This was a rather ridiculous gambit, in all, but she had started using different school owls to send these letters, and did not send them too soon, just to keep up pretences that she was abroad, and not just in a dormitory overlooking Hogsmeade.
14th October, 1893
Mr. PTB,
I am very much looking forward to seeing you in that purple scarf. I should try to imagine it, but I have scarcely any concept of what you look like – although I have plenty of time to consider the possibilities.
What do you think you will dress as for Halloween?
And – I know this is an imposition, but I wondered if you might do me a favour. Another favour, beyond obtaining a garish purple scarf. I have a (terrible, I’m sure) habit of smoking cigarettes, but I have not been able to buy any locally where I am staying. So I would be much obliged if you would be generous enough to send me some in your next letter.
Miss A.
