Settling back in

[alt_sinistra]

I must say, it's been a most amazing few days. I've barely had time to catch my breath or sit down for a minute without having something else come along since Thursday afternoon. Not that a great deal of it hasn't been most enjoyable, mind you.

I'm quite looking forward to a few quiet days to settle down, catch up on various pieces of neglected work, and get some quality research time in, just for the change of pace. (And I've certainly got enough to keep me occupied for a bit.)

Comments

Private message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_sinistra]

Narcissa -

Thank you again for your kindness and welcome last night: I had a truly wonderful time, and so appreciate everything you did to help me feel included and at home.

I hope everything continued to go well after we left, but I must admit, the night in my own bed was quite restorative.

Re: Private message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.

And no doubt Razzer has already told you never to pay too much mind to our dear Bella. At times I do believe she was born with lemons in her mouth!

You were probably quite right to leave when you did, in fact: 'round about half-past midnight Ari and Froissart got up to another chariot race, which set off another round for the baths as they returned somewhat dishevelled and all-in-all we didn't properly get to bed until about four!

But we've some time to recover, at least, before the next family gathering. We'll see you on Boxing Day?

Re: Private message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_sinistra]

Raz has been very good about helping me understand all his various friends and relations, yes, and what not to take too personally.

As to Boxing Day - are you sure it wouldn't be seen as an intrusion by others? I'd hate to overstep on private family time, or seem to be assuming too much.

I also gather, from something I overheard last night, that I should thank you for arranging to avoid any awkwardness with the Calderwoods. I do regret that, on any number of levels, and really do appreciate your smoothing the way there.

Re: Private message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

As well he should.

No, of course it's not an intrusion. That's why the families have a tradition of combining on Boxing Day. We have our private gatherings on Christmas Day itself. I'm sure, coming from a large extended family yourself, you'll be familiar with the ways in which large clans adjust to each other's schedules.

Yes, I wrote to June. Her mother and mine were very close at one point but I confess, I'm disappointed in June's management of the family since dear Mae's passing. You may or may not know that the eldest girl, Letitia, also set her cap for Razzer at one point. She also considered herself Morgana's gift to the modelling business, I don't mind saying, and not entirely deservedly so. But really it's more down to June's spoiling her girls and letting them fly away with the idea that they can have the moon, sun and stars simply by crooking their fingers.

Nonetheless, one must maintain pleasantries. June's very highly-placed, you know. And she's a clever head for business, as well, so the family have gold to spare.

I'm not entirely sure she would have found last night's revelry to her taste, in any event, so it may be just as well.

Re: Private message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_sinistra]

I quite agree on large clans - our tradition is Christmas Eve. Though this year, I've sent my presents ahead, and may not make it myself: it really has been quite a week. And as much as I'll miss them, I'm not sure I'm up for the whole extended family and lots of questions right now. Raz and I do have plans for tea with my parents this coming week, and such, though.

I did know about Letitia, of course. (Raz has been quite careful about letting me know that kind of thing as well.) And you're quite right about the family connections mattering.

The whole business was quite unsettling, honestly. It's one thing to be disliked for myself, but quite another to have something of this kind happen, I must say. And worrying about whether it might affect other students (well, it has, but if it had been worse, I'd have been beside myself, if you follow.) I do hope she gets help, though I'm sure I don't know what that might look like.

Re: Private message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, it is unsettling, to say the least, to realise that one's popularity with one segment may make one a target to another.

And I don't know whether this will help or harm, Aurora, but it gets no easier, no matter how many times it happens.

You can be confident that Razzer has every available protection and from what I have seen (and heard) from him, every intention of extending them to you if need be, for however long it takes.

But you ought to see this sort of thing subside, truly, over time. He's such a raffish reputation, you know, and I don't doubt he's broken quite a few hearts. Barty's the same in his way, though in his case it's more to do with his misanthropic way than his gregariousness. Once people get used to seeing you together, and accept that yours is not one of Razzer's fleeting, whimsical attachments, believe me, life will have its way of distracting them from their jealousy.

There will always be some who wish to impose on what you have, though, so mind if you wish to keep it safe.

But I, for one, could not be more pleased he has finally seemed to settle on a single someone.

Re: Private message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_sinistra]

You're quite right that as people get used to the idea, some other thing will come along and take their attention. Just a matter of getting through the next few weeks or months, I suppose.

And really, I wouldn't give up Raz for the world, difficulties and all.

You're quite right, too, that he's most willing to offer whatever he can to help. It's really a matter of figuring out what that is, and reminding myself that I don't need to be quite so difficult independent about managing everything on my own.

I am so very glad you're pleased. I know he thinks so highly of your good opinion, and I only hope to live up to his expectations, and those of the people who care for him.