Notes on The Privy Councilors

[herumtreiber]

When I read Deathly Hallows, I was convinced Draco was going to die. The stories I read at the time and the way JKR portrayed him led me to believe this. Therefore the epilogue, ungainly as it is, buoyed me up and I felt quite relieved.

These feelings inform the writing of The Privy Councilors at many levels.


Whilst I was happy Draco had made it through Deathly Hallows, I mourned other beloved characters: Remus, Tonks, Fred, Severus. I yearned to see them again. So the story had to play before HBP.

I had the idea of Harry trapped in a cell in the Ministry, waiting to be tried and sent to Azkaban. I also wanted a change in the usual pattern by making Ron and Hermione supportive. Of course Draco played a major role in saving Harry. But how to thwart the machinations of the headmaster and save Harry at the trial?

Enter the privy councilors. When I thought about them, I gave them certain privileges. I also made it so Draco has half of the vote and Harry the other part. I wanted a struggle where Draco constantly has to devise ways to secure his position. He's never sure the others will vote for him. He has to use his Slytherin cunning and whatever other means to ensure he retains the majority. And he needs that, they all do.

But then the Marauder and the twins stepped in. They seemingly hijacked the story - with my blessings - and it took a funny turn. Writing about the irresponsible, irrepressible and utterly lovable Marauder, I could do no less.

I wrote certain characters with dark tendencies at times. But slowly, they may change their mind. Redemption is always possible. Draco having survived DH, I could treat them no differently from him.

And Crookshanks also stole part of the story. He's the unlikely hero. I had so much fun writing about the ginger cat, I was very sad when I wrote the last scene where he appears.

They are all flawed characters. Draco can't be all sweet when he has to fight constantly. Harry is stubborn, Hermione overbearing at times. Ron remained loyal and funny; he is the key to solving the schism that threatens his family over Dumbledore's ideas.

At the end, their struggles and the bond they form prove crucial.

I love this story. I recall fondly the memories and feelings that inspired it.