Letters, Apologies, and Scheduling Nightmares
Lucien had just finished sealing the last vial of the Berserker Potion when Grayfia appeared beside him, holding a disturbingly thick stack of envelopes.
"You have mail," she said calmly.
Lucien looked at the pile.
"…Did I anger the postal system?"
"No," Grayfia replied. "You are simply popular."
Lucien sighed and took the letters.
This was going to take a while.
The Important Ones (Also the Dangerous Ones)
The first envelope bore elegant handwriting and a familiar seal.
Nicolas Flamel.
Lucien opened it immediately.
My boy,
Perenelle and I would be delighted if you visited us in Paris. It has been far too long.
Lucien smiled without realizing it.
"They're inviting me again," he said.
Grayfia nodded. "They treat you like a grandson."
Lucien picked up a quill and replied quickly.
I will visit in two weeks. Please don't rearrange Paris for me again.
He sealed it before Nicolas could argue.
The Problematic Ones (Girls)
The next set of letters made Lucien pause.
Hermione.
Cassandra.
Daphne.
Katie.
Clara.
Cho Chang.
Susan.
Draco (Elize).
Angelina.
Tonks.
Lucien stared.
Penelope, standing quietly beside him, peeked over his shoulder.
"…You forgot the Christmas gifts," she said gently.
Lucien froze.
"…I did."
Penelope nodded sympathetically.
"You went to France. Again."
"And Nicolas wouldn't stop feeding me," Lucien muttered. "I was ambushed."
Penelope folded her hands politely.
"They would like an apology."
Lucien sighed deeply.
"…Fair."
He opened one letter at random.
We forgive you.
You owe us dates.
Lucien closed it slowly.
"…Plural."
Penelope smiled sweetly.
"Yes."
Lucien looked at her.
"…You too?"
She nodded.
"You promised."
Lucien accepted his fate.
"Alright," he said calmly. "Dates. One by one. Properly."
Penelope's eyes lit up.
Lucien sent polite, carefully worded apology letters to everyone.
Dates would be… scheduled.
Later.
Possibly with a time-turner.
The Complicated Ones
Next letter.
Narcissa Black.
Lucien raised an eyebrow.
Lord Lionhardt,
I request a private appointment at your convenience.
Lucien tapped the letter against the desk.
"…Noted," he murmured.
He did not schedule it yet.
Some conversations required preparation.
Tonks (Reassurance Attempt)
Another letter—messy handwriting.
Hey Lucien!
Auror training complete! I'm fine! Totally fine! No need to worry!
Lucien stared at the parchment.
"…She is absolutely not fine," he said quietly.
Grayfia tilted her head.
"She is reassuring you."
"Yes," Lucien replied. "Badly."
He folded the letter carefully.
"…I'll accept it," he said softly. "For now."
Cho Chang (The Happy One)
Lucien smiled when he opened Cho's letter.
I'll be there in a week. You promised flying lessons.
Lucien chuckled.
"Yes, I did."
He wrote back immediately.
I'll be ready. Don't be late.
The End Result: Chaos
Lucien leaned back in his chair, surrounded by opened letters, half-written replies, and a growing sense of dread.
"So," Grayfia said calmly, "your next two weeks?"
Lucien glanced at his schedule.
Paris.
Potion oversight.
Broom refinement.
Dates.
Aurors.
Flying lessons.
A potentially explosive conversation with Narcissa Black.
"…Busy," he concluded.
He signed the final documents, sealed them, and handed them to Grayfia.
"Send these."
She nodded and vanished.
Lucien leaned back, rubbing his temples.
Venelana appeared in the doorway.
"You look tired."
Lucien smiled faintly.
"I made the mistake of being nice to people."
She laughed softly and kissed his cheek.
"Sleep," she said. "Tomorrow will be worse."
Lucien closed his eyes.
"…I know."
And somehow—
He was looking forward to it.