1. December-
Bobbie:
This hair has GOT to go. Apparently, Luna has some skill at this. After dinner, we lose the length- up to the chin, going for the simple with no bangs. We'll see how everyone takes it. All I know is this has to go. The Rowes liking it solidified my decision.
To the short of it!
~L'elly.
1. December (post-chopping)-
Bobbie:
Luna did well- it's hacked. I'm happy, now to bed- there's not much left to say. Ginny says it looks nice at the new length. Good. We'll see tomorrow if anyone but my Gryffindor gals can deal with it.
Ta.
~L'elly.
2. December-
Bobbie:
Well, reactions today weren't bad- most were positive. Neville seemed to be very fond of it, but there were also some very vicious taunts from Pansy and her friends. She's such an insufferable bitch. I totally wish Draco would just break up with her already. Why is he even with her? How can he stand to spend time with her, or to kiss her?
I know, it's none of my business, but he SO deserves better than that.
I got three letters today. THREE! I'm excited, since two of them are from family- Daddy and Tonks (might as well start getting used to it now, right?). The other one, the one that I am not sure I even want to read, is from...guess who? Yup, the damned Rowes. Just leave me alone, already!
I'll paste the letters in here this evening. I'll need thinking space after I read them.
Ta-
~L'elly.
Ten at Night-
Bobbie:
Letters pasted below: Daddy's, Rowes', Tonks'.
L'elly, lovely-
Albus wrote to me about your visit with the Rowes and I also got your letter from last week. I am so sorry that they are not letting you make up your own mind about who you call family. I know how important that is to you.
Oddly enough, and his may even surprise you, my little Wilde child, I got a letter from Severus as well. He simply said that I had better not let, "those imbeciles" take my daughter. I take it that he met them and was none too well impressed?
The full moon went fine. I still have a good stock of Wolfsbane and I know where I can find it, should something drastic happen. You don't need to worry so much about me, though it is one of the many ways that you are so very much like Sirius. He used to check in on me religiously from sunset onward, regardless as to when moonrise was in the day or night.
Now, about you. You mentioned in your letter that you think Draco may be in some kind of trouble- that maybe he has been asked to do something that could endanger the school. Why do you say that? Do you know for certain that he is a Death Eater? I know you're very close to the boy, but please, be careful. This is no game, and if he is, he may be asked to kill you or yours and that isn't an order he can just ignore. He must do as he is commanded by his Master, lest worst things befall him or his family. Unlike Tonks' mother, Andromeda, you do not have the family connections that can protect you. She may have rebelled from her family, but she is still the sister of Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy and that carries some weight. You do not have that kind of protection and must be a vigilant and careful.
Now, on a more current note, how do you feel about your end of term examinations? Do you have any friends you can study with?
I am at the Burrow at the present, and Molly and Arthur both send their love. They've offered to be your first stop over the Holiday break, as I will not be able to meet you in London. Don't worry, I will be there in time for Christmas Eve and after Christmas we will strike out on our own- we'll have a day or so on our own as we travel the old-fashioned way to visit Tonks and her parents, Andromeda and Ted.
Keep working hard at your studies and be cautions. I am so glad we will get to see each other again soon.
Dad.
Jill-
You absolutely must not go home with this Remus Lupin over the Christmas holidays. We've recently discovered that he was, and may still be, a member of a dangerous revolutionary group called the "Order of the Phoenix" that was active the last time that You-Know-Who was terrorising the country. Please, Jill, for your own safety, come home to us this break.
Love-
Mom and Dad (+Ben)
L'elly-
By now, I figure your father has told you that I've fallen pretty hard for him and he's being resistant as ever- something about being too old, too poor, and too dangerous for me. I keep telling him that age isn't any worry, money can be found when needed, and I'm an Order member- I eat danger for breakfast. You know your dad, though- stubborn, as ever.
I just want to make sure that you're alright with this. I'm not trying to replace Sirius. I would never do that. I am not going to ask to be your mum, though if you want me to be, I will do my best, and I am NOT trying to steal your dad away from you. I love Remus, and part of that means that I make sure that I protect his family and don't do stupid things that would hurt either of you.
