(no subject)

[chris_warrington]

Private to Padma Patil

How are you doing, Padma?

Comments

[padma]

I'm doing as well as can be expected, I think. Thank you for asking, Chris. Mostly, I'm just scared now.

[chris_warrington]

I'm scared, too

What about your dad and Parvati?

[padma]

Parvati just runs around Hogwarts trying to find all the gossip, as though nothing's changed.

My father—he's not taking it nearly so well.

[chris_warrington]

Is Parvati talking to anyone about your mom? I could talk with her if you think she'd be willing. And if you think it'd do any good.

I don't know about your dad, though. I'm really sorry.

[padma]

Being at school, it's easier to forget that she's gone. I suppose you could try to talk to Parvati, but I don't know how much that would help.

I was thinking of going home during Easter hols. It's not good for him to be alone so often.

[chris_warrington]

I think you and Parvati seeing him for hols is a good idea. For all three of you.

I don't really know much about this stuff, but I think you're right. Being alone can't be good.

[padma]

I would like Parvati to come home with me, but she hasn't done so during Easter hols in a long time. I'll ask, just in case.

It's times like these when I feel useless. I don't like it.

[chris_warrington]

I know what you mean. It's really hard feeling helpless like this.

[padma]

It doesn't get any easier, does it? Even when you're considered an adult.

[chris_warrington]

If that's what I am, then no. I think it just gets harder because people expect you to know what to do.

This is why everyone's so scared. The Death Eaters just come and ruin everything and disappear, and nobody knows what to do about it.

[padma]

I think we should go to the kitchens and whinge over a cup of tea. Meet me there?

[chris_warrington]

That sounds good. I'm going to finish grading one last essay before I come down.

[padma]

I'll be there.

I'll even be gracious and let you start.

[chris_warrington]

Start what?

[padma]

The whinging, Chris. You've listened to me for months. I can at least return the favour.

[chris_warrington]

Right, the whinging. I can tell you all about poor Chris and his problems, and you'll regret asking me to come down.

[padma]

Poor Chris does sound like he needs to talk. I'll see you in a moment.