The Boss Awaits
Remus held his head low as he walked into the office, understanding that his fate was sealed. His boss, Mrs. McGonagall, was going to be pissed. As he stumbled over to his cubicle, he spotted McGonagall’s assistant and his ginger friend, Lily Evans. Her face, a mix of disappointment and amusement, told him all he needed to know.
“I’ll head right over there.”
“Here take this, it might help.”
Lily handed him McGonagall’s coffee order, a cinnamon soy latte with 2 shots of espresso.
“You’re a life saver.”
“It’s my job.”
Remus started towards the doors of McGonagall’s office, raising a fist and knocking lightly on the glass.
“You may enter.” A strict voice stated from inside. Remus took a deep breath and pushed open the door. McGonagall’s piercing gaze set on him immediately, sharp as a needle.
“Mr. Lupin. Have a seat.”
“I-uh-I brought you your coffee-“
“I know Ms. Evans was the one to retrieve that. Set it on the desk.”
Remus gulped as he sat in the chair, the chair that normally seemed comfortable as he and McGonagall discussed headlines, but was currently tough as stone. He adjusted himself, straightening his back and setting his arms besides him.
“McGonagall, listen-“
“No you listen to me Mr. Lupin. It is one thing to report on a celebrity event, and it is another thing to be one of the main topics discussed in relation to said event. You sir, have unfortunately managed to accomplish both in one evening. While I understand that you have been, as the youth say, ‘out of the game’, for quite a while, for more reasons than I can list, that does not mean it is appropriate for you to display your desperation on live television. I should not have to explain this to you, but clearly you need a refresher. The Daily Prophet is THE most prestigious paper in all of the United Kingdom, and this behavior will subject our paper to mockery and gossip. Have you seen this morning’s edition of the Skeeter Report?” Remus cringed at the mention of the tabloid paper, published by the infamous gossip Rita Skeeter. She was responsible for the downfalls of countless celebrities, and she sinks her poisonous pen into any person who dares to make a public appearance. Some say she wanted to be an actress but was rejected by all major agencies, leaving her to turn her bitterness against those who did succeed into a career as the most dominating tabloid in the UK.
“I haven’t-“
“Well, not to fret Mr. Lupin, as you have a front-page spot.” McGonagall smacked the paper down onto the desk, making Remus jump. He spins it around to see him and Sirius plastered on the cover, grinning open-mouthed smiles at each other like they had just finished unraveling their fingers from each other’s hair. The headline read “RENOWNED JOURNALIST REMUS LUPIN OPENS WIDE FOR HEARTTHROB ACTOR SIRIUS BLACK”, clearly a smutty pun referring to their smiles. He remembered how their conversation had left him with that grin the rest of the night, genuinely smiling as he spoke with various actors and directors. McGonagall cleared her throat, drawing Remus back to the room and away from the memories of two nights ago.
“I’ve already got a statement ready to publish, I simply need a quote from you.” She put her hand on his, looking into his eyes with real sincerity.
“You’re a spectacular journalist Mr. Lupin, and I won’t let you lose your employment over something so trivial as this. I’ve been on the phone with the headquarters all morning, and I’ve only barely talked them out of firing you on the spot. This sort of thing may slide with The Quibbler, but our upper management won’t accept celebrity-journalist relationships, especially when they flirt on national television. You’re secure for now, but you cannot go see Mr. Black on Friday, or speak with him.”
Springing up from his chair, Remus exclaimed, “McGonagall that isn’t fair-“
“That is not your decision nor mine, Mr. Lupin. Please return to your cubicle.”
Remus felt his jaw clench, holding back words he knew he didn’t mean. He stood up and with a last heart-aching glance, turned from McGonagall and went out the door.