My sweet Flora,

I hope that your school year is going well and that you continue to be the admirable young lady you were upon your departure—though I know how little chance there is that the opposite might be true. I did hear your cousin had something of an injury on the quidditch pitch last week end (Marcella heard it from poor Louisa, I imagine was positively green at the sight!) and must express my gratitude that you never showed any interest in playing yourself.

(As an aside, do ensure you check in on Louisa; she is a sensible girl, but I do worry for her mother's sake.)

My primary function for writing is to discuss plans for the upcoming holiday season. It is my thinking that, all things considered, Christmastime will be best spent at your grandparents this year. Your grandmother has already assured that they would be altogether delighted to play us host, and I shall be candid with you in saying I do not know that I could feel at all celebratory at our own home. With that in mind, I wanted to stress that it is your decision whether or not you remain at Hogwarts for the Christmas holidays. While I wish ardently to see you, I should not begrudge you remaining at school, given all that has transpired this year.

Do extend my affection to Abraxas and Sirius when next you see them.