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Jun. 18th, 2012 08:40 pmMolly, your boys are such a helpmeet. Thank you for letting them come here so quickly. They’ve spent all day with Terry, and I can’t imagine how hard this would have been for him without their help. He spent a good two hours as a dog when they first were here, just ran right over and changed almost right away, and they roughhoused and he got a rather thorough petting. He shies away from touch when he's a boy, but soaks it up thoroughly as a dog. I hope the one will help the other. I was a bit concerned that the transfiguration would be difficult for him, but he’s been back and forth from boy to dog a few times since he’s been here, and it seems to come easy enough.
We’ve had a look at both of them, and Stephen McGivern ran some tests – Terry insisted he be taught how to draw his own blood, which we took to be a good sign. The tests were difficult for him – if the twins hadn’t been there right next to him, I’m not sure he would’ve managed as well as he did. Other than a few lice, which were easily taken care of, and malnutrition, they’re both in fair health. Dudley’s teeth need looking after, and Terry’s had a few bad breaks that weren’t properly set. Poppy, when you come by this summer, you’ll be able to do more than our limited capabilities, but Frank’s taken care of all the lingering bone splinters he could find. Terry showed Frank a medical book he’d been using, and it was one of the Auror books Frank had passed along to Neville. We’re so glad it landed in the hands of someone who needed it, although it makes my heart hurt that it was used so often.
They’ve also been to the baths, which were much-needed, and caused a great deal of splashing about, which I’m sure was equally necessary.
I’ve made an effort to keep from overwhelming Terry with the hustle and bustle of the place – Dudley seems a bit more apt to run off and explore on his own, and has already made a few additional friends without prompting, but I can see how Terry would find a crowd of boisterous children to be intimidating, so I’ve introduced him to some of our more level headed and quiet people. He's met Victor, Dan, Richard, and Tricia for starters – just for brief introductions, but I’m sure they’ll be good people to give him his space and a quiet conversation. And Colin showed the twins, Dudley, and Terry the memorial garden – he’s so proud of all the work he’s put into it, and especially wanted to show Terry Dennis's tree. They’ve also all spent some time on the beach and playing in the water. And Terry's also had a chance to visit Mellisandra, who very much appreciated seeing him again, and got a bit weepy when he walked in her workroom.
I’ve told both Dudley and Terry that the only orders they’ll ever receive here will be for reasons of safety, and that although the work we do keeps this place running, they will never be told to do work or be punished for neglecting chores. We have to walk a fine line with some of our young people who have grown up in service – sometimes, they want to please so badly that the only way they know to do it is through work. It’s a hard thing to turn that off, so I’ll be keeping an eye on both of them to make sure they don’t take on too much. I’d rather they didn’t lift a finger, honestly, I would.
Terry’s very quiet, and when Frank and I sat him down to talk to him, it was difficult for him to look at us straight on. He is unfailingly polite, even with all he’s been through. Dudley is bolder, and full of energy and questions. Dudley ate quite a lot at lunch, and Terry not enough. I’ll see if he’s up for a nutritional tonic tonight before bed. Both are far too thin, and are still quite nervous around wands. But they’re here now, and safe, and thank Merlin for that.
We’ve had a look at both of them, and Stephen McGivern ran some tests – Terry insisted he be taught how to draw his own blood, which we took to be a good sign. The tests were difficult for him – if the twins hadn’t been there right next to him, I’m not sure he would’ve managed as well as he did. Other than a few lice, which were easily taken care of, and malnutrition, they’re both in fair health. Dudley’s teeth need looking after, and Terry’s had a few bad breaks that weren’t properly set. Poppy, when you come by this summer, you’ll be able to do more than our limited capabilities, but Frank’s taken care of all the lingering bone splinters he could find. Terry showed Frank a medical book he’d been using, and it was one of the Auror books Frank had passed along to Neville. We’re so glad it landed in the hands of someone who needed it, although it makes my heart hurt that it was used so often.
They’ve also been to the baths, which were much-needed, and caused a great deal of splashing about, which I’m sure was equally necessary.
I’ve made an effort to keep from overwhelming Terry with the hustle and bustle of the place – Dudley seems a bit more apt to run off and explore on his own, and has already made a few additional friends without prompting, but I can see how Terry would find a crowd of boisterous children to be intimidating, so I’ve introduced him to some of our more level headed and quiet people. He's met Victor, Dan, Richard, and Tricia for starters – just for brief introductions, but I’m sure they’ll be good people to give him his space and a quiet conversation. And Colin showed the twins, Dudley, and Terry the memorial garden – he’s so proud of all the work he’s put into it, and especially wanted to show Terry Dennis's tree. They’ve also all spent some time on the beach and playing in the water. And Terry's also had a chance to visit Mellisandra, who very much appreciated seeing him again, and got a bit weepy when he walked in her workroom.
I’ve told both Dudley and Terry that the only orders they’ll ever receive here will be for reasons of safety, and that although the work we do keeps this place running, they will never be told to do work or be punished for neglecting chores. We have to walk a fine line with some of our young people who have grown up in service – sometimes, they want to please so badly that the only way they know to do it is through work. It’s a hard thing to turn that off, so I’ll be keeping an eye on both of them to make sure they don’t take on too much. I’d rather they didn’t lift a finger, honestly, I would.
Terry’s very quiet, and when Frank and I sat him down to talk to him, it was difficult for him to look at us straight on. He is unfailingly polite, even with all he’s been through. Dudley is bolder, and full of energy and questions. Dudley ate quite a lot at lunch, and Terry not enough. I’ll see if he’s up for a nutritional tonic tonight before bed. Both are far too thin, and are still quite nervous around wands. But they’re here now, and safe, and thank Merlin for that.
