Penelope Clearwater

CODA

2015-09-01T18:07:08Z

PENELOPE CLEARWATER emigrates to France, and spends the rest of her days nannying for European witches and wizards. Every now and then, someone manages to track her down and tries to get her version of events at Buckingham, but she politely declines, and is rather grateful when inquiries slow to a trickle, and finally cease altogether. She is uncomfortable and awkward around non-magical people, and avoids contact with any English expatriates as much as possible. She never marries.

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Private Message to Rachel Brodie

2015-08-28T01:06:02Z

The Baddocks are leaving tonight.

From Penzance.

It's the entire lot of them, including the children -- two littlest ones, Antonia and Natalie, are more than likely terrified. I've no idea what they expect will happen, but if you do go after them...

just watch out for the children. Please.

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Private Message to Molly Weasley

2015-06-09T04:34:17Z

This is all sorts of awkward, Molly, but I don't know what else I can say except for the truth.

I lost my job recently, and things in New London have been getting downright desperate. My old friend Karoline Baddock started doing favours for me, helping to cover my bills, and making sure I had access to food, that sort of thing. And once I owed her more than I could ever pay back, her husband made me a job offer I knew I couldn't turn down. Not if I wanted to keep living.

And yesterday, I was sitting in a meeting, taking notes (because that's the only job they let me do -- that and babysit the children), and Virgil Crispin needed to know whether Percy had been a spy or not, and I volunteered to see if I could find out, because it'd give me an excuse to write you.

I'm in over my head. I'm scared, and I'm alone. I thought things would be different, better, less complicated, but it's just more of the same, and I feel like I've just made the world's biggest mistake. But what else is there? I hear so many different versions of the same story, and everyone has an agenda, and the world somehow feels even less safe than it did before. I don't know who to turn to, who to trust, I can't even confide in my best friend, and no-one here pays me the least mind -- I might as well be a servant.

You've always been so kind to me. You and your family. You were so good to write after Percy was killed, and those Sunday dinners felt so much like I was really coming home. And I'll never forget Arthur, and how thoughtful he was, and how you both tried your best to reach out to me while Percy was breaking it off. It was just so decent of you both. And when I found out you were all working for the Order, well, I just didn't know what to think, really. It's like everything's on its head these days.

I miss Percy terribly sometimes. I know he had his issues, and Merlin knows we didn't always get along, but I did love him, and I'd like to think he loved me too, at least for a little. And I know how much he cared about all of you, even though he did an absolutely terrible job of showing it sometimes, and that you loved him so very much.

I don't think he was a spy. I just wanted to write you and say that I was so sorry for what has happened to all of us.

I don't know what to do, Molly. I just don't.

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Private Message to Karo Moon

2015-05-23T01:16:48Z

Things have been just utterly mad in New London.

First, there were the random insane people wandering around Kensington, and all the buildings and monuments crumbling, and all the people shooting off fireworks, and this stream of servants just pouring out of town like rats fleeing from a ship and now it's

I don't know

Weirdly calm? But still really tense?

All these businesses are shuttered, some of the markets are still open if you go at the right times, but there are queues a mile long with all these really tetchy witches pulling faces because either their servants have run out, or they don't dare bring them out in public, and the news about Hogwarts is just

I mean, it's hard to know what to make of all of it, you know? I'm a bit at loose ends -- Powell's shuttered up altogether and said not to bother showing up for work, I don't even know if I'll be getting a salary next week.

Anyways. I just wanted to see how you were doing with everything.

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Private Message to Karo

2015-03-08T04:10:16Z

Brunch today was so good. I can't get over those potatoes. Ponty's been talking up Blaison for ages, I can see why. I'll have to drag him there next time I'm in a brunching mood.

It was lovely catching up. You looked absolutely marvelous, by the way. If my hair wasn't absolutely hopeless, I'd kidnap your stylist in a heartbeat.

From what you were saying over brunch, your equinox party sounds like it'll be just stunning. I can't wait.

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Private Message to Karo

2014-12-28T18:25:27Z

Ponty's brother got us seats in the press box, so we've got a lofty view of everything. The heating charms are nice too. Merlin, it was a cold walk on the way over.

Where're you? I hope you've fully recovered from last night. Merlin knows hangover potions will only take you so far, especially if you've been dancing.

The Triumph is supposed to last for hours, but everyone's been very hush-hush about the programme. Tartarus either doesn't know, or won't tell us. Has Ptolemy said anything?

