?"
"Well, you don't have me, for one. For another, don't you dare kiss me again." Frank turned around to face Alice, shocked. However, it was all a moment too late. Alice whipped out her wand, and shouted, "Yakuso!"
Frank felt himself expand on all sides as hair sprouted over his rapidly changing body. The next thing Frank knew, the stool he sat at near the bar cracked under his enormous rate. Alice shot him a look of pure venom, and left, crying. She had transfigured him into a yak. Indeed it was worse.
Whilst everyone else chuckled at the situation at hand, a figure came out of the shadows to face Frank.
"Well, now. I'm guessing you've had a rough day, sonny." Frank gave the stranger a look of loathing and stood up to leave the bar. Once out of the bar, the mysterious stranger transfigured him back into a man.
"Thank you, Sir," said Frank. "I'm afraid I don't know your name."
"Amos Diggory, Sir. At your service."
"Ah, well. Thank you very much Mr. Diggory. I suppose I'd best head home to drink a bit more and thus drown my sorrow and my woe."
"You've drunk enough. At any rate, what does a fine young man such as yourself have to mope about?" Frank launched the tale of his horrid day, from the first fateful kiss to the transformation into a yak.
"Ah, that is a hard bit of luck, but don't fret. I have a business proposition for you."
"Aye, and what's that? All I'm fit for is a janitor, or a –"
"Do stop whining, my fine fellow. I know of a position that pays reasonably well, and is filled with action, adventure, and you can set your own hours. Furthermore, it could be well publicized, meaning that you could gain your fair share of honor, glory, and perhaps that which you desire most: the heart of your fair lady, Alice Prewitt."
"And what is this job, exactly?"
"Working as the partner of an unconventional lawman named Mundungus Fletcher. Are you game for it?"
"Sure, why not." Amos Diggory grinned.
"Then let's have a brief chat with Mr. Fletcher about the terms of your employment, shall we?"
"Aye, let's go."