Riv,

I saw something about it in the Prophet. The paper didn't explain well and no one is giving me specifics. Please fill me in with what you know. A peacock ate the Dark Mark? I'm not sure whether that's good or bad. At least if it was eating the Mark it shows that it isn't The Dark Lord again. And I suppose whether it's good or bad for us would depend heavily on the motivations of the person who did it, don't you think? Was anyone hurt, do you know?

Thank you for coming with us that night. I hope it wasn't too awkward for you. Believe you me, Gregory got an earful yesterday morning. I am fully expecting lots of presents in payment for doing something I specifically asked him not to do. I feel wretched about the whole mess. Theo told me not to worry about it, but I am not going to just let it go.

Trace

Trace,

I'm not sure. There may have been a few injuries due to the panic, but there were no intentional damages done to anyone or anything. At least, that I've heard of. All I really know is what everyone saw and what you most likely know, the Dark Mark during fireworks and it getting eaten by that purple peacock.

I really can't blame Greg, though; Theo did hurt you. If we hadn't been in public for almost the entire time, I would most likely have ended up hexing him for it as well. There are quite a few who only want you to be happy, Tracey. Slytherins defend their own, yea?

But does this mean you've patched things up with him? Theo, that is, not Greg.

Riv

Riv,

There is more to the Theo story than Greg let slip in front of all those people. I can't believe he let things like that out in front of an audience. I'm surprised the little gossip columnists at the Prophet didn't latch on to a story like that. I suppose I should be thankful to the new bloody Dark Mark in the sky.

But yeah, we're trying. Things may go a bit slower... but you don't just give up the love of your life, right?

You should come over on Sunday. I think I may paint the ballroom. It would be a laugh, anyway. Let me know what you're up to.

Trace

Trace,

Oh, I'm sure, and not just you. I heard mention that Draco's costume consisted of a few fig leaves and nothing more. Today's Prophet would have been rather...unpleasant? had it not been for the Mark. Do keep me posted if you hear anything about it, though. I'm curious as to who's responsible for it.

What color I'll do my best to be there...I don't think I have anything planned yet for that day. After all that work with the festival, free time seems a miracle. How do you handle it all?

And invite me to the wedding, yea? Whenever you and Theo get around to it.

Riv

River,

If there was a way for me to show you what I'm doing, you would see my eyes roll. No wedding plans as of yet. No shagging ones either.

And you want to know how I handle it? It's called hiring an assistant.

I'll talk to you soon, yeah?

T

Tracey,

Of course, I'm looking forward to it. Let your little assistant know if you need her for anything.

River