alt_justin | Entries tagged with alfie jugson

Hydra,

Are you coming up to the salle tonight? I say, Alfie Jugson just followed me halfway there, wondering whether we're tempting fate by being seen together so much more than usual.

I told him not to worry, what, that we're giving our history due consideration as we proceed.

At any rate, I'm just running some drills, while I wait.

-Justin

Lads,

As you know, I've been spending mornings and evenings both with Professor Dolohov. The restrictions on my movement at school have made it jolly difficult to seek either of you out to explain more fully what happened between me and your cousin, so of course, no one could expect you to have any privileged information from me, and I've been unable to talk to you about the fallout which was inevitable. Consequently, I'm sure you didn't know that several publications contacted me to ask for my story, which of course, I declined, as any gentlewizard would do.

Nonetheless, I heard that yesterday's new issue of Posh features an article that directly addressed the circumstances leading to Hydra's announcement on Monday. Professor Dolohov received his copy and kindly allowed me to read it. Luckily, he believed me when I told him that I bally well had nothing to do with authorising anything to be put on the record.

Of course, as I said, I haven't had the opportunity to ask you if you know who might have spoken out of turn in order to contribute the statements made by the 'unnamed close friend' of mine mentioned many times as their source. I say, I don't need to know who it was and I don't wish to know. What I do want to do is to get a message to that person, which is that it was decidedly a dashed foolish, misguided thing to do.

I'm absolutely certain that whomever spoke to the author well believed it would be helpful to present the story as if Hydra and I have been ill-used. I'm certain that the source thought he--or she, what--was taking up the cause on my behalf and staving off any accusations that I took advantage of the daughter of two Council members. (At least, it's preferable to the alternative, which is that someone spoke out to deliberately capitalise on our misfortune, what.)

If you've heard any of the gossip on the train today, you'll agree that whatever the intention, the result twists our situation to make it seem as if Auror Lestrange is some sort of harridan and we are star-crossed lovers out of Romeo & Juliet. Which is certainly not the case, as you well know. It's a highly disrespectful interpretation of the situation, inviting speculation when it was our hope to put the matter to rest quickly, quietly, and with a minimum of fuss.

Moreover, I'm very concerned because the magazine's source talks about details of the Lestrange family dynamics which, whether true or not, should have remained private matters. If Auror Lestrange were to decide to find the person who said that she looks down on the rest of her family as if they were the scrapings off her shoe--and that this same disdain is trained upon any potential suitor for her daughter other than Marvolo--I fear she could locate him or her easily, and would not be willing to listen to any argument in that person's defence.

I couldn't possibly comment on who might be privy to the intimate history of the Black, Lestrange, Malfoy, Jugson, Pennifold or any other connected clans in your august and complicated family trees. But I strongly suspect that she might have ideas in that direction. I say, I would not wish her to feel her honour has been impugned by anyone close to me.

It's not that I don't appreciate an attempt at support, what. I merely worry that some well-meaning person waded into what could have been a simple case of two young people moving on in their lives and has fed the press a likely suspicion that there is more under the surface than might otherwise have deserved notice.

If you happen to know who might have provided any of the statements, I say, perhaps you could remind those persons that they had best make it the last time they attest to it. And absolutely the last time that they have anything to say on the subject.

I'd have sought you out to discuss this in person only, I think it's best that I remain separate for now. And you know I'm not coming back with you this evening, as well? I've been invited to stay with Ron Weasley for a day or two and by then I should be able to talk with your father about moving out on my own in time for the summer holidays. I'll miss you both but I think it's for the best, what.

Your affectionate foster-brother,

-Justin

Fred and George, and Mrs Weasley: Well done, all of you! The shop is jolly well brilliant. I'm glad I was able to convince the Jugsons to let me catch them up, so I could visit however briefly.

Bill, I say, you needn't have worried about not telling us the details regarding Maule and Mulciber: It was all over the school by the time the train pulled out of Hogsmeade Station, what.

Alfie Jugson's been boring us with his 'severed finger' trick all day. He's particularly proud of the charm the other boys in his year worked out that turns the finger into a worm while one stares at it.

He did tell us that Philip Stretton put them all to shame by reminding them that his brother works in the same department where 'The Finger' is on display. I say, it would be almost funny if it weren't also so gruesome, what. One has to remember that to a twelve-year-old boy, anything involving blood is appealing. Still, it has been difficult not to remind him that there was a person attached to that finger until not too long ago. Sally-Anne, Jeremy, have you seen Philip doing anything similar? I've been debating taking him to one side and explaining but I'm not certain how he'd receive the advice. One doesn't wish to come off a horrible prig.

