Justin Finch-Fletchley

Sweetheart,

We've gone to an early lunch, so I've a moment to write. How are you this morning?

I say, it's bally well ironic that crisis is the only time we're able to see each other alone.

I can't think what the Longbottoms must be feeling, nor what to say. Nor can you, I imagine.

No one seems to be blaming you, at least--not that one can see, anyway. I confess I was worried someone might take the wrong end of the stick, what. Particularly when the first reports came in. But it seems they understand how difficult it was for you.

I'm doing my level best to have a 'Happy' Christmas in front of the lads here. Have you--I mean to say, did you happen to hear whether the news will come out soon? It would be a relief to be able to drop the façade and show proper sorrow for Neville.

But until then, I shall go on as normal, as Mr Lupin wisely instructed. Just know my thoughts are with you, love. Come back to Spense again tonight, if you can. I'll do the same. The Weasleys will understand.

Your,

-Justin

Hullo, Juniors,

I say, who's up for a shopping trip? Any chance you could get free on Friday lunchtime? We could pop over to Diagon Alley and pick up our books and such, what, if you've a mind.

-Justin

Harry,

I say, I've just remembered that Neville wanted to read A Christmas Carol before the season's past us. If we wait to finish Pure Victory on Friday, there shan't be time for the other, what.

The story's rather short, old man. How much more of Pure Victory do you think we've got to go? I know we've exams for the end of term but what if we were to try to finish the book on Wednesday or Thursday, and read A Christmas Carol on Friday?

Wednesday might work, if we think we could finish before Astronomy.

What do you think?

-Justin

Hello,

I say, that was certainly a gruelling first day for me; how was yours?

What did you think of Professor Dolohov? At our table the others were all asking for our opinions. I said I had nothing much to compare but that he seems to set a high standard but a fair one. I mean to say. Assigned seating isn't something I've encountered before, even at Beauxbatons, what. Though I knew some people there who had it in primary school.

I've a feeling we're going to be quite challenged, if the first lesson is anything like the pace he intends to maintain. But if what he's said is true, at least we shan't have to hex each other in lessons. I suppose that's a blessing. Do you think that will make it easier on our Neville? I say, I know Neville's stalwart, what, but I'm well worried about how much he's worried about this. I hope it's more the dread of the thing than the thing itself, what? And that once he's in lessons he'll find it's not as intolerable as he fears. We've each other to keep perspective, what?

I'm working on the first Charms assignment. What about you?

Oh, by the way, I've asked Susan Bones and some of the others if they'd like to revise. That might give us an opportunity to meet without making a meal of the thing, if you follow me. We can always break apart into smaller groups to discuss the finer points. And if not, then at least we'll have a revising group.

-Justin

Hullo, all.

I say, the news this morning has been well dire, hasn't it? Well, as Pansy said, everyone's been trying to gather up as much information about it all as possible.

And Neville, I hope you'll accept my sympathies, as well. I didn't know any of you last year, of course, but I can bally well understand how you all must feel today.

But listen, I've got to tell you all - after the YPL presentation yesterday, I don't think any of you noticed but Mr Helpmann spoke to me. He'd been the one organising my visit back at the Quidditch World Cup. At first I thought he simply wanted to say hello, what, but it became clear that Mr Rosier's been talking to him about my letter. He was clearly trying to get me to say something then and there. Which I say, I thought that was bally well cheeky, what, given all the DogStar business Friday!

Well, of course I put him off as politely as I could do, but it just happened at that moment that Professor Froissart saw us talking. He asked to speak to me and led me away from all the others.

Once we were alone, he demanded to know whether I'd been talking to the Ministry on my own. I said that they approached me, which was the complete truth, what, and then he got very upset. Luckily he was speaking French so I don't think many people would have understood him but--he said I couldn't possibly think of staying, that the patriotic thing to do would be to return to France and explain how badly we need to change things there, instead.

I told him I hadn't made a decision and that if anything, this weekend's news was something to consider seriously. He reminded me that we're leaving in three weeks but he asked me to come and see him on Monday so he could explain why I need to go back with him.

I rather got the impression he thought he'd be blamed for it, if I stay.

But I hadn't even thought that we really shall be leaving in three weeks, if I leave. If Mr Rosier's going to respond and everything's to work out, he'll have to move quickly, what?

I say, I really do mean that this weekend's events give one pause. I'm well certain these DogStar chaps aren't our wand smugglers but...do any of you suppose the smugglers will rethink what they're doing because of the DogStar being routed?

-Justin