Scene 6
They walk through the Ministry of Magic LOUISA looking a lot more unphased by the situation than NEVILLE.

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM
So that was… NEVILLE finally manages to speak allowed.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
A regular day Neville. If you don’t like it you know where the door is. She started looking uneasy. She had thought about using it many times but was today going to be one of them?

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM
No, I what to make my parents proud and my gran.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Thinking I always tried to make my mother proud.

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM
Have you?

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Thinking I doubt it. I’ve done many things but I don’t think I’ve made her proud.

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM
I’m sure you have. She was a Gryffindor after all. From what you’ve told me over the years I think she’d be really proud of you.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Laughs What? Playing both sides? Being the reason for the wrongs?

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM
I don’t think she’d see it that way. Snape didn’t. You lot have always been a mystery to me.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Stops What do you mean?

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM
Just that you’ve always seen what I can’t.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
That’s it! My whole life it has been staring me in the face.

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM
What has?

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
I’ll be back in a while Neville I have something I need to sort out. Just tell Kingsley that I’m on my way.
She runs to the lift and presses number 9. Department of Mysteries.

DESK WOMAN
Hello, how may I be of assistance.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
I-I-I need to speak to Lucius Malfoy.

DESK WOMAN
Do you have an appointment?

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
No but it’s really important. Please.

DESK WOMAN
Name please.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Louisa Snape

DESK WOMAN
Please enter the door to your left.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Oh, thank you. looks back at her a little bemused. The room is long and dark. Lights shine in small brackets on the walls. Lucius’s office is marked in large letters. When she gets to the door, she isn’t sure what to do. She hesitates to knock but it opens anyway.

LUCIUS MALFOY
Looking at paperwork Come in Louisa. I have a meeting soon so be quick.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Looking around, I wanted to speak to you.

LUCIUS MALFOY
Looks up Evidently but what about?

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Hesitates, I wanted your opinion. Hesitates again

LUCIUS MALFOY
Frowns and looks at a small timer on the desk.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
I want to know if and how I can start training in the Department of Mysteries.

LUCIUS MALFOY
You? Here?

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Yes, what do you think?

LUCIUS MALFOY
I think it is a bold move on your part. However, you have the qualifications. You have the knowledge.
Are you not happy as an Auror?

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Yes of course I am but just not satisfied.
So much has happened…

LUCIUS MALFOY
Indeed, so much, perhaps too much.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
You wouldn’t take me?

LUCIUS MALFOY
I think you should train as both.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Both? I’m already a training as a specialist Auror!

LUCIUS MALFOY
You can manage specialist Auror located in the Department of Mysteries.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
And… what about Neville?

LUCIUS MALFOY
Longbottom? That was their fault for putting several people together. I see no problem in you being paired with him. You are both good candidates. Or they can pair you with someone in our department.

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
Smiles Thank you Lucius. I don’t know what to say.

LUCIUS MALFOY
Then perhaps you should remain quiet. Have you learnt nothing over the years?

LOUISA SNAPE-RIDDLE
That some things never change.

LUCIUS MALFOY
Go and inform Kingsley, gives a parchement. Longbottom is welcome too. We could do with a transfigurist.

LOUISA leaves feeling slightly more confident than she had for a very long time.