Grace Burke

( Application for Grace Burke )
( Relationships )
( CALOGRENANT MANOR )

I certainly don't mean to rub it in anyone's nose, or make light of things happening at home, but I've already taken enough photographs to have some developed this afternoon: ( Paris in the spring )

Sometimes, I wish I had decided to stay on here, but I'm sure by the time this trip winds down I'll be talking about how much I miss all of my friends and family back home.

[ Private ]

This... this is like when Igraine used to get ahold of a ball of yarn, and we'd find her in the middle of a giant mess of it, and it would take an hour to undo what she wrought in five minutes.

[ Mrs. Augusta Longbottom ]

I can't say how saddened I am that you've left us. It's inspired me in some ways, but, I'm going to sorely miss your levelheadedness.

[ Friends of the DMLE ]

In the wake of the Purple Hats debacle yesterday, which I'm certain everyone unfortunately witnessed, I'm hoping to broaden the scope of my charitable work, and find the DMLE to be a very worthy cause. Is there room for another set of hands, by chance?

[ Aunt Moll ]

I know you don't like complainers, but just be glad that you weren't there. I'm going to spend the next week at least, trying to sort things back to normal.

[ Connollys, Collinses, and Cornerstones ]

I've been remiss in expressing my condolences to your families, in part because I worry that they won't be welcome, and in part not knowing the right words to say. I suppose there aren't any. I believe that the death of a loved one is terribly sad, regardless of politics or blood or any of those things, and though I know nothing will bring them back, I hope that the sharpness of your pain softens sooner, rather than later.

[ Fabian ]

If you're chuckling about all of this and thinking how clever you were to leave it all behind, stop it. I could truly use someone to draw Moir a cooler head, and shockingly, by comparison these days, that's you.

[ Rabastan ]

Oh yes, I could use the chance to talk about something - anything - else today as well.

[ Moira, Narcissa, and Beth, all separately ]

I'm not taking any sides in all of this, but I am upset at the thought that what happened yesterday might cost the friendships of my friends. Are you alright? Is there anything I can do?

[ Rabastan ]

I'm going to eat dinner in Hogsmeade without this blasted journal, and without my mother and father and sister. If you want to come up, we can talk about anything other than society life or family or the Ministry of Magic. I'll be a the Three Broomsticks.

[ Elizabeth, Narcissa, Moira, Jocelyn, Felicia, Isolde, Brynn, Callista ]
Other friends of Cecily, please respond too, I'm not 100% sure who to include!

Forgive me if I've grown exasperated with the journals the last few days, but I'm changing the topic to something much more pleasant to discuss. With Cecily and Louis' wedding fast approaching, I'd like to ask if everyone's free for a bridal luncheon on Sunday, May 13th? She's asked me to specify that as she considers Louis' home to be nearly complete, there's no need for housewares of any kind, though I thought it might be nice to get her a few small or novelty items, just for fun?

[ Cecily ]

Have you registered yet?

These robes were Japanese silk! And I don't have a say in anyone's pay rate!

[ Moira, Beth, Jocelyn, Narcissa, Cecily, Felicia ]

I just wrote the words 'Fabian is right' and meant them.

Something is clearly wrong. How did I get this turned around in my arguments?

[ Louis ]

Who says all these things about Muggleborns? Occasionally there's a comment or two behind wards or closed doors, and I'm aware that I have my own prejudices regarding keeping our society separate from Muggles, but who on earth are they quoting that says these things right to their faces? Do I want electricity and automobiles? Of course I don't, and I admit that sometimes I feel uncomfortable in company that's strongly Justinian, but this almost feels as though they're exaggerating or even making things up, the last few days of entries in these journals.

Also, I'm sick to my eyeballs of having people presume things about me because I appreciate the heritage of my community.

[ Aunt Moll ]

Why is 'purist' now synonymous with 'hateful, close-minded loudmouth'? I want my children raised in a magical home. I think we're safer and better off when we're separated from Muggles and their influences. I don't speak to Muggleborns derogatorily, I don't pat them on their heads or feel urged to violence against them. Why can they write about how dreadful I am because they equate me with the most extreme end of a spectrum, and it's inappropriate for me to speak about the opposite extreme?

