Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from JK Rowling's fantastic books or films, I'm just borrowing and playing with them for a little while and get no monetary reward for doing so.

A/N: I was thinking about how characters outside the main storyline would view the events of the seven books and it occurred to me to do it from the viewpoint of a teacher — someone who interacts with both students and staff on a daily basis, but isn't necessarily in on all the details of what is happening in the way the Heads of the Houses are. These stories really do sound far-fetched when viewed through a different lens!

I am aware that in the books Muggle Studies is an elective subject that isn't chosen until the third year, and I also know that two other teachers actually held the position during the timescale of the story. But it was the perfect subject for creating a slightly tense interaction with the Malfoy family, so please excuse the slight inaccuracy.

As always, thank you to Mamacita for being the best beta a girl could ever ask for. I hope you enjoy the story. Dx

Dear Mym,

Guess what? I got the job! Yep! I really got it!

OMG, can you imagine me as a teacher? Weird isn't it, especially knowing how much I disliked school for most of the time I was there. Still, I'm sure it'll be much better as a teacher — oh sweet Merlin, at least I hope so! So, now I'm going to be known to thousands of kids as Professor Fawley — how exciting!

I promise to write loads and keep you up-to-date with all the gossip from the old alma mater. Perhaps we can arrange for you to come and visit at some point. It would be great to get together again.

Hogwarts, here I come!

Your very excited and proud friend,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

It's me! Yes, I know you didn't expect to hear from me until I got to school but I just had to write. I need to get my bad day out of my system and you know you've always been my best release when I'm in a bad mood (poor you!). To be honest, I'm really pissed off right now as my day started out so well and I was actually feeling quite upbeat for once. Isn't it amazing how just one person can totally ruin your entire day?

Today was the day for my shopping trip to Diagon Alley. I'd been looking forward to it ever since I found out I'd got the job at Hogwarts and thought I'd treat myself to a day of shopping and an ice cream at Florean's. I woke nice and early, not even caring about the heatwave (and you know how much I hate hot weather). My mood was sunny and I was eager to be on my way to London.

I had a quick jaunt into Muggle London first, as there were a few things I wanted to get for my class, then headed to Diagon Alley. Of course, first stop was Madam Malkin's to get my new teaching robes (OMG, Mym, you wouldn't recognise me — I look like a teacher!) and then to an appointment at Flourish and Blotts to discuss with the manager what books I will require them to stock for my classes. Finally, I treated myself to a banana split from Florean's, which he gave to me for nothing when I told him my good news — I love that man so much! As I ate, I decided I would visit Scribbulus afterwards and get myself a new quill and some ink (for marking essays, you know) and maybe take a look at that lingerie shop on the right-hand side — you know the one — the hugely expensive place (well, I can always dream that my pittance of a salary will one day allow me to buy something from there).

Finishing up my ice cream, I grabbed my mountain of bags and headed back down the road. I was just struggling, with full hands, to get the door of Scribbulus open when it flew open and the most obnoxious man barged straight past me, knocking me and my bags flying. Obviously, I was infuriated (and somewhat stunned) by his appalling behaviour and shouted after him. He only stopped walking and stormed back to where I was standing, still trying to pick up all my spilt shopping, and proceeded to berate me for getting in his way. Bloody cheek! His scowl was most unpleasant and his brusque manner incredibly rude. I did try to point out to him that he was the one in the wrong, but he was having none of it and to be honest, Mym, he scared me a bit.

He was really ugly and I'm sure he was a bit deranged; his long black hair was lank and greasy and his teeth were all yellow and crooked. His face was sallow and he had this massive hooked nose. When he pinned his malevolent black eyes on me and hissed at me to keep out of his way I almost fainted. For some reason I couldn't quite pin down, he terrified me. You know, it wouldn't surprise me if he was one of those ex-Death Eaters — really, he was that awful!

