Private Message to Padma Patil

[alt_blaise]

Have you missed me terribly? I can tell you I've missed you! And I did try to get in touch, but Mother has been, well--

I sat down for breakfast the first morning, opened my book to catch up with the world, and she took it away. She's wanted my complete attention ever since. Well, through breakfast this morning. Perhaps she's over it now: she's gone off to Madam Ardenia's by herself, at least.

But, honestly. Breakfast, shopping, luncheon, cards with her set, fresh air meditation (she's quite mad about this at the moment, and now I've been kitted out with the silks and cushions and personal pavilion it requires), then supper and soirée. Monday it was with the Rowles; Tuesday was Runge père et fils; tonight we're having Teds and his father. She's being odd about her plans for tomorrow, and I've an idea she expects I won't be pleased with whatever she's planned.

I realise that's not an appealing lead-up for an invitation, but I wonder if you'd come for supper tomorrow. I can assure you that the meal itself will be more than palatable. And Mother's after-supper entertainments never disappoint. My guess is that tomorrow we'll be having musicians in, probably one of the consort ensembles.

Oh. And you should know that Mr Cooper will not be joining us. He's got several commissions that are taking his attention.

Comments

[alt_blaise]

You asked about Marvolo in your last. Here's what he said to me:

Hey, Blaise.

I know we didn't start off as teammates, but once you came on board, you did a great job, and I'm really glad you ended up being a part of our team. You really pulled through for all of us on more than one occasion, and even though you took a lot of hits during our last exercise, you kept coming, and I really respect you for that.

Anyways. Thanks.

Basically unobjectionable if not exactly warm. But that's Marvolo: awkward, but means well.

[alt_padma]

Hm, okay, yeah. That's really similar to what he wrote to me:

Padma:

I know you didn't start off as part of our team, but once you came on board, you contributed a lot, and I'm glad you ended up with us. You knew so many really useful spells, and you held your own against those trainees. I'm also glad you were around to help take charge when I wasn't feeling well.

So thanks, and good job.

It kinda sounded like a form letter so I was curious. But I guess it's different enough. I mean, it sounds like he tried to individualise the notes. Whatever. The point was that we did our utmost no matter which team we were on.

[alt_padma]

Fresh air meditation is absolutely amazing only I've never been kitted out with a personal pavilion for it! We use a little prayer rug and yes, a cushion's a good thing.

Well. It's not the worst invitation I've ever received, so, all right. Er, does she know? I mean, am I meant to be a date or a mate or are we officially going out or I think it's probably best if we just told her we're just mates, yeah? I mean, I don't really need word getting back to my mum that I've been seeing someone exclusively who isn't an Indian.

I mean. Unless that would make things even more awkward, your inviting someone who isn't even really close.

[alt_blaise]

We can handle it anyway you'd prefer. I have a standing agreement with Mother that I may have a plus-one for any of her occasions. She'll be pleased without concerning herself in anyway with what our degree of engagement might be. That's to her credit, I think. It balances out other aspects of Mother that are less easy to  

I'll collect you at half-five if that suits. Mother said to tell you it will be dinner rather than cocktail dress.

[alt_padma]

Well, whatever you think is best. I know some mothers would jump to conclusions, you know--I know for sure if Haruman ever brought a girl home for supper, my mum would ask all sorts of embarrassing questions! But then he's well older and she's already worried he'll never get married.

Anyway, half-five is fine.

[alt_padma]

Well, you weren't lying about the food. Or any of it, really.

Is your mother always like that with, er, male guests?

Oh, but you'll be sorry we didn't go flying with the others: Seamus says they stumbled on a huge MLE operation. They were detaining some escaping muggles and one mudblood! There were some witches and wizards too, I guess. He said it was wiz-nift and Auror Braithewaite let them stay and watch--from a safe distance, of course.

Are you packed? I've got a bit more to do (I really wish Mum would get a proper servant and not just summer help now and then) but I should be able to get away for a few hours tomorrow if you're free.