Moira,

Dearest I know how much you look forward to the school holidays when you can come home for a little while, but this time you will have to stay at hogwarts or maybe stay with a friend. Duncan and I have both managed to contract dragon pox somehow.

Don't be alarmed, it can be deadly for serious cases but this is not a serious case. We are showing very mild signs and should be back to full health in the next month or so. I promise I will keep you up to date.

The animals will be taken care of. Knox is going to send some of their people to make sure they're fed and healthy when we are unable to. We're going to go visit them this summer.

Lots of love,
Dad