Alice Melbourne

I guess you’ve got to be, that job seems so tough, being all intimidating probably helps? The Prewetts? What are they like. Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. We could, but this is just a precautionary measure, you know? Just to be safe… Yep! They’re having a lovely time, France is beautiful this time of year. [he pauses for a moment before leaning forward and lowering his voice conspiratorily] Don’t let on that I told you, but before she left Emm told me she was going to propose. 

 Oh, they are lovely. Very capable but kind-hearted as far as I can tell. [Smiles] Well that's smart anyway, I hope it goes well. If you need a reference or anything, I'm sure we could figure something out. [leans in, playing along.] Oh my goodness! [She's so happy and surprised, but tries to whisper.] That's wonderful! Oh! Eek! 

Minerva stood at the edge of the Hogsmeade platform, eyes sharp as she waited. Things had gotten tense in the village. Nothing that could compare to the things that would surely come, but bad enough to put her teeth on edge. At least they had new recruits. Perhaps too young to fight in a war, but what choice did they have? She kept a firm hold on her wand as she waited, back against the platform wall.

-Minerva McGonagall

I’m glad to hear that. Has the auror program been alright for you? Moody seems like a very, er, intimidating person… Alright fair enough. Quietly, I’ve been at my dad’s for the most part, mostly just been waiting around for Emm and Dorcas to get back from France so Emm can pretend to be my fiancee and King and I can get a place…

 Yes, it's very challenging and Alastor, [laughs a little] yes, that's true. He is quite intimidating but he knows what he's talking about. All the Aurors are a bit, um, forboding, except the Prewetts, of course. [Smiles again and nods.] Oh yes, I heard you and Kingsley are going flat hunting. Can't you two just say you're best friends? [Alice quirks an eyebrow at the way he said 'my fiancee', she thinks there is something he's not telling her.] Have you heard from them lately? 

And you as well, how have you been? Absolutely, what’s up? 

 Yeah, I'm well thank you. Nothing is up, I just don't want to keep you if you're off somewhere. [Smiles.] How is summer treating you?

-looks over his shoulder a little surprised- Oh! Hello Alice! Wasn’t expecting to see you. 

 It's a nice surprise to see you. Have you got a minute? 

((Bold = I owe. )) Updated January 9th 22:45 GMT

Frank

All my love, Alice x

Most efficient that way, I guess. Can’t be too many, how many of us applied? I can only think of the three of us. Maybe they’ve got outside people transferring in as well. I mean, there’s got to be more Aurors than just the three of us and Moody. My dad’s taken me there before, when he went in for Wizengamot and I was young enough to be entertained by the receptionists. It’s not half bad at all. I’ll meet you there (possibly with Benjy). I’ve heard my parents talk about Moody before, ‘nice’ doesn’t often come up. ‘Intense’ and ‘brilliant’, but not ‘nice’. He’ll surely like you, though. Sounds like a good time to me. I will, I’m sure they send it back as well. I can, Muggle London’s not very kind to people like me and Ben. -King

[The nerves in her belly tightened. Talking about herself wasn't her favourite subject, let alone having to say how brilliant you thought you were. It was just like when she had written applications for things. It made her feel slightly uncomfortable. She was here to learn and help out the best she could. She knew she wasn't perfect. But she liked how he took his job seriously, respected that. Rather than answering each question individually this time, Alice nodded, and replied to all of them with this.] It's going to be difficult, I understand that. But I'm committed one hundred percent to making this world a safer place to be in, whatever that means. I keep up with the news, I've have friends that have been affected, we had incidents at school with violent students. It's getting worse everywhere, and I want to be a part of making it better. 

[She felt like she was in an exam. His questions came at her fast and she logged them in her brain, just like she logged people's names. Ready to be remembered. Waiting until he had finished Alice swallowed and looked directly at him, setting the glass of water in her lap untouched.] Weak, meaning unable to take care of myself. My peers and I share different sets of strengths. And as I don't make a habit of fighting against my friends, I know that as a team, I am a valuable member. [While she's talking, her eyes move around the room, taking it in, but always going back to his face. She notices a cabinet behind the desk with bottles in it. And where Alastor keeps his wand.] It would be foolish to believe I could better someone with more experience, based on purely that. If I were put into a situation where I had no choice, today, without any formal training, [Pausing for a split second, she takes a small breath in.] I believe I could do as well as any other recruit- regardless of size. Or why would I be here? 

 [She sits and smiles at his comment. People say that to her a lot. It would be rude to refuse the drink, but Alice doesn't think she'll need it.] Yes, Thank you. [She takes the glass of water in hand.] I am small but that doesn't mean I'm weak. [Alice surprises herself with the strong statement and is proud to hear her voice isn't wavering. However grumpy this man may be, he was also very intimidating.]

My meeting with him starts at 15:45 on July 6th. Must be right after you two. Is it just me or do I feel like I should be nervous…?  I hadn’t planned on dragging him down there with me, though I’m sure he’d love to see you as well. We’ll be there. At the very least, I will. I hope yours has been good as well.  We’ve not started yet, we’re waiting for Emm and Dor to return from France. Emm’s going to help us out with the whole… housing prejudice situation. See you soon, King