Anyway, I was so upset by the man I didn't go to Scribbulus or the lingerie shop. Instead, I went straight to the Leaky Cauldron, bought myself a large Firewhisky (yuck — horrid stuff) to steady my nerves, then Flooed home. Just as I was about to leave the man appeared in the pub, still sour-faced and angry, and headed for the bar, scowling at me as he passed. I was so glad to get out of there and go home; he really upset me and ruined my entire day and put me in the worst mood.

Sorry for ranting!
Charlie

Dear Mym,

So here I am at Hogwarts, the finest wizarding school in the world. It's been an interesting and strange first day with a few surprises!

When I got to Kings Cross station I think I was probably almost as excited as the kids about going on the Hogwarts Express. I walked down the platform in my new teacher's robes meeting parents and children and discussing school issues before getting on the train.

You'll never guess who I got talking to . . . Lucius Malfoy!

Do you remember him, Mym? You know, even all these years later he still looks absolutely gorgeous with his long pale blond hair and grey eyes, and he has the most exquisite manners, too. He and his beautiful wife, Narcissa (was Black), were at the station to say goodbye to their only child, a son called Draco. The boy was a bit imperious, to be honest, but very similar in looks to his father. I have to admit I wasn't struck by the kid but Lucius is an absolute dreamboat!

We talked for ages while Narcissa said goodbye to her son. Lucius was very attentive, almost flirtatious actually, and even helped me to get my cases onto the train. He didn't seem to be overly enthusiastic about my role at the school, though, and expressed surprise that Muggle Studies would be taught to all students. I pointed out to him that with Arthur Weasley's Muggle Protection Bill going through we all need as much knowledge on how to get along with Muggles and try to fit into their world as we can get. He did acknowledge my point but you know how dismissive some of those really stuffy old Pureblood families can be so I'm not sure he was completely convinced.

Anyway, he told me he was a regular visitor to the school as he's one of the Governors, and looked forward to seeing me on his next visit. Then he smiled at me and kissed my hand which sent funny sort of electric shocks down my spine that I have a feeling he may have noticed as he smiled even more. Did I mention he's completely gorgeous?

So, the journey was generally relaxing and somewhat surprisingly I had a carriage to myself for most of it — although thinking about it now I suppose that was because the students didn't want to sit with a teacher. I did receive a visit from an unfortunate-looking young girl with bushy hair and huge teeth who was looking for someone's toad. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to help her.

On arrival at Hogsmeade Station, I was greeted warmly by Hagrid who gave me the choice of going in the boats with the first years or in the carriages with the others. You know I've never liked the look of those thestrals, regardless of how harmless they're supposed to be, so I went for the boat and found myself with the bushy-haired girl again and, Mym, you're never going to believe this, but Lily and James' son — the famous Harry Potter!

It was wonderful to hear the comments those kids made as they saw Hogwarts for the first time. It really took me back to our first day at school. Of course, once at the castle Minerva (McGonagall) took charge of the kids and Hagrid took me to meet Albus (Dumbledore). That's been the strangest thing, I think, calling all those teachers we had at school by their first names; Albus had to remind me about a dozen times to do it.

I was shown to my new quarters by a house-elf. They're in the dungeons, not far from Professor Slughorn's Potions classroom, for which Albus apologised, but apparently there's a lack of space elsewhere at the moment. I honestly don't mind as the rooms are lovely and large. I have the hugest bed and each room has a large fireplace so they're not that cold. In fact, they're really rather comfortable — well, considering they're in the dungeons. I was surprised and pleased to see that my rooms have been decorated in Gryffindor colours and it made me feel at home straight away. The bathroom is huge, too, and has both a lovely large bath — just perfect for relaxing at night — and a marvellously powerful shower — good for waking me up in the morning. I only had time to quickly clean up before it was time to go down to the Great Hall for the Sorting Hat ceremony and Welcome Feast.

Albus greeted me at the door to the Great Hall like an old friend, for which I was extremely grateful, and he sat me at the head table between Hagrid and Rolanda (Hooch). Unsurprisingly, she didn't remember me at all, but she was friendly enough although she didn't really talk to me once she realised I had little interest in Quidditch. Hagrid, however, chatted away in his usual fashion, telling me all about his friendship with Harry Potter.

