El,

I’ve been in such a melancholy haze these past several weeks that I’d feared I’d forgotten how to smile, but seeing your letter arrive this morning showed me that I haven’t. I’m so pleased to hear that you’re recovering well and you mustn’t worry about doing anything strenuous, especially not for my benefit. I shall see you again in November, and if not, I will see you in December and so on; seeing you again is worth the wait.

Your parents were lovely, I promise, though I fear that it is I that made the terrible impression on them. Your father in particular seemed rather cross with me, and I don’t blame him; I made it sound like I was only your tutor and even being your friend was something to be ashamed of. You know I don’t feel that way, of course, but I was afraid someone who did feel that way about what we have would overhear me if I spoke the truth, such as that wretched little bitch, Liliana or, even worse, my father. I hope one day I’m granted the opportunity to show them that I’m not as awful as I may have sounded.

I’m doing my best to keep my head up, though I doubt Wisteria would care if I didn’t because I was so terrible to her when she was alive, and I regret that fact every day. And it’s not just her that I lost, but Mrs. Farbridge, Angelique’s mother, also perished in the attack and I loved her like a second mother; she was always good to me even when Angelique and I didn’t get along, though I think we’re beginning to bond now, which is nice. She even gave me one of her mother's jewelry pieces to have once I’ve graduated.

Chessie insisted I come with her to Hogsmeade and just sit and have tea and that was nice; it’s getting so cool out these days. I prefer Winter, but Autumn has such a nice feel to it too, doesn’t it? Anyway, while I was there, I bought you a book to read while you’re resting. It’s an English translation of a French book by one of my favorite authors; he writes books full of excitement and adventure, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy it very much.

All my love,
Minnie