December, 1946 – March 1947

22 December 1946

'Dear Albus,

Christmas at Beauxbatons is a far more elaborate affair than the Christmases I remember from my days at Hogwarts. Ice sculptures decorate the Great Hall, in addition to dozens of Christmas trees and hundreds of candles. Fairies fly about the halls – quite annoying when one is trying to teach a class. Thankfully, the holiday has begun, and I do not have to worry about them distracting my students any longer.

Most of the students and my fellow professors have returned to their homes for the holidays – only three other professors, including the Headmaster, and half a dozen students remain in the castle. The students do not lack for activities – they are encouraged to go outside, and every day a trip to the nearby village is organised.

I have enclosed your Christmas present with this letter in hopes that it finds you well. I hope that you enjoy your holidays. I look forward to seeing you on December 27th, as planned.

Minerva.'

***

24 December 1946

'My dear Minerva,

Your last letter and Christmas present have indeed found me safely. I am spending the holidays with friends, and was eminently pleased to receive news of how you plan to spend your holidays. Beauxbatons has always looked marvellous during the holiday season, and I do not blame you for choosing to remain there. Unfortunately, I shan't be able to visit you as we planned – my brother has insisted that I meet his fiancée, and obviously I cannot pass up the opportunity to meet a woman who does not mind my brother's goat fetish!

I hope that you have an enjoyable and restful holiday season, and that my letter finds you in good health.

Albus.'

***

2 January 1947

'Dear Albus,

Unfortunately, this year did not have an illustrious beginning – my First-Footer was the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, who happens to have blond hair. I know what you'd say if you were here – how is it that I, who put no store in Divination, believe in this particular tradition? I suppose it is silly, but it is a part of me. Let's hope that the year is prosperous.

The students return in a few days, and I shall be glad to return to my duties. I do enjoy teaching, and am blessed with bright and inquisitive students. Of course, it is difficult to adjusting to speaking, teaching, thinking only in French – except for when I write to you, of course – but it is a challenge I have embraced whole-heartedly.

I hope that your Christmas holidays were happy and healthy. I hope that next year you might be able to visit me.

Minerva.'

***

9 January 1947

'Dear Minerva,

I did, indeed, have a happy and healthy Christmas holiday. Aberforth's fiancée was a beard – and by beard, I mean that she was a nanny goat, with quite prominent chin hair. Apparently, he did not want to be alone during the holiday season.

I hope you had some time to socialise with the other professors – the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor seemed to be quite nice when I met him earlier in the year. He would be a good friend for you, my dear, and I hope that you will not take that remark in any way but the way it was intended.

Hogwarts has been very busy, as usual – busy, but enjoyable. As you may know, Headmaster Dippet plans to retire in a few years, and I have slowly been taking over some of his duties. However, I relish the opportunity at helping mould Hogwarts into a better school, and eagerly anticipate becoming Headmaster upon the Headmaster's retirement. Perhaps, then, you might return to Hogwarts as the Transfiguration professor?

Albus.'

***

14 January 1947

'Dear Albus,

That sounds like Aberforth – the poor man! I hope he does find someone eventually. I myself do not like being alone during the holidays – I suppose I was fortunate that Paul – the D.A.D.A. professor – had also remained at Beauxbatons for the holidays. I was disappointed that you could not come to visit, however, I quite understand that you wanted to spend time with your brother.

I know that you will make an excellent Headmaster, and I know that Professor Dippet could not have made a better choice for his successor. Your offer is very kind, and I shall certainly consider it very carefully.

I hope to see you next Christmas, and take care.

Minerva.'

***

22 February 1947

Dear Minerva,

I am glad to hear that you have found a friend in Professor Chevalier – he is quite kind, and I do believe that you will be good friends.

I am glad to hear that you will consider my offer, as I would very much like you to be on my staff.

Albus.'

***

28 February 1947

'Dear Albus,

Is something the matter? Your last Owl was so short, and it took quite some time to arrive. I do hope that nothing's wrong.

Paul and I went to Paris for a few days during our brief holiday weekend – it was very enjoyable, especially as I had not been back to Paris after the War. We spent the weekend touring the city – especially the Muggle parts, as I had never visited.

I'm glad to hear from you, as I had been worried. Again, I hope nothing is wrong.

Minerva.'

***

13 April 1947

'Dear Minerva,

I'm so glad that you and Paul visited Paris, especially the Muggle sections. I've always found them to be the most beautiful.

Everything is fine – I apologise for not getting back to you sooner. Everything has just been incredibly busy.

Take care, my dear.

Albus.'

***

18 April 1947

'Dear Albus,

I am so glad to hear that everything is all right. I have some rather good news – I have been asked to lecture at L'Institute de Magique in Paris. I do hope you will be able to come! I'm scheduled to lecture on 1 May. I'm lecturing on Animagi transformations. I've been practicing my speech with Paul, and he thinks that it's quite good. I do hope you will be able to make it.

Minerva.'