Mum,

You're so right. It's been absolutely liberating to have a place of our own. And I know what Dad thinks but you're right about that, too: Getting out of there is the best thing I could've done. I wish you could do, too, but I know you won't so let's not worry about it.

The thing is...setting up a household? It's a little more expensive than either of us realised. I guess I thought the Weasleys would send him off with a little more furniture (his mum thought she had a kitchen table in the attic but it turns out the legs were sawed off by the twins years ago to make toy brooms) and she's trying to help through the barter network but...not very successfully. And I went shopping for a sofa and some other things, second-hand, but even second-hand they're all pricey.

Of course, we're very grateful for the silverplate, and we're using it all the time, and the linens, of course, and all the kitchen things, between you and Mrs Weasley. But what we really need is a proper kitchen table, some proper chairs and things, and a bit more dosh for incidentals. Oh, I did take the open container of Mrs Skower's. But every day it seems like we discover something else that we had at home and don't have here, like bins, or a coat rack near the door (there's no proper cupboard), dishes, and so on.

It's almost too much to think how many household presents Sandoval will be raking in today, when she doesn't want for a thing! But I don't think waiting to get married first would have been a good idea, really. For one thing, Percy and I don't want to get married yet. I'm not sure I want to get married at all But for another, you know, it would have taken so much longer to get away from Dad. And honestly I think if I'd had to live with you both for another week I'd've used the Cardinals, much less the months it would take to prepare a wedding!

Okay, I'm kidding. Sort of. You know how he gets, that's all I'm saying.

Well, the point is, we're both great, and living here is great, and being flat-mates is snitch. But if there's any way you could loan me, say, 50Γ? I can pay it back in a couple months, once I've built up a reserve out of my pay.

Oh, speaking of that, work's going well. Mr Powell is very precise but really interesting. And I think I'm making headway on convincing him that I'm trainable!

I think Percy's working late most nights this week, so let me know if Dad goes round the pub and I'll pop over by Floo, all right?

So much love,

Penny

Well, the interview went all right, I guess. I dunno. Mr Powell's not quite as affable as Professor Siz's aunt was.

But he didn't chuck me out or anything. And the work seems interesting. (Well, truthfully, so does Mrs Cumberhatch's--Gera's, I guess, she said I could call her that--but her client base is not quite as interesting as Mr Powell's, you know?)

I guess I'll just see which of them offers me something first. If either of them do. (And yes, I've sent them both their thank-you notes by owl.)

But. Did you get the sample lease agreement for the place on Thornhill Road? (Or is it Barnsbury by then, I couldn't hear what the agent said.) I thought that one was the best of what we saw Saturday. Don't you?

Thank MERLIN that's over.

I don't know if you saw or heard--I mean, I don't know if anyone's informed Mr Malfoy--but Alecto Carrow has gone right off the edge.

Honestly, I don't think she's fit to teach anymore. Physically, I mean, not just--well, even if there weren't already questions about her competence.

It's been so much worse than usual, but the last two weeks have been truly frightening. Last week she threatened to make her 6th-years eat dung beetles. Professor Vector said that when McGonagall asked her to explain herself in the staff meeting, she started screeching at her about the 'medicinal benefits' and her right to push her students using any means she deemed necessary. Luckily the whole staff backed up the Headmistress on that one, even Razzer and Sluggy. Even Hooch, and you can bet she's had a run-in or two with McGonagall this year, over losing Quidditch for the season and all.

Well, Professor Vector didn't say how, but they got her calmed down in the staff meeting, I guess. But then today, in the middle of the Dark Arts examination period, she--collapsed, I guess, is the best term for it. She had some sort of attack, according to the students in the exam hall. All I know is that by the time someone came to find me, she was a total disaster. She'd vommed all over the place and then--ugh, it's so disgusting. I hope you're not reading this while you're eating!--she made little animals out of the piles of vom. I'm telling you, she's completely unhinged. Someone's got to tell Mr Malfoy and the other Governors. I'm sure the Headmistress will say something but. Well. It hasn't changed anything in the past, is all.

Anyway. That aside, exams are OVER and the year's nearly done. You did say I'd survive. I wasn't quite sure during that last Transfiguration practical. I thought the NEWTs were the hard bit but Brutka's exam was dead exhausting! And now there's just the Task and the Feast and a few days when everyone will be out around the lake anyway.