The door opened and the first years walked in, all looking so small and lost and gazing with wonder at the enchanted ceiling — mind you, it did look particularly spectacular. Soon they were milling about at the front of the room looking scared at the idea of the Sorting ceremony. I wonder how many of them had the same scary thoughts as we had about what they were about to be asked to do? I could see Harry standing with a red-haired boy and the bushy-haired girl and the boy who had lost his toad on the train. I could see Draco too, smirking as he stood with a couple of rather more stupid-looking boys. Minerva brought out the Sorting Hat and stool and told the room what was going to happen, and then the Sorting Hat performed its usual song about the qualities of each of the four Houses.

Mym, Harry got Sorted into Gryffindor — he's one of us — although, of course, there was little doubt of that considering Lily and James were his parents. His red-haired friend was Sorted there too, and judging from the loud catcalls and whistles that erupted from the table when the Hat announced it, he's already got several other family members in the House. The bushy-haired girl was also put into Gryffindor after the Hat spent almost five minutes deciding – I expect that's why the three of them gravitated towards each other — and the boy with the toad joined them. Of course, Draco and his stupid friends (who are the sons of Lucius' henchmen from school, Crabbe and Goyle) were all placed in Slytherin.

Talking of Slytherin, I had a really nasty shock during dinner. Imagine my horror when I looked down the table at the other teachers, looking to see who I remembered from our time at school, and caught sight of the scowling man. You know, the one who pushed me out of the way in Diagon Alley that time, the scary one I thought was a Death Eater. I was so shocked I think I must have cried out because Hagrid asked me what was wrong. Well, apparently Professor Slughorn retired and this man replaced him as Potions Master.

Gods, Mym, you'll never guess who it is — it's Severus Snape!

Do you remember Snape, Mym? He was that Slytherin creep who used to hang around with Lily until she dumped him in our fifth year, the one that James and Sirius tormented all the time; they used to call him Snivellus. Well, he's even more disgusting than he was at school and I don't know what he's been doing over the years but he looks so old. I'd never have guessed it was him in a million years. You know I could never understand what Lily saw in him. She told me over and over again that I was misjudging him and that when you got to know him he was really a nice guy — apart from all that Dark Arts stuff — but I could never see it. And Sirius always hated him with a passion, so even if I'd been tempted to find out if she was right, which I wasn't, obviously, I wouldn't have been able to do so anyway. You know how possessive Sirius always was.

The problem is that it really ruined my evening seeing him again and all he did was scowl at me down the table every time I looked in that general direction. It really put me off my food. I suppose being tired from the long trip didn't help. Anyway, I've retreated back to my rooms to write to you. I'm going to have a long, hot bath shortly and head to bed for an early night. It's my first day of proper teaching tomorrow and I want to make sure I'm alert for it.

Talk to you soon,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

Sorry I haven't kept in touch more. I hadn't realised just what hard work I was going to be faced with. Learning at college did nothing at all to prepare me for real life teaching!

Every day has been class after class and set of homework after set of homework. I'm up before six every morning and don't get to bed till gone one after marking all the homework, and that's without hall duty or any of the other myriad of things Albus dreams up for us teachers to do in our extensive (not) spare time. I haven't had anywhere near as many relaxing baths in the evening as I'd been expecting. But I have to admit I feel happier than I've ever done. Gods, Mym, if you saw me I'm not sure you'd even recognise me — I smile now — quite a lot.

