25th February 2010


Dearest Alex!

I was speaking to Mrs Lanningham (my secretary, you recall) about some thing or another and we started to wonder if you had enough socks. She has cleverly knitted you three pairs. Please don't write a thank you note, it will only encourage her.

The radio box is from me- I am told that it is a new model. I have taken to listening late at night as Whisky enjoys the music.

Do try to stay out of trouble.


Your Loving Godfather,

26^th February, 2010

Dear Uncle Balfour,

If I was ever suffering from a deficiency of socks, I now have a surplus. They are very comfortable, but I really don't need any more. I'm not entirely sure how I have so many pairs.

The radio is indeed a new model, enough so that I'm not comfortable taking it apart lest I am unable to rebuild it. Rick, doubtless, would sneer at that. Instead, I am using it for its intended purpose and listening to the radio - the late night music makes writing essays fractionally more pleasant, so thank you!

The only trouble that has taken place recently was a class exercise, and was thus unavoidable. Pitting the Defence Against the Dark Arts class against each other in the forest at night doesn't seem like a good idea even on paper, but it could be described applying our classwork in an environment that was only moderately dangerous so it probably helped. Certainly there were some highly amusing moments.

I assume that Whisky is well, if he's enjoying the music - but yourself? And of course the jellyfish.

Try to avoid rampaging dragons.

Your affectionate god daughter,

Alex

P.S. Don't scare Rick, it only encourages him.

27th February 2010


Alex,

I hope you aren't working too laboriously on those essays? The weather isn't much but it would do us all good to take in the Highland air when at leisure. It is doubtful whether this exercise in the forest is air enough.

The professors are likely not to be of sound mind (they never have been) and it pleases me that you are, none of you, bored by their intentions. Do try not to hurt your classmates. I know how tempting it must be.

As Mrs Lanningham would tell anyone with a ear to listen: I am all business and beasts, as of late. You needn't worry. The entire division is being bought drinks tonight and I anticipate a memorable evening.

My regards to Locksley (if you catch sight of him).

P.S. I imagine there are few things that don't encourage Rick.


Thusfar Untrampled,

28th February, 2010

Dear Balfour

We do occasionally leave the relative safety of the castle’s walls, but recently the rate of attrition has been rather higher than usual. After I sent your letter off, we had a particularly abysmal charms session – Professor Storm might have taken a risk with our wellbeing, but it was at least a constructive one. Professor Kesali, on the other hand, threw a tantrum. He has always been a little over-emotional, but being yelled at for not appreciating his attempts to involve himself in our private affairs is more than a little rich. Raine In all the fresh air, however, I have not glimpsed Mr Lockley.

In more pleasant news, I think that the TWT results show that if I ever go mad, I have a career in dragon keeping. You, of course, are only mad in your attachment to being involved with enormous and murderous beasts. Father hasn’t said as much, but I think he’s glad your new job offers less in the way of somatic threat.

The radio lends an enjoyable sheen to even writing essays at midnight. It is an excellent present, I have received looks which I chose to believe are envy but were possibly frustration that I had the temerity to play music in the common room at that hour, when all were studying in silence. More fool them, my taste is impeccable and the silence is so dull.

I don’t doubt that it will be memorable, but I do question your ability to remember the events later. I hope that what you remember was pleasant, though.

A future dragon handler,

Alex

P.S. Whiskey looks well! Thank you for the sweets.