Author's Notes:
Holy cow, guys. I'm actually updating. It feels like it's been forever. (Oh wait, it has...) Anyway, I'm so sorry I've been neglecting the story. I've just been so busy between work and school and having severe writer's block...it's nuts. Recently, my creativity was sparked by a pesky little plot bunny, though, and now I find myself taking the story in a different direction than I originally planned. Who knows what will actually happen because I haven't gotten the whole thing worked out perfectly in my mind, but I think it's going to turn out sort of interesting. I was going to wait to post this chapter until I had the next written, but I figured I'd go ahead and do it tonight. Forgive me; it's boring. I just need to set some things up and get a bunch of information out of the way before having anything actually happen. From here on out I'm hoping things won't be QUITE so boring. :) Thanks to everyone who has reviewed! I love reviews...hehe
Aimee
Letter 9
November 8, 1998
Harry,
I'm so sorry that it's been over two weeks since my last letter. Surprisingly, I've
actually been rather busy. My brother and Fleur have taken me sightseeing, I've found a job, and started studying...but wait, I'll slow down and try to start slowly.
I've gotten to see all of Paris, and it is an amazing city, so romantic and cultured. Bill and Fleur took me sightseeing for a few days so I could see all of the most famous spots. We went to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, which was such an incredible view. (As well as a little bit nerve-wracking; I've decided I'm not very fond of heights.) You can see practically the whole city from way up there and everything looks so far away and removed. After that, we had lunch at a fancy restaurant and to be honest, I'm still not quite sure what I ate. I couldn't understand anything from the menu, so Fleur ordered for me. She insisted I would love the meal, which I did, but something tells me it was a dish that I normally would most definitely not eat. I don't think it was snails or anything disgusting like that, but I guess I can't be too sure. She did look rather smug after I finished the entire plate...
Anyway, they also took me to the village of Montmarte, the center of the Bohemian Revolution back in the early 1900's, which was very interesting. We took a guided tour and heard all sorts of stories about the area. My favorites were of the Bohemian painter Toulouse Lautrec, who was quite a character, and a frequent guest at the famous night-club and dance hall, the Moulin Rouge. He was a dwarf, and must have had a very hard life considering the time he lived in. He was, also, from what I've gathered, very addicted to the drink Absinthe, the drug of choice in the early 20th century, for Wizards and Muggles alike. We visited the Moulin Rouge that night and saw a show there; the costumes were like nothing I've ever seen, full of diamonds, feathers, and made from the most beautiful silk materials. It was surprisingly entertaining and elegant.
The next day we all went shopping, at Fleur's insistence. They would have bought me whatever I wanted, had I asked, and I still feel I got too much. A few shirts, some nice dress pants that I'll probably never wear, and a beautiful, silky green dress that compliments my hair perfectly, according to Fleur. I have to admit, I do feel rather glamorous in it and not like myself at all. Or maybe, on second thought, I'm turning into a new, more grown-up me and that dress is proof? I don't know, although I suppose I'll have to think more on that subject later. They also bought me some plainer (but still more expensive than I'm used to) robes for every day occasions.
Bill also decided the other morning at breakfast, after viewing Hermione's birthday gifts for me, that it would be a wonderful idea if I started my seventh year studies while I'm staying with them. Hermione already sent me her history of magic and arithmancy texts, so I was set for those classes. Bill came home from work the next day with brand new potions and transfiguration textbooks and a whole week's worth of lesson plans drawn up for me. I'm now a week and a half into Bill's plan, and I do have to admit, it's going rather well. I'm mostly doing the work on my own, asking Fleur and Bill for help when I need it, and taking tests and completing homework assignments and essays Bill makes up. I think I like moving at my own pace a lot more than actually studying with a class, and maybe at this rate, I won't even have to go back to school to pass my N.E.W.T.'s. As you know, I'm well ahead of most seventh years in Defense, thanks to the DA. You were a very good teacher, Harry.
Speaking of the DA, Bill was so proud and impressed when I told him all about it. Of course, he knew of it's existence after Umbridge left and it became an official club at Hogwarts, but he didn't know the extent to which we studied. He's so proud of Ron's involvement, as well as my own, and he thought my coming up with the name "Dumbledore's Army" was just brilliant. He has so much respect for you, too, Harry, that it makes me proud of you all over again. I think he gained newfound respect for Hermione, as well; he about keeled over with laughter at the Marietta Hedgecomb story and the image of her with "SNEAK" written across her face. I still feel a little bit sorry for the poor, girl, though; last I heard, she still has a faint scar.
Not only have I been busy with school, but I also found a job. It's not really an incredibly hard job, or one that requires any skill what-so-ever, but I'm making money, so it's more than sufficient. I'm running errands, cleaning house, and basically keeping Bill and Fleur's elderly neighbor company. Mrs. Leveau is probably at least one hundred fifty years old and the poor dear is just not in very good shape. Her mind is quicker than ever, but it seems like her body is just quitting on her. I go to the market, fix her supper, clean her house when it needs it, and most of the time, just sit and talk with her. She tells wonderful stories about growing up in the Southern United States on the Louisiana bayou and loves having someone listen. Mrs. Leveau had four children, but lost all of them in the war. She has a few grandchildren, but it seems like they're scattered all over the world and rarely come to see her. I think I've talked her into spending Christmas with us so she won't be quite so lonely.
Speaking of Christmas...I've decided to stay in France for the holidays. Bill and Fleur aren't going to England this year since they spent last Christmas with our family. I'm not sure what the real plans are, but I'm glad I'm at least going to be with one brother this Christmas. I'm sure mum and dad will have an absolute fit that I'm not coming home, but what can I do? I just don't think I'm ready.
I do have this growing feeling inside of me, though, that something is changing. Something is about to happen to me, to make my life turn upside down all over again. Except this time, I'm not afraid of this feeling...it feels like it could actually be something good that's going to happen. I don't think it involves you waking up, unfortunately, but perhaps figuring out the next place I'm going to go once I do decide to leave Paris. Perhaps Rome? I don't know right now, but I know that when the time comes, I'll know exactly what to do.
I'm sorry this letter was so boring...since I hadn't written in so long, I thought I should probably just update you on everything that's been going on. I swear I'll have something much more interesting to tell you next time. I'll try to remember one of Mrs. Leveau's funny stories. Goodbye, Harry.
Love,
Ginny
