Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter and all characters are all J.K. Rowling's property.

This is just a little series project that I do when I'm stressed and need to live in someone else's shoes for a while.

Enjoy

The Witches of Today: The Blooming Flower of Knockturn Alley

By Parvati Patil

Today, dear readers, I am honoured to help you discover Pansy Parkinson. I write these words with certitude because it has taken myself over a decade to get to know this formidable witch whose friendship I value immensely. She appears austere, a product of her upbringing and societal expectations, but underneath it all is a girl with big dreams and a softer side than even the fluffiest pygmy puff.

I find myself lounging in an exquisite leather armchair in Magical Interiors, her newly opened shop in Knockturn Alley, surrounded by breath-taking art pieces. The sun is filtering though the most enchanting stained-glass window and we sip a delicious blend of Turkish coffee ready to start.

Parvati: Firstly, what a delicious coffee!

Pansy [pleased smile and a scrunch of her nose]: Thank you. Trace [Tracey Davis, co-owner of Magical Interiors] was recently on a trip to Turkey to acquire some beautiful woven rugs and brought back bags of coffee. Our customers and those of Leaky Cauldron will be spoilt for choices for the foreseeable future.

Parvati: It is wonderful to see the businesses of Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley flourish lately. How are you embracing this new challenge of opening a shop here?

Pansy: We are adjusting quite well. I am most grateful for our fellow shop-owners who have made us feel welcome. It has been a month now since we opened our doors and business has been booming.

Parvati: We love to hear this but it has not been as easy as a lumos, has it?

Pansy [a small blush on her face, knowing she has been caught in her heart-felt but superficial answer]: Alright alright P [she concedes, laughing], I hear your question.

For the record, Trace and I had already launched our interior decorating business 2 years ago. We worked from our home, mainly through mail contact and did one client at a time. So, we had experience under our belt and I thought opening a shop would just be more tangible evidence of our business.

However, the reality is quite different. A shop has opened so many new avenues for us. We have so many more people coming in daily with questions and for consults. It has bridged the gap with many who previously thought we were inaccessible for them. We are now also part of the Alley's Association of Owners and this has entailed new responsibilities with regards to the wizarding economy and our contribution to society.

It is certainly a challenge that we are eager to delve in but will need time to adjust.

Parvati: Well, I, for one believe that you and Tracey will flourish under the challenge. Now on to the fun part, could you give our readers a sneak peak of the services you offer?

Pansy: Definitely! Magical Interiors is here to help with any of your needs, from advice on changing a curtain to fully redecorating every room in your house.

Some wizards like to DIY. You can stop by our studio any day during Alley opening hours with your questions and ideas. We will teach you the charms and spells you need for some of your projects. Those who want us to get into the spaces and transform it for them – we will set up appointments and visit and work with you to make your vision come to life.

Parvati: Is everything also personally overseen by Tracey and yourself?

Pansy: Yes, we both are very involved in every project we undertake. Of course, now that we have the shop we've changed to a 'divide and conquer' strategy so that one of us is always present here. However, we always consult each other and aim to help you to the best of our combined abilities.

Parvati: I have a couple more business-related questions before we move on. Magical interior decorating – it is something that our mums have been doing with a wave of a wand for generations. Why venture into making it your career?

Pansy: Frankly I never think of it as a job. As you said, it is something I have seen my mother do multiple times and is nearly a learnt craft for me. However, this is not the case for Trace and most of our half-blood friends. Those house-keeping spells and knowledge are not taught at Hogwarts. So, I saw an opportunity there to lend a helping wand to those who may not have the time to pour over books to unstick a stubborn wallpaper or re-order furniture.

Parvati: Any advice for witches and wizards who could potentially be inspired by you to make it a career?

Pansy: Do not be scared to go for it. Trace has gone to a muggle school to learn. We are constantly finding new books to improve our knowledge. In short, there is not one right way to do this but simply to listen to the needs of your client and channel your creativity to help them. There is plenty to discover in this field.

Parvati: What has been your favourite decorating project so far?

Pansy: Parvati! I have no favourite. Every project is near and dear to my heart.

[after several loud ticks of the grandfather clock]

Oh sweet Circe! I do mean it when I say every project is special, especially the ones we did at the start of our business. They were all for our friends and each project helped me reconnect with these people I grew up with but had no idea of the kind of people they were. The absolute destruction and rebuilding we did in Black Manor with Ginny [Potter] was a healing experience. Decorating your sister's mansion [Padma Patil-Thomas] was such a fun project.

[more ticking ensued and finally in a quieter voice]

My most memorable one would be the work I did with Hermione on her family home. I hardly think any could top this personally.

Parvati: Thank you, love, for answering honestly. This also now helps me segue into my next few questions. Let's get to know Pansy, the witch and not the business woman! Rapid fire questions, are you ready?

Pansy: Yes, let's do this. Mugs aside now.

Parvati: Pansy's number one essential item?

Pansy: My wand holder. Fleur's [Delacour-Weasley] shop next door has some beautiful accessories including wand holders. It helps me put my wand away in an accessible place; most helpful while working.

Parvati: Favourite activity?

Pansy: Oh Merlin, this might shock many. I love flying. Trace is an avid Quidditch fan and often plays in the Weasleys' Sunday matches. Years of helping her practice has made me love flying.

Parvati: Go-to beauty trick?

Pansy: Know your colours. By any means, this should not stop you from trying new things but I love knowing which colours look best on me. It helps me dress simply without the hassle of trying to elevate looks with too much make-up or accessories.

Parvati: A date recommendation in the Alley?

Pansy: Ooh there is a very good restaurant, Leanne's Kitchen, that just opened in the junction of the North Side and Knockturn! Some of the house elves from Hogwarts work in the kitchen and the food is so nostalgic but in a fine dining setting. Trace and I tried it just last week – definitely date-worthy.

Parvati: Finally, what is one thing you are most looking forward to?

Pansy: Tracey and I are working on a book that we hope to publish by the end of the year. I am looking forward to sharing our best stories and tricks of the trade with everyone.

There you have it loyal readers; a look into one of the newest businesses on Knockturn Alley and its formidable owner. I hope this interview has inspired you to use their services to refresh your homes as we step into spring. Also, spring sales will be on soon and we have inadvertently received many recommendations for many of the other businesses in the Alleys from Pansy. Send us your best finds by owl post and be featured in the next Witch Weekly edition. Happy shopping to you all!