Zadie Bramen

On this weeks broadcast...

Last month we had an ‘approved’ visit to the Auror’s Offices at the Ministry of Magic which, let’s just say, didn't quite go to plan. We had discussed and even planned on taking this above Nina Hayes' head, but unfortunately we do try to do things by unanimous vote, and as it didn’t pass we are back to trying out journalism the old school way. Which, because we know you want to ask, means following people around.

For those astute listeners/readers and watchers you may remember that last month one of our reporters; Jonathan Sanders, made headway with two Analysts who work in the Auror Division of the Ministry. With his newly discovered contacts, and an ‘in’ we all agreed that he should try to befriend an Auror this time, and get an insider look into life as a Ministry Auror.
 

Autumn Work Report - Reporter and Journalist; Jonathan Sanders

It all started off well, and it wasn’t a bad idea really. Though in all honesty with the rate this project has been going, I am beginning to wonder if we are actually capable of coming up with good ideas… Anyway that aside, I was nominated to try to infiltrate the Aurors and befriend someone!
So with my new found friendship within the Auror’s Analyst team I began my mission. Firstly I started by inviting my new friends out for drinks after work. It turns out people talk when you ply them with enough butterbeer and a hot meal. In fact this might even be my new method of interviewing people!
Oh the things I learnt that night!
Luckily the two men were very helpful and even made a few suggestions of people I might be able to have a chat with, in fact if things couldn’t have been better, an Auror walked into the pub and joined in our conversation.

It is noted for the record that Jonathan, and team here at Aurors Investigate have strict instructions not to mention any names nor identifying features

As I am unable to identify the name of this Auror, and as I want to avoid causing any confusion for our dearest readers, listeners and watchers, I shall refer to the Auror I met that fateful night as Auror X.
Auror X and I got on like a house on fire from that very first introduction, they were funny and so very honest. I didn’t even have to work particularly hard before they were pouring out their life secrets. My only regret is not bringing my tape recorder that night!

~ Begin Flashback. ~

Analyst 1 - “Oh look, it's Auror X! Hello, hey, yes come over and join us!?”
Analyst 1 stood up waving his arms at the Auror.
Auror X - “Hello, fancy seeing you both here, and who is your friend?”
Auror X walks over, it clearly takes them a moment to recognize the Analysts.
Analyst 2 - “This is Jonathan, we met him at the office a couple of weeks ago.”
Auror X - “Really? I haven’t seen you around before!”
Jonathan - “ No I haven’t seen you either!”

Fast forward

Analyst 2 - “Well it is time for me to hit the hay! It was great to see you again John, we really ought to catch up more often! And a pleasure to see you as well Auror X.”
Analyst 1 - “Ah yes I suppose that is me off as well then. Good night to you both, and do send us an owl Jonathan.”
Jonathan - “Yes of course, take care!”
The Analysts walked off in the direction of the floo.
Auror X - “And then there were two, unless you also plan on calling it a night?”
Jonathan - “Not at all, it’s still early! Though I wouldn’t mind a walk and some fresh air if you would be interested?”
Auror X - “Lead the way, Jonathan.”

Fast forward

Auror X - “And that's how I came to earn my promotion.”
Jonathan - “Oh really! You don’t say. How did it feel, defeating those criminals after all of that work? It must have been rather exhilarating.
Auror X - “I suppose, in all honesty I haven’t thought much of it. Everything is just so busy these days. I feel I never stop. Though I am sure that is rather a good thing. But anyway enough about me and my work. What is it you do for work?”
Jonathan - “Really, why is it all so busy? Surely we don’t have that many criminals all running around… or do we? No, I can’t imagine. But then again I suppose you would know more than me.”
Auror X - “It’s more the never ending paperwork. Catching a criminal might take a few months, but the paperwork that follows - especially if there is a trial just seems to go on and on and on.”
Jonathan - “Ah of course the paperwork! I know the feeling on that one, though I personally rather enjoy the paperwork. Well if you’re not a fan of the neverending paperwork, what are you a fan of?” Auror X pauses to think, their brows furrowed in thought.
Auror X - “What an interesting question… I mean the work is rewarding, we help people, I help people…”
They trail off.
Jonathan - “Sorry, I have been told I have a habit of asking the tough questions sometimes.”
Auror X - “Yes, it seems you do, and here I thought that was my job!”
Auror X chuckles slightly.
Auror X - “I love my job, I really do! I am just so very busy at the moment and sometimes I fear it will never stop.”
Something lurked in the Aurors' eyes, and most Journalists would have stopped there, but not me. Instead, fearing our conversation would soon come to an end, I took a risk and went in with perhaps the hardest question of them all.
Jonathan - “Would it be completely strange for me to ask to shadow you at work one day? It’s just that I am writing a book you see, and I feel some real world experiences like yours would really benefit my work.”
Yes… I lied. But I am a journalist, we lie. Well sometimes anyway. And I have to get a story somehow.
Auror X - … I don’t think I can agree to that, but I suppose I would need more information. How about you come by my office on Monday and we can discuss it further?”
Taking what I could get, I nodded and stuck my hand out.
Jonathan - “That would be wonderful.”
Auror X shook my outstretched hand, and then without another word stood and left.

~ End Flashback. ~