The priceless thoughts of Mr R.B. Lestrange

Duckie,

Why don't you come round my rooms for tea this afternoon? I've brought back some sweets and other delights from last night's party at Malfoy Manor that you're sure to enjoy.

Want to check in with you too, about what occured in Hogsmeade last weekend. There was some kind of talk this morning about those French lads who got at the wrong end of your wand- I didn't catch the details, but the Matron's looking to speak to Froissart about them, so I can only guess that they've been up to no good once more. Also heard that one of them took a girl to the ball who ended up extremely put off by his, ah, ungentlemanly behaviour.

Thought maybe we could talk about what happened to you and see that it doesn't happen again. They didn't...?

Anyway, come see your old uncle and we'll sort it out.

Rory -

You up for a chat?

- Raz




Soz, I was going to leave it like that, but it's hardly inviting, is it? Neither of us have seen much of each other lately, and, well, I know that there's a lot of reasons that I'm lying low. That Word Has It list of bachelors was printed and the avalanche of attention that followed had me scurrying for cover. Then there was the row with Gwe Professor Acton, her walking off the Duelling Club...

None of it has a thing to do with you, but then again I reckon it does, because, ah, I've been a bit worried that your opinion of me, meagre as it may have been before, might have further suffered. I asked you for advice on how to avoid Gwen's attentions, when I wasn't being completely forthright and truthful about what had happened with her. Now I wouldn't blame you if you think me some heart-stomping lothario who enjoys giving some poor spinster a little bit of hope before snatching it away. The truth is more complicated than that, but I'm not exactly proud of myself, either.

When you can have anything you want, at any time, it can become very difficult to say No. Or to make the right choice. I'm usually much better about doing so, but even in the past there was always an easy escape route, a whole New London to disappear into, like my stall at Borough Market, or Hampstead Heath (good for flying). I'm not even just talking about women, but escaping other things, too. But I'm probably not making much sense, am I? Blast, I should have written this out and practised first.

Anyway, I hope we can have that chat. I'd like to. I hope you are doing well.

Madam, I am a cad.

Is that too dramatic of an opening? So it is. Only I've just now noticed that I utterly failed to note the invitation to Hogsmeade that you extended to me a few days ago. I'm not usually caught unawares, but I will admit that being around so many children has taken some getting used to. That is, in some ways I am accustomed to the company of children, it's just that they're usually closer to my own age. I do believe I owe you an apology for my oversight and wish to express that it was just that: an oversight, and not a slight.

Truthfully, I wouldn't have been able to make it that night. I was meeting with the wranglers to discuss security and the Dementors, and then I had a lesson plan to make. I was lucky I was able to bolt down a spot of roast chicken in the Great Hall between the two tasks. If you would care to meet in the village another time, however, I'd be most amenable. I admit I sometimes feel at a loss when it comes to dealing with some of the rivalries and animosity that have erupted in my classroom, especially surrounding the Boggart lessons. Perhaps I look at the past through rosy-tinted goggles, but I can't help but think things were a bit easier when I was that age. Anger was solved quickly, with a quick hex or punch in the nose, and then all was forgotten. Eh, probably it just feels that way now, looking back on it. Any road up, you seem to have a hidden touch with the kids that I could learn a thing or two from. Your advice to Miss Patil about asking after private messages, for example, that was dead impressive. I think you could teach me a thing or three about being a good professor, Professor.

Plus, I could jolly well do with a pint. Let me know if you fancy one in the near future.

-Raz