Penelope Clearwater

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.

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.

How are you doing? I saw Mr Malfoy's sent a few messages here and there, to Mr Crispin and Mr Baddock and such. That must take some of the pressure off.

We're off to a good enough start, here. Avery's stern enough I don't feel quite like I've got to jump on every little thing. Besides, he seems to enjoy it, rather.

But honestly, Perce, your brothers! They act like I can't tell them anything as the Head Girl just because I'm your girlfriend. (Your sister's worse, but at least she hasn't already commandeered a loo cubicle and told the firsties they've got a bake sale running inside.) They'll run me right round the twist.

Now, I know the worst thing would be for you to step in; it'd just cut me off at the knees even more. Oh, but I wish you could!

Well, really, that wasn't why I'm writing... Just wanted to know if your week has any light at the end of it.

Miss you already. I'm proud of you, too, you know. You're showing them the next Minister right now, remember. And I'm sure they'll all take note.

Do you think you'll need me for the Tower trip this evening?

Only I've just got an owl from Perc Mr Malfoy's clerk and we've got the chance to go to the Malfoys' garden party tonight. If I don't have to go along with the others to the Tower, that is. It's just at Kensington. I could be back before the students' lights-out, even.

I'm sure Pyle or Bobolis or Pennifold won't mind going - they didn't last year, after all, so it'll be new to them.

Of course, if you need me to stay then I'll be happy to do so. But it'd be much better if Percy could bring I'd really like to go to Kensington if that's all right.

Thank you both for taking Percy and me to supper last night. I know we've talked about going to Sorçère but we've never had the chance before. It was truly kind of you to include me and I know we both really appreciated the ability to get away from the castle for a while.

Mr Malfoy, I know Percy is quite grateful for your counsel, as well. He quite looks up to you, sir, and talks often of the time he spent in your office last summer. You'll have to forgive him if he seemed a little subdued yesterday. It's been a very draining weekend for him. I'm sure you realise he's really not himself right now. But your interest in him is something he values, I know.

Mrs Malfoy, thank you so much for working with the Sisters in Witchcraft. Abbott was well-liked. It's so good of you to take time away from your own family to think of them. I enjoyed our talk about the state of journalism and publication in our realm, as well. I do think it's an area I should consider when I leave next year. I am also thinking about going into research, or possibly theatre management, but I'd prefer investigative reporting. I thought it interesting the way the Prophet conducted Percy's interview, actually. I'm glad they let me stay - not just because I was able to be moral support for Percy.

Professor McGonagall's announcement is going to upset a fair few students, I expect. Though in the end, I'm sure it's for the best. Our Lord must have a difficult time keeping the peace when there are so many sides to consider. Privately, I must say that I am relieved Mr Carrow has left.

Well, we've still got exams to finish and I'm sure you are both quite busy after spending the weekend up here. So I'll not take up more time. I only wanted to thank you for your generosity and your kindness.

Sincerely,

Penelope Clearwater