Who: Xaviar Ansari and Gilderoy Lockhart. What: Gilderoy was having such a good day until Xavier arrived... When: Monday 28th March, afternoon. Where: Outside Madame Puddifoot's, Hogsmeade. Rating: I for Ingratiating and Invasive?
Gilderoy was having a lovely bank holiday Monday. With the election so near, his publisher's PR team had been pressed into organising a public event nearly every day, but to Gilderoy it didn't feel like work. He got to speak to his fans! He got to sign autographs and kiss babies and shake the hands of men and women who thanked him for his service on the Dark Force Defence League! And true, sometimes people asked questions that were just a little bit difficult - but Gilderoy thought of himself as a man who was smooth under pressure. Nothing flustered him, not even that pesky question about wasteful Ministry spending. Gilderoy didn't really plan to do anything about the Department of Mysteries, but he had been proud of his answer nonetheless. Even that young Potter lad had said he had a good point!
Madame Puddifoot's was really the perfect venue for Gilderoy Lockhart. Not only did he whole heartedly approve of the décor but the clientèle (when it wasn't a Hogsmeade weekend) was also a near identical match to the demographic with which his books were most popular. He had done a very pleasant Q&A, that had mostly focused on his plans to support older Witches and Wizards, and then had an even pleasanter lunchtime tea with the proprietress. Finally, his PR team set up a stall outside for the signing of books and photographs and the handing out of 'Greater with Gilderoy' buttons.
It had all gone very well. Gilderoy and his team knew this niche of the market very well and Gilderoy (mostly) had all the right answers to their questions. The highlight of the day had been the arrival of Scotland National Team player Oliver Wood, who'd accepted several signed books (though not a button) and cheerfully agreed to pose for a picture. That had created quite a buzz amongst Gilderoy's PR people and photographers, excited about the potential to reach a younger reader voter.
"Mr Lockhart," whispered one of his younger employees, standing behind his chair as he signed yet another photograph. "The young man just there, trying to skirt the crowd. Xavier Ansari, guitarist for a rock band very popular with younger voters. He commented on your manifesto. If we could get a photograph of the two of you together..." She didn't need to say another word, Gilderoy was up out of his seat and graciously thanking the woman in front of him for her time and support before striding over to where Xavier was still battling the throng of people.
"Young man!" Gilderoy boomed, beaming his brightest. "What a pleasure to see you after our decision earlier this weekend. Come, you don't have to queue, I know how valuable time is for celebrities like ourselves!"