Greetings from Holiday

[alt_draco]

People keep asking in their journals how our holiday is going so I thought I'd best write about it. (No, Blaise, I don't know that chip girl's name, and I don't plan on asking for it.)

This town is a pretty snitch place, and all the cottages (ours, I mean) have views overlooking the water. They're not large, but there's definitely enough room for all of us, and we see each other a whole lot more than we would if we were just pottering about New London. Speaking of New London, it's loads quieter here, very peaceful. Except the people can be fun and boisterous, too. Last night they were all lighting bonfires on the beach and turning the smoke into giant coloured animals. We were watching from the windows until Uncle Razzer said it would be safe to go down and join them. One of the men saw Harry and started turning the smoke in his fire into massive, swooping snakes. It was pretty wicked. The animals turned out to just be a warm-up, too; they used the smoke to tell the whole story of Orpheus, and how he became a seer and star-gazer and used magic to speak with all creatures of the magical world. A collection of harps were charmed to play throughout the whole performance, too. After the show a lot of people left but some lingered behind and told ghost stories around the bonfires. The man who made the smoke snakes told us about the Black Hounds. He said they appear in a flash, out of the mist, and just as fast they vanish. They're supposed to be the manifestation of evil, wicked muggles who still want to bring about misfortune. Some people even say that the Hounds can tear people apart with their claws, and then bury your body where it will never be found again. It might've scared Hydra a little but Harry and I thought it was great. The Razzer said it was a good bit of local colour and that it him reminded him of old stories about the Grim.

We ended up staying up very late, because Hydra had only been there a day and there was lots to talk about. I still can't believe some of the things she told me.

Father and I (and sometimes Harry) have been taking beach walks after breakfast. We've been discussing what's going to happen next year at Hogwarts, mostly--regarding both electives and other matters. It's good. I really thought he might have to go away a lot to do things back in New London, but he hasn't done at all. Mother doesn't seem to want to go out much, though; every time we venture out to explore she finds some reason to stay in. And then Mr Crouch has to keep her company.

Flying along the shore line is amazing. Sometimes if the wind is just right you can feel a bit sea water spray on your face. No one will let us fly out very far over the water, though. If you fly a little ways outside the village there are all sorts of mouldering boat houses and dilapidated cottages where the wizards used to live back when the town was a muggle fishing village. I can't imagine how depressing it would have been to have to hide yourself away on the fringes of some isolated countryside, living in a heap of rubble that's on the verge of collapse. What a dreary life that must be.

Anyway, I think we're having pudding soon so I'd better finish up. Teddy, I've owled off the beach pebbles you've asked for. Four of them.

Comments

[alt_padma]

It sounds lovely, Draco!

When you say 'what's going to happen next year at Hogwarts' - what do you mean? Is there something planned? Like - oh, I dunno, are the Governors going to let us put on that play or will there be an end-of-term dance or anything?

[alt_zacharias]

Long as it's not basilisks attacking people or teachers going spare, I reckon it doesn't much matter.

Or are they replacing Binns at last?

[alt_draco]

No, nothing like that. I mean, the Governors might allow the play but I don't know, it's not come up.

Private Message to Padma Patil

[alt_draco]

We've talked about how third year is an important one. We're going to be into our electives and there will be two years' worth of younger students looking up to us. It'll be up to people like me and Harry to set the tone for our house, and up to people like you (he didn't say your name, but you're the sort of person he means) to set the tone for yours.

[alt_lucius]

Her name is Melinda - it's on her name-tag, Draco. I thought you and Harry spent enough time staring at the vicinity to have noticed that, at least.

I have been very grateful that affairs in New London have required nothing more than an hour or two each day to maintain order, leaving us the opportunity I had hoped to spend time. I know even last summer, our schedule demanded more official business than unstructured time. I remember you saying it was not much fun to come along to meetings, luncheons and so on. Your mother knows that as well and, as she and I discussed, has been leaving us to our conferences.

And even at home, you know she is not inclined to spend much time out of doors in the sunshine.

[alt_hydra]

I wasn't lying to you!
I would never do that.

From,
Hydra

Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_draco]

I didn't say you were lying, I said it was hard to believe. I mean, I know his parents are former Aurors and wanted criminals but he's always seemed like such a harmless plonker, you know? But now it's got me thinking that he's not. I mean, the Razzer almost died when he was guarding the Lord Protector, so I thought he got his limp that way. I had no idea it was from Longbottom's Mum.

Re: Private Message to Padma Patil

[alt_padma]

Oh, that sort of thing!

Yes, Sandoval and I talked about that a bit, too, when I went to see her. About Ravenclaw Corner, you know, and how it's important to make sure to single out the ones who are doing really well - and the ones who need to improve their attitudes.

Harry's usually - well, I mean, he's usually so quiet, though. I know he just wants people to like him for him, not because he's the Lord Protector's son - but do you think he'll have the stomach to tell people off if they need it?

[alt_draco]

Why does everyone think I'm looking at the chip girl? I'm not! I only look at her when I want more chips.

