Justin Finch-Fletchley

I was recently reminded that there are multiple sides to every story. Nowhere is that more evident than this morning's Prophet, in which Miss Baddock gave a rather redacted account of her ordeal at Hogwarts.

Miss Baddock, rest assured that at least among your fellow students who are also members of the Order of the Phoenix, we have every possible sympathy for the trauma you suffered. I can also assure you that at least three of us who would have been ordered to kill our schoolmates--myself, Hydra, and Ron--had absolutely no intention to do so. In fact, Hydra and I were the ones who recovered everyone's wands and armed the students so they could protect themselves and escape. I'm dreadfully sorry that so many were unable to reach safety.

But that order, when it came, was not from Harry, but Voldemort in Harry's form. The ones who followed it were not members of the Order, but Councilwizards and servants of the Ministry.

I know that many of you who knew me at school may well doubt me. You recall someone who dogged Professor Dolohov's heels, who was perhaps cold or standoffish. I say, I regret that my work for the Order required me at times to behave in a way which is somewhat contrary to my nature.

Perhaps it would help to back up a few steps and remind everyone of the reasons I remained in the Protectorate when the rest of the Beauxbatons delegation returned to France. Most people attributed my decision to my infatuation with Hydra Lestrange. That was and remains undeniably true: I did base a great deal of my decision on an unwillingness to part with her. The other reason I gave my teachers, the Ministry and other sponsors of my transfer of citizenship was also true, only not in the way they were given to think. I said in my letter of intent (nearly three years ago): 'I look forward to realising the rights, privileges and duties incumbent on all Citizens to ensure our future by securing our present.'

I already knew at that time that I was including all citizens, Muggle, Squib, Muggleborn, Halfblood and Pureblood.

I already was acquainted with members of the Order of the Phoenix, actually before I ever even began school at Beauxbatons. When I came here for the Quidditch World Cup, I was already thinking of ways to aid their cause.

When I met Hydra, I say, I fancied her nearly from the first, before I even knew who her parents were. When I found out, I tried to tell myself how foolish it was to pursue her. Only, by then, I'd begun to learn who she was, and to see that she bore very, very little in common with her parents. Gradually, we grew closer, and the closer we grew, the more I could not imagine any course but remaining to be near to her.

Anyone who is familiar with the Lestranges must understand that they had quite specific expectations of their daughter. Often these were not only in conflict with what she wanted for her own life, they actually contradicted each other, and even sometimes their own previous instruction. Hydra is one of the most capable, bravest, strongest persons I know, precisely because she grew up learning to navigate her parents' particular brands of abuse, treachery, mixed signals and utter disregard for her own ambitions. She's done so well that I don't think there's anyone on earth who can intimidate, bully, or even unsettle her. I pity anyone who tries to cross her.

We tried concealing our regard for one another; that didn't work. We tried separating; that made us miserable. We tried carrying on in secret; that didn't work. Finally we decided that it was pointless and harmful to ourselves to deny our feelings. Even though she was attempting to gain Riddle's notice as a Councilwitch, we remained committed to each other. We told no one outside our circle of friends, most of whom were in the Order along with us and understood completely. We'd all seen how Riddle treated others in his circle when it came to matters of the heart and neither of us were interested in becoming puppets for his amusement. The very same day she was given the Dark Mark, she and I eloped.

I'm ever so proud, pleased and humbled to call Hydra Finch-Fletchley my wife.

Hullo, Sweetheart,

I say, you know that project I mentioned I've been working on for us? I think it's ready. Better than the parks, what?

Do you think you can meet at Tavistock Square tomorrow? Tell me when.

-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