Owls

[alt_hydra]

Aunt Narcissa, your owl came at breakfast. I didn't even finish my toast, I just went straight back to the dormitory to look and thank you... they - it's just so perfect. Thank you so much!


Well, guess what I walked in on in the common room, on my way back out? It was Gregory Goyle and he was asking Millie to go to the ball with him. I think that's what he was asking, at least. His mouth was full of bacon so it was hard to tell. But Millie was smiling, so there must have been something big going on.

What an exciting start to the day. And it's a day that's in the middle of the week, so the rest of the week is sure to just fly by now, and soon we'll all get to go to Hogsmeade.

Comments

Private message to Remy

[alt_hydra]

Let's just not do anything with that quiz, if you don't mind. I think Padma Patil is right and quizzes like that just upset people. Even if she was one of the people who wrote last year's, well, perhaps she feels bad about it now.

That and Elizabeth and Samantha's quiz was ever so much nastier than I could have imagined. Elizabeth is usually so nice, too.

So hopefully that was their only copy and we can just keep them from sending it out and ruining the Ball.

From,
Hydra

Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

I have bad news for you: it's pink.

No, not so much, really! More winter ivory (I think that's the name of the colour), but with a pink undertone in certain lighting. There's something a little sparkly on the bodice and the skirt, too. So I think either silver or gold would match.

Thanks for helping me with Arithmancy last night, by the way.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_justin]

Well, I think the silver looked rather good so I'll keep working on that, what? So long as I'm not the one wearing pink, it'll be all right.

Though looking at your exchange with your mother, I'm rather sorry we didn't do more revising and less mind-reading.

Anything I can do to help?

-Justin

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

She's being such a bitch.

Oh, sorry!

Well, no. It's true. She's just being how she always is. I actually expected it to be much much worse, and thought she might forbid me to go with anyone but Harry, but it doesn't seem as if she will...

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_justin]

I did tell your father he could share my request with your mother, after all. Not that I would have dreamed of telling him how to manage his affairs, mind.

...

Of course, if you've had a change of heart, now, I'll understand.

-Justin

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

What if I haven't?

Because I want to go with you. Not because it will get under her skin or for any reason having to do with her, or anyone else actually. Just because I want to.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_justin]

You haven't? Even though she said

Brilliant!

I mean to say, I'm very glad to hear it. I don't mind telling you I'd have stood aside but I'd have been quite disappointed to do so. At this point, what?

And don't be sorry. About earlier. Well done, you.

-Justin

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

No, I really haven't. Plus there's no one to stand aside for, and even if there were, well, I'd be ever so cross with Harry for possibly the first time ever. He won't do that, though - he tries to do the right thing when he can.

It might be hard to believe but that's the first time I've ever called her that. For some reason I always thought she'd be able to sense it if I did.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_justin]

Oh, not because of Har Marvolo--at least, not directly, what? Simply because...because she doesn't seem to approve of my bac me.

I say, I was well shocked at that. Not that you'd never dared before but that you even used that sort of language, what! Though, I hope you'll not think less of me if I venture to agree.

I suppose you'll have to practise Occlumation, then, if you plan to go on thinking along those lines.

-Justin

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

But she doesn't approve of anyone, like I told you the other night. I mean, there would always be something, like "Oh, Hydra, he came from France and grew up around muggles." Or, "His hair is rather on the fair side and you're certainly fair and I just don't think that would look particularly nice, hmm?"

Well, Daddy calls her that all the time, and he's married to her. So no, I don't think less of you at all.

She would definitely see it as a sign of disrespect from me, though, so you're right. I should probably practise that, only I don't know with who.

From,
Hydra

[alt_nymphadora]

It sounds as if things are very exciting there at Hogwarts just now.

I'm sorry you won't be able to come for a visit this month, but that only means that Bea will be ever so much more interesting when you do get to meet her! And, anywiz, the castle is so beautiful at Christmas--and I guess it will be absolutely at its best this year with the tournament and so many guests. I suppose everyone there is absolutely beside themselves anticipating a ball, too. It sounds like wonderful fun.

[alt_hydra]

They are. We were just talking yesterday about how it's hard to concentrate on studies. Only it's very important not to get caught up in things and slip behind. Which is exactly why I made sure to work on Arithmancy last night.

I'm sorry, too. But, you might want your first Christmas-season with Bea to be just you and your husband, because it's a special time of year. And in the summer there aren't as many parties and things. Only is Bea's birthday in the summer? I can't remember. But maybe if she has a party it would be a good event for the whole family to attend.

From,
Hydra

[alt_nymphadora]

Well, yes, it will be special, this first Christmas with Bea. But we always love to have friends about, so we would have liked it very much if you'd been able to come.

That's a brilliant idea, though, for a family party when Bea turns one. Her birthday is 30 May, so she's just sixth months now. Goodness knows what she'll have got up to by then. I expect she may have been hired away from us to work at Harrods: she's the best saleswitch I know!

[alt_hydra]

I'll still be at school in May, but it will be close to the end, if you think the party might wait a little while longer. If you decide to have one, I mean.

But you're right, she'll be awfully different at 12 months instead of 6. She might even be walking. And changing into new colours.

From,
Hydra

[alt_nymphadora]

If we have a party, we'll wait it for you. It's not as if Bea will know one way or the other, and it might mean she'd have two parties instead of one, mightn't it? One with just her parents and another with the rest of you. What little girl wouldn't like two parties?!

