Arabella,

I might have already died by now, I'm sure. The thought of being constrained to my home is awful, and I'm positive my mother would not have allowed me to step into that dusty air if not for the purpose of leaving!

I'm glad to have heard from you so swiftly, though; it soothes my nerves to know everyone is not dying, as some have suggested. I have yet to hear from some family still in Hogsmeade, but I keep telling myself that mother would have said something if we were entering mourning.

Yours,