I hope everyone else's holidays are off to a good start.

-F-F

Hullo, all,

Thanks for hosting us yesterday.

I say, it was well useful to go back over our notes from rescuing Sarah.

And I'm especially glad we all had the chance to discover what was happening to Hydra, what! Perhaps I ought to explain.

Everyone in the Institute knows that since she got home, Hydra's been rather unavailable. She made a post that she couldn't talk to any of us because she was 'storming the castle'--none of us were sure what that meant. But then Harry went to see her at my request and found her playing nearly non-stop with her younger brother. Today I came to visit and convinced her to come with me to tea.

I say, nearly as soon as we got away from St James' Palace, she was altogether different. She rather...came back to herself, one might say. She realised she'd been...influenced, I suppose. Rather like the way she remembered being possessed by that bally awful diary. It's as if Rigel has the ability to make people do as he wishes. Not exactly like an Imperius curse, what, but more like...a desire to please him, if you follow me. Of course, that brought several other things about him into perspective. Like his nanny and why she can't bear to be apart from him, what.

Unfortunately it makes him rather a handful when one doesn't respond to him. But one can resist if one tries. I'm sure we'll be careful of Rigel in future.

Hydra, have you thought about telling your father? Someone ought to know who has the authority to curb his tendencies.

Oh, before I forget: Harry, when do you think you'll organise the first flying party? I'm not much of a flyer but Ron had something of the same idea. I think if Ron said he's hosting distance flight on Fridays, you might be able to tell your minders that you're with him, what? It might be a clever idea to become more comfortable on a broom.

I shall have to find excuses for Remy and Alfie not to come along, if we're going to do what you suggested.

-Justin

Hullo, all,

I'm delighted to announce that Tea Appreciation will convene at Laszlo's of London tomorrow at half-four. It should be a lovely, relaxing way to spend the final afternoon of our holidays.

Speaking of holidays, I hope those of us who have been focused on our studies have had a little time to regroup and recuperate before returning to school, what. For myself, when I wasn't revising with Weasley or Bones, I had a smashing time visiting the MacMillans and flying with my fellow Hufflepuffs. Remy, Alfie and I also managed to take in a few rambles through the Protector's Park. I say, I'm especially looking forward to this weekend's joyous occasion, Moon, and to seeing my mates from Ravenclaw again.

I think I may say quite honestly that, hours of revising aside, it's been a jolly good holiday.

-Finch-Fletchley

Hullo,

I'm feeling much better tonight, though I'm not sure whether that's just because both Defence and Noble Arts are over, what? How are your exams going?

I'm also well glad Ron offered another jumper.

But it's just occurred to me: Ought I to have got presents for Mr and Mrs Jugson? I've a small something to give Alfie and Remy (despite how he's been acting toward you, what!) but I didn't even consider what they might like.

Perhaps I can ask Sally-Anne to order some Stretton jam on account.

-Justin

Dear Mr and Mrs Jugson,

Thank you very much for the parcel that arrived this morning; it's most thoughtful of you to send the jumper as I had just been thinking I needed to look for one. I'm quite fond of the colour, too, Mrs Jugson.

Mr Jugson, I'm rather embarrassed to have to write to you on another matter. You see, I have been corresponding with Flourish and Blotts on the subject of the textbooks for Professor Dolohov's lessons that were unavailable at the beginning of term. The assistant, Mr Chau, has been quite helpful providing a selection of the necessary texts. Unfortunately, I received an owl from him this morning as well, informing me that they attempted to draw payment from my Gringott's account on Friday and were turned down for insufficient funds.

Sir, I'm sure there's some clerical error or mistake on the part of the bank, naturally. We had agreed that the allotment should be transferred into that account by the first day of business of each month; that should have been last Monday. If you'd be so kind as to contact Gringott's and ensure that the transfer is completed, I would appreciate it. I shall look forward to your post or owl informing me that I may authorise payment to the bookshop.

Remy and Alfie send their love. We're all quite fine and so far as I know, their lessons are going well, as are mine.

Thank you again for your kindness.

Regards,

-Justin Finch-Fletchley

Dux,

Are you going on holiday with the Malfoys? Mr Jugson told Remy you might do.

It's funny, at CCF I thought it was torture to see you sitting just down the table, but not be able to spend any time alone together. But now I miss even being able to catch a glimpse of your hair or your hand reaching for the butter and rolls. Being able to watch while you tried some task or hearing your voice across the grounds. By comparison, CCF feels like it was perfect.

Is everything all right, at home? Your mother's not been too intolerable, I hope?

