"What is this?" The owl seems to be weighed down with a manuscript. I help the owl take it off. It's addressed to Neville. Anna's book? "Neville, mail. It looks important," I call, as I walk into the greenhouse.
( Read more... )

Dear Miss Merridan:

Your testimony and expert opinion is requested regarding the upcoming lawsuit of Justin Finch-Fletchly versus Healer Jenkins. Please let me know when you can come to my offices at Hogsmeade. If it would be more convenient for you, I can meet you in London.


Sincerely,


Hannah Abbott


"Marjory, please send this with an outgoing owl as soon as possible." I hand her the letter and get back to compiling the evidence for Justin.

I listen to Professor Lupin through the floo . . . Death Eater Merridan turned himself in, never had a fair trial, needs a good defense attorney, needed at ministry tonight . . .

( Read more... )

I get into work early, I need to finish up everything on Justin's case before he testifies. I have just got everything organized and sit down to my desk with a cup of tea when an owl comes in. Official. Uh oh. ( to be continued… )

When I woke up this morning, Neville rolled over and kissed me, then went back to sleep.  Ah well, it's early.  I go and have breakfast and find a rose waiting from Daddy with a gift card.  That's better.  I go for a walk around the grounds, thinking.  I have a lot to do on Justin's case.  I wonder if I should just work on a Sunday?  I stretch and walk out by the pond just below the maze.  Neville has some amazing water plants here . . . I sit by the pond and look at the water and just relax.  I miss my witch friends.  I should have just scheduled a Puff Girls Night Out for tonight, or last night.  I should owl them.  We might have an impromptu one.  It's not like I don't have plenty of chocolate and things.  Now I definitely feel better. ( Read more... )

I have a client coming in soon, so I tidy up my desk and make sure I have my tea pot hot and a few biscuits on a plate. She should be here soon. Sure enough before long I hear a knock at the door announcing her arrival.

( Read more... )

I gave Neville the message, then left for the hospital after work. Neville will see him on his own time.( to be continued… )

Dear Linda Coambs,

I negotiated with the Minister. She seems to think she should come with me herself to supervise the telling. I spent nearly an hour convincing her that with no publicity, this one wouldn't be worth her while. I will be bringing a ministry official with me to make sure all is on the up and up. Per Ministry regulations, he has been trained and registered in obliviation (strictly as a precautionary measure), and is authorized to perform the necessary prodeedures for including him into our world. In the meanwhile, I was wondering how you'd feel about introducing Kevin to my dad. He's a Muggle attorney. He functions in both worlds and may have some good advice for Kevin or can answer some of his questions. If you think this is a good idea, let me know. In the meanwhile, the tentative dates for our meeting are 21 January, 26 January, or 29 January at 2 PM. Which of these would be best for you? Thank you for your continued trust.

Sincerely,
Hannah Abbott Longbottom

................................


Dear Ms. Abbott,

Thank you for the advanced warning as to the addition to our party, and thank you for convincing your stepmother her time would be better spent in other ‘good causes.’ I wish we didn’t have to involve any more than just you and me, but I understand these sort of situations require certain procedures be followed. My previous solicitor explained a little of what I’m to expect at a meeting like this, and I trust that you and the official will be discreet.

As to the second matter, I think for the time being, it would be best for Kevin if we not introduce him to your father. It’s best to take things slow with him. Perhaps in a month or two, he may enjoy meeting him, but in the meantime, I think it best it remain a personal thing between himself and me.

Any of these days would work for me, however, given Kevin’s schedule at work, the 26th would work best for our meeting. Shall I prepare tea in the back, or is this matter better discussed in my sitting room?

Sincerely,
Linda Coambs

................................


Dear Ms Coambs,

The 26th will be best then. I'll see you in your back garden at 2 PM. No need to mention my father to Kevin now, but if he needs to talk to someone who understands, I think my father would fit the need. I will see you then. Please contact me if for some reason Kevin cannot be there and we need to reschedule.

Sincerely,
Hannah Abbott Longbottom

( Meeting with Linda )

"Lass, I'd like you to look over the changes in my estate." Archibald says, "I can'na have Anna for my steward since her husband would'na sign a prenuptual agreement. But Anna and her bairns are still my heirs. But should they not survive me, then Neville and his bairns will inherit."
( family legal matters )

( Read more... )

I awaken a couple of hours later. On the table pushed next to my bed is a large folded piece of parchment propped up like a tent. Printed in big bold letters I read--Hannah, I'm out for a few minutes to make sure there is a Healer available to release us as soon as possible. I'll be back soon. Love, Neville.

( Read more... )

A pied wagtail hops into the window just before Neville and I are due to leave for Anna's.  I read the letter and quickly write a response, sending it with Neville's owl, as he is faster.

To: Hannah Abbott, solicitor

From: Linda Coambs Brockley, England

Dear Ms. Abbott,

My name is Linda Coambs, a resident of the London area, Brockley. I find myself recently in need of a new solicitor for a matter which had previously been taken by my former solicitor, since passed. I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of your young husband this past 18 December. He tells me that you are taking new clients.

My situation is a bit delicate. I am unable to leave my residence, and would ask please that we hold our meetings here. I have a lovely patio set in my back garden, if it isn’t too cold for you. The matter that I wish to employ you for needs a bit of explaining, which is best done in person. If you are unable to come to my residence, I will see if I can arrange some way to meet with you. My schedule is free for appointments, except Thursdays. Please contact me as to your availability, rates, and willingness to do house calls.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Coambs

Dear Ms Coambs,

I will be happy to come to meet with you. My rate is 20 galleons an hour, with initial consultations ten galleons. I can come the morning of the 29th at 10 AM.