Oh! I've got an interview the first week I'm home, too. With Siz's cousin, but still. It's an interview.

I can't wait to see you.

Oh, Perce.

The charm arrived today. It's just perfect.

I managed to get through it and now it's the 5th-years' turn. I remember two years ago going out of my mind for OWLs and now compared to NEWTs I feel like I had nothing to worry about at all.

Too bad Capper didn't take them seriously enough. Can you believe he had the gall to complain last night that if he fails his Astronomy OWL it's Professor Siz's fault? Because she 'wasn't available' when he tried to see her on Tuesday. Everyone knew she wasn't going to be around on Tuesday! She'd made sure everyone knew it. Capper's a brilliant Arithmantist but he's dead oblivious about anything else. It's sad, really. I don't think he'll have a good week.

Oh, and Avery finally did something he can be proud of as a Head Boy. Unfortunately it's one of those things we all wish we didn't have to do. Still, he made a decent enough guard, escorting Barney Bole back and forth to his exams and to the room where Professor Slughorn was making him stay in solitary confinement. I'm sure you've probably heard through Mr Malfoy that Bole was told to pack himself off as soon as NEWTs were over? He thought his father was going to make a big stink on his behalf. No fear of that: His father (Avery says, anyway) wrote him back and said that if he wanted a hope of making the Quidditch sides as a professional, he'd do what the Headmistress and Sluggy told him, keep his mouth shut and slip off quietly on the Saturday train to London. It's appalling that no one realised how brutish he is, honestly. But Gamp and Greengrass are both so visibly relieved he's gone it's hard to believe no one saw it before.

It's so odd to think that in just a few weeks I'll never be back here. If I didn't have Head Girl duties I think I'd be perfectly happy to follow Barney on that train and find a flat right away. Oh, did I tell you in my last letter that Professor Siz got me an interview with two of her contacts? The first is someone who needs a research assistant or something and who'd be willing to spend most of the time in New London looking through records. And the second one's her aunt, who isn't really her aunt but well, anyway, she's a family historian for hire. They both sound like they could be dead boring or they could be brilliant--I guess it'll depend a lot on what they're like to work for.

Things are really coming together.

How's work?

Dear Mr and Mrs Weasley,

Please allow me to express my sympathies regarding Ginny's unfortunate collapse this morning. Rest assured, the prefects are doing all we can to control the rumours, particularly anything remotely tinged with a hint of the problems of her first year.

I've gone to see her and Madam Pomfrey reports that she had contacted you by Floo earlier today. Ginny's resting comfortably, just worn clean out by her busy academic and work schedule, but there doesn't appear to be anything more sinister going on.

I also want to apologise for not being more aware of her level of exhaustion. I relied on the Gryffindor prefects to report anything egregious but of course, I take a special interest in Ginny, along with her brothers. It's regrettable that Ginny's independence has apparently led her to conceal her over-commitment from all around her. I've interviewed Honoria Sandoval, as well, knowing that they are quite friendly, and she said that she knew Ginny has been tired but had no idea that she had extended herself beyond her endurance.

However, I promise you both that now that I am familiar with her condition, I shall keep a closer watch. Luckily, Madam Pomfrey is an excellent Healer and Ginny was placed under her care within minutes of fainting.

I'm sure that you will be happy to know all three of her brothers came to visit and have behaved themselves just as you would wish in light of their sister's illness.

Again, please accept my wishes for her speedy recovery and my promise to help look after her once she is back on her feet.

Sincerely,

Penelope Clearwater

I think I just got fired from the YPL.

Professor Siz just wrote me:

'....[W]hile I greatly appreciated your help last summer, I know you’re also now looking toward the longer future. While I’d be glad to have you back as the summer assistant, I’m wondering if you’d prefer some more flexibility in searching for a permanent position than our busy summer schedule would allow.'

I mean, she offered me a good recommendation letter and all. And I know, so far, very few people have stayed with it after leaving school but...Merlin's beard, it'd be nice to be the one to decide whether I'm done or not, wouldn't it? I mean, if Avery wanted to stay, I bet she'd tell him good on you and glad to have you.

Well, I guess the positive side is that I'll have plenty of time to look for work.

Well.

