Owl: Blaise to: Cedric, Lavender, Terry, Hermione
The week had been hectic, Blaise thought and he had considered more than once the possibility that he was taking on too much. On the other hand he felt invigorated. So much to think about. And his meeting with Granger the other day had been - unexpectedly fascinating. After they had finished their discussion Blaise had found himself leaving the library with a pile of books on this Muggle World War II that she had mentioned. He’d found himself dipping into them during any moment of free time. The Parallels between the Muggle leader, Hitler and Voldemort were fascinating. He’d been so enthralled by the topic that he’d taken a trip into Muggle London to acquire some more reading on the area. Blaise had found himself wanting to owl Granger to discuss the notes he had made on the subject. He wasn’t certain how comfortable he felt about that development.
Bell had started work on redecorating his house too and, consequently, Blaise had felt as though his personal space had been permanently invaded. The witch was getting along fine with her work, and as pleasant as she was, Blaise couldn’t wait for her to be finished and out of his house. She, as useful as she was, was a liability. He’d heard a couple of rumours that she’d been seen talking to Theo too, and he didn’t like the idea of having such a direct link to his ‘friend’.
Actually, Blaise was starting to question how wise that particular acquaintance was and was rather uncomfortable with the subject. The problem was that while they had been at school Theo had been more subtle, more like Blaise and a little less notable, that, however, was no longer the case. The other problem was that Theo was getting too visibly ambitious for Blaise’s liking. Too much ambition held problems. One, it could make you reckless - Voldemort, case en point. Two, it made him dangerous. Of course there were advantages to having Theo as his friend, Blaise could admit that and it was better to have him on side than against, but the danger he could pose was only worth the risk to a point. In the past few days Blaise had found himself questioning the friendship. Among other realisations, which Blaise had promptly shut away to be ignored, he’d decided that his relationship with Theo would not be advantageous to him out in the open in the present climate. He was distrusted enough as it was, and he had a feeling Theo could make that even more of a problem. He wouldn’t move against him, not yet, but perhaps a subtle distance could be useful and would give him more time to consider his feelings.
Setting thoughts of Theo aside Blaise looked down at the parchment in front of him and picked up his quill. He’d become so engrossed in the books he had retrieved and his notes, which he’d made on a proposal for a new curriculum that he had ignored certain other duties that needed seeing to. The letter he had received from Cedric earlier that day reminding him. There were correspondences that needed his attention.
Dear Lavender,
I had intended to contact you earlier, but I’m afraid time and work rather got away with me last week. I hope you can forgive me as it really was unintentional. I’ve been working on two or three new projects and they’ve become quite time consuming, but I wanted to see you again. Perhaps you would allow me to take you to dinner at Roma sometime this week.
Also, I came across the enclosed book by chance during some of my enquiries into a few areas I’m interested in last week, and I thought you might find it interesting.
I look forward to seeing you again and I hope you enjoy the book.
Blaise Zabini
Blaise sealed the letter and attached the brown-paper wrapped parcel. He’d found the book by accident whilst searching the Muggle book shop he’d gone to after his meeting with Granger. After realising that he had kept Lavender waiting a little longer than he’d planned, he’d decided the book, Nursing The Finest Art: An Illustrated History would make a suitably thoughtful gift. Appearances were everything to him right now and Lavender could be very useful in shaping his image.
Placing the parcel and letter aside, Blaise moved onto the next name in his list.
Terry,
I will require your assistance next week regarding the notes you brought over on the library and a few idea’s I had. I’m available Tuesday evening.
Blaise
It wouldn’t do to leave Boot to his own devices for too long and Blaise had realised he’d ignored the wizard following their encounter for too long. Terry had seemed a little unstable. Easy pickings. And Blaise was certain he hadn’t headed the warning he’d been given. He’d need to keep him on a tight leash.
Blaise looked at the next name. Theo. He wasn’t certain that he was ready to write that letter yet. He could not leave it unattended much longer, but perhaps he could put it off for a few more days. He needed to talk to him, but not until he was ready.
Cedric then.
Blaise glanced at the letter he had received from the Hufflepuff that morning, One line catching his attention once more:
I hope you'll pardon this unsolicited letter of inquiry, but your name has been brought to my attention now several times with regard to my current project
Sooner or latter Blaise was going to find out who kept bringing his name to so many people’s attention. Whilst both Granger and Cedric’s interest seemed profitable, it was not unreasonable to assume that his name was eventually going to be passed to someone whose attention he would rather not garner.
Cedric had made some points that had Blaise nodding his agreement. The comments he’d made with regards to protecting their history particularly. And his current salvage project also intrigued Blaise. In fact, he wouldn’t mind seeing what the wizard had procured from the various remains.
Having the support of others on such a project would be helpful too, it would leave him more time to concentrate on various other projects, like the school and likely would get a linked centre of culture up and running sooner.
Cedric was more than a competent associate from what Blaise knew of him. He’d met his mother once at a gallery opening and knew enough of him by proxy to be interested in what he could offer and the possibility of working with him. Besides he’d enjoyed his conversation with Granger so much it would be interesting to have the opportunity of a similar one.
Dear Mr Diggory,
Thank you for your letter. I find myself very intrigued by the project you talked about. I, myself have been working on a proposal to restore the library in Stoatshead Hill and the possibility of retrieving what wizarding books we can from the various ruined centres that held large store of them around the country.
I share your belief that it is vital that we protect and value what is left of our cultural history. Not only can we use it to learn from, but it is important to remember where we came from. I had entertained ideas of establishing a library, museum and art gallery here in town that were all linked ,and I would be interested to meet up with you and discuss this possibility further. I feel it’s important that we create a group of buildings where our past can be used and respected as we more forward. I also feel that it is important that these three areas are strongly tied together.
Perhaps we could meet Sunday at the museum you work at. I’d be interested to look around it.
Blaise Zabini
It was this last letter that Blaise was most excited. It had him eager to get back to his reading. Blaise went to stand up, but paused. Perhaps he would indulge in just one more note.
Dear Miss Granger,
I want to thank you for directing me towards the topic of Hitler and the Muggle Second World War. It’s an intriguing topic and I’ve found myself fascinated. I can’t help but think that this should be taught along side the war with Voldemort. The parallels are fascinating and bear a lot of further study. In fact I would like to discuss some notes that I’ve made with you at some point.
I took a trip into Muggle London the other day to acquire more reading on the area. I picked up a few Muggle text books, which got me thinking. I’ve always believed that wizarding history should be preserved and respected. But a large portion of our world has always included those with Muggle ties too. Perhaps I’ve been short-sighted and ignored its impotence.
I’m looking foreword to working with you on the project of creating a proposal for a new History curriculum, should you still be interested.
Blaise Zabini
Prometheus was going to be very busy, Blaise thought as he looked at the pile. There were still more names on the list that he needed to contact, but those would have to wait until another day. He was eager to get back to his research and away from his thoughts of Theo.