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[alt_alice]

Well, it's officially summer here at Moddey Dhoo, which means that the children are on half-days at school and spend the other half paddling in the ocean, helping with chores -- which can sometimes lead to twice the work -- and chasing the chickens. Ian and Katherine are anxiously awaiting their wands -- we've told them to wait until Frank and I are back from our trip with Neville and Evelyn, but they are both waiting on pins and needles til then. Laura and Stephen McGivern are more anxious than anything -- although Laura mentioned to me that she wished Katherine could've been Sorted properly at Hogwarts, like both of them were, and got all misty about it. Poor dear. And Remus, you remember little Ian -- goodness, he's shot up like a weed. He's still very shy, but he, Kathrine, and Alec Turner are thick as thieves, and Alec has been lording his wand over them for two years now, so both of them are more than ready for theirs.

The garden is a riot of colour, and we're barely keeping ahead of all the canning and preserving that will keep us in veg during the winter. Regina Lee, one of our new additions, has been endless help coming up with a new system of composting that has really made a noticeable difference so far, and she's already been selecting seeds from the highest producing plants for next season. She's just fascinated by our magical plants -- she's been taking endless notes on the properties of fluxweed, and she's bemoaning the fact that she can't publish any of it -- nor does she have access to a macroscope or any number of gadgets she used to use in her laboratory at university. Fu has been keeping busy as well -- he goes up to Sherwood with Frank about once a week.

Kevin is a regular chatterbox, and has moved quickly from walking to running -- it's all I can do to keep up with him. He's like his mum and older brother in that he just loves the garden, and would root around in the dirt for hours if I let him. That's all the news I can think of for now.

Before I forget, Remus, Stephen has asked for you to send along your notes from your latest experience with the Wolfsbane. I've told him that you didn't take the very last dosage, and he'd like you to send him all you remember from it, as well as whether you had any of those side effects that were there the last few times.

Oh, and Kingsley, I've received an owl from Algernon, and July 20 works best for him. It'll be two days after Evelyn comes back from her YPL camping trip, so she'll get her fill of camping by summer's end! We were figuring a week -- to get Neville back in time for his birthday, because his friends will no doubt be expecting some sort of party. I think we'll go to the Lake District this time.

I honestly can't thank you and the Players enough for helping us out with this. Last year was just like heaven, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to see Neville and Evelyn again. From the bottom of my heart, Kingsley.

Comments

Re: Private Message to Severus Snape

[alt_severus]

You would do well to tell that to Sirius Black. He must someday be disabused of the notion that he who shouts the loudest wins the argument, though since it has not happened by now, it likely never shall.

Perhaps I should have been more general: to allow me a jaunt anywhere outside of walking distance seems beyond the capacity of this organisation. I credit half of this restriction to the likes of Mr Black, and the other half to a prevailing uncertainty of what exactly is to be done with me. We are of a similar mind in that trust, in this circumstance, should be complete or completely absent. I know exactly what I wish to do. Whether or not this shall be allowed remains to be seen.

My wishes do, in fact, include a visit to Moddey Dhoo, as much to rectify this Wolfsbane situation as to satisfy my curiosity. As this is - in all likelihood - impossible for the present, the day after tomorrow will suffice. While I can think of many ways in which my situation might be improved, and I credit you for the inquiry, I doubt whether any of them are within your reach to bestow.

Re: Private Message to Severus Snape

[alt_alice]

For the present, yes. But not, I trust, forever.

This must be a rather frustrating transition for you, Severus, and you can certainly appreciate that it is a difficult one for us as well. But we'll get it sorted out properly. These things just take time.

I'll pass along your message to Stephen and Frank, and you can expect them day after tomorrow, first thing.