Justin Finch-Fletchley

Hello,

Pansy, we've found a quiet window-seat, up on the second floor. Hydra says it's near the library and Mr Malfoy's office.

I say, is it always this...er, forced? That's not quite the right word. I know Hydra and I both feel odd celebrating when so many of us are mourning Mr Weasley and feeling bad for Ron and his siblings, what.

But I shouldn't have thought so many of the Ministry and Council people here would be so...determined about having their fun. Surely not because of Mr Weasley?

And Mr Malfoy seemed rather distracted, did you notice? He looks tired. Although Professor Dolohov has been exerting himself tremendously. Did you happen to see when that couple in the blue robes were trying to talk to Mr Malfoy (oh, it was about an hour ago?) and Professor Dolohov simply inserted himself into the conversation? And Mr Malfoy looked so relieved to be able to excuse himself. Though it's true Mrs Malfoy's barely taken her eyes off him all night. I say, Draco's parents are clearly well devoted to one another.

There's another thing. I know you mentioned people tend to overdo things here, what, but it seems like there are rather a number of them, and early in the evening. Mrs Avery actually fell off her chair a few minutes before Hydra and I decided to come upstairs!

Well. I do think it's a smashing idea to go to the Weasley home tomorrow. I've a feeling even with the rawness of their emotions, that shall be a much more pleasant gathering.

-Justin

Hullo, friends,

I say, I thought yesterday's picnic was positively corking. Thank you all for coming; I hope I shall be able to host other jolly gatherings once in a while before end of term. Marvolo, Malfoy, I was very pleased to see you decided to come along! We've not spent much time at all this year, despite being thrown together somewhat when I came for the Quidditch World Cup, what? I say, it was grand to make your acquaintance again.

It's well hard to believe that it's already May. It seems like just yesterday I was wondering whether I'd be coming back to England with the other students from Beauxbatons but at the same time, it feels as if I've been here ages and ages. I suppose it's down to meeting so many people who've become good friends.

-Justin

Hullo, you.

I've been thinking about the guest list for tea on Saturday. I say, do you think we ought to invite Marvolo? I'm not sure if Pansy plans to come or if she'll bring Malfoy along, though they'd be welcome. But it occurred to me that if Marvolo were to come, perhaps he could bring Hermione Granger as well. No one else I've invited would have the slightest objection to including her, what.

But perhaps the invitation would look better coming from you? I mean to say, you could send him a PM and your mother might see that you're socialising with him, if you follow me.

Thought it might do just as well if I sent it, from the point of view of certain other quarters. I'm not sure. What do you think?

-Justin

Hullo, all.

I say, this Quidditch match you're getting up, it's not going to be too competitive, what? I rather think Hydra's looking more forward to that than Patil's party, to be honest.

But I don't mind saying I'm not keen to look a right wanker on a broom. Especially in front of the house sides.

Oh, and I don't think they've said anything to you lot yet but did you know, they've arranged a tour for those of us visiting over the Easter hols? It doesn't sound half bad--except I'm sure that everything we see will be calculated to please, what?

-Justin

Yesterday was rather exhausting, but very interesting! P Froissart suggested I write about it.

We went on a tour of the Ministry for Magic. Mme Froissart says that the entrance used to look like a tatty old shop so that people Muggles wouldn't notice where it was (which is also why it's all underground). But now that it doesn't have to be hidden, it's got a new guest entrance which is very grand. I asked why it hasn't been all moved up above ground. Mr Helpmann (he was our guide) said that there was loads of discussion about that years ago. For one thing, certain of the lower levels would have been too difficult to move, and the enchantments on them would have been broken if they'd tried. And then someone suggested that they use a new building for the other offices and have a direct Floo connection but most of the workers didn't want to have to go back and forth between two different places all the time. So in the end, they decided to keep things as they are. Which is rather nift, as-is, I must say.

Mr Helpmann took me all over the building. I felt a bit odd, taking him away from his work like that, but he said that was what he had on his agenda for the day, so it was okay. I got to see a Wizengamot hearing chamber (there wasn't a hearing going on). And I did see an Aurors' sparring session; crikey, they're smashing duellists, aren't they? Mr Helpmann told me that some of them were in training and the one who was winning was a full-fledged Auror. It was very impressive! I think P Froissart and the Auror would get on famously, actually. He's always telling us about defensive manœuvers that still allow one to go on the attack.

Oh, and I met a good deal of people, of course. So many people I don't think I could possibly remember all their names! But everyone was quite nice. Ron, I did meet your Director Selwyn, and I think, your father! I say, he's well chouette, isn't he? And exceedingly kind, I thought.


Then we toured a few other places in New London and went to Buckingham. I say, it's very grand! I met the Lord Protector's son and we had some great fun wandering about. We're going back this evening, as well, for a formal sort of party, but Harry said he expected that Draco and a few other mates and I should be able to spend some time off by ourselves instead of watching the grown-ups but that can be interesting too. The last party I went to was fancy-dress, but for this one I've some smashing dress robes. I hope they're acceptable. I shouldn't like to stand out in a bad way, what?

But I've heard some of the players will be there. The Irish side, anyway. That ought to be well nift.