...That's a very odd thing to say, isn't it? When you learn a language that is not your mother tongue, you tend to question expressions that a native would take for granted. For example "Make no bones about it" - what on earth does that mean? "Can't have your cake and eat it" - that's another silly one, as surely you can do exactly that. I have my breakfast at seven, and I eat it. I have my lunch at one, and I eat it. I have a cup of hot chocolate and a really nice little tray of biscotti at about four in the afternoon, and by Ganesh I eat all of those.
I also had trouble with certain prefixes that weren't prefixes at all, at least in the vernacular. I wanted to say that I was feeling extremely gruntled if I was happy, but apparently there is no gruntled to oppose disgruntled. Similarly, one cannot be appointed in someone, although you can be disappointed in them.
I'm sure that Hindi is equally odd to those whom attempt to learn it. Take, for instance, Kudure kandre kaalu novvu- "Horse in your eye makes your leg ache". It's a proverb about having an aversion to hard work, as a matter of fact. Which is something I have had fleeting feelings about myself lately! There's a LOT of work to be had at the moment in post-War Britain - many registered cursebreakers sadly lost their lives for one reason or for another during that time, and furthermore, there are a lot of lingering curses to break. So it is rather bittersweet to be so inundated right now. I am glad of the work now that I am fully qualified, and glad too for the opportunity to be close enough to visit Pari at school, and Parvati when she can tear herself away from her customers in Hogsmeade.
I've been so busy going backwards and forwards from Britain to Italy that I've hardly had time to keep up with the interwebs. But since some of you have been posting on there lately, the machine has started beeping and I'm keen to catch up with you all - so sorry for the long absence! I'm rather interested in the new communications gadget called the i-patch - has anyone got one of those, and if so, how are you getting on with it?
I'm writing this from what used to be Florian Fortescue's ice-cream parlour, and is now a tea shop that sells rather colourful cakes - I'm reminded of Inkdarts. My reason for writing? Alison Stephens, the new proprietress of the Apothecary has a bit of a problem, and I immediately thought - Charlie Weasley should know about this.
The very short version - she was approached by a rather nasty-looking character last night as she was closing. He offered her a dragon's egg. She refused, informing him she doesn't deal in black market goods ... what followed resulted in Alison confiscating the egg and the peddler fleeing in terror for his wits. Now she has a dilemma - she knows she should take it to the Ministry, but to risk the poor creature's life in a three month paper-chain? The possibility is anathema to her, as I am sure you can understand.
I've known Alison for years - she grew up not far from me in London and at school we were both in Ravenclaw, although she was in your brother Percy's year. She's only been in charge of the Apothecary since the war ended; her former Master went into retirement rather suddenly when the Ministry started their inquiries... you know how it's been. Anyway, I said I knew someone who might be able to help, so I am asking - what should she do?
I hope you're enjoying your first term at Hogwarts - by your last letter it certainly sounds as if you're having fun! In answer to your question: no, I will not smuggle a Firebolt into school for you. Personal brooms are forbidden for first-years as you know. Madam Hooch will not look kindly on having to rescue you from hanging upside down from the weathervane by the hem of your slip, and besides, the school brooms were all overhauled just before Christmas so they're perfectly all right. Sorry darling, but it's just not on.
And you never answered my question - although I doubt you will now that I've refused to bootleg illegal items for you - what familiar did you choose in the end? Don't tell me you didn't get one, because I saw the cage.
I'm very pleased that you're enjoying Charms. Do let me know if there are any books you'd like. I'm talking about unrestricted ones, of course, before you get any ideas! Parvati sends her love, and promises to write to you soon, and send you some sweets and, apparently, the best lip balm in the known universe. She's very busy at the moment, what with setting up her salon. It's looking pretty already; she and Lavender have chosen some lovely paint and carpets and if they'd only stop flirting with the decorators it will be finished in no time. She wanted me to ask you if you'd put up some fliers around the school, promoting the Grand Opening of Gorgeous Goddess, but has since been persuaded that instead of angling for free labour, she ought to put a decent-sized advertisement in the Prophet. You can thank me later.
