A bulky but well wrapped package arrives in the care of an old but frighteningly large eagle owl. There is a letter attached, written on the stationery of the Spectre clan and carrying its burnt orange wax seal.

Professor Ignan Storm

~ Balthair Spectre ~

Professor Storm,

I have been instructed by my charming granddaughter, Isla, to present you with a bottle of Ogden's finest. She intends for it to be a bribe but I hope you will accept this as a gift of commiseration instead. There are more Spectres than there is sense to go around. I mean that kindly.

You may sympathise? Your relation, our mutual acquaintance besides my grandson Balfour, must be similarly mischievous.


Faithfully,
Balthair Spectre
15th MARCH 2011

Mr Balthair Spectre
Spectre Estate
Edinburgh
Scotland

Deputy Headmaster I.Storm,
Hogwarts School,
Scotland

Dear Mr Spectre,

I have clearly underestimated young Miss Spectre’s pluck to succeed with her plight to outsource her homework, if she has her extended family attempting bribery. Is she more manipulative than one gives her credit for, or sir, are you a soft touch?

My ludicrous cousin, all strength to you and the rest of the Spectres for taking him on, speaks respectfully of you, so I shall not make idle assumption. The wizard in question has paid penance for leading Isla astray, though I doubt he would admit to save his face in the circumstances. I trust you shall discourage future attempts of bribery, however complimentary I am of your choice of spirit represented as commiseration instead. I should certainly exchange like with you for similar circumstances.

Perhaps we might some day become acquainted directly rather than through the best of our families.

Regards,