I was shuffling through the papers on my desk, trying to catch up on the work that I'd been putting off. I never let myself get behind, but lately my heart just hadn't been in it. The letter from "Anon" seemed to give me the push I needed to get back on track. I looked at the clock, I had only 20 minutes to finish up before my next appointment arrived. A new werewolf was coming to see me about Werewolf Support Services. It was awkward the way the department was split. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures was made up of three separate divisions: Beasts, Beings and Spirits. I worked in the Beings division and helped with Werewolf Support Services, but the Werewolf Capture Unit and Werewolf Registry were still under the devils in the Beasts Division. I often thought of the injustices done to werewolves and Remus Lupin always came to mind. What a kind man he was, and he had few more rights than magical beasts. This was another of the reasons I chose my post. The house elves may not want help, but werewolves needed it.
There was a knock on the door and I looked up as Randolph Keddle, the head of the department, walked into my office. I was stunned - just utterly perplexed. I had worked in this department for nearly three years and this was the first time he set foot in my office, the first time he sought me out at all.
"Do you have a minute, Miss Granger?" he asked.
"Of course," I said. 'Oh God, he's going to sack me. I got too far behind, or maybe it was the house elf proposal...'
He was a little stiff as he spoke and was most obviously uncomfortable. "I thought I should come down here to apologize. I realize that I really wasn't fair in considering your House Elf proposal. It is obvious that you have put a lot of thought into it and seemed to work out most of the logistics. I've sent the proposal out for consideration of the committee. You shouldn't expect too much from it. I'm sure they'll send it back demanding something more, and you can expect a lot more work falling in your lap from it, but it is out there."
I was stunned. I had absolutely no idea what to say. I just sat there gaping like an idiot. I finally came back to life and thanked him profusely. He transferred a letter from his right hand to his left, in order to shake my hand. That's when I noticed it. The letter he held had was addressed in purple ink. The tall neat handwriting was unmistakable. At first I wondered if he could possibly be "Anon" but dismissed the idea immediately. The purple writing very obviously addressed Mr. Randolph Keddle.
At that moment, Cuthbert Mockridge popped his head in the door. "I'm sorry, am I interrupting?"
"No, no, Mockridge, I was just leaving," replied Mr. Keddle.
"Thank you, again, Mr. Keddle," I said as he left.
"This came for you, Hermione," said Cuthbert as he handed me a letter addressed in, the now familiar, purple ink. "And Eunice told me to let you know that the werewolf coming in can't make it today and wants to reschedule." He seemed to think I would be a relief that I didn't have to see the werewolf, but I was actually a little concerned. "I have to get going though. I'll see you around."
As soon as he left I ripped open the letter.
Sept. 2, 2000
Dear Hermione,
Everyone goes through a time in their life when don't feel good about themselves. Everyone has a time when they look at their life and wonder where it's going. You shouldn't feel embarrassed to have those feelings. You just have to be able to remind yourself that you are a good person with many wonderful things to live for. Just take things as they come and don't worry too far ahead. And if you ever have a hard time with that, I'm happy to remind you. You're a very special person, Hermione.
I still think it would help to go to your friends, but until you feel comfortable doing that, I'm here for you. I'm so glad that you feel that you can come to me.
Your Anonymous Friend
Another comforting letter... and still no idea who sent it. What did they send to Mr. Keddle? They wouldn't have spilled what she said, would they? Whatever they said, it had to be the reason behind Mr. Keddle's apology and newfound interest in my proposal.
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