Penelope Clearwater

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.