Hydra Lestrange Finch-Fletchley

(I realise you're busy, so don't read this until time allows - only, I know that you won't.)

The evening Prophet came an hour or so ago. I assume that the news is accurate and my cousin and her husband's shop was raided last night? I've been to that shop, you know. On more than a few occasions. I even saw the dog, once. It just seemed like an ordinary dog.

I ought to have noticed something. I keep trying to think if there's anything I noticed and dismissed, because she was rather kind to me, Dora. And Mummy was the one who brought me for my first visit so I thought if Mummy was alright with me visiting the shop, then there was no reason not to enjoy myself. Dora just didn't seem like the sort... well, I suppose you know what I mean, since your family fostered her.

Only I keep thinking about what happened with Draco, too, and how I never expected that, but then again no one else did, either. You're right, you can't let your guard down with anyone. And not even if you have legilimency to rely on. You can only be prepared, at all times, for anything.

Hi Harry,

I just wanted to let you know that a new club, Tea Appreciation, is meeting tomorrow at Lazlo's of London, in Camden. Probably around 3:00. Don't worry, I haven't made you president or anything, but if you want out of Buckingham, you're welcome to join us. It will be Remy and Justin and me for sure, and Sally Anne and Luna, and maybe Ron and Neville. I also asked Draco and Pansy, but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

I think Draco feels uncomfortable about coming to the shop because it's owned by our cousin, Dora Ponds. She's a halfblood, and her parents were traitors, so Draco doesn't really know her at all. I've been getting to know her better, though. Her family is very polite, and very loyal to the Protectorate.

I hope your summer has been going well. Have you enjoyed coming to the clubs and being a YPL counsellor? I know that the clubs weren't really your idea, after all, so I hope it hasn't been burdensome. I know that it's been nice for me, to have a good reason to socialise away from St. James. Mummy hasn't remarked on it much so far, she's so busy with her investigations, you know. But I keep waiting for her to suddenly snap to attention and put a stop to it...That's how it usually goes, with her.

Let me know if you can make it tomorrow.

From,
Hydra

I spoke with my cousin, and she and Mr Ponds will be happy to have the new Tea Appreciation club meet at the cafe on Wednesday. She says that the biscuits are nice, but the tea is just ordinary (but when was the last time you had your tea poured by someone with purple hair? I know it's only happened to me just the once.)

She seemed a little bit worried about how big the group would be, so we might not want to make it an open invitation for everyone. Maybe we can do something like Daphne does, and say "there's only room for X number of people." Or I suppose it could just be whoever can make it from the lock, plus Remy, plus Harry and Draco... if you think they would want to come along, Pansy.

What do the rest of you think?

Mummy, I want you to know that I think the work that you do is very important, and that I understand. You have to watch for signs of dissidence wherever and whenever you can.

From what I saw the Ponds are a loyal, if humble, family, but I know that you would be better at spotting the signs than I am. We can try again, if you like, and I will truly do what I can to not resist.

From,
Hydra

Dear cousin Dora,

I've just come down from studying in the library and I'm trying to finish my Christmas gifts so that I can send out parcels tomorrow or Thursday.

I wanted to say that I'm sorry, but, I wasn't keeping close watch and I ran out of pocket money before I could buy gifts for just everyone. I really wanted to get something for you and your husband and especially Bea, but besides not having much money I didn't know what would be the right sort of gift to send.

But I think I found something, so I hope you don't mind second-hand. Or that Bea doesn't mind, rather. And I know gifts are meant to be a surprise but in this case I thought I should explain.

I wanted Bea to have my rabbit sing-ami that Auntie Narcissa and Uncle Lucius gave me last year. I still like it but, I don't know, I feel like I don't need toys anymore, and that was the year Auntie Narcissa gave me Lady Primrose, besides, so I don't think she'll mind if I give away my sing-ami.

And then the other two things are Tex, the origami rabbit my friend Sally Anne made for me in first year, and then Tina, my old rabbit robe pet. Tex disappeared and I forgot all about him, but then when I was looking for my spare quill in the desk last night I found him, smashed up in the corner of the drawer. I've straightened him out and he looks good as new. The spell on Tina stopped working a long time ago, and since both Tina and Tex are small, Bea might just want to chew on them. Maybe you could tie them to her mobile, if she has one? Or just save them for when she's older.

So you see why I had to explain, because what else would you make of a parcel filled with used toys and things?

I hope you have a Happy Christmas this year.

From,
Hydra

I did what you asked. I don't know if I did it right, but I told her about my horse and asked about the baby. We also talked about my classes, and she told me what she studied at Hogwarts.

Am I supposed to keep talking to her? What do I do now?

From,
Hydra