We've had a most chaotic weekend thus far. If you haven't already heard from Charity or anyone else, the staff wine was laced with a de-aging potion the other night. To undoubtedly answer your next question, I did not partake in the wine consumption that night, though plenty of my colleagues did. Of course, Headmaster Black is away at a dinner party, so the staff (or at least those left who still have their wits about them) are left to deal with this mess.

What a to do! I request you let me know if you hear anything from Charity, I've already talked to her but was not able to glean much. Perhaps your brother might be able to fish more information out of her at some point? Either way Evan Mr. Darrow don't be alarmed too much; I've confirmed Charity is quite alright.

Should you have any more questions please let me know and I shall write

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Indeed, I had not heard from Charity. I wrote to her following your letter, but as yet have had no reply – though I suspect you are right, I imagine she will have recounted it all to Alfred. You do not think she could have been involved?

I do have several questions, beginning here: Was it – I hate to say jape, as if practical jokes are not as premeditated as any other wrongdoings – a student prank, or do you believe there was something more insidious at play? Have the effects been rectified? Should you believe it warrants any further investigation, I will have an investigator visit the castle today.

I am sure you are preoccupied enough without writing, but I would be eternally grateful to be updated at your earliest leisure.


P.S. I am glad that you were spared the potion’s effects, and hope you are otherwise well?

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It is my sincerest hope that she is not involved, however I shouldn't be so hasty to bet on it. For one, I've never been a betting woman. Second of all, while I have faith that Charity is a good student, you and I both know that she has never ceased to surprise. Though, I shall endeavor to figure out for the benefit of everyone's peace of mind.

I certainly hope there was nothing insidious at play here, though I could be wrong. I think someone was just having a very ill-humored laugh. Thank the lord, the effects wore off by lunchtime today. I do appreciate your offering to send help, however - any further and I would have certainly asked for your opinion and more aid from your department.

I am otherwise well, and looking forward to a relaxing oncoming weekend. I'm glad to be at Hogwarts though I must say I've missed Irvingly and Hogsmeade. I do hope everything has been peaceful for you and Mrs. Darrow?

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If she were involved, I fancy one perhaps ought to blame her governess for not schooling her well enough. (I jest, of course. All her erratic inclinations are probably learned from her other uncle.)

I shall say I do not envy you your position at the school, although I hope you are largely enjoying it. One teenager at a time is quite sufficient to deal with, I’d warrant.

Although I speak too soon on that matter; I ought to re-evaluate in another thirteen years or so. Mrs. Darrow is due in early summer, late June or early July, and is faring well with the boredom and restlessness pregnancy brings her. For my part, I am merely hoping – I say this in strictest confidence, you understand – that the second babe is easier. Whether because we are better schooled in what to expect, or because the new infant fusses less than Lily always has with her, I hardly mind – but if she is as much of a handful as Lillian has been you will have to send your condolences in summer in place of congratulations.

(I am – probably thinking too much on it. Do not think me too worried about it.)

How do you spend your weekends, during the school year? If you ever venture towards Irvingly you must feel welcome to call on us, of course.

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Her governess! Ha! I protest most vehemently Mr. Darrow, a governess’ reach and influence can only go so far in a child like Charity.

I confess there are times where I miss being a governess to at most two children at a time, but there are certain perks to being a House Matron that are certainly delightful; though forgive me, I shan’t bore you with the details.

Please extend my congratulations to Mrs. Darrow, I imagine you two are extraordinarily elated at the impending arrival. I daresay you might feel relieved now to have had the experience in looking after Charity and an infant! Of course you can trust me in your confidence; I shan’t tell a soul (my letters are all confined to a box locked with wards and charms). In my experience, parents have had both easier times with a second child, and also run into completely unexpected (but no-less-welcome) results. Nevertheless, you mustn’t worry yourself senseless. Children, I’ve learned, can teach us just as much as we teach them.

During the school year, I suppose I’ve fallen into a bit of a routine. Sometimes I venture into Hogsmeade when the time allows, though other times I find myself busy with the children. Some need more guidance than others, and with it being my duty to help them where I can, sometimes I’m caught up in chaperoning, or acting as liaison between two disputing students. I confess, Ive found myself wondering how you and Mrs. Darrow are doing when I’m in Hogsmeade, but I have never dared to impose myself upon you given your newest addition to the family! However, with the invitation thus extended, I would love to see how you and the family are getting on.

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I dread to think what you are implying by referring to ‘a child like Charity’. Is she so much a lost cause? The likes you had never heard of before? Her own category unto herself?

But no indeed, you would not be boring me with any amount of detail – I would like to hear what you find amiable about the position of matron.

In any case, Caroline suspects this baby will be a boy – she says she is carrying it differently. I would not wager on it, but I have thought it might be another girl: there, at least, we would have the practice, as you say.

I wish you the best of luck with your student disputes: I can only imagine that there are more of them to be found in impassioned Gryffindor than there ever were in Hufflepuff. (Although there were a few.)

Perhaps this summer, then, when your schoolyear has ended, you will be able to visit – to meet the new babe, and say hello again to Charity in your old teaching grounds.

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