This was it, the end of the line. Christopher Hershey was 40, washed up and beginning to think the editor was tired of his writing. Given that the last story hed written was about a cat stuck up a tree, it was most definitely a new journalism low. The only vantage point was that this cat didnt survive after its 80 metre plummet to the ground, and Chris found it somewhat amusing... however, the readers didnt and sent complaints about his story, Myth Dispelled - Not all cats land on their feet. The editor had called him into the office, and instead of congratulating him for his controversial article gave him a rather long list of things he needed to improve on. Not long after, Chris began to realise that the signs were there far before the disastrous cat stuck up a tree story. For one, the interns had been getting better stories than he was... they were being sent overseas, to see operas and whatnot while he stayed behind to slave behind the desk on trivial local news.

Five years ago, he was in the prime of his life. He was happily writing article after article that people would be interested in. He received accolades, nominations for various journalist prizes, his pick of the best stories. His only son had just entered Hogwarts and had bought a subscription to the Daily Prophet just to show off to his Ravenclaw peers that his father was somewhat famous. His wife was still in love with him, and everything seemed so rosy and optimistic. It was hard to believe at the time that things would fall apart so uncontrollably, so decidedly quickly. It seemed that not only had he lost favour from his boss, but his life had decided to do a complete backflip that resulted in him careening onto his arse. Chris was in the midst of a messy divorce settlement now, his job at the Daily Prophet was jeopardised and now Nicholas, his son, had failed to contact him for two months. It was obvious the boy blamed the marriage breakdown on his father. It was always the fathers fault.

It was time for a break, to lose himself in the noise of a bar and try to forget that tomorrow at work, he would have to find an excuse about why he hadnt come up with a story. But stories rarely came to journalists who looked for them, and Chris was tired of looking now. It was a waste of time, he felt that he was indeed, a waste of space also. He acknowledge that it was far too late for him to pull himself out of the pit now, and all of his intentions were now focussed on subsiding the painful reality that was his failure by the means of alcohol.

The balding man sat in a lonely corner, scrutinising the amber coloured liquid in his glass as he wondered just how everything turned to custard? Was he not attentive nor assertive enough? It didnt seem that long ago that he was a strapping young lad of 18, barely out of Hogwarts and being riled as the reporter with the most potential. Everybody expected great things from him, the possibility of being editor at age 30... hed intended to start his own publication but reality never eventuated into what hed imagined. The man wondered if his failure for a successful story now that he was 40, had a direct correlation to the accomplishments hed achieved as a 20 year old. As his blue eyes scanned the whiskey, Christopher saw the door swing open revealing the familiar sight of Albus Dumbledore and instantly, his idle thoughts were turned to him. There was always a sense of nostalgia whenever saw the man, and always the curiosity of what he was up to. One could only be intrigued by his actions, for he was such a great wizard to behold.

Chris watched the Dumbledore as his long frame walked past his table towards that of the back where he met with a short, familiar looking man. Most likely a Professor from the school that he hadnt the chance to meet. Then a younger looking man, somewhat fresh faced joined shortly before a woman who looked rather stern entered. Christopher sipped on his whiskey, mildly interested in this meeting of sorts. Though, his innate sense of journalism could only rouse the nosiness within him. Whatever this meeting was about, Christopher wanted to know.