Matilda Matlock

Comfort

Dear Matilda,

I enjoy hearing from you. Writing back and forth is pretty much the only real highlight I've had in the past few months here. But don't worry, I'm doing alright.

I've been thinking about what you told me a while ago in a past letter of yours... about that group you've been practicing defensive magic with. I must say that I'm a bit worried, but to be honest with you, as your relative... I'm really quite proud, Matilda.

It's beyond brave of you to lead a group like that. I probably should be advising a girl who was nearly killed her first year at Hogwarts to not participate in such things, but you're absolutely right. You all should be prepared.

The world is a dangerous place right now, you know better than all of us. And if this is a way that you young witches and wizards can be prepared, then I really shouldn't discourage it. Who knows what a certain mother of your friend would say if I was telling you this.

Just, be careful, Matilda. Please.

I wanted to write to you before the Holiday break in a couple weeks for a specific reason, actually. I'd love to see you, Matilda. Your best friend's family (you know who it is) are going to be staying here for one week of the Christmas Holidays. And I'd like you to be here too... if you want. Perhaps for a week... I don't want your aunt to miss out on seeing you.

I miss her. You'll have to tell me how she's doing if you visit.

I hope that toad in charge at school isn't giving you too much trouble. Let me know soon about if you can stay here. I miss you, as always.

~Bandit

"Letter from Bandit?" asked Ginny between bites of eggs.

Matilda nodded as she re-folded the parchment, slipping it back into the envelope. She had a small smile on her face, especially due to Odell's supportive words about Dumbledore's Army, but for another reason as well.

"Is your family staying at... headquarters... for the Holidays?" she asked Ginny quietly, watching her friend devour her breakfast on the relaxed Sunday morning.

"Mmhm," Ginny nodded. "Luna's coming too. Right, Luna?"

"What's that?" Luna perked up.

She was talking with a Hufflepuff boy at her side, who appeared to be taking interest in a copy of The Quibbler that Luna had out, which was rare for anyone other than Ginny and Matilda.

Ginny darted her eyes between Luna and the boy, who was now resuming eating his breakfast while his friend was sparking up a conversation with him. She squinted her eyes just a bit before looking back down at her plate.

"Ginny just said you'd be staying at... a certain place... for Christmas," Matilda explained.

Luna blinked at her. Then, she widened her eyes in realization and nodded quickly.

"Oh, yes, yes," she said. "I will be. Do tell me you're coming, Tillie."

"I'd like to," she replied. "I'll have to write my aunt. Perhaps I can come the second week."

"That's when we'll all be there," Ginny piped up. "Just tell your aunt you're staying with me."

Matilda nodded, chewing her bottom lip as a tinge of nervousness hit her. The list of things she was hiding from her aunt seemed to grow by the minute.

But again, she knew it was for the best. It was for her safety, for her to remain in a blissful ignorance. If only Matilda Matlock had that privilege.