She does change her hair some already and her nose, though it's more that it changes when she wants to scrunch it and it just sticks like that. She mostly imitates us, but I expect that soon she'll be imitating the animals in her picture books. My mum an always told stories about how I learned to make my nose look like a pig's and a bunny's before I started talking!

[alt_hydra]

I think most little girls would very much like two parties. Especially at that age, where they love to smash their face into the cake or toss handfuls of it around the drawing room.

You can make your nose look like a rabbits? Really?

From,
Hydra

[alt_nymphadora]

True, that!

Yes, and I'm in better form now than I have been in ages. When Bea fusses, I try the most outrageous faces you can think of. I think she's cutting another tooth just now, so it's a proper circus around here some nights!

[alt_bellatrix]

What did your Aunt Narcissa send you this time? I do hope you haven't spent that pocket money that your Father sent you on sweets, and then looked elsewhere for someone to furnish you with whatever it is you need.

[alt_hydra]

No Mummy, I didn't spend the pocket money. I was saving it for your Christmas gift.

From,
Hydra

[alt_bellatrix]

Now that has the sound of a well-rehearsed answer.

I am pleased to see that you've told Mrs Ponds up there that you're putting extra time into your Arithmancy. Looking through your homework these last few weeks, I would recommend that you re-double your efforts. Integrate yourself with a study group dedicated to the subject. There's sure to be one somewhere in the castle - you need only find some Ravenclaws and have them point you in the right direction.

Now, another matter to address: this Yule Ball. I'm sure you gathered from my delivery of the dress robes that you had my blessing to attend, should the right person ask, but your letter dated 30 November indicates that you accepted an invitation from someone else, after your Father gave you permission to do so.

I am quite disappointed with both of you that I wasn't consulted on this matter.

[alt_hydra]

Looking for a study group is a good idea. I'll be sure to do that straight away. Thank you for the idea, Mummy.

And the Ball, well, I did write to you directly after the invitation, only I didn't realise you wouldn't be reading your post until now. I was also sure to tell you that if the "right" person did end up asking, then Justin agreed to step aside so that things would work out.

From,
Hydra

[alt_bellatrix]

I wouldn't count it as a particularly novel idea, Hydra. I don't see why you hadn't yet thought of it yourself.

Work has kept me very busy, as you know, but even if I come to it late, I never fail to read your correspondence.

Now, this Justin Finch-Fletchley with the Beauxbatons Delegation... He's that son of squibs, if I'm not mistaken. Gentry class and well-off, but even so, I can't say that I am much impressed with either yours or your Father's judgment.

Private message to Mummy

[alt_hydra]

I know he's not Harry, Mummy, but Harry was so set on asking someone else that I decided it would be a good idea if I accepted an invitation from someone else, too. And then I would go to the Ball and have such a wonderful time that Harry would notice, and his jealousies would be provoked. It was all part of a plan, you see.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Mummy

[alt_bellatrix]

I never said this conversation was private, Hydra.

But since you name Harry directly, I will allow it. Now, I can't say that your plan is entirely a bad one, even though I'm not sure that this Finch-Fletchley boy is capable of provoking Harry's jealousy.

Who gave you the idea to make Harry jealous?

Re: Private message to Mummy

[alt_hydra]

It was my idea, Mummy.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Mummy

[alt_bellatrix]

Now Hydra, we both know your history of needing assistance to succeed. That's exactly why I suggested you work with a study group.

Anyway, perhaps you'll get lucky and it will work.

[alt_rodolphus]

Families who practise purity breeding often end up with squibs, just like my great-grandparents did. Introduce a new pureblood line and the problem solves itself. But you knew that already, wife.

[alt_bellatrix]

Oh yes, and the Jugsons have been counting their fortunes ever since.

I still wonder if that little tangle back in the Lestrange line is why Hydra showed her magic so late, you know.

[alt_rodolphus]

Eighteen months is hardly late.

[alt_bellatrix]

Really? Perhaps not by your standards. I showed my magic within a matter of weeks, and so did Rigel.

[alt_narcissa]

It was no trouble, Bella. I offered.

[alt_bellatrix]

I wonder why I ever bothered to send her three sets of robes myself, then, seeing as it was quite a bit of trouble for me.

[alt_narcissa]

I'm sure I don't know, sister. Perhaps in future you needn't overtax yourself. I'm sure I'll be happy to see to it that Hydra looks her best.

[alt_bellatrix]

Perhaps I shan't, then. I know you do so enjoy these opportunities to play to your strengths, Cissy.

[alt_narcissa]

Just as I know you hate for your weaknesses to be laid bare, dear.

Each of us serves according to her talents, and knows better than to attempt otherwise, wouldn't you agree?

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, I'm so pleased, Hydra, dear! Gerard was immediately taken with the ideas I had and designed them special for you.

(Now, mind you look over the hair pamphlet I had Gerard enclose. I think the charm will look stunning but the salesgirl did say it takes a bit of practice to get right. Perhaps Miss Greengrass could help you on the day, as well.)

[alt_hydra]

Gerard must be a wonderful robe-maker, I've never seen anything like these before!

I think that Daphne, Pansy, and Sally Anne have all been practising hair charms together, so maybe they will allow me to join in if I ask.

From,
Hydra

[alt_sally_anne]

We'd love to have you join us, Hydra.