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Private Message to Karo Moon

2014-11-12T02:10:31Z

Sorry I couldn't make it out tonight. I'll definitely be up for something on Thursday.

The Watch is being rather bothersome in my neighbourhood lately -- they knocked on my door at an ungodly hour last night, and I've been like the dead all day. And of course I was on edge because I'd just gotten another one of those silly 'Hello neighbour' circulars that morning -- you know what I'm talking about -- and thought they were going to jump to conclusions about my having received one, but they were going on about graffiti and were telling everyone on the block to keep a sharp eye. Why they had to tell me at one o'clock in the morning is beyond understanding.

I think I might look for a new flat once my lease is up.

Good news on the work front, though, we finally got some of the permits through, which means Powell is being less of a diva. Merlin, he was driving me spare.

Speaking of driving one spare, how's your mum? I hope she's been a bit less of a pain. Perhaps she'll lighten up once your little brother gets properly hitched. Lavender Brown always struck me as the sort who'd be perfectly happy being a Society Witch with loads of babies.

And yes, if you must ask, I did go out for lunch with the charming Mr Kendall who chatted me up at the fair. Yes, he was just as charming at lunch. Yes, there may be a second lunch in the works. Nosy parker. Now you can stop trying to set me up, at least for a little while.

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Private Message to Karo

2014-10-31T23:46:44Z

I definitely need to unwind. We're still waiting on some of those forms to process, and it's driving His Majesty spare.

Anyways. I'm just getting off work now. Are you still by the music? I'll meet you there.

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Private Message to Karo Moon

2014-10-12T04:38:47Z

Lunch was lovely. It feels like it's been ages, and it was so good to see you. Once we finally get our permits approved, my schedule ought to be a great deal more predictable. The Ministry's really been keeping us waiting, which is so annoying, honestly, it's just a standard approval process that's supposed to be a two week turnaround at most, but lately everything has been taking twice as long to get processed.

Anyways. I'm sorry Ptolemy's been such an arse. (I know, I know, he's been having a stressful time at work, and family's always been a sore spot with him, but I still can't believe he said that about your mum, and I don't care how much stress he's under, that's still no excuse.)

I think I can make it for drinks on Thursday after work. Balestra, right? I'll let you know if anything comes up between now and then.

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Private Message to Fae Anderson and Kathryn Pyle

2013-03-29T16:43:12Z

I've just got a few minutes here at lunch but I wanted to confirm the ladies for tonight. Of course, it's almost a bit early for Karo's hen night--but you know her, she wanted to quite sure we'd all recover and no one would have to book passage back from Cork or anything daft, and possibly miss the wedding. Mostly there's this band she really wants to hear and they're playing at the Copper Kettle later this evening. Besides, I think part of her wants it over and done before her brother gets home from school and all the relations start pouring into town for the week.

(Speaking of, you should hear the uproar over the latest. Robins tried to sell Ptolemy and Karo on a flashing screen, outside the hall, that would project moving photos of the two of them in close-up and then replaying the moment they kiss to close the ceremony. Both of them apparently gave it half a second's thought and said, together, 'No.' That woman, honestly. If Karo doesn't murder her in the next two weeks, I just might do.)

Anyway... Right. Kathryn, you said both Yaxley sisters are in, and I've had replies from Vani Johns, Mary Bletchley and Electra Bobolis (but not Terp or Psyche, which--just as well, really). Per Fae, Flora's coming but she'll be late, so she'll have to catch us up (probably at the second pub). Vesta Chambers, Jo Gamp and Aelis Fletcher said to let them know when we were ready to go see Role Call and they'll join us then.

Taiga Bode had been on the list to come along but she owled earlier this week to say she'd not be able to make it after all. Something about her dad, I dunno, it was vague. Took ill, sounds like.

Now, I thought we'd start at the Caledonian because they get shirty if anyone's already had a couple on arrival. Besides, the drinks are all over-priced but it's well classy and at least we can say Karo had her fancy, society-ready cocktail. Then we'll pop round to Naught before they close, and on to supper at Bubble and Squeak. (Don't start, Fae, they've got veg dishes and besides, you'll want solid food if you're going to get through the rest of the night.) I know Karo really wants to get to Role Call before the second set but Vani Johns suggested someplace to go afterward. Apparently she and Yaxley were going to go before Sandoval got married and the idea was scrubbed, but they've come back to it again. It sounds perfectly seedy so we should all have a grand time, I think. Perhaps one of us will wake up in Cork, and all!

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Private Message to Karo Moon

2013-02-15T17:14:51Z

Well, that's Valentine's over.

