Oh, excellent. It seemed the least I could do. I was so impressed by the twins and the mask work last year. And while part of me can scarcely encourage certain of their pranks, the rest of me would far rather have good humoured amusements and entertainments than other kinds, and I entirely appreciate their creativity and skill. (I keep thinking back to the fireworks, especially.)

I do hope the situation's temporary for you. I never quite went through that estrangement with my parents, but I did with other people in my family, and it is rather difficult, isn't it? But mine wasn't petty rebellion, and I'm sure yours isn't either, but instead a way of finding your own place in the world. Which, really, is what it means to grow up, and certainly part of what I'm supposed to be encouraging you to do as one of your teachers. (Which tells you a bit about my own loyalties, I suppose, but I've never hid that one.)

I'm glad, about the lecture, and I've got your name on my list. You know, there's at something about the ley flying in one of my books that wasn't all idiotic tosh - I'll have a rummage, and if I turn up anything, I'll get Georg to add it as one of the discussion topics after the main presentation. (People have some exceedingly odd ideas about comets, and part of the point of this is to educate them about the actuality. The more variety we can offer, the better.)

As to the exam - ah. I was more than a little upset frustrated, but I really do appreciate the apology, and I know it's exceedingly unlike you. On a far happier note, seeing you will make the St M's gala entirely more pleasant, and I'd certainly love tea if we can arrange that.