20 July, 1943

Dearest Galatea,

Life is quite mad right now! So many children running around underfoot, and people coming and going from the camp on a daily basis. There's always some problem that needs to be solved or something torn or broken that needs to be fixed. The children are wonderful, though. I'm so lucky to have them all in my life.

I love having the children from the school here, it's so much fun to see how they're growing up so well. Like young Tom, though I suppose I shouldn't call him "young" anymore. He's growing up so nicely! Always so polite and courteous. His skills at trading continue to improve with each year. Though I must say, he's acting a bit secretive lately. Well, he's always been secretive, but he's been more so lately. He recently returned from visiting a friend of his for a few days. He asked me so nicely last week and I didn't see any harm in it. He's nearly of-age, and he seems to have so few friends that I said it was all right for him to visit. His friend lives in a safe place, far from the bombings, Tom assured me, so I felt better about letting him go. He also assured me that I didn't need to go with him to meet his friend or the family. As a prefect, he's quite responsible, trustworthy, and capable of looking out for himself. I trusted him enough to let him go on his own.

I think he had a great time, for he returned looking as happy as I've ever seen him before. He seems elated for some reason. Perhaps he's in love? That would be nice for him. I think he even has a ring to give the lucky girl, for when he returned from his visit I could have sworn I caught a glimpse of a handsome ring, though he must have hidden it away, for I haven't seen it since. I haven't tried to ask him about his visit, and I doubt he'd tell me even if I did.

Minnie McGonagall has also been off to visit friends, though she had her mother's permission. I suspect Minnie's friend might actually be a boy, for she's had a glow about her ever since she returned. I don't think I'll ask her, though, for she's of-age, and it's her mother's problem, really. I just hope she was smart enough to protect herself. A smart girl like her has a good future ahead of her and doesn't need to be weighed down with a child at such a young age. And before you ask, yes, Minnie and Tom were gone at the same time, but no I don't think they were together. They've never shown any signs of being attracted to one another in the time they've been here. Not to mention the fact that Minnie's older than Tom and I just don't see them having anything in common, really. I hope…

On another topic, Albus has finally met Garrick. I wasn't really sure how they would get along, and it turns out that the answer is, not well. I don't really know why, but Albus doesn't want to have anything to do with Garrick. He can barely stand to look at him. I just don't understand it, but I haven't had a chance to speak with him alone about it.

Garrick is wonderful. I am so enjoying my time with him. He's so helpful with the gardening, and I've learned he's a great dancer too! We turn on the wireless at night and listen to music and we can't help but start to dance. I have so much fun with him. I don't know where this is heading, but I'm just enjoying myself.

The children are enjoying themselves as usual. Now that there are more children for them to play with and share chores with, they are having a grand time. It's a bit difficult, though, because the children cannot use magic, so they cannot use translation spells. It's slow-going, but it's a good way for the refugee children to learn and practice English. They're catching on very well, however. This is good, because I am working on making contact with their extended families in America, where they'll need to speak English.

This summer has flown by so far! I am busy from dawn till dusk, and I hardly have time for a moment to myself, or with Garrick. Oh well, I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder, so we'll really be happy come autumn when the students return to Hogwarts!

I hope you're having a good summer. Are you finding any new interesting monsters to teach the children about?

-Adriana

30 July, 1943

Dear Adriana,

I am happy to hear your holiday is going so well. And that the children are happy too. It's too bad that Professor Dumbledore doesn't get on well with Garrick. Perhaps he's jealous? From how you've described Garrick to me before, he sounds quite dashing and handsome…

I'm glad that Tom is having a good summer. He works so hard at the school that he's truly earned some fun this holiday. I hope this young girl his heart is set on makes him truly happy. He needs more happiness in his life, I feel. He has such potential.

Miss McGonagall has a good head on her shoulders. I doubt she'd do anything that would damage her future. She has the ability to do anything she wants, though I've heard rumours that she would like to focus on Transfiguration and perhaps become a Hogwarts professor some day. I dare say if Professor Dumbledore ever decides to retire, she'd make a good replacement.

I am finding many interesting discoveries this summer that I think the students will find fun to study. At least I hope so! I also managed to trap a boggart so we'll be able to study them as well. I think it's a good idea for the students to know how to handle one. You know very well how handy it is. I remember hearing about your frightening encounter with Hitler at Professor Dumbledore's house. Imagine what could have happened if you didn't know how to deal with a boggart!

You and Professor Dumbledore continue to have a great summer holiday with the children. I look forward to seeing them all again in September!

-Galatea