I'm glad, actually. I didn't half think about it at all until tea-time, and then it was just to think he was probably working away, maybe eating a cake over his desk and making sure the crumbs didn't fall on some precious parchment of Mr Malfoy's. On reflection I don't know what I was doing with him, anyway. Well. Of course I know. But you're right, I'll find someone better.

Look, you and Ptolemy didn't have to clear out last night, either. I was expecting to go out and leave you to it. But thanks. It was rather a relief to come back at half-eleven and have the place to myself. I didn't hear you come in; did he take you somewhere grand?

But listen, if you two want, let's all go round the pub tonight? There's a small combo playing and I think you'll like them a great deal. I want you to meet the guitarist and tell me what you think. He's an acquaintance of Mr Powell's. Really rather fit, even if he is a little older.

Mum says Dad gave her a bouquet and even suggested they go out for supper last night. I say he's just making up from the last quarrel but you know how she is. She'll never leave, if the house were to burn down around them.

Well, I'm going to pop round the pasty cart while the weather's holding. See you after work?

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Private Message to Percival Weasley

2012-12-28T18:01:29Z

I hope you had a decent Christmas, despite everything.

I wasn't going to bother you again but the landlord presented me with a notice parchment, because you'd told him that we're definitely breaking the lease and he wants to be able to show starting next Wednesday.

I never said I was going to break the lease, I just told you what he was asking in order to break it. In fact, I've already spoken to Karoline Moon and she's going to share until the wedding in a few months, and by then Fae will be able to afford moving out of her parents' as well.

Look. Whatever you said to sort it out with him--it's not that I don't appreciate it, I mean, neither of us could have afforded what he wanted. But as you've made it clear that I'm on my own, then I've already made sure it shan't be a problem.

The only trouble is that now he seems to think he'll need your permission to replace your name with Karo's, since it's not a proper sublet, it's a substitution.

So, I'm really sorry to trouble you, honestly, but if you'll let him know that the change is fine, he'll change it. Today, if you could do? He's going out to Chelsea for New Year's so he'll not be in town on Monday.

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Private Message to Percy

2012-12-24T19:01:57Z

Look, I know things are--awkward. And I didn't want to disturb you this morning, or upset you or anything, or risk a scene, but I knew I had to be there.

You look okay, all things considered. Tired, of course, you all do, and sort of...glassy-eyed. I guess that's natural, given what you've all been through. But I know you care about appearances and I just wanted to tell you, you look like you're bearing up under it all admirably.

I can tell, though, that you're more upset than you're letting on to the rest of them.

So, I.... Well, I just wanted to say that, if you wanted, last week could be last week and we could, maybe, try again. Forgive and forget, isn't that what they say?

If you want--company, or companionship or someone who you don't have to be strong in front of, I--I'll lift the wards round the flat, for the next couple of days.

I'm--I'll have to go to Mum and Dad's for supper but, if you wanted to come home, it'd be all right.

I may not have shown it the best way, Perce, but I did--do--love your family. And you.

Come home. Okay? Our home.

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Private Message to Bill Weasley

2012-12-22T15:14:06Z

Bill, I saw this morning's paper and

I'm outside your flat but no one's here. Well, you're all at the Burrow, I guess.

Bill, I'm so dreadfully sorry about your--about your dad. I really liked him. He and your mum were always so nice to me. I wish I'd come to more Sunday suppers, now.

~~How is P~~

I don't know if you've thought yet about the arrangements, I mean whether you'll have a private service or what, but...I'd really like to come to the funeral. Would that be all right? I don't want to cause any problems, if you think it would be an intrusion.

I just

Your family are all so close. You enjoy each other so much.

I was glad to have been part of that. Truly.

Please tell your mum that you're all in my thoughts. And--anyone else who might care to know.

With deep sympathy,

Penny

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Private Message to Karoline Moon

2012-12-12T01:21:59Z

Karo,

Fancy a drink?

Percy's gone out for a pint with his father, because I suppose whatever's wrong at work this time isn't something he can tell me, just that it's all horrible. I mean, I know his father's worked in offices with demanding wizards longer than either of us but--I just wish he'd let me know more about what's bothering him.

Aside from money, which is almost all he ever wants to talk about now.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't be complaining about living with my boyfriend when you and Ptolemy are busy planning your big day. I'm sure it won't be anything like this with him, for you. For one thing, it's not as if money will be a problem!

