Hogwarts again.

[alt_sinistra]

Such a joy to be settling in for the year. I just finished finding all of the charts and materials I need the first week of classes, I'm partway through some revisions for later in term in several years, and I'm about to tackle a few needed repairs, including one of the telescopes our fifth years will be using shortly.

And of course, I look forward to welcoming everyone back, and to the Sorting. Always so wonderful to see people find their homes for their time at Hogwarts. There’s the hope of some different and entertaining stories at the staff table, the crispness of Scotland’s air (already!) and all the wonders of the year.

I am even quite looking forward to Quidditch, this year (which fact I am sure has deeply amused most of my family) and I understand that the improvements to the pitch over the summer are quite something. (Very extensive, and more than a few to be much appreciated by the spectators as well as the players.)

Welcome back, students!

Comments

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_rabastan]

I think I'll manage breakfast without you, though the toast crumbs always were amusing (the hazard of eating with your eyes nearly closed. Best that you get the extra sleep, yeah?).

I think it's a good idea to invite Harry on an outing with us, yes- quiet and discreet is best, since he can be a bit sensitive about appearing as if he's been singled out for special treatment- even if everyone does expect it and doesn't begrudge it (out loud).

Perhaps we can get Draco and Hydra on their own, as well? Hydra especially, since she's my blood relation. Now, I've told you how withdrawn she can be around women, so don't be hurt if she doesn't warm up to you straight away. Narcissa and Druella are the only women I've seen her truly be herself around, and she's only known them her whole life. And now she's got the former Beauxbaton's lad that she's all wrapped up in. I can't help but think it's gone a bit too serious for someone her age (and he's nearly two years older than her, at that), but it seems to have done her a bit of good, as well? But as a man and historically terrible judge of these things, it might be good for her to have a woman she can talk to, who she's not related to, about boys and hormones and...whatnot.

And Draco, well. I think he's always seen me as the cool older brother (much older), and I'm not sure it's really sunk in that I'm engaged to be married. He's not nearly so difficult to penetrate as Hydra, but (like both of his parents) I suspect he's got a face for every occasion.

In comparison to those two, Harry is blessedly straight-forward and simple.

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

Sleep best, yes. (I keep telling you I have no desire to repeat last spring.)

Yes, on Harry being blessedly straight-forward and simple in comparison.

Glad you brought it up, honestly, because I've been unsure quite how to go forward with both Draco and Hydra. Truly, I won't be offended if she doesn't warm. Not only has she not known me long, but I'm really nothing like either her mother or Narcissa, and I'm sure that's no help whatsover in her figuring out what to do with me.

I do wonder if books might be a way in, if I can strike on something to talk about with her. I don't know. (Which is to say, should you have suggestions, please share.)

But on the topic of a willing ear. Well. Yes.

(I'd been thinking about that with others, too. Pansy, for a start. One doesn't want to put too many ideas in a head, but at the same time, I know far too many women whose first relationships were rather a mess, even with boys who were trying to do everything best they could, because there's just so much you don't know you don't know. As it were.)

And on Draco - well, yes. There's an easier way in if I let you talk Quidditch at me, there, and see what grows from that? (And truly, I don't mind at all. Especially now you can show me the whole pattern more clearly - see, my present to you was entirely selfish.)

One other thing: Antosha suggested he and I might enjoy some discussion of - as he puts it - the minutae of research that may not interest you, on Fridays. My thought is that we might alternate both of us (he'd love time with you as well, mind) with that. And that would give you some time alone with Harry and Draco and Hydra, as well, if you wanted. And then we could arrange other things for Saturday or Sunday, depending. (Just don't expect me up before 11 on Saturday mornings, is all I ask. Maybe noon.)

Stars, Narcissa is right, and I do appear to be turning into your social secretary. Not that I mind.