Dear Jethro

[Kaius Anglesey]

It seems to me that I haven't heard from you in quite some time. I hope that you are well, and that it's just work pressures keeping you from your family.

It would be pleasant to be able to have a catch up some time. I haven't seen Muirin recently, and I've been wondering whether there is anything wrong. I actually heard a rumour that she'd been seen with some idiot of a Quidditch player, but I'm quite sure there's nothing in that.

I have also heard that your cousin Kaycee has set up some sort of shop for himself. I'm surprised at my sister-in-law for allowing it to be quite honest. The Hunters have never been shopkeepers by tradition. However, if he does well, I may turn a blind eye. There are worse things he could be doing.

I also hear that Lucius' oldest grandson has left home - how much do you know about that situation? Only to save me putting my foot in it with Lucius, of course. A shame that he's turned out so badly - I think we were all hoping for a match with dear Letty.

Do tell me what you've been doing with yourself all this time.

All the best,

Uncle Kaius

[Jethro Hunter]

Dear Uncle Kaius,

I'm sorry I haven't been in touch recently. It's mostly been work really, though one or two other things have come up. I'll drop round some time, I promise, and I'll see if I can track Muirin down for you. I actually know the Quidditch player you're talking about, but I can assure you that there's nothing going on between them.

I've heard from Kaycee actually. He's doing all right. I think the business has had a slow start, but he should do better when Hogwarts goes back. And he has to earn his living some way, you know. I don't see how it's worse than what Muirin's doing.

I think Scorpius Malfoy's working in Ollivander's - I saw him there the other day, behind the counter. I don't know any more than that, but you could always ask Letty - she probably knows more. And I think he has a girlfriend, so we should probably forget trying to set him up with Letty. I expect Letty can probably find someone for herself when she's ready for that anyway. Talking of that, you're probably going to hear from someone else at some point anyway, so I might as well tell you myself now - I'm seeing someone myself, which yes, is partly what I've been doing recently.

Regards,

Jethro

[Kaius Anglesey]

My dear Jethro,

Oh, I quite understand - good of you to reply so promptly though! Anything interesting at work, or just routine things? That would be excellent if you could get Muirin to come home, or at least to write to me. And I do hope nobody's hiding anything from me - do I take it that the rumour of her being seen with him was, in fact, true? If Muirin has done anything foolish, I would much rather know.

I wrote to Kaycee myself - and don't worry, I was extremely polite. If his parents approve, it's not my place to step in. In any case, he is not an Anglesey and only half a Hunter. It is a little different though, Jethro - Muirin is a girl, and one day she will marry and won't need to work any more. For Kaycee, this is - or could be - his life's career we're talking about.

Well, I doubt if Lucius will be overjoyed to hear that to be quite honest. However, the boy is presumably going back to Hogwarts in September, so it is only temporary. I hope you are being light-hearted regarding Letty's future romantic choices. I am aware that she can choose for herself, but of course she must choose someone suitable, and there is no harm at all in giving her a few good options. In fact, I would suggest to Julius that he might consider Kaycee, if the boy turns out to be satisfactory. Good Pureblood stock, with Hunter blood, and they're not technically related.

You slipped that in very quietly at the end there, Jethro. Who is this girl you are 'seeing'? You're not worrying that I might disapprove, are you? So long as she is suitable, I have no obections, you know. In fact, I might even say 'about time,' but do tell me a little more about her...

Regards,

Kaius

[Jethro Hunter]

Uncle Kaius,

Mostly routine stuff to be honest. As far as I know, they're not really any closer to catching their fugitive. As for Muirin - they may have been seen together, but that doesn't really mean anything. People blow it out of proportion because Xander's famous, that's all. He's a friend of mine - they teamed up to throw me a party for my birthday last year. I don't think you need to get worried, unless Muirin tells you something different.

Kaycee doesn't like being told what to do. He's usually pretty easy to manipulate though. I'm not sure he and Letty would really work out though. I mean, it sounds like a great idea in theory, I agree, but I think they think of each more like siblings, you know? And I don't honestly think Kayce would be the best option for her. He's more O'Malley than Hunter in a lot of ways, you know.

Her name is Saoirse and she's Irish, so I doubt if you know her family at all. And I'm not sure what you mean by 'about time' but Muirin's already ringing wedding bells, so please not you too! She's the owner of the Three Broomsticks, and before you start being horrified, think about what that actually means - she has her own business, the same as the Angleseys do. And the Three Broomsticks is a pretty popular place. She was actually going to go into the Ministry, had the place all sorted out and everything, but she gave it up to look after her Great Aunt, who was ill and had no other family.

Hope that satisfies your curiosity just now...

Jethro

[Kaius Anglesey]

Dear Jethro,

No, it would appear that they are not. Still, I don't suppose that's anything to do with you, is it? More the Auror Department. They never were the most competent.

Well, that's a great relief to hear about Muirin. Not that I have anything against your friend, of course, who I'm sure is an admirable boy, but not quite the match I had in mind for Muirin.

Hm. Well, I have invite Kaycee to dine with us some time, so I shall be able to judge for myself, I suppose. Perhaps you are right, but we shall see.

Oh dear, Muirin was always a little over-enthusiastic about these matters, wasn't she? I hope you can forgive her. She only wants the best for you, as do we all, of course. I hardly think a pub is the same as a publishing house, dear boy, but I am not going to question your judgement, so there's no need to sound so defensive. Has your mother met this girl?

Regards,

Kaius

[Jethro Hunter]

Uncle Kaius,

No, it's not really my department, but as you know, I get to hear things every now and again. The Aurors were apparently chasing after Quintapeds last week - I can't imagine that could be remotely relevant to Rabastan Lestrange though.

No, he's not the match I'd have had in mind for Muirin either. Don't worry, I've had a word with him, and I think he'll be careful not to give anyone the wrong idea from now on.

You've invited Kayce to have dinner? Oh well, that should be interesting. Don't be too hard on him, will you? And for goodness' sake don't let him know you're trying to set him up with Letty, Uncle. He'll run a mile and never look back.

Overenthusiastic is one way of putting it. Don't worry, Muirin and I haven't fallen out over it yet. I think I've got her reigned in. And Saoirse's a very good business-woman. The Three Broomstick's been getting great reviews ever since she took over. No, Mum hasn't met her, but I'm hoping she will soon.

All the best,

Jethro

[Kaius Anglesey]

Dear Jethro,

Quintapeds? How amusing. Did they believe that Rabastan was hiding out on the Isle of Dreer (I think I dare say that he is probably not) or was it in relation to something entirely different?

Excellent. I hope that your 'word' was a firm one. I do wish that Muirin would find someone to settle down with though. I don't say so to her, because I know it's not because she doesn't want to. Do you have any more suitable friends?

My dear boy, what on earth do you take me for? Why should I be hard on Kaycee? He is my nephew, and I am very fond of him! And I am not quite the tactless fool you seem to think me.

A good business-woman? Well, that's something, I suppose, although hardly the quality one would look for in a permanent partner, if you catch my drift. Although I daresay a wife who wouldn't squander all your money would be a good thing. Is she aware of how much money you have?

Regards,

Kaius

[Jethro Hunter]

Dear Uncle Kaius,

I have no idea what they thought they were following up on Dreer.

I don't think I have any friends you would consider suitable for Muirin. Then again, what would you consider suitable? Xander will not be going near her again though.

I don't think you're any kind of fool, Uncle Kaius. I think you say exactly what you mean to say on every single occasion.

And she certainly knows now, doesn't she? If you're going to write to my girlfriend, Uncle, at least do me the courtesy of telling me first.

Jethro