But there's also--I mean, I don't think Ptolemy's the sort who'll expect you to work a full day and then have supper on the table for him. (Ironic, isn't it? If we could afford a mudblood, that'd be one less thing to row over, but as we can barely afford the food, we can't very well stand the stipend for someone to cook it!) Has his father said anything to you about getting you one? I suppose it's not the sort of thing you can put on a bridal registry, hah!

Honestly, Karo, sometimes I wonder if we were wiser not to get married straight off, or if that would have made this all better. I know my mother thinks he'll never ask this way--and he may not do, but I'm still not ready for all that, anyway. Especially if he thinks I'll instantly turn into his mum (complete with seven children, goats, chickens and a ghoul in the attic, no doubt!).

I mean, it's weird, right? We talked about so many things before I left school. One of the things he wanted most was to get away from the squalour his family live in. But every Sunday he wants to go tromping back there, milking the Merlin-forsaken goats. And Circe forbid that I don't want to go with him! It's like he wants to build a life in New London but he can't quite bring himself to leave the old one behind completely. I know he loves them, but you should see the way he talks about them in private. And he's so different with them, too! You remember that night we met the two of you down the pub? He's just so informed. He and Ptolemy really hit it off, I thought. He even sounded a bit sophisticated--I think he even impressed Ptolemy a little with that quip about Mr Croaker! But with his family, it's like they turn him into the butt of every joke, somehow. Though it's different when it's just Mr and Mrs Weasley and his brother Bill, though it's still...uncomfortable, sometimes. Like they're all expecting him to put his elbow in the butter dish or something. (Well, not quite. It's just something I can't quite put my finger on. I know. It's like they think he's puffing himself up when really he's just telling the truth about the things he's done and the people he's met. It's like they're a little bit disappointed in him, and I just don't see how that can be. Apart from Bill he's done better than the rest of them put together!)

Well, anyway. Sorry to go ranting in your direction. I guess I just needed to purge it all.

But an ale would also do wonders, if you're free.

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Private Message to Claire Clearwater

2012-11-02T17:56:31Z

Mum,

Look, it's not that I wouldn't love to see you. It's just--not a good time, right now. Percy's working all sorts of hours and so am I, and by the time we get home we're both too knackered to do much besides a little reading and then fall right to sleep.

And there was this big project I was doing for Mr Powell and I realised halfway through it that I accidentally crossed two columns of notations and--well. It wasn't easy to fix. I was working on it when he asked to see how things were coming along, and of course I was trying to get it fixed before he needed it, but instead I had to explain and--well, the short version is that I'll have to work this weekend, probably, to get it done.

I mean, I really appreciate your offer to come in some afternoon and cook and all. It's just that right now that would be a waste of your time.

But.

I think I could use one of the enchanted crockery pots, if you could spare one. That way I could throw something together in the morning or the night before and it'd be done (and perfect) when we got in. It'd save us on takeaway and particularly it'd save me his look of disappointment when it's oatmeal or fried eggs or beans on toast again. Not that he minds, much, it's just that he always compares things to the way his mum cooks. You know.

And--about the holidays. Well, it's a little early to know exactly what we'll be invited to go to or not. But obviously, his family will want Christmas Day. I thought maybe I'd come round on Christmas Eve for an hour or two, after work, to say hello and give you and Dad your presents. All right?

Not that it'll be much. The landlord mentioned just yesterday (as it was the first) that he might have to raise the rent in January. Just by two Galleons a month but still--that'll probably take care of all the money we were ~~trying to~~ saving for a new lounger. (The second-hand one we found when we moved in just developed a tear in the upholstery on the arm, and reparo isn't keeping it sewn shut.)

Well, I've got to get back to sorting out these mixed-up notations. Let me know about the cookpot? And maybe we can get together the week after next, all right?

-Penny

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Private Message to Percy Weasley

2012-09-10T19:08:41Z

Perce,

Remember that I'm working late most nights this week, so you're on your own. Better yet, you could have a takeaway waiting for me when I get in!

Mum says she might come Friday. Is that all right? See if Bill wants a boys' night or something. Or maybe you and he could go get drinks after with some of his Ministry mates.

Love you, see you later.

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Private Message to Claire Clearwater

2012-09-10T03:21:35Z

Mum,

Saw that you tried to Floo while we were out. Sunday nights, remember? Another command performance for his mum.

And no, don't worry, he knows why we don't ever have supper with you and Dad. It's okay.

