Private message to Effs

[alt_hydra]

I have some news. I'm going to visit Cousin Dora and her family for tea today. She invited me, and Mummy said I could go.

I was quite excited at first, because you know I've wanted to finally meet Bea and Mr Ponds, and see the shop where they live and work.

But now I'm not so sure. I'm still looking forward to it, but Mummy's been a bit strange. It almost seems as if she's excited for my visit, which doesn't make much sense. She's never been overly fond of cousin Dora, because she's a halfblood, and also because I think it reminds her of how her sister Andromeda turned blood traitor and married a muggleborn. Mummy can't stand to be reminded of the "Black tree's rotten fruit."

I just hope that Mummy isn't planning to do something.

Well, the good news is that I'll finally see you tomorrow, and I can tell you all about what happened at tea in person.

From,
Hydra

Comments

[alt_justin]

Hallo, Dux!

We've been having a lovely time today. I wish you'd been invited. But Luna was able to come along, isn't that smashing? I do miss you, though. I say, it's dashed unfair you had to miss Monday, what, this business of going days and days without seeing you is well intolerable. So yes, quite looking forward to being together tomorrow.

Do you know, Patil and Brown expected Luna to sit by and hold their bags and bally all else while they went on the rides? I jolly well put a stop to that, what! She and JP and I have been on the whirligig about ten times, I think. It put quite a sour look on Patil's face, which was jolly satisfying, if I do say it myself.

Now, this tea business. Is your mother going as well? Is that what has you concerned? Or do you think she'll try something at home while you're gone?

-Justin

[alt_hydra]

Try not to make Padma too cross with you. I think she can make a person's life quite miserable, if she puts her mind to it. Though I suppose she hardly gives you pause after all that you've dealt with. I don't know why she and Lavender would go out of their way to make things difficult for Luna. If they find her strange they could just let her alone, at least.

No, Mummy isn't going to tea. Which itself surprised me. But really, it's more that I keep thinking back to October, when she told me to strike up a correspondance with Dora, but wouldn't say why. I still don't know why she wanted me to do that, but she must have some motive that I don't know about, and maybe my going to tea has something to do with it, too.

From,
Hydra

[alt_justin]

Stuff. Patil's nothing to worry about, though I agree it's never wise to offend when it's not necessary, what?

I say, that reminds me, I wanted to ask you: Finnigan's guardian is some sort of relation to your mother, isn't he? Had Finnigan invited you to do anything next week? Come over to go riding or go to a concert or anything like that?

Perhaps your mother hopes you'll marry a shopkeep, what? Instead of Harry? Only kidding. I say, do have fun, though, Dux, in spite of any malicious ideas your mother might have.

-Justin

[alt_hydra]

If I know you, you probably extracted Luna from Padma with the utmost politeness, but that doesn't mean she won't be offended just the same. Still, I'm sure that you made Luna's day.

Uncle Stephen, you mean? He's my great uncle, really - Nanella's brother. But neither he nor Seamus have invited me over next week. Not that I know of, at least. Why do you ask?

I will try to have fun. I am looking forward to it, even if I am feeling wary. And speaking of, it's just about time to go. Full report later!

Love,
Hydra

[alt_justin]

Hah, yes, I suppose it's well difficult for me to show when I'm cross, what? But I'm not entirely certain Patil would notice the difference, she's too wrapped up in herself.

As for your uncle--I'm sure it's nothing important. I'll tell you tomorrow.

Everyone has had a little trouble settling down this end. Between the excitement of the park rides and the speculation regarding the camp, I think we're all a bit nervous. I can't imagine they'll show us anything like the typical camp but I've no idea how they think they're going to fool us, what?

So, how was your aunt's?

-Justin

[alt_justin]

I say, Hydra?

Are you still awake?

-Justin

[alt_justin]

I suppose you are.

I was hoping

I can't sleep at all.

Well, I'll see you in the morning.

Sweet dreams, Dux.

-Justin

[alt_hydra]

I'm all right. I was right about Mummy.

She locked me in the Chapel Royal last night, without my wand or my journal. I didn't even have a dressing gown. It was cold - I expect she thought that between that and my fear of the ghosts, I wouldn't be able to sleep. I did, though. I slept just fine!

Oh, I have to go..we're late as it is. I'll tell you the rest in person.

From,
Hydra