AN: Hello all! So, I decided to post the outtakes here for some of you guys that wanted to see the process I go through when writing, or just wanted to read more. If you haven't read Lion Unity, I urge you to go check it out before reading these! This scene takes place just after Dumbledore resigns. I cut it out because I didn't think it was necessary. Plus, quite a few people were tired of Dumbledore by that point. But I promise he's shown in a (mostly) good light. I should have the next chapter of LU up either tomorrow or Sunday.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter franchise.

"Mr. Dumbledore, may I be the first to say congratulations on your official retirement?" Cornelius Fudge said pompously, shaking Albus' hand.

"Thank you very much, Minister," Dumbledore replied cordially. "I decided it was time to cut back a bit. The ICW and the Wizengamot should keep me busy enough."

"Oh," Cornelius' eyes dimmed. "I didn't realize that you were sticking around the Ministry."

"I'm sure Mr. Dumbledore will have to make more changes eventually," Lucius Malfoy said, appearing at Fudge's left shoulder.

"We'll just have to wait and see," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily.

"How is Severus settling in as Headmaster, now that you're gone?" Malfoy asked politely.

"Lord Malfoy, I do believe you're mistaken. Severus is still the Potions Master. Minerva is our new Headmistress, as she used to be my deputy," Albus corrected him.

"Well," He sniffed. "Surely Severus is the new Deputy Headmaster, then?"

"If I remember correctly, Aurora Sinistra is the new deputy," Albus smiled benevolently.

"And why was she chosen over Severus?" Malfoy asked coldly.

"Minerva decided who would be her deputy, not I. And really, I think a better question is, why do you think Severus deserves this position more than Minerva?"

Lucius spun around and began stalking away. "Cornelius," He called over his shoulder. "I have something important to discuss with you in private. I'll be in your office."

"Mr. Dumbledore, why did you leave Hogwarts?"

"Do you think the castle will be safe without you?"

"How is Minerva McGonagall doing as Headmistress?"

"Which fabric for socks do you prefer, wool or cotton?"

This last question came from Quibbler editor, Xenophilius Lovegood. All the other reporters scoffed; even Witch Weekly had a better question than that! But this silly comment was the only one Albus was willing to answer.

"I rather like wool, myself," He responded cheerfully.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Dumbledore."

"Not a problem," He said, waving Xeno off. "Now, I shall say this only once. I will stay Chief Warlock of the ICW and Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot. Hogwarts has been left in the very capable hands of Minerva McGonagall, and she is taking to the role with gusto. I resigned because I felt as though I were stretching myself too thin. Thank you for your time." And he left with a pop.

Is Dumbledore getting too old? The headline of the Daily Prophet screamed the next morning at breakfast.

"Rubbish!" Cedric Diggory declared, skimming through the article. "An absolute waste of parchment and ink." He harrumphed and his friends bobbed their heads in agreement. "Listen to this: 'Albus Dumbledore is well past his prime, and it just may be that his mind is starting to go. This reporter wonders if his retirement has come too late.' Yeah right!"

"Yeah Ced!"

"Got it exactly right."

"That last bit was just a riot!"

"No, no, no!" Cedric snapped. "It's horrible!"

"Oh, it's terrible Ced!"

"Don't know how they get away with it."

"Just ruddy awful!"

Cedric sighed exasperatedly. Sometimes he really hated being sorted into a house where people blindly followed the good looking. Then again, he mused as a few girls giggled and winked at him, it has its advantages.

The Quibbler:

Headmaster Dumbledore no longer! The wise, old man who defeated dark lord Grindelwald has resigned from his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts. His replacement is former Transfiguration teacher and Gryffindor Head of House Minerva McGonagall. This may seem normal enough, but we at the Quibbler knew there must be more to it. We dug deeper and found that Minister Fudge and Lord Malfoy have been involved in a conspiracy to ruin Hogwarts. Their pick for Headmaster would've been ex-Death Eater Severus Snape, and their wild plan was to brainwash children into believing that Nargles and Crumple-Horned Snorkacks don't exist.

Our exclusive interview with Albus Dumbledore revealed that he was oblivious to this plot. He prefers woolen socks to cotton, a sure sign that he is innocent in this matter.

Check out page 9, for more details on Snape, Malfoy, Fudge, and their idea.