We didn't even touch on his romantic inclinations. Not really. (The last time we tried - well before I ever met you - it went so very badly. Much much worse than today. There was broken crockery. And I think a chair.) But he's had plenty of chances to do something about that, and hasn't.

But it's more - you're right, the life-story he'd envisioned. I was supposed to have this nice safe little trajectory: learn my field, go teach, live happily ever after in Hogwarts, with stars. And while I'm still very much hoping for "live happily ever after" - and Hogwarts, and stars - it is coming out in rather a different way than I ever expected.

Anyway, even more than the romance, I think he's held out hope that somehow, being at Hogwarts, I'd be safe and secure and he wouldn't need to worry about me. (How one could possibly think that given the Carrows, I've no idea. Or three years ago. Or two years ago, for that matter. And last year wasn't exactly safe either, just in different locations.)

But about perfection - don't you dare go putting me on a pedastal, Rabastan Basil Lestrange.

I am perfectly aware I've any number of tedious habits and flaws, and things I should be much better about. Yes, I like to think I'm good for you. But you're every bit as good for me. The hols have brought it home. Today, not feeling nearly as flat-footed as I usually do when things take a turn I couldn't plan for. Feeling like I had some sense of control, wasn't constantly a beat behind somehow. And even the harder things(Hypatia, that conversation with Chloe, or some of the social bits), it - I think I'm managing better. Eventually, anyway.

Which, love, is pretty much all you. (Though Tosha's also been a help.)

Speaking of bad habits, I am currently buried in parchment, and will be later than I thought.