Inferno | Draco Malfoy

111 | Galleons of Goss

June
2002.

"Mr and Mrs Malfoy, Mrs Zabini is ready to meet with you," Paloma, the personal assistant to Daphne Zabini, announces, her voice crisp and professional as she gestures toward the appointed interview room.

Daphne has recently and officially taken on the combined responsibilities of editor and publisher for her own magazine, Galleons of Goss, marking a significant advancement in her professional journey.

After dedicating considerable time and effort to this venture, she has successfully launched a publication that is not only gaining traction but also making notable progress within the wizarding community. It is impressive that, despite only having released her inaugural issue at the start of this year, Daphne has already cultivated a readership that competes with that of the long-established Witch Weekly.

Galleons of Goss is a dynamic and diverse magazine that addresses a wide range of subjects, appealing to a broad audience. From the intricate world of botany, where readers can explore magical plants, their applications, and cultivation techniques, to the latest trends in wizarding fashion, and even the complexities of romance with advice sections, Daphne ensures that there is content to engage every reader.

Today, we have arranged a special discussion centred around the relationship between Draco and myself in anticipation of her forthcoming Steamy Summer edition. This topic has garnered considerable interest, with a multitude of magazines and newspapers eager to feature our narrative and inquire about our marital status.

Nonetheless, we have made the conscious decision to decline their offers. Our reluctance stems from a deep awareness of the media's tendency to sensationalise stories, often distorting the truth for the sake of a more captivating story.

In stark contrast to these other publications, we place our trust in Daphne and Galleons of Goss. Her magazine has built a reputation for its authenticity and integrity, which is something we value immensely. Guests who have been featured in her magazine frequently commend her for her commitment to honesty, noting that she refrains from exaggerating their statements.

Rather, she has a unique talent for enhancing the topics with just the right touch of drama, engaging her audience without compromising the truth. This approach not only fosters a sense of trust between Daphne and her interviewees but also resonates with readers who appreciate genuine storytelling.

As we begin to make our way toward the interview room, we depart from the well-known environment of the office reception, where the hustle and bustle of daily activities creates a familiar yet somewhat sterile atmosphere.

Upon entering the interview space room, I am immediately surrounded by a soothing warmth, and my senses are awakened by the delicate scent of a vanilla candle that permeates the atmosphere, its sweet and creamy notes instilling a sense of tranquillity and ease.

Daphne jumps up from her soft pink armchair, rushing to me as she hugs me in a heartfelt embrace. "Darling!" She squeals. "I cannot express how grateful I am that you agreed to this interview; it means the world to me!" Her voice bubbles like a cauldron with enthusiasm, and I can feel the sincerity in her words.

"Anything for you Daphne," I smile brightly as I gently return her hug before stepping back to take in the pink-decorated room that perfectly reflects Daphne's personality. "It is such an honour to be a guest on Galleons of Goss."

"Merlin's Beard," Draco interjects in disbelief; I turn around to find him already engrossed in the interview room, his sharp gaze scanning the pinboard that is plastered with notes submitted by anonymous readers seeking Daphne's sage advice.

"This witch, wizard or bloody troll," He continues, jabbing a finger at one particular note with a bemused expression, "does not require advice; rather, they need a hefty dose of common sense! Who shows up to a first date in a wedding gown and then wonders why the chap ran for the hills?" His incredulous tone makes it clear that he finds the situation utterly ridiculous, and I can't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.