[ Fabian ]

Bring whatever it is over, tonight, or before breakfast in the morning. I'll give it to Jamie, not Moira.

If it's something horrible



Fabian don't make me do something horrible, on your behalf.

[ Private ]

Effort indeed. This is positively

[ Fabian ]

What's the question?

For anyone still facing an upcoming trust fall exercise, I advise showing trust in your partner's and your own magical abilities, rather than brute strength: Cast temporary cushioning charms on the floor. A backup plan is sensible, even when working in teams, and I can't fathom why we shouldn't use our natural gifts to improve safety and performance in these games exercises.

[ Beth ]

Are you feeling any better, dear?

[ Private ]

Clearly, she must have meant Denny, though why it would ever be too late for reconnecting with your family...

[ Private ]

This is absolutely daft. If she had been a real Seer, why would she travel around like that? Why wouldn't she be sought after instead of standing on a street corner selling insights for a sickle? Besides, it could mean Juliet, maybe I'm meant to go to Greece with Will and Mona and the kids after all. Even if that would strain my friendship with Moira, and make me even less reliable than Alice Longbottom.

Or it could be Denny. Even though he's family more than a friend, and we haven't been in a state of disrepair so much as busy with his work and

Even if it is him, she said that I could mend it with effort before it's too late, not that I'd have to or else face consequences. He's best friends with Sirius Black now, not Jamie, not Rabastan, not Simon.

[ Rabastan ]

How did you find the lasagna?

[ Moira ]

Moira darling, I feel like there's something I ought to be doing, as a late addition. Dresses, or some sort of luncheon or party planning. Do the others know you've made a switch? Does Alice? I hope that she won't be angry with me.

[ Friends + Rabastan ]

Well, it's official. Father's moved the wireless into his private study and locked the door. I don't know if it's a temporary measure or permanent arrangement. Please, please, please don't let me become some sort of irrelevant ignoramus. Tell me when important things happen, what's going on in the news, if they do more illegal broadcasts, and what happens on The Golden Thread, and if The Daily Scoop is good.

[ Moira ]

That was convincing, right? Now I'll just have to think of excuses of why I'm spending more time alone in my room, and hope that Sipsy and Ticks don't find the little one.

I don't enjoy being under the weather, but there's something invariably comforting about broth and noodles in bed, isn't there?

[ Moira & Elizabeth ]

Which one of you said something to Rabastan Lestrange? He warded me to very formally ask if I'd go with him to the wedding. And used the word 'currently' three times I can't tell if he's being funny or strange.

[ Private ]

"Stay out of politics, Gracie."

In other words, ward everything that has even an inkling of anything to do with the Ministry, any political party, the Knights, or the Order. Do not become a Nott.

[ Moira ]

I know he and Jamie are friendly, but   Should I be prepared to

Does the heavy-handed response mean that he will, or won't be there?

[ Fa Private ]

Why does everyone think that it's fair game to threaten and mock and chide us? Passing judgement seems to go both ways, but one side is somehow justified, and the other, wrong. The Knights have killed people, the Order killed Dahlia. Everyone thinks the wireless is their personal plaything. I can't see the difference. Minerva McGonagall was a wonderful teacher, but honestly. I don't purport purist propaganda to anyone at all, I don't agree with all of this murder, and it was plenty upsetting to think that I could be next, just because of who my parents are, or the company I keep. What if the Order comes to Moira's wedding? I'll never say it to her, but I'd bet my left arm that Sirius Black is involved, or knows someone who's involved, if he's so keen on seeking some sort of revenge, for goodness knows what. If he brings them and there's a fight

How did everything get to this? He said he wanted to marry me, and now I'm sitting here worrying that if I'm attacked on what should be an exceptionally happy day, it'll be his wand doing the cursing.

( Calogrenant Manor )