ORDER ONLY

[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

Private Message to Alice

[alt_sirius]

Don't suppose there's any help for it but do you really think it's wise to talk quite so openly about Moddey before our two new associates have passed muster?

[alt_kingsley]

Those dates will work for me and the rest of the players.

Glad to help you and your family out, anytime.

[alt_severus]

Stephen McGivern ... I have never heard of him.

Whomever he is, this talk of "side effects" disturbs me. I should like a word with him. The Wolfsbane potion was in the development stages just before my incarceration - despite its being detrimental to the schemes of the Dark Lord, I took interest enough to be able to recall its essential structure. It had great potential.

Private message to Alice Longbottom and Sirius Black

[alt_lupin]

I remember the sense of horror when I realised the moon was up, and I'd failed to take that last dose of the potion.

Beyond that -- only snatches. There were moments when I was nearly myself, enough to feel utter terror at the thought I might hurt someone. I do remember Sirius at my side, a few times. I asked him later, and he said I became wolfish, and he transformed and sent me running to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

Perhaps Sirius can further enlighten Stephen.

One thing's quite clear: I can't miss a dose, not again, not ever. If I do, you'll need to confine me, or send me somewhere there's no one to injure.