I've invited you both to come to Tonks House, my parents' place, after Christmas at the Burrow. I hope you can come to meet my parents. They may be crazy for naming me Nymphadora (we'll just blame Mum's family for that one!), but they're wonderful people and I am sure that they will adore you and you will like them.
Anyway, I miss you loads and can't wait to see you!
Tonks.
Ok, Daddy's letter first for Lewellyn commentary!
Wow...Professor Snape actually wrote to Daddy? It's no surprise that he doesn't like the Rowes, but the fact that he wrote a letter to Daddy is shocking- I mean, don't those two completely despise each other? And they actually agree on something? THAT is what is impressive!
The fact that Daddy's worried about me seeing Draco is understandable, but it's cool that he doesn't tell me NOT to be around him. I think he, of all people, understands what it is like to be close to someone whom everyone else thinks is wicked. I didn't know that Tonks is Draco's cousin. That's a little weird, but no stranger than some of the things I've heard at Hogwarts. How does that work if Tonks marries Daddy? Does that make Draco and I second cousins or something? Can we still maybe someday eventually date? I think it's alright, since we aren't blood relatives or anything.
I'm excited for Christmas at the Burrow- I love spending time there because Molly notices me- where I am, when I'm not there- she's everybody's mum. It will be fun to meet Andromeda and Ted. Tonks is persistent- she's going to get what she wants, somehow, even if it takes her ages to get it. You have to admire a woman like that.
Onto the Rowes' letter. That's just hilarious. Moving on.
Tonks...Nymphadora- what a sense of humour! She's so sweet to be asking how I feel about her pursuit of Daddy. I'll make sure to write her back tonight, as well as Daddy. I'm thinking of finding a creative way to dispose of Kim and Don's letter. Maybe I'll drop it in something nasty in Potions class.
Someone's coming- three guesses who, and the first two don't count.
~L'elly.
3. December (Midnight-thirty)-
Bobbie:
So, did you guess who? Yup, Draco.
I swear, I see more of him than I do my housemates some days. He asked me what I was doing up there, other than maybe studying for finals (which I am not doing yet). I told him. He asked if he could read the letters. I had to tell him that he couldn't. As much as I would like to just spill everything, he can't know about who is in this second Order. He was hurt, but I did a little explaining.
"Draco, my father sometimes writes things in his letters that, if HE could get into your mind, would endanger our side. I'm sure there are some things you can't tell me, either."
He seemed alright with it and then asked if I would read out-loud anything that I could. O.k., fine. I could do that. I told him about Snape's letter to Daddy and I told him about how Daddy had not said to avoid him. I read the Rowes' letter out-loud. Draco grew up wizard and anyone who did knows about the members of the old Order. I also asked him about Andromeda. I mentioned that I had met her daughter and she was a family friend. I said that Daddy had mentioned the connection and I asked why I hadn't heard of it before.
He explained, "Well, my mother and her sisters are daughters in the house of Black. You know that, right?" I nodded- I'd seen the Black family tree, "Andromeda married a Muggleborn wizard- you can guess how well that went over in the family, especially if you know anything about how Sirius was treated by his mother when he was sorted into Gryffindor. Sirius and Andromeda were both thrown out of the family and the family pretends they never existed."
"Well, that sounds like a stupid thing to disown someone for, but I guess some people still do it."
He was a little uncomfortable, probably because he'd risk being thrown out himself if he ever did as he wished. I don't know how stupid and stuck-up his parents really are. With Death Eaters, appearances are loyalties and they ensure survival.
After a few more minutes, we parted ways and here I am scribbling in Gryffindor Common room.
I should get up to bed-
~L'elly.
7. December-
Bobbie:
Draco sent me an owl today saying to meet, as usual, up in the Astronomy Tower, for books and fun. He is such a literary nerd, but heaven knows he won't tell anyone else about that! Anyway, the Grimm's tales book still has a few stories in it that we haven't gotten to that are just begging to be read aloud.
