Well then. I've certainly just bought a house.

It's far too large, of course. I realise I am not the most tidy and contained of people when it comes to projects and the ratio of work-to-personal space in my home, but there is decidedly too much room under this roof for one man -- even one man who styles himself somehow massively industrious.

Don't despair, old boy. If Nora says no when you ask her to move in, pretend it was an elaborate joke. We'll burn the house, salt the earth, and all have a good laugh.

[Warded Private]

Christ, sh
When

Steady on, old boy.

[Warded to Joanna]

If there's anything I can do for you, please do let me know. I'm so terribly sorry.

I'd very much like to visit him when he is well enough to endure my company, but I'm loathe to intrude. Whenever you think it might be best, I would be very much obliged to hear of it. No pressure intended, and of course no rush.

[Warded to Sturgis Podmore, Edward Watkins, & Auror Squad Leaders]

It's very likely it's neither here nor there, but in the interest of full disclosure: Emily had been, of late, making the occasional sojourn onto the Avery estate in order to, as it were, see what she could see. At last report the answer was nothing, and she was, of course, in her Animagus guise, but I felt it should be said.

If anyone needs me I'll be at her home. I'd like to finish combing the scene as swiftly as possible so that her family may remove personal effects as needed.

[Warded to Morgan MacDougal]

I realise that you probably very much want to be alone right now, and believe me I've no intention of preventing that. I simply wanted you to know that I'm here when you require otherwise.

Alternately, you're always welcome here at the flat if you need a home away from home to stay in, for whatever reason. Whether I'm present or not.

I'm so sorry, Morgan.

[Warded to Nora]

How would you like to have dinner with Emily tonight? With myself present of course (I certainly hope that doesn't sour the offer for you). I've invited her by for eight o'clock, though of course I could drop by to pick you up in advance. My mother always told me I should have someone monitoring my work with heating elements and the like anyway; though granted I was nine at the time.

Additionally, it appears that Rufus will be married in a little over a month, which translates into an event we'll actually be able to attend together. If Watkins has any notions of escorting you this time, I'm afraid I'll have to go the pistols at dawn route.

I love you.

[Warded to Edward Watkins]

Watkins --

What are your plans for Saturday?

[Warded to Nora:]

How is the therapy? Do you find it's proving beneficial? I specifically requested you to be seen to by a female healer with dowdy schoolteacher-esque cast to her, by the way, so I'll be terribly put out if they've assigned some young, handsome Harpies fan.

And this slipped my mind during my last visit, but we've been invited to a party on the 11th. No pressure to attend but I thought it might cheer you u though personally I think it could be fun. Formal attire, I believe.

Added later: [Warded to Rufus & Emily:]

I am going to be having a drink at my desk before I head out for the night. I predict a brief window where I will be feeling generous enough to share; possibly even with Watkins. That is how generous.

Forgive me for not being able to make it out to your match tonight; work's become nigh overwhelming. Write or call when you get home if you've the head for it, otherwise I'll speak to you tomorrow.

Good luck, as ever.

We're all of us at your disposal, but if there's anything I can do personally, you need only give the word.

Given the information granted us by the grace of Mrs Jugson's less than exemplary warding, I was curious as to everyone's thoughts regarding the words she reserved for what was clearly Mrs Avery? I am well aware that anything Persephone Jugson deemed fit to write should be taken with a lorry load of salt (and I daresay a stiff drink or three), but all the same, she did, however addled, deem it fit to write at all.

Sturgis, has there been anything in your own investigations that might lend an aura of truth to these claims? And perhaps more intriguing than interviewing Xavier Avery himself, has anyone spoken to his wife? Forgive my being behind; I've been occupied processing the scene (& environs), and have been bathing in lye ever since.

Given the papers lately, I shudder to think of what this information might look like article shaped.

I've half a mind to discover whether the Averys own hounds or not. I'm fairly certain they live in the country, where doubtless a fox might go unnoticed.

Not that you aren't already busy enough as it is, or that I even know what you might look for in any case. That ward's burrowed under my skin.

I haven't the time to fill out little cards, but I didn't want the year to turn without my expressing the proper gratitude: thank you for the gifts. Truly.

A special thank you to Sturgis Podmore, because I know how difficult it must have been for him to not only locate a bookstore, but to actually step foot in one without bursting into flames.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and enough whisky to eventually not know about the difference.

I refuse to ask your opinion on this, you realise.

I am not making a single joke regarding your new position in Vice. Believe me; I have several and they are all absolutely hilarious, but such is my level of respect.

I am, however, inviting you out for a drink.

Were you aware of the photograph in today's Prophet? It was pointed out to me by a girl in the lift this morning, who recognized me as the "unknown older gent" Harpies Chaser Nora Alderton was caught "frantically embracing" in Diagon last night.

She further inquired as to how many drinks it took t

If you're interested, it's located under the pithy heading "MOVE OVER MADOG".