The Dungeons

Dear Professor Slughorn,

Arthur and I were hoping you might be able to allay a concern we have regarding Bill. It's a rather uncomfortable matter and we do, of course, trust to your discretion regarding it.

You may have noticed Bill and Luna Lovegood spending a fair amount of time together recently. He's told us that they're now involved, and, to be perfectly honest, we're concerned at how rapidly the relationship appears to have developed. I don't want to think ill of the girl at all, Professor, but it's so unlike Bill to bring someone to Sunday dinner within a month of meeting her. Actually, I think she may be only the second girl he's brought home.

Have you noticed anything unusual about either of them lately? A delivery of potions ingredients that appear out of the ordinary? Odd smells coming from either of their rooms? Anything at all that might indicate this is something more nefarious that a new love?

We're perfectly happy to accept her if it does turn out to be legitimate, of course, but surely you see why we're concerned. We very much appreciate your thoughts.

Sincerely,
Molly Weasley

Dear Molly,

I'm delighted to be able to set your mind at rest, my dear, and to hear such charming news. I've been expecting an announcement from that quarter for quite some time. Do you find it sudden? I've thought it inevitable since at least the end of spring term, myself. They've spent a great deal of time together since she took on his classes in the spring, when he was injured. A very generous expenditure of her time given how busy her schedule is, and she undertook it without a murmur. Their end of term joint practical exam was a great hit amongst the sixth years.

I hope I have set your fears to rest, my dear. I should not like you thinking ill of Professor Lovegood as she is a perfectly lovely young woman, although as I said rather uncomfortably ethical at times and disinclined to clear her plate. And do be assured of my discretion.

Yours sincerely,

Horace Slughorn

Dear Harry,

I was wrong to lose my temper with you. I was wrong, unkind, and unfair to you, and even things I meant well sounded like insults. There are no excuses for my behavior.

I'll speak with Luna about talking with Ginny. Luna's not- this has been hard for Luna as well. She told me a little about the time with Ginny, no real details, and even that was difficult for her. Not just because Ginny is my sister, but because it's clear it still hurts. They'd been so happy, and then they weren't. I know this will be difficult for the both of them, and I'm glad you're their friend.

Bill