XXIX.

[alt_lana]

Johns. Shopping. Tomorrow. Half-ten. Yes?

Papa says we can try on anything we like, and the designers will consider it an endorsement if we select something of theirs to wear for the DoP presentation, so they'll let us have whatever we choose at cost. The Prophet will be there, of course, and Witch Weekly will want to cover it, so they'll get loads of free publicity. Anywiz, Papa says they've all agreed to do a private trunk show for us tomorrow morning. Just come straight to Harrods and the doorman will know to show you up. Mama wants to take us for lunch afterwards.

I had another fitting for my coming out robes today, and they're going to be perfect. The beading's not finished yet, and the sleeves weren't quite right, but the cut and drape are just as I hoped--and in candlelight? the effect is going to be spellbinding. Patil's mother knows her craft and no mistake.

I'll see you tomorrow, then.

Comments

[alt_padma]

I wish Mum had told me you were coming in!! It would have been so snitch to see you!

I've seen parts of your robes, though, and they're going to be gorgeous.

How has your summer been so far? Will you be at the YPL programme in London?

[alt_lana]

The robes are going to be completely sorcerous. Your mother really is brilliant, you know.

I feel as if summer is just racing past. The days are simply jammed with things that have been pushed off until now and can't wait another minute, so each day seems to stretch on for aeons, but then the weeks whiz past in the blink of an eye. It's as though someone's spelled an hourglass and is distorting time.

I promised Professor Sinistra I could make it for one of the YPL weeks. The first one, I think. It's the one you'll be doing, at any rate. I wouldn't miss it. I can't do both weeks, though, as there's just not time before I have to begin at MLE. It's good there's so much to do: I think I might be terribly nervous about it otherwise.

[alt_padma]

She is! But it's weird. I mean, ordinarily she doesn't mind if me and Parvati want to come because we always look through her designs and tour the workroom and talk about what we like and don't and she uses our ideas sometimes. But this summer, she's been working really hard. Extra hard, I mean. And Parvati asked if we could go with her today, because Mrs Malfoy is coming, you know, and she said that she didn't want us underfoot and pestering her clients. But we wouldn't! And it wouldn't have been 'gawking' to come see you, either. It's not fair.

But it's wiz that you'll be at the YPL! I heard that we're staying at Whitehall, but Parvati thinks that's rubbish, it'll be more like Park Lane or some other hotel.

When do you start at MLE? I bet you'll be brilliant.

[alt_lana]

The programme starts in mid-August, and I understand it's meant to be evenly divided between physical endurance/agility training, precision spell work, and classroom lessons. It's three years if you don't specialise, six if you do--some of that's fieldwork, of course, and mentoring with a senior colleague. I honestly can't wait.

Of course, it all depends on there being no disappointments with my NEWTs results, so I'm trying not to get ahead of myself. Only, I've wanted this for so long, and now it's just around the bend. I can't believe how quickly this past year went by.

[alt_padma]

Oh, I'm sure there won't be any problems with your NEWTs! I mean, we haven't got our marks quite yet either, but I can't imagine you doing poorly on them. You're always so diligent.

I'm really glad you'll be on the YPL trip, though. Do you know whether Bobolis and Dames plan to continue holding Ravenclaw Corner next year? And your brother? Only I heard Cox saying on the train something about whether to include Clearwater, as she's a Prefect and she'll be in sixth, and I wasn't sure that was strictly quidditch, so it's got me to wondering who'll be really in charge, now you'll be at MLE. It's going to be weird, no matter if they let Clearwater join or no.

[alt_lana]

Hm.

Well, it's Orion's look-out if he lets Cox take decisions like that. But, of course, Ravenclaw Corner will go on: it's been ours as long as anyone can remember.

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you; if they let Clearwater in, she'll make a pest of herself the first afternoon and they'll send her packing again. Simple as that.