Now, however, it is time for a study-time planning meeting with the gang (Neville, Ginny, Collin, Seamus, the Trio, and Luna) to schedule a series of study sessions before we tackle our exams the week of the sixteenth. We are absolutely not gong to use Hermione's proposed schedule: every evening between Monday and then for four hours. HELL NO! Study parties should not suck dry our souls and create zombies out of us- firstly, that's the job of the actual examination, and secondly, no one is going to be zombified before HE comes to power. Really, I'd rather be a flesh-eating undead monster as a last resort, preferably after a battle versus evil.
Anyway, I have a date with destiny...or at least with the destiny of the dreaded study debate and then with the unlucky Grimm's characters and Draco.
Cheers!
~L'elly.
8. December-
Bobbie:
So...there's quite a lot of story to tell about last night. Nothing naughty or scandalous, mind you, but I think I'm going to have a lot of pages taken up telling you everything that went on.
To begin, we did read Grimm's tales for quite a long while, at least until it started snowing. At that point, the book went away and my camera came out. We started catching snowflakes on our tongues. We were laughing and playing and having a wonderful time. The snow started falling more heavily- it was falling so heavy that it was hard to see more than a metre in front of our faces. We sat down and curled up together by the wall, my book tucked up with us and a huge fuzzy blanket wrapped around our shoulders. He tugged the blanket full around us and held me close. I was a little uncomfortable at first- not because of what he did, but because I'm not so sure how this relationship thing works. Is this a relationship like that? I eventually relaxed against him and I guess I fell asleep.
This morning, I woke up in a room I'd never seen in a gorgeous, richly draped bed that was astonishingly comfortable in a very simply decorated setting. It was heaven. One bed over, on a very plain cot, slept Draco. There was a coffee percolator on the dresser, along with scones and place settings. There was a serving tray on the dresser as well. I dozed off again. The room seemed safe. A little while later, I woke up and he was up and he was sitting on the edge of the bed, just waiting for me to wake up. He smiled, happy to see me, and then brought over coffee and scones on the breakfast tray, then climbed under the covers with me. We ate breakfast together and then I finally decided to drag my arse out of bed. I feel so lazy!
So...yeah. Not sure how to deal with this, and I don't really think this is quite something I can write to Daddy about- maybe I can tell him that I think I like a boy and I want help knowing how to tell him. At least that seems simple enough, right? Here I am, sixteen, and what the heck just happened?
No idea, but I liked it!
~L'elly.
9. December-
Bobbie:
Study schedule:
12, Thursday- 6pm-9pm 14, Saturday- 6pm-9pm
Exam rounds:
All next week
Brush-up studying:
16, Monday- 6pm-9pm
Argh.
~L'elly.
14. December-
Bobbie:
If Hermione's study sessions don't kill me, exams may just finish me off.
~L'elly.
15. December-
Bobbie:
I got a reply from Daddy about dating. He's only slightly helpful.
L'elly-
Dear, you're growing up and this is something that other people won't be able to give you much advice on. You could go the Tonks route, which is very very direct, or you could do what Sirius did, which was to drop a series of little hints just about every chance he could get until I broke down and asked him what he wanted (to which he responded by kissing me...I was not expecting it!). You could also find your own way. You don't have to be overtly blunt or frustratingly evasive. This is something you have to approach yourself, as every lover is different and every person you date is going to have a different idea as to how your relationship could go. Some people like the direct route. Some like playing games. Some will be scared off by bluntness, and others will get so frustrated that they give up and stop paying attention to the little hints (believe it or not, I nearly did). There are just so many different types of people.
Whatever you decide, take things slow, let them come naturally, be careful, and follow your heart. If you do that, you will find your path and if you trust your instincts, you will likely discover what works for whomever this lucky person is.
Just be safe.
Dad.
I suppose he's right, though, as unhelpful as it all seems.
~L'elly.
