✕ VALOR

Millicent rolled her eyes as she heard the familiar yet utterly repulsive name. “Quality over quantity; would he prefer more people who do not perform well, or people that can actually do their jobs?” she inquired rhetorically. Uncaring as to what Rodolphus Lestrange wanted, she hoped his toes caught fire every time she laid eyes upon him.  She smiled widely as she listened to Kingsley’s reaction. He was one person she could truly confide in, and even more than that someone who she truly respected. “Yes! Thank you. I feel like I’m wasting away behind a deak – I have so much more to give.” she tells.

“I’m honored then, really,” Alice laughed, waiting for him to take a bite. “So, what do you think? My grandmere sent them from France the other day, and I really like them. Much better than all the paperwork they’ve been having us do in the office, that’s for sure.” 

He takes a small bite of the sweet, nodding to demonstrate his answer before he even opens his mouth again. “It’s really good, what’s it called exactly? --Tastes better than the paperwork that’s for sure.”

“What do you mean? Of course you’re funny– I’m just, I’m just stupid honestly. I don’t always follow.” He gestured to himself, waving off the self-deprecation as if it were average for him. “No, no, it’s quite alright, really. I don’t mind.” Peter lied, probably unsuccessfully too. “Just a drink, not much new for me. Long day. What is the great Kingsley Shacklebolt doing here?” That was definitely too much, he told himself. 

“Naw you don’t have to humor me I swear. I don’t think the possibility of a humorous talent would be very likely for me anyway --my audience would probably just be Moody. No, no it’s fine.” He shakes his head, going over to grab his own drink as well as another for Peter. “Up to anything new today?” He chuckles. “Ah I just thought I would take a little break before starting my patrol for the night.”

Peter immediately nodded, gesturing to the bar. “Of course, on me, definitely.” Kingsley was certainly terrifying, and he’d only ever had brief conversations with him outside of important meetings. He was practically quaking in his boots. “Again, I’m really sorry– I’m a fucking mess of a clutz, mate.” Could he call him mate? Was that allowed?

“No really don’t lose any sleep over it, it’s fine. I’m not actually going to hold you accountable for it. Guess I’m not as funny as I like to think, you don’t have to buy me a drink.” He chuckles softly, not registering the discomfort of the younger wizard. “Anyway, what brings you here today?”

Oh, you have to try them, they’re amazing. Here, don’t you think?

“Well okay, but only because of your recommendation don’t think I go around accepting candy from everyone.”

“That is particularly coincidental…Yes, I think suspending them was a good idea. “ she noted. Wondering exactly how that person had even slipped through he system if they were truly a danger. She shook her head and smiled at Kingsley who was obviously skeptical. “I know, I know. But quitting this job gives me the chance to take my bosses job. I’ve been considering running for minister, Kingsley.” she told delightfully. Hoping he would think that it was as good of an idea as she was. 

“What did they do exactly?” she asked curiously. She wondered what a trainee could cause considering how little time they’d spent in training, how much damage was capable of being caused? “Uhm it’s about the same, just working. I’ve been considering something and I wanted to tell you before I — uhm well…I may have to quit my job.” she told honestly. Unsure about how he would take the following statement. 

“No, it’s fine! I can, I mean… it’s just not what I usually do, but I mean, I could probably accept just one letter. As long as I don’t start taking everyone’s and mess something up– you shouldn’t have to wait after all,” Blossom chuckles awkwardly and shakes her head. “Huh, suspicious,” she bites her bottom lip, “I haven’t seen new owls, that I can tell you for sure. I check on them every day, I feed them and all that, so I know who’s supposed to be here and who isn’t. But missing letters, I’m not sure. I think that’s something that happens all the time, though.”

“Not that I’ve ever heard. But then again, I guess it’s lucky that they didn’t just steal the list -” He trailed off, the thought of what could have happened to all those children far too dark for Ted to even think. Instead, he quickly switched gears. “Anyway, I’ll put another vote in for subcommittee on your behalf.”

“You’re right yeah. I am glad they didn’t think of something like that or we would have a much more threatening problem on our hands. I guess we should be counting our blessings. --Great thanks. And really I’ll do anything I can to help if you need it, doesn’t matter if it’s not exactly in my job description.”