I say, though, when Remy asked about inviting you, Alfie got a very strange...look. I'm not half sure how to describe it. Perhaps his tomatoes were just a bit mushy or something, what, but he looked like he'd tasted something bitter. I think he's disappointed that Remy's so keen to include me in the family. In a way it was better when your aunt and uncle were stewarding me about the country, what?

Any idea who's going to be taking Dark Arts? If it's Madam Umbridge, I think Sally-Anne might have to give it up for a bad job. Bad enough she's running the YPL. I hope that doesn't make things well awful for Luna or the others. I guess we'd be able to help each other with lessons, so everyone can keep up their marks despite whatever she--or whomever it winds up being--might decide to do. But I say, I simply can't see her teaching in a classroom, can you?

Also, did you notice what Mr Malfoy said about 'changes to the curriculum?' I don't well like the sound of that. What do you think it means? Remy says he's just happy we've not gone and bought all our supplies yet, what, because it probably means they're changing textbooks or something. I'm not sure it doesn't mean more than that.

You've not gone to do your shopping yet, either, have you? If not, and you do know when you're going to get your school things, what, tell me and Remy and we'll make sure to go then, too.

Did I mention that I miss you?

-Justin

Hullo, All,

I'm back at the Jugsons' and Remy has been telling Alfie all about our 'adventures,' as he calls them, what. At least he's not well excited about Madam Umbridge coming to Hogwarts to run the YPL. I say, it probably would have been too difficult to hold my tongue if he were.

I was a bit worried at first that Remy would be jealous because I earned two of those bally old awards and he had none. It's odd, though, because he seemed even more proud of them than I am, as if somehow it reflects on him as well. Alfie was more upset by it than Remy, what? I'm not half sure what to make of that.

But at least it's over for the nonce. Although it sounds as if Madam Umbridge has no intention of allowing us to rest during the year, what? I say, I've never been quite so sorry to be right as when we learned she'll be quartered at school.

Speaking of which, when do you lot expect to go to Diagon Alley for your school things? Thankfully, the Jugsons have scheduled no more parties but it should be relatively simple to arrange to meet whenever others are going to New London.

I've been thinking more about Sirius' letter to you, Sally-Anne. In particular about his saying that we should all be talking more with each other about our opinions. I say, I don't know what you asked, apart from what you said, but I think he might mean that if we've already made friends we trust, we ought not to stop trusting them just because we think something different to one another. Or perhaps because we're afraid that those thoughts will end the friendship.

I think the Protectorate wishes us to distrust one another and to think that each of us is alone in any misgivings we might have. I think it works, what? I mean to say, Darius was so upset mainly because he didn't think he could talk to anyone. Luna, that's not your fault, what, nor anyone's in particular, except that no one wished to be the one who stepped forward. Or perhaps no one thought it was his place to do so.

It makes one wonder how many others are foundering in their own doubts, what?

It's got me to thinking about what we can do, as a group. Not bringing more people into the lock, obviously; I'm not going to open up that can of worms again, what!--but perhaps there's something to be done under the guise of something innocuous. What about a club? We could make it invitational and only invite the ones we think are bound to be reasonable. And Lee and the twins could come as well. Perhaps we could create some sort of educational lecture that we could have if we think someone's untrustworthy?

-Justin

Hullo, All,

Well, I've had my first taste of the Hufflepuff dormitories, what? I say, it really is quite cosy, if ever so slightly cramped, with six of us. (And Summers is rather a giant, isn't he? Plus he and Smith are bally well slovenly, I must say.) But it's near the kitchens so it ought to be comfortable in the winter months. And it's closer to Slytherin's common room entrance than Ravenclaw Tower is, at any rate.

The Jugsons were pleasant enough. Mr Jugson seemed well stiff at the press conference but I think that was perhaps the reporters and cameras; he was jolly kind afterward when we were talking. Hydra's right about Mrs Jugson, though: She's well sober and not at all gracious. But I'm sure everything will be fine. At least Mr Jugson did say straight off that he had no intentions of creating any difficulties. I say, perhaps Mr Rosier spoke to him beforehand. I shouldn't wonder if he'd shared my concerns, what.

Remy and Alfie may be another matter but as Hydra says, I'm older and a good deal taller than either of them. I only hope they don't decide that two-on-one is a sporting ratio, what? (Joking, for the most part. Remy in particular knows that I've as much damning information on him as he has on me, so I rather think he can be relied upon to keep Alfie in line.)

Pansy, you're right: Susan Bones is cracking good fun. Megan Jones and Ernie MacMillan are both well nice, too. Hopkins and Stebbins are quiet but I expect that's just because none of us know one another too well yet. I say, it's no Gryffindor Tower, Ron, but on the whole I think I shall be most content.

-Justin