Justin Finch-Fletchley

Антонин,

Thank you again for introducing me to the Parish Church and bringing me as your guest at Easter Sunday services. I know it’s not your ‘Главная традиция’ but it felt jolly good to observe, and with someone of like-minded faith, what.

At Mr Pontner’s invitation, I went to see him at the Ministry yesterday. There were some formalities of parchment to fill out against my starting appointment. It struck me as we spoke that many of Mr Pontner’s pronouncements seemed to have been made on the assumption that I would join Our Lord’s Council relatively soon after finishing at Hogwarts.

I do hope he’s correct in his estimation of me, but I left feeling somewhat disconcerted and not entirely sure why. This morning it came to me that it’s been weeks since you’ve mentioned arranging my formal introductions to Our Lord’s Court. In fact, I believe it not unfair to say that since Hydra’s mishap, you’ve been silent on the subject which has been much of our preoccupation up until that time.

Я знаю, что разочарован вас, сэр. I know that in the past you’ve cautioned patience and sincerity and good faith that I might prove myself worthy in the Lestranges’ eyes. Hydra and I defied that well sound advice. I do still believe our imprudence was, in fact, the only way that we would ever have been allowed to marry, nor can I honestly tell you I regret our decision. I regret only that having confided in you, I might now have somehow jeopardised your good opinion of me, and the future which that good opinion might make possible.

If you were to ask me which outcome I desire more: a life with Hydra or a life in service to the Lord Protector, it would be entirely deceitful to claim the latter. As you know, I never dreamed I might be worthy of membership on the Council, and only your encouragement has caused me to think otherwise. My love for Hydra, on the other hand, is unshakeable, no matter how many times I have tried, for her good and for mine, to set it aside. I believe my love for her is what makes it possible to reach my own potential, in point of fact. Without it, I would be a poor candidate for any mentor. It is singularly ironic that the force which propels me to achieve greatness in the الفنون النبيلة may also be the reason I am found wanting those qualities befitting a Councilwizard. So if I may only have one thing or the other, then I must admit there is really no question which I choose. Only if that is the choice now before me, I humbly beg you to tell me without equivocation, so that I may adjust my expectations accordingly.

Regardless of your answer, I hope that I continue to be useful as your clerk and that you will continue to utilise me in that capacity. I can confidently promise that you will detect no change in my commitment to assisting you and serving Hogwarts through that important work.

In the hope that there is something I can do to restore your faith in me, I remain,

Твой любящий студент,


Джастин Финч-Флетчли

Professor,

Forgive me for interrupting you on holiday. I shan't take too much of your time, I hope.

I simply wondered if you had any further recommendations for reading; I've finished the first volume of Speed and Spellwork that I'd borrowed. Is there something specific you'd suggest to follow?

I say, I did receive a very kind letter by owl, from Mr Pontner at International Magical Relations, assuring me that he sets no store by recent events and my continuing internship this summer is mine if I still wish it. I've been thinking about languages as a result. Obviously I'm conversational in French, I've got a little classical Latin and Greek and I picked up a smattering of German while the students from Durmstrang were also here. But I wonder if you have any recommendations on a primer in Russian? I'm afraid I shall have to start right from the beginning, learning the Cyrillic alphabet and such. I'm not sure whether there are other languages that would be useful--perhaps Dutch or Portuguese, or do you think Gobbledegook might be more useful?

I appreciate any thoughts you might have, sir. There's no rush to answer; I simply wished to take advantage of the holiday to put in a little preparation, if possible.

I hope you're enjoying your rest and the excellent spring weather.

Looking forward to your reply,

-Finch-Fletchley