16. December-
Bobbie:
I think I completely died in the Potions exam today. I really thought I knew this stuff, but the examination was just so insanely hard! I tried my best, I did what I could, and I still feel like I totally failed at it.
Unfortunately, I have to face the study group tonight. I do NOT want to tell them how badly I think I did.
Bah.
~L'elly.
19. December-
Bobbie:
I'm trying to forget that I still have tomorrow to get through before the examinations week is over.
Today was full of fun, though, for Ginny and I, who slipped off (with our McGonagall's permission, of course!) to do some Christmas shopping in Hogsmeade. We didn't really buy much, but it was wonderful to just be out and not at the school.
When we got back, apparently Romilda Vane tried to slip Harry a Love Potion. I find that terribly funny.
Here's to surviving tomorrow- one more day, the Slughorn Christmas party, and then we're out of here!
~L'elly.
20. December-
Bobbie:
Sneaking a moment to write during Slughorn's party. Not a bad group here, if you ask me. It's entertaining, but when Filch dragged in Draco, I wanted to rush over and ask him if he was alright. He wasn't looking well. Professer Snape whisked him off and I've lost track of him. Harry's gone, too. This is probably not a good sign. I'm off to find where they both went.
~L'elly.
Later-
Bobbie:
Alright, so being sneaky is not something I am very good at. I went after Draco and Harry and ran into Professor Snape instead. He was heading back to the party. I smiled and he raised his eyebrow and I wondered what he was going to do.
He asked me a question, "Did you overhear anything?"
I shook my head, "No- I'm just trying to find Draco- I'm worried about him."
Here's the weird part- he just hmpf'ed, "You should be. He went in that direction." He pointed and I thanked him. It was strange, but at the same time...it made sense. It verified that there was something to be worried about. I keep getting this nagging feeling that Draco is way in over his head.
I followed the direction that Professor Snape pointed, thanked him again, and tried to think of all the places that he could be. I also had his Christmas gift in my handbag and wanted to give it to him before we departed from school. I would much rather do that tonight, than deal with it while getting on the train tomorrow.
I decided to start my search in Slytherin house. No luck. Then I thought again, and checked the Room of Requirement (which I did find!). No luck. Then I thought about that classroom we ducked into back when I was dealing with the Rowes. That one turned out to be lucky.
Draco was sitting on a table, his back turned to the door, not doing anything at all, that I could tell. He was just silent.
He was also freakin' gorgeous in his black after-hours suit.
I wasn't silent, but I walked over to him and he didn't turn to me. I placed my hand on his shoulder and he didn't jump. He just glanced at my hand to see who I was and went back to staring down at the floor. I figured, what the hell, I'd join him, so I sat down, too.
Now, I don't know what he and Professor Snape were talking about, so I don't know what kind of a funk he's in at this point.
I also don't mind silence. So much can be said by not saying anything that it makes it a shame that so many people think they have to fill every moment with idle chatter.
So we sit. Eventually, he speaks.
"Did you hear what he said?"
Why is there all this paranoia about what may have been overheard?
"No. I just ran into Professor Snape and he told me what direction you had headed off in."
"There's something I have to do- and it's going to hurt a lot of people. I can't stop it, I can't get out of it. The job is mine. Whatever happens, stay safe."
I sighed, "I'll try, but you know that we're on opposite sides on this one- I don't know what I'll be asked to do, either."
"Yeah, but you still have a choice and a chance to do what you need to."
He has a point. A very good point. So I told him that. Then I asked him if I would see him after break. He told me that yes, he was going to come back to Hogwarts, I shouldn't worry about that. We went qui I smiled and told him the same, then I reached into my bag and pulled out what I had gotten him for Christmas. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a little package.
I insisted that he open his first, so he did, and his face lit up when he saw his gift- I had found, in a very cluttered bookshop, a very old, leather bound copy of "Hamlet"- it really is beautiful.
He smiled, "Shakespeare was a wizard, you know...my parents can't complain at all about this...thank you so much. It's beautiful. I've never actually read this play. Again, thank you. Now it's your turn."
