Private Message to Padma

[alt_lavender]

It's been such a strange start to hols, hasn't it? I gave Dad the biggest hug when I got home because I just kept thinking of the World Cup last year and how much worse that could have been. Don't tell her I told you, but Pav had nightmares the night before we left-about Sanji. She acted like she was fine when I asked her about it though.

It was nice of Greengrass to post the revue results before we left--it was good to have something cheerful to discuss on the train.

Lovegood's at the Weasleys'. I always forget that she practically grew up with them. I think she was afraid Mum wouldn't let her go-I'm not sure why, it's not as if Mum's unfeeling.

Speaking of friends of the Weasleys', what on Earth is Longbum sending you PMs for?

Comments

[alt_padma]

Oh, it's been so weird, I agree!

I could barely sleep last night. I guess just because home is so unfamiliar, in a way.

As for Longbum, it's the most annoying thing. You saw how Finnigan wrote to us both? Well, Longbum wanted to ask if I could help him next term because he's practically failing Noble Arts. And everything else, probably! He was too embarrassed to ask on his own, so that's why Seamus brought it up.

I haven't decided yet whether I'll tutor him. I mean, it's not like he can get a whole lot of help, given his deficiencies, but on the other hand, he's making an honest effort to improve, and it's part of a Prefect's duties to help out.

What do you think I should do?

[alt_lavender]

He's not really one to put himself forward like that--he must be doing really badly! It was nice of Seamus to help; he's been taking his prefect duties really seriously. Not that I haven't been!

If I were you, I'd offer to help, but make clear you're busy and haven't much time to spare. And maybe ask for something in return?

Did you get my owl about the post-Frost Faire party?

Mum insisted I had to do formal invitations, even though it would be so much simpler to ask everyone over the the journals.

It is more elegant, though.

[alt_padma]

Of course you have been! But Seamus thought between him and me we could maybe manage to get Longbum's marks up in NA.

I dunno. I might have him talk to Lines, since they're both in the theory class and Seamus and I are in the practical.

And yes, I got the owls! You must have been at the invitations all evening so get them out so quickly.

It looks like it's going to be ever so sophisticated. I can't wait!

[alt_lavender]

Well, Linus does love to share his knowledge of the Noble Arts and needs to get his prefect status back on firmer ground, so that might be the best solution altogether!

[alt_padma]

Who else did you invite?

I didn't tell you: I got home and there's a Christmas parcel from Lana Sandoval-Pennifold!

I'm waiting until Christmas to open it (mainly because I don't want to insult her by opening it before then). I'm just so flattered she thought to send something. I'll have to thank her at the St Mungo's benefit. Did Pav tell you we're going this year?

It's just so amazing to finally start getting to go to some of these events that we've only read about. I feel so grown-up. I know that sounds childish even to say but it's true!

(Even if it does feel a little odd to be so happy about it, when the Weasleys are mourning, you know? But I guess life goes on. Seamus and I were collecting, and I want to do something more about that, too.)

[alt_lavender]

Oh, I invited mostly the usual crowd, plus a few others just to shake things up a bit!

R.S.V.P.s are just starting to arrive, but something odd happened! The post-owl came back with Seamus's invitation still tied to its leg, completely undelivered.

Mr. Rosier hasn't moved recently, has he?

[alt_padma]

Oh.

Well, Seamus did say that he fell asleep for ages and ages and didn't wake up until afternoon.

Maybe the owl got tired of waiting?

I bet if you sent it back, or even just gave it by Floo to Mr Rosier's elf, it would be okay.

[alt_lavender]

I'll send it again, then.

Seamus has seemed so serious lately--it'll be good for him to get out and do something festive!

That was really thoughtful of Lana Sandoval-Pennifold (whew, that's a mouthful!) especially with how busy she must be. I think it's wonderful that she's continued on with her own career now that she's married; some people can be such fossils about that sort of thing.