Justin Finch-Fletchley

Антонин,

Thank you again for introducing me to the Parish Church and bringing me as your guest at Easter Sunday services. I know it’s not your ‘Главная традиция’ but it felt jolly good to observe, and with someone of like-minded faith, what.

At Mr Pontner’s invitation, I went to see him at the Ministry yesterday. There were some formalities of parchment to fill out against my starting appointment. It struck me as we spoke that many of Mr Pontner’s pronouncements seemed to have been made on the assumption that I would join Our Lord’s Council relatively soon after finishing at Hogwarts.

I do hope he’s correct in his estimation of me, but I left feeling somewhat disconcerted and not entirely sure why. This morning it came to me that it’s been weeks since you’ve mentioned arranging my formal introductions to Our Lord’s Court. In fact, I believe it not unfair to say that since Hydra’s mishap, you’ve been silent on the subject which has been much of our preoccupation up until that time.

Я знаю, что разочарован вас, сэр. I know that in the past you’ve cautioned patience and sincerity and good faith that I might prove myself worthy in the Lestranges’ eyes. Hydra and I defied that well sound advice. I do still believe our imprudence was, in fact, the only way that we would ever have been allowed to marry, nor can I honestly tell you I regret our decision. I regret only that having confided in you, I might now have somehow jeopardised your good opinion of me, and the future which that good opinion might make possible.

If you were to ask me which outcome I desire more: a life with Hydra or a life in service to the Lord Protector, it would be entirely deceitful to claim the latter. As you know, I never dreamed I might be worthy of membership on the Council, and only your encouragement has caused me to think otherwise. My love for Hydra, on the other hand, is unshakeable, no matter how many times I have tried, for her good and for mine, to set it aside. I believe my love for her is what makes it possible to reach my own potential, in point of fact. Without it, I would be a poor candidate for any mentor. It is singularly ironic that the force which propels me to achieve greatness in the الفنون النبيلة may also be the reason I am found wanting those qualities befitting a Councilwizard. So if I may only have one thing or the other, then I must admit there is really no question which I choose. Only if that is the choice now before me, I humbly beg you to tell me without equivocation, so that I may adjust my expectations accordingly.

Regardless of your answer, I hope that I continue to be useful as your clerk and that you will continue to utilise me in that capacity. I can confidently promise that you will detect no change in my commitment to assisting you and serving Hogwarts through that important work.

In the hope that there is something I can do to restore your faith in me, I remain,

Твой любящий студент,


Джастин Финч-Флетчли

Hullo, Wife.

I don't suppose you're awake at this hour.

It's one of those times where if we were really able to live as a married couple, I'd come home in the dead of night and you'd be sleeping sound and I could curl round you and feel you breathing and that would make everything all right, what.

As it is I've got to make do with Jack. And he's not much in the mood to be cuddled, tonight, I'm afraid. Too hot, probably.

I say, three days and we'll be on the train. I can wait. I promise I shan't even embarrass us both when I do see you.

I'll be all right. I only wanted to tell you I love you.

Always your,

-Justin

Finnigan,

I say, are you certain you want the section on identifying and neutralising protections in the field? I've already got some notes on the disruption of the common methods used to guard wizards working on complex or collaborative spells during melees. I'd be willing to draft it if you'd prefer, what--I mean to say, if you've other responsibilities for the Council challenges.

Patil, the same goes for the footnotes. I can put them in almost as easily as get you the list of sources. I'm quite finished with the bulk of the assignment. Zabini's already approved the draft for his section as well.

-Finch-Fletchley