Return to Routine

[alt_poppy]

I dare say I've never felt more pleased to see the long vacation end and term begin. I have filed the materials from my summer courses, unpacked the supplies that were delivered in my absence, and set this ward to rights.

And have had not a spare moment since!

I forget that as much as this school is my home, the place I miss dearly when I am away, it can seem a strange and foreign place to those newly arriving on its docks and doorsteps. My first official duty of the term was to assist those of our newcomers who found the water journey discomfitting. And, of course, there have been the usual weeps, wobbles, and wettings, but on the whole I'd say we've had no worse a first night than usual.

Welcome to those joining us for the first time, and welcome back to the rest.

Do not hesitate to come if you need my care.

Comments

Private Message to Aurora Sinistra

[alt_poppy]

I truly am relieved to be back. I trust you're fully settled.

Among the things I brought back with me were some very nice scones from my favourite bakeshop in Shrewsbury. They're freshness charmed, of course, so whenever you have a free hour, they and I will be ready for our first tea of the term.

Private Message to Pomona Sprout

[alt_poppy]

I trust the pots were the ones you meant. You did see where I left them by your potting bench at the back?

I'm afraid there was a bit of confusion at the shop, despite your having sent the order to them directly. I think we got it sorted, but I'd feel better if you'd let me know whether they were really the ones you meant.

Do you know, I nearly wept just looking out over the lawns from my window up here. I will happily trade all the vistas of Snowdonia for this dear, familiar view.

Private Message to Miss Sally Anne Perks

[alt_poppy]

I've not forgotten our conversation about the possibility of your joining me here in the hospital wing for a bit of practical introduction to the tasks of Healing.

If you could stop up once you've got your timetable for the term, we could discuss which hours might best suit your schedule.

And not to worry if your interests have changed or if you simply can't spare the time this year. You've OWLs ahead, haven't you?

Private Message to Poppy Pomfrey

[alt_antonin]

Madam Pomfrey --

Allow me to say up front -- my request is by no means urgent and I do not wish to disturb you in your start of term preparation; the children's needs should certainly come first. (I do fondly recall your dedication to the students under your care from my own school days, and suspect your skills both in healing and in bedside manner to have only bloomed over the years.)

That having been said: no doubt your experienced eye has noted signs of my condition; I took damage from an unknown curse at end of June. I am under treatment at St Mungo's (and suspect, given the clear fascination aimed in my direction by the Healers I have seen, and their tendency to multiply in progression as each one calls in a friend to marvel, that my case is more interesting than they're willing to admit in the patient's earshot) and have seen a number of their specialists, following up on my initial care in France. I mention this not to imply I would receive better treatment elsewhere than in your infirmary, but to reassure you I've no intention of burdening you with the overseeing of my convalescence.

With that as a given, it is the sad truth that the teaching of my subject does tend to result in situations in need of healers' ministrations with distressing frequency, no matter how cautious one is about classroom safety and firm about classroom discipline. It would be foolish of me were I to withhold information on the state of my treatment so you were not fully informed in the event immediate intervention is required. To that end -- I am uncertain about the procedure for having records copied from St M's to your attention, but would be happy to follow whatever instructions you may have. I do have the list of potions I am taking, both on a regular and an as-needed basis, and the (exhaustive) list of admonishments on which symptoms should be considered an expected part of recovery and which are cause for concern.

I also wished to assure you that I've no intention of making additional work for you this year in another fashion. While my practical lessons will of course involve spell-work, student safety is one of my utmost priorities -- if you would find it helpful (or reassuring) I am happy to consult with you once a month or so to inform you of my plans, and to adjust those plans if you feel a particular bit of work would be courting disaster beyond my ability to unravel or your infirmary's ability to heal.

With warmest regards,
Antonin