8th June, Whatever This Be The Year

The Invitation, As First Dictated by Barnaby Wye

Begin with: To the sovereign beauty of mine afterlife – or, no, To Miss Chevalier, My Celestial Muse, or something of the kind –

Verily I hope you are well and in good spirits, and all your skirts remain in good measure. I write – by way of Greengrass, of the gnomes – I beseech you send your answer back through him – to beg forgiveness for missing you on your walk the other morn. It is for good reason, I vow.

(I was too busy composing a new... but don’t say that! It is to be a surprise.)

Would that you are unengaged a fortnight hence in the eve, I hope you wouldst accompany me to the Hogsmeade Memorial Ballroom? There is to be a gala there for the departed and their friends – 'tis a great spectacle to be witnessed, and I assure you all the most renowned ghosts will be there, should you care to meet them. And myself, of course. It is not much like your usual balls – it is better – (explain it to her, would you) – and is replete with performances and recitations by all the most accomplished Dead composers. And even the promise of some more riotous entertainment later, if you can bear it. (Do you see what I did there, Greengrass –)

– and Greengrass will be there as well, but you must not mind him.

It would be an honour if you would come. All the fruits of my labours will grow overripe and fall unharvested should you not be there to taste them. Indeed, though I never yet shall rest in peace until you grant me your answer – I remain,

Your humble servant, Barnaby Wye et cetera.

(Will that do, do you suppose?)

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   Fortitude Greengrass, Tabitha Chevalier, Tycho Dodonus

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The Letter as Transcribed by Ford Greengrass

"To Miss Chevalier, My Celestial Muse"

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(Is that last bit really necessary? How can a muse be celestial? She's a person, not a moon...)

This letter is sent by Barnaby Wye, Spirit, via F. Greengrass, employee of the Spirit Division at the Ministry of Magic; please reply (if desired) via the same. And — I do apologize for some of the phrasing, Miss. You know how he is.

"Verily I hope you are well and in good spirits, and all your in good health since we last met. I write begging forgiveness for missing you on your walk the other morn. It is for good reason, I vow. Would that you are unengaged a fortnight hence in the eve, I hope you wouldst accompany me to the Hogsmeade Memorial Ballroom? There is to be a gala there for the departed and their friends – 'tis a great spectacle to be witnessed, and I assure you all the most renowned ghosts will be there, should you care to meet them. And myself, of course. It is not much like your usual balls – it is better –"

(I do not know if I would call it better, Miss, but it is certainly unusual. We organize one each year and do our best to make it enjoyable for both the spirits and the living guests, though of course it's mostly for the former... but anyway, it's also on a Thursday so there's not a good deal in the way of competition for seasonal events. I daresay it's probably more interesting than any party you'll have been invited to on a Thursday...

Barnaby wants me to mention also that there are often performances by spectral musicians and poets, like him. This was the custom during the Middle Ages — it's actually quite interesting how dances were structured then, all in large groups and with nearly as much new art being performed as older songs being played — quite different to how it is today. And Barnaby is actually quite a good poet, despite his — oh, sorry, I'd better get back to — )

"And even the promise of some more riotous entertainment later, if you can bear it. And Gre"

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(She knows I'll be there, I've already said that. And it's not as though she'd care anyway — why do you keep bringing me up?)

"It would be an honour if you would come. All the fruits of my labours will grow overripe and fall unharvested should you not be there to taste them. Indeed, though I never yet shall rest in peace until you grant me your answer – I remain,

Your humble servant, Barnaby Wye"

(This concludes the correspondence — but as an extra note I do hope you can come. It really would mean a great deal to him — and I know he can be a bit much at times but he does mean well.)

F. Greengrass,
Spirit Division, Dept. for Regulation & Control of Magical Creatures, Ministry of Magic, London

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Tabitha Chevalier

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   Barnaby Wye

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Set by Lady!

June the 11th, 1893

Mr Wye,
{c/o Mr. Fortitude Greengrass}

I am well, thank you for asking. Been laying somewhat low since the flower show. I was wondering where you had gotten off to, it was a quiet walk to the hospital, for once. I do warn you, my schedule changes soon and I will be working nights.

I must admit I am quite intrigued by such an event, so I shall, if I am unscheduled for a shift at the hospital, be happy to accompany you, should you like. You both make such compelling arguments for my attendance and I do enjoy something different. Is there any special attire or will a normal gown do?

Yours,
Miss Tabitha Chevalier

Barnaby Wye Fortitude Greengrass

  

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absolute beauty by MJ