My Father's Only Rule {DRACO MALFOY X SNAPE'S DAUGHTER}

Chapter Fifteen: The Wizarding Academy Of Dramatic Arts

November 1997 - Hogwarts

I'll spare the details on how our flower theory was tested. But needless to say, Jane and I couldn't go anywhere without being applauded after we told everyone to paint flowers on the doors. The best part was that none of the teachers knew about it, so my dad was acting all high and mighty like he actually did something. We were heroes.

Around mid-November, our career workshops began an emphasis on those of us who would need to consider higher education. Jane, wanting to pursue a career in acting, was advised to apply to the Wizarding Academy Of Dramatic Arts. Getting in would make or break her career as an actress. There was one problem with that: Jane and I were determined to stay together after graduation. Wherever we went, we wanted to go together. I'm no actress, but a career in playwriting was a huge interest to me. So we scheduled a meeting with Professor Gnat.

"Alright, girls," she said as she settled in her seat during a career workshop. "What's this about? Jane, have you been preparing your monologues for your audition?"

"Yes," Jane said. I wrote one of them. "But I'm not worried. We wanted to talk about the Wizarding Academy Of Dramatic Arts."

"We?" Professor Gnat asked.

"Yes," I said. "You see Professor, we want to stay together. I've done research on the Wizarding Academy Of Dramatic Arts, and I found that they used to have a playwriting program, but it was disbanded due to lack of interest."

"Yes, that's true," Professor Gnat said. "They disbanded it because nobody wanted to be a playwright anymore. But just because you want to be a writer doesn't mean you have to be a playwright. And the best part is, you can become a writer without higher education."

"But I want to be a playwright," I said. "And a writer. I want to do both. And I want to go to the Academy with Jane. I was wondering if you knew anyone at the Academy I could reach out to?"

"Of course I do," she said. "But it would be a stretch. But playwriting is a dying art, and with some convincing, I may be able to persuade the headmaster to make efforts to preserve it. They may not bring the program back entirely, but maybe they may start taking in one playwright per year."

"You think that's something they would do?" Jane asked.

"It's the most risk-free way to give playwriting a chance," she said. "I admire you girls and your friendship. I'll see what I can do to get the both of you in."

In the last weeks of November, I finally received a package in the mail. A package was mailed to me from Joanne Rowling. She had mailed me my book back, along with a letter.

Dear Grace,

Thank you so much for letting me read your book. I truly don't know how you've managed to write something so spectacular at such a young age. Lord knows I could have never come up with something so extensive when I was eighteen. This is absolutely remarkable work and you should be very proud.

As of now, I would have to say Hagrid is my favorite character. He's got a gruff but lovable feel. But I do feel quite attached to Hermione as well. The poor girl has to deal with Malfoy all the time. He's quite the bully. And why does Snape hate Harry so much? Will we ever find out? I can't wait to read more if you'll let me.

It's quite a special story. Which is why I have to be honest with you. I want to publish it. The world needs a bit of magic these days. And I would be willing to pose as the author. I know you said you don't like attention, so I would put my own name on the book. But we can register the copyright to your name. I'll handle all the publicity and I won't take a cent of profits from you. I would treat this story as if it were my own. I won't let them do anything to the franchise without consulting you.

I can't explain it, but I've never felt more passionately about something before. If you'll let me publish it, I believe this story could captivate the world. Please consider.

Sincerely,

Joanne

I couldn't help but smile. It was the perfect opportunity. Get my story out in the world and never get caught. I wrote her back immediately.

Dear Joanne,

I'm glad you like it. It means a lot to me. As for your offer, I can't think of anything better. But I have some conditions.

I wish to be completely and totally out of the publicity. I don't want my name attached in any way. This means I don't want to register the copyright with my name. I'd much rather you do it. I trust you with it. I can't have you not profiting with all the help you're giving me. This is a partnership. We'll split the profit 50-50.

I know this is wild, and you're still somewhat of a stranger to me, but I feel as though this is the right thing to do. I'm sending you a copy of The Sorcerer's Stone to send to publishers. I trust you to do it right thing. And I will send you my copy of the third book once my friend is done reading it.

Sincerely,

Grace

Dear Hermione,

Sorry, it's taken me a while to write back to you. So many wild things have happened here. Neville wants to start up Dumbledore's Army again. He believes that my father has the sword of Gryffindor in his office, and they've attempted to steal it. I haven't heard about it, though. And even if they did steal it, I have no idea how we would get it to you.

The most insane thing just happened. My father requested the ministry to admit a new Hogwarts ghost SPECIFICALLY for the purpose of stopping students from having sex. Her name is Victoria Valentine but we all call her the sex ghost. If she catches you, she publicly humiliates you and puts your face on the wall of shame. But Jane and I did some research on her and found out that every time she's reminded of her husband, she spends hours crying. He was a florist, so we painted flowers on all the doors. Now she can't catch anyone because she gets reminded of him and has a meltdown. Jane and I are being treated like heroes.

I'm really sorry about Ron. But he is horribly incapable of doing this without you. He'll be back, mark my words. I hope you and Harry are well. Please be safe in Godric's Hollow.

Love,

Grace