Life in Italy? Well, it's exciting, if you don't mind the occasional bout of politics, very cultured, and very beautiful. Although it's raining in Milan. Apparently. Venice is particularly gorgeous...you can really lose yourself there. Literally. In fact, if you don't get lost, you probably live there. And even then, you probably get lost on purpose sometimes for fun. We'll take you there when you next visit - Easter holidays?
I must stop writing and send this - this train will arrive at my stop shortly. Take all my love, bhaginika, and give some to Toyah! Padma xxx
I am now a lady of leisure, residing in a rather splendid hotel in Venice. Of course, this sounds far grander than it actually is - and no, Val hasn't thrown me out. I stayed in Pavia for a week as a guest, and due to protocol must actually live elsewhere until the wedding. It's quite odd; back to hiding, in a way, like we were at school! So here I am, in Venice, being the exotic foreign fiancee I am suddenly reading so much about. So far I have been photographed drinking espresso, feeding pigeons, trying on gloves and watching street theatre; and according to the newspapers (which they apparently don't see me reading), I understand no Italian at all and my past is shrouded in mystery. How romantic!
Actually, it's very easy to spend a very unromantic sum of money in Venice, so I am keeping my espresso to a minimum. After all, a girl has got to sleep sometime.
Luna, did you and Remus have that talk you were going to have? I do hope so - you have been very quiet, and I am taking this as a good sign.
Please write soon, the pigeons are getting much too fat.
I just had the most irate owl from poor Pari. She and Daddy had come all that way, only to discover that term isn't going to start for another few months. She's so disappointed! However, Daddy took her to Diagon Alley anyway, to order the books on her list, her robes, and of course, her familiar. Although she says she couldn't find anything she liked, and that the options of an owl, a toad, a rat or a cat were "prakopana". Honestly, that child.
She's sulking, but what I don't think she's realised is that of course, they don't have to go all the way back to India again. It's not as if we don't have a house in London. If she takes a few deep breaths, I am sure she'll realise it means she, and Daddy, will have a holiday from Mama.
And I'm not sure which of the two will be the most pleased, frankly.
Once you've recalled where I put an envelope of yours, the following may make some sense.
You're on your way to Hogwarts, and we have arrived in India. We are like boats in fog, passing unnoticed!
Pari and Toyah are practically like twins - both brown from the sun, muddy from the banks of the Devi and grinning like snakes. It's hard to imagine that they could ever be placed into school robes and weighted down with books. And as for giving the little rascals a wand apiece...! But yes, Pari is to begin her schooling this coming term and of course, Daddy is keen for her to attend Hogwarts. Mama of course disagrees. But then she is a very disagreeable person and I should be recincarnated as a toad for such disrespect, but so be it. At least I'll be a sane toad.
I'm glad to hear that your brother is well again. We said goodbye to my brother yesterday, and it was very sweet and very sad. He always wanted to fly, you know. I think of him as the cloud his name describes, scudding across the sky and telling us all to lighten up. That was his favourite phrase. Lighten up. Well, he lightened the life of everyone he met.
I must try not to be too sad.
You know, I don't think I could ever tire of gorgeous men, well, one in particular. But of course I shall have many reasons to be in Britain throughout the year. I'm still learning from Bill, and I'm sure the Court of Milan can be upheld without Her Graceless Grace's constant presence. I've enclosed some leaves for you to make sludge with - keep the pot warm for me.
And I have no doubt whatsoever that you will turn your blue to gold. I've never met anyone so determined in all my life.
Before you start reading, it'll be a lot easier if you say, three times, the name of the items we collected competitively in our sixth year, and tap your wand to the page.
Where to begin? I think I'll start with answering your questions. It's good to write with ink and quill...my hands don't run ahead of my thoughts too much this way.
How is Severus? I do not dare to bother him but I think about him all the time. Severus was wounded badly, as you probably know. Poppy has been looking after him at Kippenross of late - there was a bit of an altercation regarding Bellatrix Lestrange. Best to gloss over that for now; it wasn't pleasant. Aside from that, he's been much the same as usual. I'm pleased about that, of course, and it's been instrumental in my acquiring that thick skin I've always coveted.
How is Remus, really? I dare not say too much, in case he doesn't remember. I do not want him to feel guilty for not remembering. Ah, Remus...I am so pleased for him that his memory's returned. How is he? Well...he's a very private person, and not many have ever penetrated that. Luna, you are one of those precious few, and I think he must miss you very much. Talk to him! If he doesn't remember, he's sure to want to.
