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[alt_hermione]

Everyone, Hydra and I have arrived at the Manor and we're getting ready for tonight's reception. Oh, there's just no time, so sorry, but I have to put everything here all in one go, and I'm sure I'll forget a few things, too:

• Jeremy, how soon can you arrive? There seems to be something of a scrum between the catering crew that arrived from yours and a cartload of prepared food from Harrods'. Apparently the Sandovals are making a donation and won't be refused. I'm sure we'll wind up using it all, anyway, and what we don't can be handed round elsewhere, but if you could help sort it, I'd appreciate it immensely.


• Lee, Hydra has ideas about where to set up for your broadcast. There aren't to be any other reporters, mind, just your lot! And of course, the music afterward.


• How many do you think might end up staying on tonight? The Floos are working again, I'm told, but we do have extra rooms here if people are still at loose ends.


• Alice, please tell Ms Birdwhistle that we've a room reserved for her use as long as she needs it.


• Madam Pomfrey, we're ready to receive Rachel and any others of the convalescents who are able to come. Even if it's for an hour or so, it won't be the same without as many as possible. But of course, nothing that would risk anyone!


• Tonight's about celebration, but I know there are still precautions, so Ron, your teams will take shifts for security, have I got that right? Only I want everyone to be able to have fun, too.


• I know this is less pleasant, but I did want to let everyone know, when we arrived there was a message waiting from the Sinclair parlour. The remains were transported safely and they're being prepared. But we can talk about state funerals tomorrow.

Oh, like I said I know I'm forgetting things but I should really get back to it. I'll keep the journal handy if anyone has questions or thinks of something I haven't mentioned.

Comments

Private Message to Alice, Luna, Tonks and Madam Pomfrey

[alt_hermione]

Luna, how are you feeling? I was looking for you earlier but every time I tried to find you something else came up. I've got something for you from Remus.

How is Terry?

I meant to stop up before we left but it's just been so mad today.

Do you think he'll be able to come?

And Charlie, Madam P, say that Charlie can come for an hour or more before they go on to Grimmauld. If you're not already there, that is, Tonks! See if you can get him to come? Even briefly.

[alt_luna]

I am doing as well as can be expected, I think. It has helped that I've been off duty, just spending time with friends, who have stories about Colin to share.

Remus left me something? Oh...oh, thank you. Whatever it is, it will mean a good deal to me.

I am going to miss him, quite a bit. And Sirius, and Justin too, of course, as well as Colin.

Terry was in pain, physically, when I was exchanging messages with him last night. I hope the potions will be working better for him today. I will stop by to see him to urge him to attend. I think it would be good for him. (And I'll take shameless advantage of the fact that he doesn't like to say 'No' to me when it's around the time of the full moon.)

I suspect he won't stay for long, though. Don't be surprised if he slips quietly away after an hour or so. But just seeing some people will be good for him.

I know it will be good for me.

I have to confess I'm ever so curious to see Malfoy Manor. Thank you so much for arranging this so as many of who can are able to be together.

[alt_jeremy]

Be there in a tick.

[alt_lee]

Be there shortly, just had to round up the last bits for the music.

I'll find Hydra as soon as I'm there.

[alt_charlie]

They finished regrowing all the fiddly bits in my hands today, which was the last set of things they had to work on for right now until we know what's going to heal and what won't, so if we can figure out a way to get me there that won't hurt too much, I'd like to come for a bit. (Also: We finished regrowing the fiddly bits in my hands today! I can write on my own again! I have my commas back! And I can write 'fucking' without having to argue with the fucking quill!)

Dunno how long I'll have the energy to stay, but you can all admire the self-levitating chair. And you all have to promise not to give me one of those horrible looks of shock or pity when you see me, Tonks is the only one who hasn't looked at me like that yet, and I swear I will hex anyone who asks when I'll be better I apologise in advance if I'm awful to anyone. (I probably am going to be, I can't seem to be able to stop myself, but.)

Oh, and I want to talk to a bunch of you lot soon, although probably not tonight in the middle of a party and probably not until I'm a little less snappish. I want to work on collecting all the memories of Remus and Sirius that everyone can think of -- good or bad, embarrassing or not, absolutely anything that you can think of at all. You can write them down or tell them to me or Tonks, we have this Dicta-Quill after all. But I want to get as many memories as people have so that Bea and Adam know their other parents as well as they can, even if it's through dozens of other people's eyes.

[alt_hermione]

Oh, that's marvellous, I'm so glad you'll be able to come!

Did you know that back when Draco's grandfather was alive, there was a lift in the Manor? Because he was in a chair, too, only I suppose the hovering charms weren't quite as reliable then.

Charlie.

That's a wonderful idea. Your mother's just--that is, she was congratulating me on my Mastery in the Potioneers' Guild and she mentioned Severus and-- Could we expand it, perhaps? He knew Bea, too, after all. She should hear about him, too.

[alt_charlie]

You know, I hadn't thought of that, but she should, shouldn't she? Yes, let's do that too.

And I managed to miss your Mastery! Congratulations, you. I know how hard you've worked for that.

[alt_hermione]

Cheers.

And--thank you.

[alt_hermione]

Of course, I just realised I really shouldn't be using the Order lock anymore because fully half the guest list isn't on it, but then again I really didn't want the whole country to know our plans!

I suppose we're going to have to work out some finely developed systems of sending 'private messages' to groups of more than a hundred people, aren't we? 'Private Message to All Albion Government Agents, Ancillaries, Supernumeraries and Officials?'

Has anyone seen Draco yet?

Hermione

[alt_susan]

Thanks so much for organizing this! And Draco--thanks for lending your place to the cause!

It'll be good to be together for something that doesn't involve having our wands out.

Private Message to Sue

[alt_hermione]

I figure, if Draco's going to be hailed as a Hero of Albion I'd better get over my hostessing jitters!

So far, it's not too difficult, especially when there's loads of help.

Re: Private Message to Sue

[alt_susan]

Hah! You'll be great. I couldn't do it for love nor money.

And we're a good crowd to start off with as everyone's friendly and well relieved to have an excuse to celebrate. Keep the food and the drinks flowing and we'll all hail you Hostess of the Year!

Has it been well strange setting up in the Manor?

[alt_cedric]

Is it possible to floo there? Or to somewhere nearby where I could be picked up with a carpet? Can't fly or apparate, even side-along. I've talked the healers into an hour or two if I can floo through. No alcohol with pain potions though. No funny hexes either, I'm looking at you Fred.

[alt_hermione]

Cedric, they're bringing you, don't worry. We wouldn't be without you.

[alt_charlie]

You can come sit by me, we can have the Ask Before You Hug, That Bit Probably Hurts corner.

[alt_susan]

I'm glad you'll both be there; it'll be good to see you.

I promise the only hugging I'll do will be verbal!

[alt_rachel]

I'd be there even if a half-dozen house elves had to carry me in on a litter.

But, they let me out of bed today. I can walk, a little, if it's not too far.