No, I'm still not on friendly terms with snarky Snape. We were finally introduced officially at the staff meeting and he was almost as rude to me as he was in Diagon Alley. The other teachers keep telling me that he's okay when you get to know him, but I just don't believe it. He really is the nastiest, rudest and most sarcastic person I've ever met in my life. He regularly reduces the students in his classes to tears and he seems to really hate Gryffindors, which might explain his continuing animosity towards me although I still can't help but think that he really is just an arsehole. From what I've heard, he has a special hatred for Harry because of James and punishes him and his friends Ronald Weasley (the redhead) and Hermione Granger (the bushy-haired girl) for the slightest things. He also bullies poor Neville Longbottom (toad boy) mercilessly. Do you remember his parents, Frank and Alice? Such a shame what happened to them and Neville's such a nice boy, but not the best or most confident wizard in the world.

Anyway, it didn't please me to discover that my quarters are so close to Snape's, but fortunately he seems to keep to himself outside of mealtimes, so I haven't yet had the misfortune to bump into him alone.

I've been having tea every week with Hagrid, which has been interesting. He's been keeping me informed about what Harry and his friends are up to. They seem to be a bit too inquisitive for their own good, but of course Harry's father and the rest of their gang were very much like that, weren't they? Harry is so much like James he could be his identical twin. Except for his eyes — they're bright green like Lily's — and the scar, of course. You know, he seems like a really nice boy, Mym, unlike Draco Malfoy, who really is an obnoxious little shit. Snape, of course, seems to think he's wonderful (did I mention the arsehole is Head of Slytherin as well as Potions Master?).

There's one other teacher that I'm really not sure about. He's only just started this year, too, teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts. His name is Quirinus Quirrell. He's a really odd man; very nervy with a massive stutter. I dunno, Mym, he just doesn't strike me as DADA teacher material, although I understand he used to be the Muggle Studies teacher until 1990 when he went off and took a sabbatical. Merlin only knows where he went but he wears this big purple turban all the time. Actually, he smells a bit funny too — the kids all reckon it's garlic to keep away vampires, and you know what, they might just be right. Hah! Someone told me that Snape wanted to be the DADA teacher and that's why he's so snarky, but I think he's just generally an obnoxious bastard!

I have to go, I still have the third years' homework to mark and I really want that relaxing bath tonight.

Write to me soon,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

I'm glad you had a good birthday and I'm pleased you liked your present. Let me know when you have a free weekend to come to Hogwarts and I'll have a word with Albus. It would be great to see you. Perhaps you can make it for one of the Gryffindor Quidditch matches? I know how much you love the game even if I don't. Harry has been made Seeker, the youngest for a century, and Minerva is very excited about him so he must be pretty good.

Classes are still going well apart from some nastiness with Draco. He really is a horrible little boy and he spouts such crap sometimes. I guess he has his father's old school Pureblood ideas about Muggles as he refuses to study at all in my class, saying he'll never need to learn about them as he'll never have anything to do with them. To be honest, it's put me in a difficult position with you-know-who, old snarky Snape, as I keep giving Draco detention with Filch (yep, he and that disgusting cat are still here and still moaning nonstop) and docking points from Slytherin for his rudeness. The first time I did it I got a visit from Snape in his capacity as Head of Slytherin House and he really tore me off a strip. Although he was civil (barely) he made veiled threats and to be honest, he scared the life out of me. Of course, there was no way I was going to let him know how he made me feel so I got belligerent myself and soon we were in the middle of quite a vicious duel of words.

Fortunately, Albus came along before things turned too nasty (I'm sure that man knows EVERYTHING that's going on in the school), although our wands were out. So of course, since then Snape sneers at me every time we're in the same room. Gods, he's so fucking childish it's pathetic! Yes, of course, I've been childish too — but then I think I'm entitled to be a bit snippy after the way he's treated me. After all, I'm not the complete bastard — he is.

Anyway, in better news, Lucius visited the school. Of course, he came to see his son and Snape (I assumed it was to talk about Draco's appalling behaviour in lessons but apparently he and Snape are great friends, although Merlin only knows why lovely Lucius would want to be friends with that arsehole). I bumped into him in the corridor and it was clear he was pleased to see me. I had a word with him about his son and apologised for punishing him but explained that I couldn't have him disrupting the rest of the class. He said he completely understood and would have a word with Draco to make sure it doesn't happen again.

