Private Message to Ernie and Pansy

[alt_linus]

Please accept my apologies for the slowness of my response to your supportive missives. They were very much appreciated in the stygian depths of the first days of loss.

After what consideration I have been able to muster, I believe that having some sort of dignified memorial at Hogwarts would, in fact, be the best course. Perhaps some of the other Governors

Are there any left?

Merlin.

Well. In any case, there will be some among the returning students who knew Olivia, Horace, and Vinca. I cannot

It would be good to do something. Doing something is infinitely preferable to doing nothing.

Any thoughts and abilities you two might have to lend to planning, etiquette, and logistics would be most sincerely appreciated. (By the bye, I shall myself be staying on at Hogwarts through at least the early part of term, as Professor Siz has said that she has tasks I would be well-suited with which to assist.)

So many have lost so much. It seems our best course is to mark our losses, honour them, and find some way to contribute some bit of rebuilding, some positive endeavour with which we can somehow say that our souls may be temporarily in the mud, yet we remember the stars somewhere must shine, see them though we may not yet.

Comments

[alt_linus]

I should add that the mention of staying on and assisting here at Hogwarts for a time should not be taken as indicating that I have given up my hopes of further education. My current plan, as I am told that Oxford will be regrouping for some time before it is possible to reopen, is to devote myself to whatever studies will better enable me to obtain entrance thereunto, as well as learning a bit more about how to go on with Muggles, since I shall certainly be in their company if I do indeed manage to attain my dream.

[alt_ernie]

That sounds like a plan.

You thinking about living here for the time being?

[alt_linus]

I am, at least for the short term. The Castle apparently approves, as it has provided a small, nearly monastic cell in the less-than-elevated reaches of Astronomy Tower. (It is quite comfortable actually.)

As things sort out, more plans may be made. Your mention of a flat does catch my attention. Professor Siz had also remarked that the Astronomy Guildhouse might be an option for me if I take another internship with them. I am told there is more than enough astronomy-and-locational-magics-related work to go around, given the need to get all Magical Transportation methods working properly again.

What are your short-term plans? Has the Castle given you a room?

[alt_ernie]

I'm going to stay in Hogsmeade technically, but I know there'll be a lot of late nights here for the first few weeks or so. Bet it'll give me a place to kip if I need it.

[alt_linus]

I would wager you are quite correct there.

Speaking of Hogsmeade, has anything opened up there yet where a couple of chaps might quaff a flagon and take a brief respite from their endeavours?

[alt_ernie]

The three broomsticks is still shuttered, but I'd bet a knut the Hogs Head has some libations.

First round's on me?

[alt_ernie]

There are a few of the old Board left, yeah. I'll make sure they're on the list.

I think it'd be good for all of us, mate. You're right. There's a lot of healing needs to be done.

Would you be up for a combined memorial? Say, the Jugsons, Abbotts, and the Greengrasses too? If you'd like to, me or Pansy can see what the Greengrasses might want to do.

[alt_pansy]

I'll help however you need me. Of course.

[alt_linus]

That sounds quite appropriate. Yes, let us proceed in that manner.