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[alt_hydra]

If I'm not careful I'll have spent all of hols having done nothing but read books. Many people gave me books as gifts this year, which is fine by me because I gave many people books in return, as well. I've got Pure Hunger, Charmless, the first book in the Incantation series, and some others besides. Now that I've finished all my thank you notes and sent them off, it's entirely too pleasant to stay in the dungeons and read before the fire while munching on chocs relaxing all day.

So I think that tomorrow I may need a bit of a walk, or maybe a fly. Something with fresh air and sunshine (if there is any!). Oh, and then I should probably try to study my arithmancy so that I can keep on top of things until lessons start up again. And study all my other subjects, too.

Pansy, I've heard people saying that your Mother had her baby, and it was a boy. Congratulations on becoming a big sister. I bet you can't wait to meet him in person.

Comments

Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

I've been reading your books first, though.

I'm sorry I didn't show up at supper! I was so absorbed that I only just now looked up and realised how much time had passed, and now Tully's resting on my feet and I don't have the heart to move. Curfew's pretty soon, anyway.

But maybe you want to join me for that bit of fresh air tomorrow?

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_justin]

Hello,

That's all right, I've been doing a fair amount of reading myself. And anyway, Matron told me to take things easy for the first few days, which she needn't have done, I've been well content to stay in, what?

But I'd like to see you, yes. And don't worry if you'd like to take breaks with other books; those were two of my mother's favourites, but I know they take some effort to read. Well, perhaps one more than the other.

Have they dismantled the rose garden yet, do you know? Perhaps we could look and see if it's still there. And if not, then maybe a short walk.

-Justin

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

I bet you haven't been reading what I gave you, though. But at least it made you laugh a little.

I don't know if I'll take breaks because I think I do better if I read something from beginning to end. Plus, the one I'm reading now is just so fascinating. There's no magic such different things in it, much different than I'm used to. And the main character reminds me a little of Sally Anne. Not in personality so much as situation, but even so.

I don't know about the rose garden, but I think we should check, yes.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_justin]

Ha, no--though it would have come in handy about, oh, two weeks ago, what? But I'm using my bookmark already.

I hadn't thought about Sally-Anne, but yes, you're quite right, I can see why she reminds you of her. She has quite an indomitable spirit, after all. I'm glad you're finding it interesting, at any rate.

With or without the roses, then. We've only a few days of hols left and I shouldn't like to waste them.

Did you get any other good presents, Dux?

Oh, and congratulations on 'best dressed' from the ball! It's well amazing. Lucky for you they ignored the duffer standing next to you, what?

-Justin

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

Oh yes, it's terribly interesting. I can see why they were your Mother's favourites. And then that story about Currer Bell just makes it ever so much more interesting.

Hols are going by too fast, aren't they?

A great many good presents, yes. Even after sending me those dress robes Aunt Narcissa and Uncle Lucius gave me new boots and some jewelery, and Daddy sent a dressing gown and a bracelet, along with the usual food hamper. Sally Anne gave me the most clever book cover, too, for my journal. I'll have to show it to you - I'm just sure it'll make you laugh, but it's better seen than described.

Anyhow, I got far too many things, more than I deserve, and yet I can't help but feel peculiar about the fact that Mummy didn't send me anything at all.

And thanks, but I really think it's Gerard Joosh who's being singled out more than I am!

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_justin]

I rather thought the controversy over Bell might make them all the more intriguing to you.

I can't imagine Sally-Anne giving you anything you wouldn't like. I should be well interested to see. Oh, did Tevis fancy his collar? (Can one even tell with a rabbit?)

I think, when it comes to your mother, you may already have the right of things, and the best course is to try not to let her contrariness bother you, what? I know that's difficult, Dux, when you want her to behave more kindly.

My mother says that a frock is only just a frock until the right person wears it, so I don't think it's down to the designer, entirely, either. You really looked lovely Thursday. It was an honour to escort you.

But I suppose I'd better put out the light now, what, if we're going to have a proper outing tomorrow!

Sweet dreams,

-Justin

Re: Private message to Justin

[alt_hydra]

He looks very handsome in his collar, and he wears it without fussing, so I think that's as close as one can get to telling how a rabbit feels about something.

Oh, it was really only when I was little that I wished she would be more kind, and now I mostly hope that she'll leave me alone at least not find too many reasons or opportunities to be not kind.

But it's hard to know what it means that she didn't send any gifts. She could be terribly busy, or she might be letting me know that I'm spoiled and get enough from everyone else already.

I'll never forget Thursday, and I think it's down to more than just the frock for that.

See you tomorrow, and goodnight!

From,
Hydra

[alt_sally_anne]

Oh, I've heard Pure Hunger is really good. Can I borrow You'll have to tell me what you think, when you're done reading it!

[alt_hydra]

I've heard the same. It was a gift from Draco, and you know, given that there were already some cracks in the binding, I'm fairly sure he read the thing cover to cover before he wrapped it up in bows and paper.

You can borrow it from me when I'm done, if you like. Only I'm not sure when I'll be starting it.

From,
Hydra

[alt_sally_anne]

I'd love to borrow it. No rush, though. Thanks!

[alt_draco]

I actually told her that I ended up reading it by accident and ended up having to repair the cracked binding before wrapping it. So yes, it really is that good. Definitely caught me by surprise.

[alt_daphne]

Since you've been busy with other things, you might not have noticed that the magazines and papers have listed you as one of the "best dressed" at the Yule Ball, along with Samantha, Cho Chang, Kathryn Pyle, and myself - what a tremendous honour, given your age! But then not at all surprising, seeing as your robes were designed by Gerard Joosh. Your Aunt continues, as ever, to have impeccable taste.

And really, now that I've just written that, it makes sense that someone's given you the first book in the Incantation series. I think you'll enjoy them quite a lot.

[alt_hydra]

Oh, well, I hadn't noticed exactly, but people have been telling me what they've read. It was certainly an honour to wear the robes, but then really it's more of an honour to Mr Joosh and Aunt Narcissa that I was listed as "best dressed." It's them I have to thank for that.

I hope that I will, they were a gift from my Nanella's boyfriend Pascoal. Only she usually calls him her paramour.

From,
Hydra

[alt_susan]

I'd no idea you were such a book-lover, Lestrange! I really like to give (and get!) books as gifts too. My youngest brother and sister usually pool their pocket money to get me a new one or a comic at Christmastime.

I don't know what sort of things you like best, but if you'd like to borrow anything of mine you'd be welcome. We've got a few people around who like to share their favorites; ask Sally-Anne about it if you like.

[alt_hydra]

Well last year I was reading The Bramblewick Orphans and the Melinda March series, but this year I'm trying to move beyond those into some more challenging material.

Oh, is that right? I will ask Sally Anne, then. Thank you.

From,
Hydra