I carefully opened the soft package and opened the little silk bag in it. In the bag (gorgeous and deep forest green, by the way), was a silver oval locket on a delicate chain.
It is beautiful. The surface of the silver is etched with a leaf motif. I love it.
He told me that he hadn't put anything in it because that was for me to decide. He offered to clip it around my neck. I let him. I thanked him, then gave him a big bear hug.
Here's where things take a gold-star turn. When we finally started to pull apart, he stopped and kissed my cheek. I blushed a little, but then returned the gesture. I kissed his cheek back. He actually blushed a little, too. It was adorable.
He then spoke, "So...we should get going. The others are bound to wonder where we've been."
"Yeah, we probably should."
"I'll miss you while we're on holiday."
"I'll miss you, too."
He paused, "I care about you a lot, Lewellyn- please, be careful."
We both had gotten up from the table and were walking together towards the door. His hand was on the door handle when I responded.
"You, too, Draco- I don't want anything to happen to you, either."
He smiled and held the door for me. He gave my hand a quick squeeze before we parted ways, and that was it. I'll probably see him tomorrow on the train, but that's not exactly time I'll have to talk to him.
And that settles it- I am falling for Draco bloody Malfoy.
I will never hear the end of it if the Trio finds out...
~L'elly.
21. December (happy Yule!)-
Bobbie-
At the Burrow- we boarded the train this morning. I wish we could wander London for a while, but we have to get to Weasley Central straight away. Harry, Ron, and Ginny were, of course, also headed to the Burrow. When we got off the train, Molly hugged all of us while Arthur made sure we all had our luggage and we all piled it into his car (Engorgio charms are magnificent!).
Upon our arrival, Harry and Ron disappeared off on their own and Ginny ran off to her room to find the cat. Molly sat down at the kitchen table and gestured for me to have a seat. I love Molly. She asked me how I was and if I had many friends at school. She then asked me if I was alright with Daddy and Tonks, and I told her that I was. Then she asked how I thought I did on my examinations, and I told her about them all, including the terrible experience on the Potions exam. I doubt I passed. She was very consoling and offered to bake me lemon bars. See why I love this woman? I asked if I could help in the kitchen. Now, I'm at the table, jotting down this entry before dinner, munching on a lemon bar with tea.
I'll write more later- I'm sure I'll have the time.
~L'elly.
22. December-
Bobbie:
The boys (H+R) were talking about Draco today. Apparently they suspect that he's up to something as well. I think Harry wants to talk to Daddy about it when he gets here. I wish they'd just lay off Draco, though- they act like he's pure evil. I know he's done some pretty nasty stuff, especially to Harry, but that's not reason enough to class him as completely wicked. I think it comes down to appearances. Until Lucius Malfoy was tossed in Azkaban this past year, Draco was the son of one of His most bad-ass generals. Harry is the enemy. Of course the boys have to hate each other! What do you think that He would do if Draco was best friends with His enemy? Nothing good, that's for sure!
Anyway, we'll see what happens. Daddy is supposed to be here on Christmas Eve. I can't wait!
Ta!
~L'elly.
23. December-
Bobbie:
Well, I had an interesting day day today. We got our grades this morning, and I did NOT fail the Potions examination! I actually didn't do all too terrible. I passed with an Acceptable. I'll take it!
On another note, Ron noticed my locket today. He asked me where I got it. I told him that a friend of mine gave it to me. He asked who, so I told him that it was from no one he knew. In truth, he doesn't really know Draco, so it's not really lying, right? I don't care at this point, anyway- I don't want to deal with the crap I would get if they knew.
I did put a picture in it, by the way- I managed to snap a picture of us playing in the snow a few weeks ago. I shrunk it down and cropped it so I could fit it in the locket. It's nice to have a picture of our happiness right close, especially with trouble brewing on the horizon.
Ron is bugging me. Now he wants to know where my ring came from.
Shove it, Ronald.
~L'elly.
