Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_percy]

Rather a horrid day.

I made my first mistake at work. Well, I'm not sure if it was my first mistake, really, but Mr Malfoy was most put out. A meeting location had been changed, rather at the last minute, but one of the board members did not get the word on time and so showed up at the initial location. Did I misdirect her owl? I am not sure if that was the problem, or if she simply missed it or even ignored it until it was too late. And of course, I can't exculpate myself by saying that.

It was quite a dreadful feeling, to receive that crushing little note from him. In that elegant handwriting. I had so hoped that I could continue to make a good impression.

I don't know whether to feel grateful that with the weekend I won't be seeing him for a couple days, or whether it makes it worse. I'm liable to brood over my error, which will make facing him again on Monday only worse.

I hate hate HATE looking ridiculous.

Comments

[alt_penelope]

It can't have been that bad, really, can it? I mean - that's the sort of thing that isn't your fault. You sent her word, and you can't have been expected to stand over her to make sure she read the letter.

Still. I know how much it means to you to do well at this. With him. But even if Mr Malfoy was cross with you, surely it's nothing to obsess about. By Monday he'll have forgotten about it, I'm sure. You ought to do the same, Perce.

I wish I could say I've had a better week, but this group! I'm so relieved they're all going home. Well, not home, exactly - a few are staying in New London for the Freedom Day celebrations, but with their families, thank Merlin.

They were unbelievably quarrelsome! You'd think they were holding a mirror up to the first group all week long, just to prove to everyone that they could tell this week's agenda wasn't quite up to the same standard. Instead of making the best out of it and realising that their placement here meant they need to try all the harder. Lovegood's a hopeless case, I hope you know, since your sister still seems to think she's a divine sort of friend to have. And that Zimmerman - and Stevens, Morgana, what a whinger that one is! I'm quite glad she's normally Hufflepuff's problem, her.

But don't think I'm trying to compete with your day. I'm just saying, I wish I had news that could cheer you up more.

[alt_percy]

I really don't know if Mr Malfoy is the sort to bear grudges or not. It's rather early for me to be able to tell that. But he is extremely...exacting, I suppose. I will certainly have to be on my toes all the time.

I'm sorry you've had a difficult week, too. But at least it's OVER for you. I'm sure it's a relief for you to be able to sleep in your own bed again.

Maybe you can slip away to see me tonight or tomorrow?

[alt_penelope]

Well, whether he is or not, he shan't appreciate it if you go about walking on eggshells, I'd bet. I think I've picked up on that much just from the couple of times I've met him.

I suppose being home should be comforting. It would be if Dad weren't so.... Well, you have Mr Malfoy. I have my father.

But I'd love to get together. Should we meet in New London? It'll be easier when I get my Apparition licence - that's another thing about working with the YPL all summer long: No time to make an appointment for the exam.

Besides, I've got some wonderful news since yesterday - this morning, in fact.

[alt_percy]

Wonderful news? Now you've got me all curious.

New London sounds fine. We could meet at that tea shop you liked, Cressy's. Today at 5:00? Or let me know if tomorrow works better. Reply here, or floo call me.

[alt_penelope]

Well, really it's nothing we weren't expecting. My news. I mean, there was a chance that Pyle would get it but when she didn't seem too keen to pitch in when you went spare we needed someone at the end of school, I rather thought that would be the wormswort in her tea.

They've named me Head Girl for next year.

Five at Cressy's sounds grand. See you in a few minutes, then.