The Hidden Truth

[Thom Pettigrew]

Sent 10 May 1887; after a tap from a wand the letters in bold glow momentarily red.

Mrs. Black,

I hope your entire family enjoyed the Quidditch match. Of course, I am always pleased with any Puddlemere victory, and all the moreso when I'm able to share the day's experience with friends. It was such a pleasure to finally be able to properly meet your sister, Miss Elladora. Of course I'd met her on several occasions before, but I don't believe I've ever had the opportunity to spend much time with her. How unfortunate that the noise and full crowd of the Quidditch box didn't much agree with you. Hopefully later this season we can arrange for a slimmer invite list for one of the games, though of course I can't promise we'll win again.

Give my best wishes to Phineas, if you would. I would have written him, but I know how busy he always is at the end of the school year, and I didn't want to distract him unnecessarily. I hope he'll be disentangled in time for an engagement in June?

T.

  

[Ursula Black]

May 12th, 1887

Mr. Pettigrew,

The quidditch match was enjoyed by both my sister-in-law and husband. I shall have to ask Phineas when he returns what his availability is and have him write to you.

Mrs. Black

  

Rune keeps spoiling me unexpectedly with graphical wonders

Reply

[Thom Pettigrew]

Mrs. Black,

If you would be so kind, that would be very much appreciated. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of actually sitting down with Headmaster Black since the winter holiday, and he will be sorely missed if he is unavailable.

T. Pettigrew

  

[Ursula Black]

May 15th, 1887

Mr. Pettigrew,

Is there another man so fully devoted to his occupation as my diligent husband? He seems never to tire of it, even with so little time off as he allows himself. I am sure he can find a moment in the coming months to tear himself away from it.

Mrs. Black

  

Rune keeps spoiling me unexpectedly with graphical wonders

Reply

[Thom Pettigrew]

Mrs. Black,

I should certainly hope so! You know what they say, after all: all work and no play a dull fellow makes. I'll look forward to a confirmation from your husband in short order.

T. Pettigrew

  

[Ursula Black]

May 16th, 1887

Mr. Pettigrew,

Indeed, working too hard without relief does regretably make for a dull individual.

Mrs. Black

  

Rune keeps spoiling me unexpectedly with graphical wonders

Reply

[Thom Pettigrew]

Pick a date sometime at the end of May. =P

Of course I care. Of course I want to help. I hope you understand the difficulty we're in, though, and how much my hands are tied when it comes to our interactions.

I looked in to a few things. I used my mother as an excuse, which I'm sure she won't be thrilled about, if any rumors start going around. This is what I found. Put a few drops of the laudanum into this bottle and then take a mouthful of the potion in the morning. It ought to make the taste so vile that you won't be able to stomach it. The man who sold it to me said even the scent might be enough to turn your stomach. Keep doing that until the entire potion is gone.

It won't be pleasant. I'm sorry. This is the best I can do.

I love y I hope you understand.

Enclosed: one tall bottle of a thick, green potion that smells strongly like cough syrup.