24. December (Christmas Eve!)-
Bobbie:
Daddy arrived today. I got in a hug before Harry filched him and ran off with Arthur to discuss Order business. What's a girl to do? Borrow an Extendable Ear, of course, and follow them. They didn't think to charm the room for secrecy, so I had a clear shot at listening in. Daddy mentioned that He had a werewolf named Greyback working for Him. Apparently this is the werewolf that bit Daddy. Then Harry reported what he overheard Draco and Professor Snape talking about. Snape had offered to help Draco, who protested, saying he had a plan, but it was taking more time than he had anticipated. Professor Snape said that he had made an Unbreakable Vow to Draco's mother about all this. Someone started to walk my way, so I retracted the ear and bolted. I was not going to get caught.
I wonder what it means? I just hope Draco's alright.
Anyway, tonight is a full moon. I'm helping Molly get everything ready for Daddy. She said she would sit up with me and we could read together from Papa's book. She's so sweet.
~L'elly.
25. December (happy Christmas!)-
Bobbie:
This morning, I went down to breakfast and Molly had a gift pile with something for everyone. I snuggled up to Daddy. We may not have gotten our alone-time yet, but it's Christmas and we're together, so that's what matters most. The twins have been making us laugh since they got here.
I got a very lovely, colourful, warm sweater from Molly, and she knitted a scarf for me in the Gryffindor colours. I'm going to wear them when Daddy and I set out this evening. He said we are going to travel Muggle style to meet Andromeda and Ted. I'll definitely need to keep warm!
I'll write more one we set out.
~L'elly.
Evening-
Bobbie:
So just before we left, guess who showed up at the house? Percy Weasley, with the Minister in tow! They were there to try to get Harry to be all pro-Ministry. Ha! That's a total joke!
Anyway, Daddy and I set out a little after dinner and now here we are, walking, apparently, the first leg of our journey. Daddy said he's got everything arranged so we can travel undetected. Apparently, his mission for the Order has him in a bit of a dangerous spot, so we have to be very careful and very quiet about our movements. I'm fine with that. It means we have more time together. Molly is sending our trunks on with Arthur at some point, so we don't end up without our things- she says this is especially important for me, so I can keep up on my studies over break. Really, so long as I have clothes and the gifts Draco gave me, I'm fine with having an excuse not to study over the holiday...
We're on break right now, from our walking. Daddy found a safe spot that we can rest a bit before we move on. He's looking at the maps to make sure we're on the right path. He hasn't asked yet about the locket, but I did catch him asking Molly before we left if she knew where I had obtained it from. He hasn't asked me directly, yet, though. I wonder if he somehow knows, just doesn't want to know for sure? I mean, I would have some pretty mixed feelings if I were him, thinking about my daughter and one of our enemies being very close friends. Heaven forbid that I tell him how I feel about Draco, or that he kissed me on the cheek!
It's about time to get moving again- time to put away the writing and get walking- Daddy's got a pretty strict schedule he's having us follow so we get to Tonks Central tomorrow evening.
I wonder where we'll sleep tonight?
~L'elly.
29. December-
Bobbie:
Things have been insane since we got here!
Daddy and I arrived, as planned, on St. Stephen's Day in the late evening. We crashed into bed and didn't wake up until Tonks barged into each of our rooms late the next morning. Apparently, there had been some tension between Remus and Andromeda and Ted when they had initially met, but Tonks tells me everything is fine now. Andromeda is cool- she said I could call her Andi. So now I've got Andi and Ted to add to the family tree (presumably...by the eyes Tonks keeps making at Daddy, most likely). St. Stephen's Day was spent out playing together and eating leftovers from Christmas. The next day, we went to a nearby village and Andi asked me to pick out a Christmas present from she and Ted. I found a lovely pair of silver shoes and she then asked if I had a dress for New Year's Eve. Of course, I didn't, so she took me to a dress shop and she had me try on all these fabulous gowns- she said I could try on whatever I wanted and I could pick out one. Such a decision! I decided on a strapless tea-length dress. It's black, so simple, with rhinestones along the top and a sheer silver ribbon at the waist that ties in the back. It even has tulle under it, so the skirt poofs out a little! I am so excited for when I get to wear it!