And I know Mother stays out of the sunshine, but I'm surprised that she hasn't asked me to stay behind with her for at least a time or two. I'm going off to school soon, after all.

Re: Private Message to Padma Patil

[alt_draco]

No, and I think that's what Father was trying to imply: that I'll have to be all the more firmer, since Harry feels like he's abusing his position when he has to speak up like that.

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_hydra]

Like I told you, I heard Razzer and my Daddy talking about it when they didn't know I was there.
What do you mean that you think he's not a harmless plonker now?

From,
Hydra

[alt_lucius]

Well, she's had you nearly all the summer, hasn't she? Perhaps she simply wants to give your father equal opportunity.

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_draco]

Aurors have mastery of diversion techniques, and Longbottom seems to know how to keep a low profile. Almost unnaturally low. I wonder who taught him how to be that way?

And if his parents are dangerous criminals, who knows what he's really capable of? Didn't you see how he blew up on the journals when the news about his parents came out? It was as if he was showing his true self for the first time.

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_hydra]

Well I thought you said something like "people can't help who their parents are?"

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_draco]

I was thinking more of other people when I said that, though. People like... Percy Weasley. His family is such an embarrassment. He'll be lucky if he can rise above it, but it's starting to look like he might.

Anyway, I'll be watching Longbottom this year, and you ought to, too. You'd be excellent at diversion, Hydra. No one ever notices imagined you were the one behind the Basalisk attacks. Sort of behind them, at least.

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_hydra]

Well all right.
I don't know what I'm suppose to be looking for, though.
But if I know it when I see it, I'll tell you.

From,
Hydra

[alt_narcissa]

As your father says, son, we did have a talk before coming away on holiday. I know he particularly wanted to spend time with you - and Harry, of course - without other influences or distractions. (Though somehow it seems the chip shop does not qualify.)

But dearest, if it makes you feel better, I think it's going to rain tomorrow. We can spend a lovely day together and you may keep me company.

As for Mr Crouch, he's gone to great trouble on our behalf, not only this week but in the preparations. And have you already forgot about the Quidditch tickets he gave to your father for your benefit? He's even cancelled his time with the Auror trainees to remain here, personally overseeing the arrangements. I am not sure you appreciate that remaining here so someone will be at the cottage is more sacrifice for him than you, dear.

Private message to Lucius Malfoy

[alt_draco]

Father, don't you think that Mother and Crouch spend an awful lot of time together...alone?

Re: Private message to Lucius Malfoy

[alt_lucius]

What makes you say that, son?

[alt_sally_anne]

The show with the smoke sounds wiz-nift. Too bad they limit how far you can fly -- you and Harry are both brilliant fliers, it's not as if you wouldn't be able to make it back. Maybe they're worried Snape and Macnair found a boat?

Did Professor Lestrange tell you stories about the Grim? I can't wait to have him for Defense.

[alt_seamus]

Why does everyone keep teasing you about the chip girl? Is she THAT pretty?

Re: Private message to Lucius Malfoy

[alt_draco]

It's hard to say, exactly.

Only that why does he want to keep her company? He and the Razzer are pretty good mates and Mother might want some time with you, I should think, before we're back in New London.

[alt_draco]

No, she's quite common looking if you ask me.

Re: Private message to Lucius Malfoy

[alt_lucius]

Ah. Well, for one thing, you must understand that Mr Crouch was very close to your Cousin Regulus - and I know that, despite appearances, your mother still misses her cousin keenly. Given the unfortunate start of our visit here, with the Azkaban guards growing too eager, it is small wonder that she has been reminded of her losses more recently. So, if young Mr Crouch is masochist enough to engage in endless rounds of speculation regarding Reg, it's his own lookout.

I have no complaints of your mother, Draco. But thank you for your concern on my behalf.

[alt_draco]

It's probably just for general safety, I suppose, plus storms build up out there over the water.

He told us that in some parts of England they call the Grim the Black Shuck, and in other parts they call it the Barghest. It was mostly muggles who used that term, though, and wizards usually call it the Grim. He said to remember that there are plenty of ordinary black dogs in the world, and that most Grims are probably just that.

[alt_draco]

It's looked like rain every day and we haven't had any yet.

[alt_narcissa]

Well, the coast along here does tend to clouds, but they've blown off well enough.

But last night I was speaking to several of the local witches and they were certain of rain.

I shall make you a deal: Even should it not, we can spend the whole day, if you like.

[alt_draco]

That sounds reasonable. Though if there's no rain I might have to convince you to come outdoors and see the beach, at least.

Re: Private Message to Padma Patil

[alt_padma]

Oh, for Shiva's sake, he's not abusing anything! He's being a strong leader. You can tell him that, can't you?

But either way, I'm glad your father feels the same way - about the firsties and such. Sandoval says it's imperative to make sure they fall in line. And between you and me, she's not sure Weasley's the man for it. Your dad seems to think he's got potential, though. Maybe if he weren't such a prat around younger people. I think he probably wasn't like that with your dad, I can't imagine your father standing that sort of thing for long.