XX.

[alt_lana]

I'm fine. Not that whoever did this cares.

I would appreciate it, however, if you'd return my earrings. They aren't worth much, but they have sentimental value. If they come back by tomorrow morning I'll leave the matter there. If they don't, trust me, I will find out which of you is the coward who hexed me and took them. I may not remember much, but I do remember--

Never mind. The thing you should remember is this:

You will regret it.

Comments

[alt_padma]

Well, MacMillan and Smith and Dunstan and I went looking round where you said you were before you blacked out, but we didn't find anything.

Well, not anything useful. There was a big cobweb under the stairs, but nothing else.

And I was thinking - you blacked out. And before, when Weasley was having those episodes, she was blacking out. It couldn't be the same thing causing it, could it?

[alt_lana]

I'm all but certain we were hexed. Madam Pomfrey agreed. Said it was very likely, at any rate. And I'm almost sure--

Well, I'll tell you sometime, privately.

I've no idea what ailed the Weasley girl. A weak constitution, perhaps. She's probably not had the healthiest childhood, all those mouths to feed. Poor thing.

[alt_padma]

I guess we ought to think about the fancy dress party Thursday next, after all.

[alt_lana]

I'm sorry about the party. It was very sweet of you to cancel it. Postpone it, anyway.

Yes, let's do have it Thursday a week. It'll still be brilliant, and there'll be more time to prepare!

[alt_draco]

What do the earrings look like? I can't think that the person who attacked you would be stupid enough to wear them, but still, it might help us who are keeping a look out for you.

[alt_lana]

Cheers, Malfoy. I wouldn't think the person who hexed me would wear them, either, as it was a boy.

They're silver and peridot--it's my birthstone. As I said yesterday, they're not terribly valuable, but they mean a great deal to me.

[alt_rodolphus]

If you do find your earrings and don't mind parting with them again, at least temporarily, I might be able to determine who else has handled them besides yourself.

[alt_lana]

Thank you. I would feel very much better if you were to check them over. Supposing I do find them. So far no one has come forward to return them.