I've not seen a great deal of Ron or Hermione, just when I've been up to visit the Weasleys. Molly has started knitting again at last, which I think is a good sign. Fred's gone back to Diagon Alley and has opened the shop. I still find it hard to believe that George is really gone. As for Neville - I know he left almost immediately to look after his grandmother. And Harry... well. Harry is alive, but he's still in the infirmary. I don't know when...or even if...he will regain consciousness. No one talks about it much. It's sort of a taboo. Gods, I hope...well you know.
Parvati and I went to Hogwarts yesterday, with Professor Dumbledore. He helped us create a trilocation charm, using a hair from each of our heads, and one from Pari. She's a good girl, didn't ask questions (although I might have to have a word with her about that!). There's a lot of work going on at the school, labourers and most of the staff are slowly putting the castle back together. Everything's so...busy there, but they'd left the area where the Death Eaters had piled left the fallen. Luna, their families will be coming, I know that however dismal and horrid it was, it's going to be all right. Everyone will be laid to rest, just like Payod. We found him. I'm going to bring him home.
We're travelling to India next week, Valerius and I, to take Payod to the Ganges and of course to collect Toyah! Then we'll be travelling to Italy and you'll be in France which means you'll be near, and I can't wait to visit! But it's going to take a few weeks of travelling and recovering from all of the travelling before I can think of doing any more! You sound incredibly busy, Luna - do give my best wishes to Alan and Maude, and take care, and please write. I miss you loads.
This might seem like a strange request, but it's important to me.
I need to find Payod's remains. I know he fell at Hogwarts during the first battle, and I know roughly where the Death Eaters took the fallen, thanks to Professor Lupin's reconnaisance work.
Please, might I go and collect what is left of my brother so I can take him home?
Padma
OWL POST TO PARI PATIL, INDIA Bhaginika, we need you to send a strand of hair by return owl. Give my love to Daddy and Aunt V. We're bringing Payod home. Padmila x
Important note to self: When opening long-distance owl post that has been delayed in storage for any length of time, exercise caution. You never know whether you might find broken glass, foxed books or in this case, an unstable engorgement charm affecting a two-year old delivery of kulfi.
A delayed thank-you to my wonderful, generous aunt. And now I am going to have a bath!
Private. Whoever charmed the potion stores shelf last week did a stunning job of it, I have to say. There were nearly twenty phials, jars or cannisters missing from each section, but the entire shelf was charmed to look as if it was fully stocked.
Oddly, it made me think of something Fred and George would do. Brilliant use of magic covering mischievous actions. Impossible, of course - and I wouldn't want to point the finger at anyone anyway. Just it reminded me...
Bill and Ernie brought them both back from the Forbidden Forest. The Forest. Why didn't I just go and look there, instead of chasing all over Britain... I hadn't even considered Dudgeon thrall as a possibility, that's why - so when he didn't show up on the map, I assumed he had gone. Luckily, Severus had no such assumptions, and left his own bed in the infirmary to go in search. However, I am not going to beat myself up about it - how pointless that would be. Dudgeons are particularly nasty creatures, and this one has done enough damage to Valerius...
He's badly wounded...and I know that he is in the best of care, but I am worried about the effects of the Dudgeon's venom. When I arrived in the Infirmary Val was still insensible although Poppy had the situation well in hand as always. He was also gripping his wand so tightly it looked as if he might break his hand. He did relinquish it after some time, however...it took me close to half an hour to talk him into letting go, something that I doubt I could have achieved while he was in possession of all his wits. I wonder if he'll remember that when he comes round?
I feel curiously numb. I won't attempt to analyse that too deeply, since I can hardly expect to feel full of ananda...even though Voldemort is dead. Gone. Forever.
But so is George Weasley. And Hestia Jones. And my brother Payod, and Dennis Creevey and Lisa Turpin and...and so many, many others. For years we have fought for this moment...as if suddenly by that one Dark Wizard's absence, the world will be filled with light. And perhaps it is, but I have not yet noticed it. Perhaps we have to fight for that, too.
Tomorrow I'm going to the memorial service. But for now, I am going to find an actual bed and sleep in it.
amused