Muirin

[Jethro Hunter]

How are you doing? I haven't seen you in a while - your dad is asking me about you again.

You know how you're my favourite cousin and everything? And I think you ought to know that, just for you, I refrained from hitting Xander and even did my best to put Niall off his trail (and your dad off yours). Also, I know how you love details, so you might be interested in the fact that I'm in love with Saoirse and have told her that.

So bearing all that in mind, if your dad asks, she's a Halfblood. Okay? Please do this for me, Rin.

Love,

Jethro

[Muirín Anglesey]

Jethro, no 'Dear Muirin'? Or 'My Dear Cousin'? If you're asking for favors, you should try sweet talking first!

I'm fine; I replied to Dad, don't worry about him.

Oh, really now? Can I use this letter as a written testament for future reference? Jethro, you call that helping me out? You know, I'd have much preferred it if you'd punched his pretty little nose or atleast broken his wand arm or something though on further thought, I'd quite like to do that myself. As for putting Dad off my trail, I'm indebted to you, for sure.

WHAT! Why in hell haven't you put that in the first line! That would have won me over within the flick of a wand! What do you want? Anything you want and I'm ready to accept. What did she say? When is the wedding?

For Saoirse and you, I'd go to the extent of inventing a non-existent Pureblood family line; of course I'll say that.

Love,
Muirin

P.S.: You've given me the bestest news today, Jethro! I just hope you don't mess up!

[Jethro Hunter]

Dear Muirin, my darling cousin,

I'm sorry, I was slightly stressed and in a hurry. I was worried your dad might ask you about Saoirse before I got a chance to talk to you.

Just don't show the letter to Kaycee. He thinks he's my favourite cousin, poor delusional boy. And how am I supposed to know you've changed your mind if you don't tell me? Last time I talked to you, you were very emphatic about how I wasn't allowed to hurt him. If it makes you feel any better, I told him he was a worthless little shit. At some length. And I can still put the punching bit right, don't worry.

Muirin, calm down, please. The first time you tell someone you love them isn't generally the time you also propose - we're not getting married yet.

All I need is for you to keep your mouth shut for once, please Rin. Don't pretend to be naive - you know what your family's like. If I'm going to get them to accept this, I'm going to have to play it really carefully, and you chattering about weddings isn't going to help. Oh, and just possibly you writing to Saoirse might help - she thinks my entire family's going to hate her, so it would be nice to remind her that at least one Anglesey likes her... Just don't tell her anything embarrassing, okay? And don't mention weddings.

Love,
Jethro

PS - I hope I don't as well. And thanks.

[Muirín Anglesey]

Much Better.

Even so, Jethro, I wouldn't have been foolish enough to blurt out stuff like that to Dad. I know him and what would happen if I did tell him the truth. Geesh, give me some credit. I do want one of my cousins to find love and you're the only one who seems likely to do it. Why will I ever spoil that?

Alright; I don't see him much either way. Even Nevin's been missing from my sight these days; maybe I'll owl him, never mind. That was before and this... just let it go, Jethro. I'm not in the mood for Xander talk right now; I'm too happy to worry about that manwhore idiot. Yes that does make me feel better though I doubt it had any effect on him at all; the spineless... anyway, save a little of his face for me to smash, if you can.

Alright, alright. I'll take a few deep breaths. Wait.... Okay, I think I'm sane enough now. So you haven't proposed; yet. But there is hope still; I'm happy with that, for now.

Jeesh, Jethro, I wonder why I'm replying to you at all. All you've done in the letter is insult my sensibilities. Okay, I get it that you're nervous; don't worry, you'll face no trouble because of me, happy? People in love are supposed to smile and grin; not worry, like you're doing. Be happy for once, dear cousin; you've found love, not a bunch of Inferi.

If it is of any help, I'm on your side if it comes to that. Sure, I'll write to her and I'll try really hard to refrain myself from talking of weddings, okay? I'll surely try to reassure her, don't you worry. Embarrassing? What kinds of embarrassing?

Love,
Muirin.

PS: No trouble; cousin.

[Jethro Hunter]

Good.

Er, Muirin, you do know that Nevin is engaged to Thalia Mulciber, right? I mean, I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure he's in love with her. In fact, why are you badgering me about marriage? Go and gush over Nevin!

And I know you wouldn't. I just had to make sure, because it's important.

Okay, okay. He's an arse; I'll leave it at that. Except to say that actually, I think some of the things I said got to him. He's probably forgotten them by now, admittedly, but he listened anyway, which is a first.

Yes, there's hope. But we've only just got round to admitting that this isn't just some short term fling, Rin, I'm not going to be asking her to marry me any time soon!

I'm not nervous! And don't worry, I've done a ridiculous amount of smiling in the last few days, despite worrying. I've invited her round to meet Mum. I hope she's not overwhelmed by the size of the place. I've let her believe it's my Mum's house for now - which it is, obviously, as Mum's the one who lives there, only of course, it's technically mine along with the rest of Dad's money. Also, she wants me to meet her Great Aunt. D'you think I should take a present or something? And if so, what sort of thing would be okay?

Please do that. I think she thinks we're all monsters. I maybe told her a bit more than I should have done, but I think it's okay.

Any kind of embarrassing.

Love,

Jethro

[Muirín Anglesey]

Dear Jethro,

Yes I do know that though I'm not much interested in him now that he's settled. And not to mention I'm not sure I like Thalia, at all. Don't ask me why, I don't know. So I'm not going to take any interest in his finding matrimonial bliss. Is he really in love?

Yeah, yeah; I know its important and all.

I've moved on from him a while ago; so let's stop talking about him, okay?

Sure you aren't nervous! I can see your anxiety in the words! That's more like it; no amount of smiling is too much when you're in love. You used to ridicule me all the time when I said that; see what's happened now?! That's a good step ahead; hopefully it would go well with Aunt. Her Great Aunt? She's ailing, right? Maybe flowers? I'm sure flowers would be good enough; though not roses.

You didn't tell her everything, did you? Worry no more; I've already owled her and her reply doesn't seem freaked out at all; I'm beginning to think you weren't scary enough.

Not so far, but now you've gone and given me ideas...

Love,
Muirin.

[Jethro Hunter]

Dear Muirin,

Well, that's nice. Maybe I should propose, would it get you to stop taking an interest in my love life too? What's wrong with Thalia? She's always seemed pretty nice to me.

Be quiet, I am not nervous. Charming people is my speciality - I'm sure her great aunt will be no exception. Flowers, good plan, thanks Muirin.

By the way, Saoirse met my mum last night - she came for dinner.

What did you say? What did she say?

Don't you dare...

Love, Jethro