Professor C Duerr
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scotland

J. Storm
3A, House of Atreus
Knightsbridge
London

The letter is entirely written in Dutch for ease of expression, sent Sunday lunchtime

Darling,

I am beginning to think there is something in the water this weekend! While one does not ordinarily read Witch Weekly, my attention was drawn to the suggestion that Balfour has engaged in some public disagreement, covered in blood, and there are suggestions a woman is involved with him[1]. I simply cannot accept this to be true! I am sure it must be wild speculation on the author’s part. (I do note it is the same author as the ridiculous article on Ignan and Miranda last month, which was complete rubbish.)

Are you in good health? Is there anything you need - would you like to come away to Scotland? Can I do anything to help? I worry - we haven’t spoken in a while and I can’t help but think the worst.

I think it is not helped by the fact I was in the Three Broomsticks when the dementors came[2] - did you see the newspaper? It was havoc! Something, or someone, as I told the aurors, burst in the front door of the pub to let them in. I was there playing dominos with some of the residents, trying to get to know a few more people outside of the castle. I was mortified not to be able to produce a patronus (something I shall have to tackle with Ignan, I felt so helpless) but once the roof caught fire and the wall came down - my I feel this is better explained in person than a letter.

Please say we will be able to meet very soon? I heard such horrible things when the dementors were close, which have remained with me, and it would reassure me terribly to know you are safe and put my arms around you.

One last thing, sorry to trouble you with it, but you are so very well connected. I met a bright young witch by the name of Amaryllis Woolfolk that night, and wanted to extend a letter to her in deepest thanks for her assistance that night. Would you happen to know how I should address my letter within the Ministry to reach her?

All my love,

Mum xx

1.	15th January 2011 Lovers Quarrel in Slandermouth?
2.	15th January 2011 A Denser Darkness

J. Storm
3A, House of Atreus
Knightsbridge
London

Professor C Duerr
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scotland

The letter is also written in Dutch for ease of the recipient’s comprehension, sent late at night in shaky handwriting

Mother,

I was relieved to hear you are alright given your encounter at The Three Broomsticks. Are you unharmed? How are you feeling now - and are you eating chocolate to recover? I read after the event, and have also heard first hand from someone in the office of the situation. The whole wall from the pub vanished at one point, and the roof was alight? It was more than dementors, as you observed by the sounds of it. Has the Ministry (or they call themselves I.D.R.E.A.D, the taskforce) asked you to make a formal statement with regards to what you saw? You are ever so brave whatever the outcome, it sounds to all extents that the situation was hellish.

Amaryllis Woolfolk is an obliviator, she works for Level Three. If one addresses to Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, Ministry of Magic, London with her name it shall surely reach her. She is one of the task force. Pinn and Kelly describe her favourably, I cannot say we have spoken long if at all, but she must have made a wonderful impression on you to seek her out for written thanks. Edwin Glass is her Department Head, should you wish to write him to commend her for going beyond the call of duty.

I really am very sorry to write back with delay, as you might have gleaned from less reputable sources it has been a rough weekend in an entirely different way. Balfour is fine, a situation rather got out of hand between a group of our professional and social contacts. It was with my greatest regret, entirely my fault. He was doing his best to help, and actually, without going into fine details, he did more than help - but help save a life.

The article you saw is entirely incorrect, we have never been stronger. I write this curled beside him, and I have summarised your previous to him and he sends his love. You must have been awfully shaken to write to me in your mother tongue, it’s been a while. I am so sorry for worrying you and not being in touch sooner. I will come and visit you as soon as I can, as yes, a hug from my mother would be very welcome this week.

Yes, I am well, though not at my best I admit. I saw Healer Hollingbury earlier this evening and he has adjusted my treatment, keeping a closer eye on me, which is of reassurance to know so many look out for me. We both need to brush up on our patroni, I regret I haven’t tried to cast mine in many, many years. However, these days I am not short of fresh, warm and happy memories. I hope the same for you. Cousin Ignan will think well of you for improving on it. One wonders if ours shall be the same after all these years.

I will write again soon and let you know when I can travel to you.

Love from us both,