I swear, Mym, that man was definitely flirting with me. I felt as if he was undressing me with his eyes as we chatted and strangely it didn't feel bad. Once again he held my hand, stroking it gently before kissing it. I have to admit I was torn between wanting to run away to have a cold shower and calm down and wanting to throw myself into his arms and give him a passionate kiss. And yes, before you berate me I'm aware he's married, but I can't explain the feelings he arouses in me. Anyway, he's so handsome that I can't help but look even if I'm never going to touch.

Perhaps you should come to the Gryffindor/Slytherin game and you can see what I mean for yourself. I know Lucius is going to be there because he told me. You can also see the Bastard in action. Let me know if you're free that weekend, it really would be so lovely to see you again — especially as I'm not going to be able to escape this place until the summer holidays.

Missing you,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

Just a quick catch-up as I have a pile of homework to sort and I'm on hall duty tonight. I'm so glad you're coming to the Quidditch match. Albus was happy to grant my request and has suggested rooms next to mine. It'll almost be like being at school again.

Please don't worry about me and Lucius. It's never going to happen. He's just being flirtatious and I'm over-reacting after such a long time without a boyfriend. I told you, I know he's married and I'm not going there. Honestly!

We had a bit of a scary moment here as somehow a mountain troll got into the dungeons during the Halloween feast. Quirrell rushed into the Great Hall to tell us about it, then promptly fainted — not exactly the sort of behaviour I'd expect from a DADA teacher, to be honest. After sending all the kids to their common rooms we teachers searched the school for the troll — well, all except for the Bastard. I have no idea what he was doing but I saw him slip out of the door and he was looking shifty (although, of course, it was a little hard to tell as he always looks shifty).

The troll had got upstairs and was in one of the girls' toilets. Minerva told me afterwards that Hermione had tried to find the troll because she thought she could handle it, but the silly girl nearly got herself killed instead. Ron and Harry saved her, apparently. I'm not entirely sure that's the true story but the three of them definitely seem to be much closer these days. I had noticed Ron being rather mean to Hermione on occasion because she's very clever, rather bossy, and to be honest, a bit of a know-it-all.

Anyway, the danger has gone now and everyone was all right although I noticed that the Bastard was limping for a few days afterwards. I wish I knew what he was doing while the rest of us were looking for the troll. I was actually wondering whether it was him who let the bloody thing into the castle in the first place, to create a diversion. Perhaps I'll have to start following him to see what he's up to.

See you in a couple of weeks,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

It was so wonderful to see you at the weekend. You really cheered me up after the hard time I've been having recently with you-know-who. You see what I mean now about him being a complete bastard? So what if I did go out with Sirius? That was over a long time ago and I'm not responsible for anything he did. Gods! I didn't know he was a Death Eater, did I? We'd split up long before the tragedy and how was I supposed to know when James didn't even have a clue and he was his best friend!

I still think you're wrong about Lucius, though, he's just being friendly. I think he's one of those touchy-feely types. Honestly, Mym, I'm sure he's not really trying to get into my knickers. Why would he be interested in me when he's got Narcissa? I know she wasn't with him at the match but I'm telling you she's absolutely gorgeous. All the make-up in the world couldn't put me anywhere near her. Anyway, as I said before I'm not interested because he's married. I have to admit that I do wish there was someone at Hogwarts nearer my own age that I could go out with occasionally, even just for a friendly drink. Unfortunately, there's only the Bastard and I refuse to go anywhere with him. Not that he'd invite me anyway. Oh, I suppose there's also Quirrell, but I get the impression he's too scared to leave the school grounds — what a great DADA teacher he's turning out to be.

I asked Hermione what happened at the match and she told me she was sure the Bastard was putting a charm on Harry's broom — that's why he was flying so erratically. She's a clever girl, Mym, a very capable young witch and Muggle-born, too. She set fire to Snape's robes to get him to break eye contact. I know I should have told her off for that, but somehow I just didn't have the heart to. He's so horrible to the three of them all the time, and of course if he was trying to hurt Harry then he deserved everything he got.

