I did have quite a good time on Saturday, though I was of course, quite nervous. I wore that set of deep twilight-blue robes you liked so much out of my last shopping trip, and I think it was a good enough choice.
Everyone was very gracious, and Mrs Malfoy is, of course, a superb hostess, and went well out of her way to make me feel at ease. (And yes, of course I both brought a small token, and sent a note promptly Sunday morning, before I got called to the Ministry. More on that in a moment.) I had a chance to speak to Mr Baddock, and of course, I've enjoyed his son Ptolemy's work both in class, and through the YPL, so we had quite a lot to talk about comfortably for a bit, and that lead naturally into other topics.
The Ministry, though - oh, Merlin. Some people should *never* be let near children. The problem in this case was one man who's quite gotten it in his head that our current students should be 'challenged', as he says, the way that those a little older than I am were, during the Lord Protector's rise. That the tasks we set them should have real risk and chance of serious injury, or even death.
Talking him around from that took the better part of two days, because honestly, half the Ministry staff doesn't listen, and the other half have no idea of what an average third or fourth years student can handle. Of course, we see an extensive leap in understanding once students start working toward their OWLs, as they focus on fewer topics, and go more deeply into practice, not just theory. But do people understand that? Of course not.
I believe we came to a reasonable understanding, and honestly, I did my best, but it was so frustrating.
I am planning to stay here for another week at least. Raz has been quite firm that I should stay if I wish, and that I won't be in his way, and of course, it's most convenient. But of course, I also want to see you, and Dad, before Hogwarts starts up again. I'll be in touch with some possible days.
Private message to Arca Sinistra
I did have quite a good time on Saturday, though I was of course, quite nervous. I wore that set of deep twilight-blue robes you liked so much out of my last shopping trip, and I think it was a good enough choice.
Everyone was very gracious, and Mrs Malfoy is, of course, a superb hostess, and went well out of her way to make me feel at ease. (And yes, of course I both brought a small token, and sent a note promptly Sunday morning, before I got called to the Ministry. More on that in a moment.) I had a chance to speak to Mr Baddock, and of course, I've enjoyed his son Ptolemy's work both in class, and through the YPL, so we had quite a lot to talk about comfortably for a bit, and that lead naturally into other topics.
The Ministry, though - oh, Merlin. Some people should *never* be let near children. The problem in this case was one man who's quite gotten it in his head that our current students should be 'challenged', as he says, the way that those a little older than I am were, during the Lord Protector's rise. That the tasks we set them should have real risk and chance of serious injury, or even death.
Talking him around from that took the better part of two days, because honestly, half the Ministry staff doesn't listen, and the other half have no idea of what an average third or fourth years student can handle. Of course, we see an extensive leap in understanding once students start working toward their OWLs, as they focus on fewer topics, and go more deeply into practice, not just theory. But do people understand that? Of course not.
I believe we came to a reasonable understanding, and honestly, I did my best, but it was so frustrating.
I am planning to stay here for another week at least. Raz has been quite firm that I should stay if I wish, and that I won't be in his way, and of course, it's most convenient. But of course, I also want to see you, and Dad, before Hogwarts starts up again. I'll be in touch with some possible days.