On Saturday, Tonks, Daddy, and I went down to the sea and watched the waves before coming in and having hot chocolate with Andi and Ted. We all (even Andi in her elegant wool dress!) went sledding that evening- it was such fun!
That brings us to today- it's just after lunch right now, and we've been sending out owls all day to invite people to the New Year's party. Of course, it's mostly Order members- we've invited everyone who stays at the Burrow, Kingsley, of course, and Minerva. Andi refuses to invite Fletcher, and I can't blame her. We invited Dumbledore, but he already turned down his invitation (personally, with a face through the Floo Network- some business with the Ministry, apparently). I asked to invite Luna and Neville, so I've been permitted to ask them along as well. Luna really is one of my only friends.
I wish I could invite Draco, but I just know how terribly that would go over, what with him being a Death Eater in the middle of the Order, and all.
Anyway- off to sit down to think up decorating. Tonks and Remus have been told to go off and have a day to themselves and Andi, Ted, and I are working on the party- it's loads of fun and I really am getting to like my new family members very much.
This could work out, you know!
~L'elly.
30. December-
Bobbie:
I heard back from Luna today! She's going to be coming, and she said she had heard from Neville and his gran is going to make sure they both get here safely. I talked to Andi, and she extended her invitation to Neville's gran (Augusta). Remus thinks it is a great idea, too. He told me what Neville's parents did and how they ended up in St. Mungo's. It's absolutely terrible! Poor Alice and Frank...we're going to have to make sure to take down Bellatrix for that. She's just so evil!
On a happier note, I sent Draco a holiday card and got a reply, Of course, I didn't let him know my address. I gave instructions to Keef to wait for a reply and I told Draco that Keef would either wait there or it would sit someplace hidden outside, but it knew to do what it needed to in order to make sure he had the opportunity to respond.
L'elly-
It was amazing to read your letter. I miss you. Holidays here are rather boring- I mean, they're spectacular, but it just seems so...void of any meaning. I am very happy to see my mother, though. Dad's still in Azkaban. We're visiting him on the third. Mom managed to pull some strings so we could see him for ten minutes.
Mom asked where my book came from- I told her that one of my friends gave it to me. She asked me who, and I told her that she didn't know you. She pried and I finally told her you are a girl...and Mom was beaming. She said I didn't have to say who, but she hoped we were happy. I told her we were and then she asked what Pansy thought of you. I told her that Pansy didn't know and I wasn't planning on sharing that with her.
Pansy...I've wanted to talk to you about her for a while now, but I just don't know how to tell you what is going through my head. I have to look like I have a girlfriend that the Dark Lord approves of. If I were to be seen as being close to you, we'd probably both end up dead, whether or not we dated...not that I am saying we should, or anything, since I don't know how you feel about this all. I'm fine with being just very close friends for now. It's safer.
Whatever you are doing to celebrate the New Year, have fun. I wish we could celebrate together, but it isn't in any way safe, not for you to be here, nor for me to be there. I hope that one of these days, I can introduce you to my family, you can introduce me to yours, and we can all sit down together for tea or something. It might be fun.
I'll see you when we get back to school. Mom and I have been reading "Hamlet" together in the evenings. Ophelia was just talking in flowers. It's fascinating.
Your friend, Draco.
P.S.- We really should think up nicknames for each other, or something. I've always wanted a nickname.
He's never had a nickname? Well, we're going to have to change that! I wonder what he has in mind?
Oh Draco, I, too, hope we can all get together for tea some day! Being all secretive about each other can't be good for us...
Well, back to decorating- Andi's been cleaning all day and Ted's been working on charming things to sparkle. I think we have crystals hung from just about every place in the house that could possibly hold them. With the candles she's charming to float (just like at Hogwarts!), the house is going to look spectacular.
Ta!
~L'elly.