Oh, and this will make you laugh. Rolanda came up to me at breakfast on Monday morning and said she'd remembered who I was. Seeing the two of us together reminded her, apparently. She apologised but I told her I hadn't expected her to remember me. After all, I was never into Quidditch, certainly not to the extent you were. Between you and me I think she's still proud that she helped to create one of the most successful Holyhead Harpies ever. I'm surprised she didn't ask for your autograph.

Well, back to the grindstone, I suppose. Not long now until Christmas. I'm staying at the school over the holiday as I don't really have anywhere else to go and it'll give me a chance to catch up on all the stuff I haven't done all term.

Talk soon,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

Now don't you go feeling sorry for me because I'm going to be at Hogwarts for Christmas; I'm looking forward to it. It was one of the few bits of school that I used to enjoy and I'm pretty sure it won't have changed that much. Anyway, with people like Albus around it'll be just like having a family. Perhaps I'll go and sit in the Gryffindor common room for a bit to remind myself of what it used to be like. The only bit I'm not awfully happy about is that the Bastard will be there too, but as he's made such an art of cutting me dead all term I'm sure that will continue, and as long as I don't get stuck next to him for Christmas lunch it'll be fine.

He's still acting very suspiciously, you know — as is Quirrell. I really don't like him, Mym. I don't know what it is but he gives me the creeps. I think it's that bloody great turban he always wears . . . and his smell. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's sweet and cloying almost like decaying flowers and mixed with the garlic he uses to keep away the vampires it's almost overwhelming. Gods, I hope I'm not stuck next to him at lunch either!

Draco and Harry seem to have a bit of a feud running and of course it blew up in my class, with Harry and Ron getting upset over a comment Draco made regarding Muggles. I don't know what to do about him, Mym. It doesn't seem to matter how many detentions he's given or how many points he loses for Slytherin, he just won't acknowledge that there's any worth in Muggles or Muggle-borns. I did have another word with Lucius when he visited the school and he's assured me he'll be talking to Draco over the holidays.

He invited me to his Christmas party but I declined. I did think about going but I don't really think I'd fit in with his aristocratic friends and I don't have a decent party robe anyway. Lucius was quite persuasive, but when I found out the Bastard was going there was no way I was spending the evening with him, so I stayed resolute. Lucius looked rather more disappointed than I'd expected, as I was sure he was only being polite by asking me.

Have a fantastic Christmas, I hope you all like your presents.

Feeling festive!
Charlie

Dear Mym,

I'm really sorry to hear that you were ill over Christmas. What rotten luck you going down with it on Christmas Eve. Lucky for you that Robert was able to cook and look after the kids. Luckier still that you weren't getting a visit from all your family!

My Christmas was fine, honestly, and no, I didn't have to sit next to the Bastard or Quirrell at lunch. I was lucky enough to sit between Albus and Minerva. The meal was great and in the evening the staff had a party where we could finally drink something a little stronger than Butterbeer. Albus seemed a bit disappointed that the Bastard and I hadn't hit it off and tried to get us to dance a couple of times, but eventually he gave up in the face of all the scowls he received from both of us.

Actually, Albus did do one thing that really annoyed me but fortunately, it backfired. He was leading me on a circuit of the room when he 'accidentally' got me trapped under some mistletoe. Of course, he then tried to get the Bastard to free me — as if I'd want that disgusting creature touching me in any way! Well, I'm sure you'll have guessed that he refused. Albus was going to make something of it when Hagrid appeared and gave me a big peck on the cheek, which released me. He told me afterwards he couldn't bear to see my expression of horror at the idea of being kissed by snarky Snape.

I suppose I should admit to you that I received a present from Lucius. It's a really beautiful tennis bracelet in white gold with sapphires and diamonds. It's exquisite but I really can't keep it; I dread to think how much it must have cost. The note with it said that it was to make up for all the trouble Draco has caused me during the previous term, but I don't think I can accept it for that, either. And yes, I know what you're going to say, but I honestly still think you're wrong about Lucius. He's just a nice man trying to make up for having such an awful son.

