Epilogue

Dearest Ginny,

I ask you to cherish this letter for its very distinction that this is my first letter to you from within the very esteemed castle walls of Hogwarts. Please do your best to contain your excitement, and I shall do the same. We are ladies of distinction now, remember, and much more is expected of us.

The castle is vast and I've found myself lost numerous times already, which only deepens my regard for this mysterious old castle. One must always be careful on the moving stairs. Apparently there is a counting tally that restarts each year for the number of broken limbs it is responsible for - faculty unexempt.

I have finally had the chance to meet the other professors. The Potions Professor is particularly odious. I should like to have you meet him one day as a test to your infallible skill in complimenting even the most ghastly of trolls. Professor McGonagall is keeping me busy before the official start of term within the next week - when the castle hallways shall be swarming with fresh faced students in need of magical guidance and discipline. She's given me many textbooks to prepare, and is doing well to test my skills, which I am grateful for. I shudder to imagine the repercussions of failing to perform in front of her students.

How is Mr. Zabini? Your parents? Fred and George? I believe you are keeping Mrs. Weasley quite busy with the wedding planning. I cannot think of any other event she would rather devote all of her attention to.

I am glad to hear that Miss Parkinson appears to be on her best behavior - though with a tinge of her usual iciness, which I rather dare say we'd miss if it retired from her personality completely. I do hope you won't hesitate to tell me if she is making sudden 'difficulties' arise with your engagement.

As for your questions, for which there were very many... I am tempted to do the unsacred and torment you by keeping you in anticipation, but alas, I love you too dearly to keep you in suspense. Mr. Malfoy and I have decided to be wed in December. You are the very first person I have told, and will allow you this precious distinction until we announce it to your parents in a few weeks' time when I am there to visit.

As for your other question, regarding the cruelty of circumstance when one is newly engaged but forced to be apart so soon, Mr. Malfoy has proven himself quite ingenious in finding reasons to visit the castle - though none so nonsensical that other faculty have found reason to complain. His ward, Daphne, on the other hand, may grow quite embarrassed once term begins, so I have asked him to tread just a bit more carefully. Even in so vast a castle, it can at times feel remarkably small, and I would prefer to spare her the humiliation that comes from the other children's lack of maturity in such matters.

In the meantime, Mr. Malfoy and I write each other letters, often. I must confess... it amazes me how much my affection for him only multiplies with each letter he sends me. To think - just some time ago, I could not stand even the thought of his existence.

And now I am counting down the days when I am his wife.

Here I hope you are overcome with laughter, Ginny. I, too, am laughing to myself as I pen these words. Perhaps the universe, in all of its grandness, has a better sense of humor than we both thought, after all.

Yours,

Hermione