Of course it would turn out that yesterday was the one time that Mrs Keneally not only read the journals but decided she just had to pay a call on my parents.

At least Dad had the sense not to send a Howler. That would have been even more humiliating. But Merlin, you just wouldn't believe what he had to say.

Personally, I think the best part was when he accused me of trying to catch a husband by getting pregnant. As if!

Interestingly enough, he seemed to think that's what your mum did, with Bill. Which I'm sure isn't the case, I mean, your parents are clearly still really in love and that's saying something, with all seven of you making their lives so chaotic at times. But I guess it's, well, perhaps an argument in our favour if your folks really were further along in their last years at Hogwarts than we are, even. Not that I'm complaining! I think we're being very sensible and careful, and it'll be all that much better when we're in our own flat and no one can tell us we're doing anything wrong.

Anyway. No, I'm not disowned or anything and I'm sure I can write back in a way that will calm him down. He didn't say anything much about Mum's reaction, but then he never really does. He just reminded me that pregnancy now wouldn't do anything to prevent my sitting NEWTs, which was another lovely aspersion on my academic career, tra-la.

Oh, I just can't imagine spending any time back in that place after school's done. It'll be the happiest day of my life, I think, if I could come back on the Hogwarts Express only to pack up my whole kit and just move right in with you.

Speaking of which...I know, it's probably a bit early, but have you thought about looking for a flat? We'd talked about waiting until I found a job, too, but--well, right now, anyway, I just think we'd both be better off the sooner we could take a place. You wouldn't have to move in immediately, unless you wanted to do, that is. But if you had somewhere lined up already, we could move as soon as I'm done with school. What do you think? I'm sure you'll have the best ideas about what sort of flat to take. Maybe Bill would even help you, since he seems to sympathise. And if you're worried about carrying it all by yourself, I'm sure that I'll find a situation in no time. I don't even really care what it is. I'd be happy to work in shop or push the tea trolley round the Ministry, so long as it's paying.

Well, think about it? And Dad's scathing letter aside, I don't regret it, either. Not for a minute. Except that I'll miss you even more until the next time we can see each other.

Which...might not be hols, by the way. I think I'll stay here, rather than go home. But perhaps I can get to New London at least once or twice? I'm not sure.

Anyway. Yeah. Wonderful day yesterday; crap one today. Love you anyway, you big ginger.

I've just seen your response to Mr Finch-Fletchley's predicament. Good show. Lovegood, I do realise that you've violated curfew but with so many Professors out and owing to the dire circumstances, I'm very pleased you judged it necessary to act immediately.

And Mr Weasley, it seems you're putting your mediwizardry course to good use. Well done and thank you for jumping in where needed.

As this is the first Hogsmeade trip of the year, third-years, please remember to have your permission forms to turn in to Mr Milland on your way out of the castle. No form, no visiting the village.

(And to answer a few people's question: Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students are already granted permission to go to the village as it was included in their release to come to the school at all.)

Please remember that you must be back by six. Have fun!

In response to multiple requests, we shall hold a special meeting of first-years with your fifth-year Prefects in the third classroom on the Charms corridor after supper tonight.

First-years who continue to experience homesickness or other symptoms of trouble adjusting to Hogwarts are reminded that Madam Pomfrey is available to help. I've spoken with her and she is expecting a couple of you; you know who you are.

Please remember that the library closes promptly at nine o'clock on nights preceding lessons. Only NEWT-level students with permission from their Head of House are permitted to stay later. You also need a note from a teacher to obtain any book in the Restricted Section. Any first-year caught trying to gain access to the Restricted Section without permission shall receive detention.

You are also reminded that the Forest is strictly Forbidden and that it is highly advised you give the Whomping Willow a wide berth as you pass by the greenhouses. Remember to allow yourself extra time getting to your lessons if you still can't remember which staircases are inaccessible between class times.

Would the following first-year students plan to stay behind after tonight's meeting: Baddock, Drumgoole, Featherstone, Fellsworthy, Jugson, Mackrell, Spinx, Strangeweale, Symmons and Whitby.

And finally, would this next group of first-years please report to the Great Hall at five o'clock tomorrow: Ackerly, Bones, Cauldwell, Chadwick, Jacobson, Kelpington, Lynch, Nubbins-Crumberhatch and Rittenhouse.

Thank you.