Fortunately, New Year's Eve was a much quieter affair. Albus had another party which included the kids as well, but this time there was no mistletoe, thank Merlin, and he had obviously got the hint not to try to put the Bastard and me together. I only stayed for a couple of drinks, saw in the New Year with the rest of the school, then headed back to my rooms for a long, hot soak and some time spent alone in quiet contemplation. You know how much I hate New Year and it was very hard having to pretend to be cheerful with all those people around. But don't worry, I'm over it now and I'm not even crying any longer.

You know, Mym, the Bastard and Quirrell don't get on well, either. Of course, I'm not sure which way I should go on that as I dislike both of them, but somehow I just can't help thinking that there's something not quite right about that Quirrell. I was going to talk to Hagrid about it, but he's so pleasant about everyone that I don't suppose I'll get a proper answer from him.

Anyway, back to the grindstone. Essays to mark before bed, as usual.

Happy New Year!
Charlie

Dear Mym,

Thanks for the birthday presents and card. Yes, the toiletries will be very useful as I'm definitely sticking to my New Year's resolution to have a relaxing bath every evening before bed, regardless of what time that is. I love the smell of that cinnamon and orange bubble bath, and no, it didn't matter that they arrived during breakfast. Albus had already given it away with a throw-away comment during the meal, which I found most embarrassing, actually; more so was the fact that during the day I kept receiving cards from various students. In the evening a few of the teachers (led no doubt by Hagrid) took me to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade for a few drinks. Quirrell was there, looking upset and more nervous than usual. Apparently he'd just had a run-in with the Bastard. And no, of course the Bastard wasn't there — as if!

Okay, so I have to admit I didn't give Lucius the bracelet back, but I don't want you to have a go at me about this, Mym. I did try — honestly. He visited the Bastard a few days after my birthday and then came to track me down (guess what, the Bastard's birthday is in January, too — earlier, though, January 9th, so he's a Capricorn — hah, of course he is!). Obviously I tried to return the bracelet, but Lucius refused point-blank to accept it and then — oh gods, I really hate to even tell you this because I can already hear what you're going to say — he gave me a belated birthday present, a necklace to match the bracelet. And no, I have no idea how he knew it was my birthday, and yes, I did try to reject them both but he made me feel ungrateful for doing so and so eventually I caved in and wore them as he wanted to see what they looked like on — and they're beautiful, really beautiful.

There's nothing else much going on here apart from the usual work, work, work, although I've got a feeling that Harry and his friends are up to something. They always seem to be hanging around, watching everything that's going on, although Merlin only knows why. Still, they're never any trouble in my class, unlike Draco, so I don't know why I'm even worrying.

I'm off to make a relaxing cup of cocoa that I can have with my bath.

Write soon,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

I tell you what, you take the jewellery and give it back to Lucius. I told you I tried and he wouldn't take it back. He got very indignant with me, actually. And yes, he is still being friendly, but it's nothing. He's married!

Quirrell and the Bastard are definitely not getting on. I think Quirrell's scared of him (understandably) although I don't know if anything specific has happened to cause that. But there's definitely something going on between the Bastard and Harry. At Gryffindor's last Quidditch match he insisted on being the referee. Now, why would he do that when he's never been interested in doing it before? Seems strange to me, especially when you think of what Hermione said about the last match.

The school is gearing up for end of year exams; there's only another eight weeks before they all kick off. Everyone in my classes will be fine, except for Draco. Even after yet another word from Lucius he's still refusing to pay attention in my class and he's now trying to disrupt the other Slytherins, too. I'm thinking of talking to Albus about it to see if he can be excused the lesson as he so obviously doesn't want to learn, but I have a horrible feeling that will involve a further discussion with the Bastard and I'm obviously keen to avoid that.

