I am sorry to hear about Miss Thompsett's mother--I do remember her. She was always polite to me. Please give her my condolences. I am certain that with a friend like you, she is, of course, well taken care of.

I've decided to take your advice and attempt to learn French where I can, though it's a bit more difficult than I thought. There are many different conjugations that make my head spin! But there are some simple phrases that are easy enough to pick up on. I just wish I knew more people in the International department.

Maybe the Headmaster keeps the most dangerous books to himself? Or perhaps he trusts all of his Professors not to do such things. Now that I think about it, though, it does seem more likely that it's just extremely complex magic. Though who knows? I never got the chance to go in. None of my OWL studies needed it, and I wasn't doing much outside of those. If you do manage to make your way in, please do tell me all about it