Basil was surprised, to say the least, when a flaming Hoohoo swept in through the window over breakfast. He was alone in the drawing room at the Foxwood residence in Wellingtonshire once more, pouring over the Daily Prophet (and keeping an eye out for a Mr. Prewett even if unwittingly) when the creature fluttered in rather regally. Startled, and a bit intrigued, the professor accepted its delivery of a small parcel and a letter.

He unfolded the scribbling with care then and was again surprised to see rather familiar, feminine handwriting. Ms. Mountbatton’s to be exact. Now here was an interesting tidbit… Her honesty made the brunette crack a smile despite himself. Ms. Mountbatton was proving a more interesting acquaintance every second. He opened the small parcel next and laughed, picking up one of the Hoohoo feathers. Her associates, indeed.

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How splendid! Thank you for your exquisite contribution to my research, and please — tell your associates they too have my devoted gratitude.

It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance over the week end. I am pleased to find my cousin Poppy has at least one friend in society who is not so silly and frivolous as most tend to be. I should be delighted to continue our discussion, now and in the future. I am not ashamed to admit that it was a respite for me too, to find someone worth an intelligent conversation over dinner.

You mentioned an interest in the transformative properties of magical fire if I recall correctly? Herein I’ve included an article from the most recent issue of Transfiguration Today. I dug it up upon my return home after our conversation. Perhaps you will find it as fascinating as I did after our discourse.

I wish you quite well.

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