I'm on hall duty again tonight so I'd better get on with some marking. Hope you and the family are all well.

Speak soon,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

Harry and his friends aren't very popular with the other Gryffindors at the moment. According to rumours in the staff room, they were helping Hagrid with a dragon he'd hatched. Yes, really, a dragon! (I know, the man's a complete menace but I can't help but like him).

It seems that Draco found out about it and got them all into trouble, little shit that he is (the dragon's gone, but I'm not sure where). Harry and Hermione lost loads of points for Gryffindor and Ron ended up in the Hospital Wing with a nasty 'dog' bite. At least Minerva had the decency to give Draco detention as well, along with poor Neville, who had left the common room after curfew to try to warn his friends what Draco had done. Mind you, they've all got to do it with Hagrid so I don't envy them because Merlin only knows what he'll get them doing (something dangerous, knowing him!)

Exams are almost underway and the stress reminds me of when we were at school. How glad I am I'm not sitting those any longer. We've already had a couple of seventh years admitted to the Hospital Wing because of the stress and I'm sure more will follow before the end of the exams.

Yes, it would be lovely to see you, Robert, and the kids over the summer holidays. I'll need a couple of days at the end of the term to get things in order here and then I'll be with you. A couple of weeks at the seaside sounds lovely. It'll be just what I need to make me relax.

Oh, and I haven't seen Lucius recently. Why would I have done? I only ever see him at Slytherin Quidditch matches or occasionally when he comes to visit the Bastard.

Counting down the days to my holiday already,
Charlie

Dear Mym,

I suppose I could have waited to tell you this news but I'm bursting and it couldn't wait another few minutes, let alone a week. I hope you're sitting comfortably 'cos it's quite shocking!

Quirrell is dead!

No, honestly, this isn't a joke — he really is dead!

We discovered that he'd been keeping a secret under that smelly turban — a really big secret. OMG, Mym, you're not going to believe this, especially as I'm betting it won't make the pages of the Daily Prophet.

So it turns out that You-Know-Who (I mean the REALLY scary one, not the obnoxious prick who's tried his best to ruin my year) hadn't died after all; he'd just been seriously injured. Somewhere along the way he met Quirrell and was using him as a host body (don't ask me, I have NO idea how that works). Anyway, that's what that awful smell was — Voldemort attached to the back of Quirrell's head — disgusting, eh?

It seems he was seeking a Philosopher's Stone, which would resurrect him. I don't know why, but for some reason it was being kept at Hogwarts. Apparently that's what the Bastard went to check that night the troll got in because he suspected someone was trying to steal it and was using the troll as a decoy (and it wasn't him!). The Stone was guarded by loads of traps and things, one of which injured the Bastard, but somehow Quirrell still got through when he attempted it. But Harry and his friends (the golden trio as I'm going call them from now on) somehow found out about it, too, and went after him. From what I understand they were all convinced it was the Bastard stealing it — well, let's face it, he does seem the type.

I don't know all the details yet but somehow Harry managed to defeat You-Know-Who again, although I still don't think he's dead.

So it turns out that the Bastard was protecting Harry all this time, not trying to hurt him, after all. It was Quirrell who was trying to kill him at that Quidditch match and the Bastard was trying to stop him, which was what all that eye contact stuff was about — he was trying to keep Harry from falling off his broom while Quirrell was cursing it. When Hermione set fire to his robes it seems she (fortunately) knocked Quirrell over too, breaking his eye contact so Harry was okay and that's why the Bastard wanted to referee the following match, to make sure Quirrell couldn't do anything to Harry — because it was easier to look after him that way and without unexpected interference from students. To be honest, I'm a bit surprised considering how much he hated James, as I thought he detested Harry because he looks so much like his father. Still, he did have a real thing for Lily, didn't he? So maybe that's what prompted him to do it.

Anyway, creepy stuff, and as you can imagine it's got the whole school in a bit of a flap. I'll see what else I can find out before I see you.

Getting excited about the holiday now,
Charlie