Susan Bones

Heya Stebs,

How's Dover treating you? I was reading Mrs Longbottom's report the other day and it sounds like there's lots going on and you're right in the middle of it.

That's quite a load, being Secret-Keeper and all. Good show, mate. I know a lot of people are going to be thrilled about getting those wands & supplies & all. What's it like working a mission with Mr Dumbledore? I feel like I haven't really seen much of him as himself, you know, and not Professor Brutka.

It was pretty wizard to see you at the Order meeting over hols--it's nice having someone from the sett that I can talk to about this stuff. Justin's here, of course, but as much as I respect the hell out of him as a person & member of the Order, we don't really talk, and we probably wouldn't even if he didn't have to maintain his cover as Dolohov's favourite. And it was neat to get to hear about the stuff you've been working on with Pansy, from your side. It always makes me happy, seeing my friends get on.

I wish I could say more to Megs & Ernie--Ernie was dead worried after you went missing, did you know? It's well ironic, given that I told him once before (well, told him a little) and he doesn't remember because he asked to be Obliviated. But, I'd like to assure that we're not the side that's murdering people by the dozen, you know? And it seems he genuinely cares about Megs, as much as he can be an oblivious pureblood sometimes.

Not that purebloods are the only ones who can be oblivious--I've been thinking a lot lately about the other intelligent beings we share the world with--Goblins, House Elves--and feeling a right idiot for not having ever thought much about them before. I mean about who they are, how they live, what they want, how they see the world. I guess there's no end to learning new things, and then feeling a bit of an idiot for not having learnt them sooner. What about you? Have you found out any more about France & the Muggle outside world? Maybe one day soon we'll be able to see it.

Give Wayne a shout from me, yeah?

Has anyone else had a load of bad news at home? Mum & Dad both met us at the train, which is unusual and they both looked dead glum.

Finally, Ed asked what the matter was, and Mum told us she'd been sacked from her position at the infant school. Said she was taking a role that ought to belong to a pureblood, and put her teaching assistant in her place. It would be almost funny if it weren't so ridiculous. Her assistant doesn't even want the post! She just got engaged and only plans to work until she marries.

Dad said all the Quidditch team owners are lobbying the Council for a sporting exemption, and normally there'd be no question, since people tend to get cross when anyone messes about with the Quidditch. But he sounded worried.

And they decided not to go through the hoops to keep me on at my holiday job at the Owlery, which at least means I have plenty of time to train.

Dear Great-Aunt Mina,


I'm so sorry that it happened under such up shocking circumstances, and I have a feeling you'd probably have rather stayed with your creatures, but I'm glad you're to be our new Head, and I think you'll be a good one.

I wanted to let you know that I'm here to support you, both as a senior Hufflepuff Prefect, and just as myself.

As far as the Prefecting goes, you can rely on Ernie and me--feel free to put us to work and generally delegate as you need to--and we'll make sure everyone's digging in the same den, so to speak.

I know you've got quite a full load, so anything I can do to lighten it, I'm happy to offer.

Best wishes and love,

Susan

Can you go to the loo or something while everyone's focused on Justin & Dolohov?

I don't want to risk anyone seeing us in two places at once.

Nev,

I hope I didn't overstep, but my mum teaches infant school and has worked with loads of children over the years, so I asked her about that dyslexia thing you think you might have. I didn't say who, just said it was for a friend.

Anyhow, she said there are things you can do to help but she wanted to meet you in person to ask some questions. I guess she used to have to be careful, because some of the things you can do are derived from Muggle educational theory, but the person in charge of the infant school teachers now (Sarah Yaxley?) is really young and, in Mum's words, "wouldn't know educational theory from broomstick manufacturing" as long as they salute the Protectorate properly and sing the correct songs.

So I guess what I'm saying is...would you like to come over to mine for dinner and talk to my mum?

Hey Pansy,

How are you doing? Ron's description of the Horcrux sounded...intense. And I'm sure he didn't say the half of it.

Not that I'm asking for details or anything, unless you want to talk about it. But I'm around if you do. Or if you just want to go flying or go to Fortescue's or something like normal people. And I heard a rumour that they're putting on free concerts at Hyde Park later on this summer, if you ever want to go out and dance to something loud.

It's strange being home with Mum & Dad again; I mean, it's always a little strange at the beginning of hols, but it's more so this summer.

Ugh. I hate this hideous contest.

It's making us tear each other apart. Will accomplishing our goals be worth it if we can't stand each other or ourselves in the end?

But I don't feel like I can say that because I know very well I'm not the one taking the biggest risks here. And--truthfully, I did think it was a bit funny when I first heard. It's not nice of me at all, but I enjoyed the thought of Patil getting a little of her own medicine.

Now it seems a lot less funny. And I'm sure you'd have felt for her right away, which is why you're a better person than I am.

Are you all right? Zabini didn't hex you or try anything, did he?

I'm so sorry I didn't see your message last night--I fell asleep face-down in my Potions revising.

I didn't even hear you when you came in, and you looked a little pale at breakfast, so I wanted to ask.

I'd really like to see you once more before I go back to school. Are you free tonight?

Mum wants us all home for one last family dinner before we go but I could probably meet you later, around 8.

I think it would be nice to talk.

I can't believe you're here in Hogsmeade!!

So this is what you meant about getting part of my present early, you sly Slytherin you!

Yes, of course I'll meet you for tea.