Mrs W really is a good cook. I did ask her tonight for the recipe for her casseroles (even though you know how I feel about casseroles!) and that seemed to make her light up a bit. Only I wish that they didn't expect us every week! And particularly as it seems like she's always got a thousand little chores for Percy to do when we're there. Like milking the goats. The man's working for the third most important wizard in the Protectorate and his mother makes him milk goats on his day off, for Merlin's sake!

Well, I know he doesn't mind doing it. It's one of the things that makes him so good. But still, I wish sometimes that the 'family tradition' didn't come with so much baggage.

But it's okay. It really is. I told you before I just love his brother Bill and his dad's an all right sort. If a bit hen-pecked, maybe, though he obviously really loves Mrs W. (That's not a comment on you and Dad, either.)

And don't make a big deal about the message from Antonin Dolohov. Percy explained that he's an old family friend of Mr Malfoy's so he took an interest, since Percy's been so helpful and Mr Malfoy told Professor Dolohov so. He's the one who sent his elf that afternoon, I told you. Oh, Mum, having that elf here was so wonderful - we didn't even know where to start! and then it seemed like we had masses we could have asked it for. Of course, it's ever so much more efficient than a mudblood but if ours will be even half as much help it'll be amazing. I'm hoping by this time next year we can manage it.

But the one thing Professor Dolohov did I kinda wish he hadn't done was give Perce this book. It's got meditations (he's read a few aloud to me) and he's spending a few minutes on them every night (like right now) and they're sort of annoying. He said that Professor Dolohov said that they'll get better. (But that they get worse first.)

Everything else is fine. Working hard - both of us - but it's okay. And the job's going well. Mr Powell's working on a big project this month, so I have some good opportunities to show him how much I've learned of his systems and the cross-checking spells and the charting cantrips he's been teaching me.

If Dad's going round the pub on Friday, why don't you come here and see the flat?

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Private Message to Claire Clearwater

2012-08-22T23:31:56Z

Oh, bugger, Mum!

What do I do?

I got the afternoon off from Mr Powell, so I could come home and cook Percy supper for his birthday. Everything was going so well. I made the recipe perfectly, I swear, and then I put the roast in the oven.

And then Perce said he'd be later than we thought, so I turned the cooker down.

Well.

I thought I turned it down. I was sure I turned it down.

Are there any spells to un-crisp a roast? Only it's all sort of black. And dry.

And the potatoes are none too edible.

It's really rather a ruin, actually.

After I spent extra on the groceries this week, too, to get fresh broad beans and real butter and all his favourite extras.

Maybe next year we should just let his mum cook.

I mean, it's not like he'd have been home for that, either.

Oh, bugger it. I'm getting take-away.

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Private Message to Percy Weasley

2012-08-22T21:07:38Z

Are you coming soon?

Only I've had the roast in and the potatoes are heating and it'll be ready when you are.

I think.

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Private Message to Claire Clearwater

2012-08-04T12:06:31Z

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

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Private Message to Percy Weasley

2012-07-24T23:09:25Z

Perce,

I'm guessing you've been held up at work, like you said might happen.

The thing is, this place is perfect. And if we sign the papers now, we can even move in a little early. The landlord says he can let us start bringing things over the weekend, as the couple who lived here told him they'll be out completely after tomorrow.

It's only 10Γ more per month than we were hoping. I don't think it's worth trying to talk him down, do you?

Look, I'm just going to tell him we'll take it and you can come and sign over lunch tomorrow.

All right?

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Private Message to Percy Weasley

2012-06-26T01:58:17Z

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?

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Private Message to Percy Weasley

2012-06-15T03:28:57Z

I don't believe it.

My father sent me a birthday card today.

You seem to have got away with it. Welcome to the real world: Earning your keep, making something of yourself and striking out on your own.

Really, dad?

Ta ever so.

Maybe I will go stay with Karo for a while.

Anyway. The Feast is over and it was quite the affair. Krum's still glowering at everyone (and loads of people are glowering at him over what he did to Harry) and Professor Karkaroff's nowhere in sight. No one's seen him for a day or two, actually, Professor Vector said.

I think mostly people are just happy we got through the year and no one died.

I'm writing my letter to the next Head Girl and it'll be done tomorrow. Everything's packed, mostly, and there'll be time for one more walk to the lake if it doesn't rain.

It's actually going to be hard to leave Saturday. I never thought I'd miss this place. But I've interviews to look forward to and especially being free to actually look with you for someplace to live!

I'm sorry - I really meant to open this by telling you I love the present. (Not least because it actually arrived on time and not a day late!) We'll use it to celebrate our new place, wherever it is.

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Private Message to Percy Weasley

2012-06-08T23:52:11Z

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.

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