Private Message to Linus

[alt_lavender]

Linus, darling, I've been thinking about what you told me this morning and I've been wondering...

Were you really in earnest, or was it another one of your thought experiments?

Comments

[alt_linus]

I am quite in earnest, my dearest. If the wizarding and muggle worlds are to intermingle in this new world of ours, then someone has to be the first wizard to attend Oxford, and why should it not be myself? (Attend Oxford openly, of course, I mean; goodness knows some of us have been there now and then through the ages.)

In any case, it is a quest truly worthy. Will you be my gracious lady and accompany me? Think of the adventures! I have been talking with Rosemary Roche and also with Mrs Longbottom and with Professor Siz, and I do believe it might be possible. Just imagine it!

[alt_lavender]

I have to admit, I was rather hoping you would say it was a flight of fancy.

Surely there are easier ways to let your father and Karo and that crowd know that you've thrown over the traces decisively? Ones involving myself and a trip to the City of Light, perhaps?

[alt_linus]

Oh, Lavender, heart of my heart, when I receive word that I shall truly be going to Oxford, we shall indeed go to the City of Light to celebrate! I am given to understand it is traditional to make a Grand Tour at some point in any case.

As to my father, I am quite certain that he will support my ambitions once I explain them to him properly. It's all in how one goes about laying the matter out, after all -- an arithmancy of ambition, as it were.

Karo's crowd, on the other hand, is not any source of approval I would care to have. I rue the day she set eyes on Ptolemy Baddock, or he upon her, to be more precise. Yet there must be room for clemency in Albion for those who were misled by otherwise laudable wifely loyalties, misgiven though they may have been. Bad companions, but not a bad heart, one can hope they will say.

Speaking of, have you heard aught of your brother recently? Are your worries founded?

[alt_lavender]

From what I hear, Tibs has been hanging around the edges of Ptolemy Baddock's set--going to their parties and such.

I'm hoping he doesn't get much closer--although it's a bit funny that Mum isn't sure which of us to pleased with and which of us to be cross with.

And I hope you're right that they'll go easy on Karo.

You really think you can convince your father?

[alt_linus]

I am certain of it, my dear. Once I explain to him how important it is, both to myself and to our mutual future here, he cannot fail to see the proper path to take. My mother will help, too, I warrant. She does have a way of helping him see what is needful. (Hufflepuffs do have their strengths, it cannot be denied.)

But your Mum cannot be in sympathy with the Protectorate-that-was, surely?

[alt_lavender]

My Mum is trying to figure out who's going to win, and how to get by without damaging the family name too much either way.

[alt_linus]

I am proud that when it came to it, my father took a stand for the preservation of Hogwarts. I believe he remains in hope that Karo will somehow see reason, and judges it inadvisable to make an open declaration that might force her prematurely to a choice which she is not yet ready to make correctly. It is a subtle approach, yet ultimately may prove kinder and more wise. Yet he has been quite supportive of me remaining here.

When I write him tomorrow, I shall share news of the triumph involving the wards.

[alt_lavender]

It was a triumph! Why can't you just stay here and be happy being a wizard and doing that sort of thing?

Do you really want to go live among Muggles??? Are you ashamed of your wizardry somehow? Is this some sort of guilt?

[alt_linus]

It is not Muggles per se among whom I wish to live. It is poets. And one must go where the poets are. Were. And will be again, I make no doubt.

Besides, I am told they have opinions on the writing of history at Oxford the likes of which Professor Binns has never dreamt. Someone someday must set down a proper chronicle of these tumultuous, challenging, and spirit-refining times. Why should it not be a Moon who does so?

My dear fierce lady lion -- you aren't afraid, are you?

[alt_lavender]

No!

It just sounds like a wild Snorkack hunt or whatever those creatures were that Lovegood used to go on about.

And the poetry's lovely, but they're still Muggles.

[alt_linus]

Lavender, my dearest, I think perhaps we both ought to sleep on the matter before either of us says aught we might regret.

[alt_lavender]

I suppose we should.