Sincerely,

Hannah Abbott

Dear Ms. Abbot,

I’m pleased we will be working together. 29 December sounds very agreeable. I’ll set us a small brunch. Please find attached the coordinates for the nearest apparation point and directions to my house. The matter in question, though it will need further explaining at our meeting, concerns bringing a family member into knowledge of our world. If you wish to bring any necessary parchmentworks, please feel welcome to do so. I will expect you, then, 29 December, 10AM.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Coambs

I get home, tired and hopeful both. I can smell dinner cooking. Neville is awfully good to me. I wish I could tell him that things in the law office in Hogsmeade were going better, but my business and my wages are half what they were before. I feel like I'm working twice as hard for less money. That's why I'm so tired all the time. Add to that a certain time of the month is approaching. I sigh. Stay happy and show Neville how much I love him. That's all."Hannah, I'm in the kitchen," Neville calls out.

( Creative Communication )

I hurry to the bridal shoppe during lunch and try on my dress.  They make a few minor adjustments and it fits perfectly.  Megan does have good taste.  I go back to work, then after my last client,  apparate to Megan's flat.  I knock on the door.

( Read more... )

Help Wanted. 

One full time or two part time employees

Good salary and benefits.

Receptionist, Paralegal or Law Clerk apprentice 
wanted for new law firm opening soon in Hogsmeade.
Please send Resume and letter of introduction
to Box 42 in Lancashire Public Magical Owlery Office.



I put the advertisement in the Prophet.  Maybe I'll get a response.  I still
wish Neville had not been so impulsive, but what is done is done and my
marriage is more important than my pride. 

I will read the answers before I let anyone know it is me.  I still have a few more
weeks at K and P.

Neville asked me to meet him for lunch and told me he has a big surprise for me.  I cleared my afternoon clients.  I will have to make it up the rest of the week, but Neville is worth it.  I sit at a table in the Leaky Cauldron waiting for him to show up.

. . .  Thursday morning. 

I hope Neville liked his birthday present last night. . . .  because now I have a little bombshell . . .  I should have told him sooner.  But I kept telling myself later,  after I got his birthday out of the way.

I am almost ready to go to work when I finally decide to spring  my plans on Neville.  I kiss him softly . . . "I ran into a class mate of ours in Diagon Alley and told him to come over for dinner and bring his girlfriend.  She's a Ravenclaw and he's a Slytherin, so we'll have one of each house tomorrow night."  His mouth drops open.  "I forgot to tell you,  I'm sorry.  But tomorrow night is the night they can come.  I've arranged to take part of tomorrow afternoon off and I can do most of the other cooking for the party tonight."

"Hannah,  a Slytherin?  Who did you invite?" 

"Theodore Nott and his girlfriend, Lisa."

"My strongest memory of Theo is when Umbridge evaluated Hagrid's class; we could both see thestrals." he says.

"He spent some time talking to me when I ran into him the other day, and he was a good friend to me.  I thought getting to know Theo and his girlfriend better as couples would be a good idea.  I hope you aren't upset with me for not asking you first."

"Neville,  do you mind if I have the girls over next Tuesday?"  I call as I get ready to head for work.

"Anytime. Don't forget the strawberries" he says with a grin.

"Thank you.  And we'll save you plenty of chocolate,"  I laugh.

Then I go to write the owls.

I don't know if the hormones the healer gave me are helping yet.  It is too soon.  I still have not told Neville.  How can I explain that I'm pretty sure that eventually I will want a baby, but so far,  I haven't felt any of that desire for motherhood at all?  Especially in light of my endometriosis?  30% infertility.  Increasing with age.  Great. Beautiful.  Isn't life a picnic?

It has been much longer than a week since Neville insisted I see a healer about my cramping. It's not as if this doesn't happen commonly.  But he's a wizard.  He doesn't get it.  I may as well see one just so he will leave me alone about it.

I come home from work, feeling rather miserable.  I hid it from my clients, but one thing about being married, is you don't have to hide when you are miserable from the one you love.

The house is warm and inviting.  Good.  All I really want is a mug of hot chocolate and to curl up against my husband.  Dinner is set out on the table, and from what is there,  Neville must have sensed this was coming since I've been a bit cross the last two days.  The table is laid out with sandwiches,  assorted biscuits--most of them chocolate, and other finger foods.  I'm not very hungry, not with how bad my cramping is.  I put a bit on my plate, then go to join Neville.  As expected,  he's waiting for me in the parlour.  "Thank you, Neville.  This was just what I needed.  This, and you."  And the fire . . . well, I still could do with a cup of chocolate, but maybe later. I sit next to him on the sofa.  I wonder how his Gran would feel if she knew we were eating in here.

Ernie gave me new slippers for my birthday.  I need to show them off . . . How about a Puff Girls Night out on the 28th?  My place?      Hannah

I am just coming inside from where I was talking to Neville in the greenhouses when I notice Megan's head in my floo . . .

Dear Colin,

I just got home from vacation and I have a little job for you.  Can you meet me at my office? 

Hannah Abbott


Dear Hannah,

Of course.  What time is best for you?

-Colin Creevey


Colin,

Can you stop by my office just before noon? Maybe we can have a working lunch.

Hannah



Hannah,

I will see you then.

-Colin

Dear Miss Lovegood,

I think I have an investor for you, if you are interested.  Do you know Theo Nott?  If you are agreeable to meeting with him,  I can arrange for the lunch.

Hannah Abbott