Mid-September
Sep. 18th, 2012 05:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_sinistraIn New London for the afternoon, a combination of errands and catching up with two of my sisters. It is amazing how quickly things fall into place after just a week or two back at school, really - I’ve been working tidily through my list and plans, and it’s so satisfying to see things checked off.
The weather, alas, not so much - we’ve had some glorious stargazing weather the last week, but I’m afraid it’s the last gasps before the far more uncertain days of the fall and winter.
Temp - thanks again for rounding more of those up. And for the other set of used-book searching, too. Gilly - no worries that you had to cancel, I found other company, but next week? Could do lunch at one.
The weather, alas, not so much - we’ve had some glorious stargazing weather the last week, but I’m afraid it’s the last gasps before the far more uncertain days of the fall and winter.
Temp - thanks again for rounding more of those up. And for the other set of used-book searching, too. Gilly - no worries that you had to cancel, I found other company, but next week? Could do lunch at one.
Private message to Narcissa Malfoy and Arca Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-18 09:38 pm (UTC)I’ve arranged an appointment at Young & Miller for half-three next Tuesday. (Sorry, Mum, but it’s the the latest slot they had open that worked.) I do hope you both can come - if not, I’ll resort to sketches by owl or something. I’ve already let Diane know, too. The planner meetings were interesting. More once Raz and I’ve had a chance to talk.
Mum - would love to pick your brain at some point. Dolores Umbridge is trying all the same status and influence games Auntie Alphecca and cousin Cally do. I’m woefully out of practice with people outside of family in that particular mode, and I could use your greater experience. Owl with details soon as I get a chance, and some specific questions. You more than Dad, but I’ve a couple for him.
In brief, I’m trying to get her to “You show signs of being a potentially competent adult” rather than “Let me run your life for you, dear.” (Modest ambitions, I know, but I’ll start there.) Currently trying the “Let me make unassailably sensible suggestions that allow you to look good” approach, but I can’t quite bring myself to the flattery that works with Auntie A. I could stand to have more options ready to go, but I can’t tell if it should be firm resolve or perky offers of help on my terms or what.
Narcissa, it might amuse you too, mind, but I’m afraid our Hufflepuff bluntness entirely confuses sometimes. (She was rather venomous Sunday, and Raz is still fuming on my behalf.) And Dolores is not the most subtle player I’ve ever seen, which is less a help than one would think.
Right. One or two more notes, then supper. Mum, much love to the family. Narcissa, I do hope I'll see you next week, but if not, do let me know a good Tuesday afternoon, and I'd love to chat more.
A.
Re: Private message to Narcissa Malfoy and Arca Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-18 11:54 pm (UTC)I'd be happy to join you and that time ought to be perfect.
Regarding Dolores, I'm trying to recall the sorts of things that worked while she was Minister. Though truth be told I don't think I had nearly the difficulties with her that you're having. But then, in her estimation I was, of course, doing all the proper things, as wife and mother and general rôle model.
I'm sure she'll settle down eventually, dear, though I'm very sorry to hear she's got her claws out. What does Tosha say about it all? I understand you and he are already bosom friends. He's an excellent judge of character and, I think you'll find, a master at interpersonal politics.
Re: Private message to Narcissa Malfoy and Arca Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-19 12:33 am (UTC)Oh, lovely. I'm so glad it's convenient for you.
I do seem to be having more than the usual run of difficulties with her, yes. Part of that, I suspect, is that it's clear I'm not conforming to her ideal. But I think it's also - well, it's probably no surprise to say that she considers me a threat to her rapport with students. Not that I've said a word directly against her, but then I haven't really had to - her own actions do speak rather clearly.
And there is a certain category of witch who seems convinced that I cannot possibly manage my life without their particular wisdom - there's more than a little of that with Dolores as well. While I'll tolerate it to a degree from my aunts and older cousins (though only so far, mind), I refuse to from her, and that may be a sticking point indeed.
Antosha, well. He and Raz and I talked quite a bit on Friday, but mostly about other topics (amusing embarrassing moments, largely, given the matter with Miss Lovegood last week.) He was rather sympathetic on Sunday, when Dolores messaged, but yesterday was rather filled with a pair of challenges in one of his classes. (Everyone is fine, but it took a bit of sorting out.) He has offered whatever help he can be, and I will take his advice most seriously - we just need more than a handful of minutes to talk it through.
Raz is, well. Restraining himself and avoiding her until he can manage his usual charming face to her again. But I'm sure he'll have ideas once we get a chance to talk. (I'm waiting for him now, actually, but he'll be at duelling club a while yet.)