Various notes

[alt_draco]

Mother, are you feeling better? I really was just spots, wasn't it? That's what Regulus said but then I keep thinking about how you were writing and it sort of looked the way a paralysed person might write. But you must be all right, or else Father would have let me know right away.

One thing I have been talking about with my Father is whether I should get a new mudblood or not. I'm allowed to have one to replace Dennis but after thinking about it I don't think I want one. I never really used Dennis for anything useful, and that's really all he wanted, to be useful. Most of the things he did for me the house elves can do, anyway. And if I had another mudblood it would probably just get killed, too, or some other bad thing would happen to it because that seems to be what happens to them. I'd just rather not deal with all that.

Harry, don't forget what I said about keeping a close eye on Granger, because you don't want her to be next. Also we need her

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, I'm quite recovered, thank you for asking, son. Mother was more than a little foolish, and didn't realise until that night that she's been under such a lot of strain. I expect you and your friends can have a good chuckle over the thought of your mother breaking out like one of your classmates. It wasn't just spots, it was what Healer Fletcher is calling an allergic reaction to the stress. They looked very like the disgusting sores that the purebloods have had, but they were harmless.

And certainly, if you don't wish to take on another mudblood, there's no need for you to do so. I'm sure your father will agree.

Are you sure everything else is all right, dearest? You're feeling more yourself? And you're keeping up with your studies?

[alt_draco]

No one had a chuckle over you. Some people were even worried for you, like Daphne, who said she couldn't ever imagine you with spots. She'll be glad to hear that you're well.

I'm keeping up well enough. It seems as if they are making sure we're busy all the time, though.

[alt_narcissa]

Well, you and your friends are kinder than some of the less savoury publications outside of school. Yes, I'm healing, though I've had to modify my regimen somewhat. Luckily I found a simple change to one of my lotions and it seems to be clearing up the, er, lesions very well indeed.

Are you and Harry taking any of the activities the staff have been providing, then? I wasn't sure from your recent letters. I shouldn't worry about it, though. Once you have a few more subjects to occupy you next year, you shan't need nearly as much entertaining outside of lessons.

So, have you decided on your extra classes for next year? Other than Dark Arts, of course - I know you want to take that!

[alt_lucius]

Yes, had it been a real case of the poison and not a false alarm, I should have arranged for an emergency firechat with you.

Your mother is quite right regarding the replacement of your mudblood. It's entirely your decision. If you don't wish another then we shall not pursue it further.

In the absence of letters, it seems we shall have to rely on the journals for your weekly progress reports. Remember our agreement; we shall endeavour not to eavesdrop, as it were, on your comments in these pages, but we do hope you continue to write to us as if our correspondence had not been disrupted.

[alt_draco]

I thought so but I wanted to be certain.

I suppose I can write here, but it seems odd to have other people reading that sort of thing. I don't like that part of it much.

[alt_lucius]

Well, of course, you needn't go into the detail of your letters. We are always glad to hear of your activities, but there is no need to make yourself uncomfortable - or to open yourself to possible trouble should your comments be taken the wrong way by someone other than your parents.

However, we do continue to look forward to your contact, if only because it assures your mother (and myself) that you are healthy and reasonably content, as well as maintaining the standards we expect of your lessons.

There may well be things you do not wish to trust to the journals - we can save that for when the ban has lifted. If ever you have an urgent need to talk, though, do ask Professor McGonagall. I'm sure she would oblige to arrange a firechat if necessary.