Can I just say that I am incredibly excited by the Oxford reconnaissance mission, which will be only about an hour away and, therefore, within easy reach of me? ;)

But obviously before I do set out to join them, you need to know how enjoyable I thought this was with your usual gift for writing the smallest observations that both brings a character to vivid life and makes me care about them. Sirius giving Tonks the werewolf facts very bluntly, almost like a test in its own right, both to see if he'd got her right and that she's 'worthy' to be a friend of his closest friend. The impersonal tone of the Auror handbook contrasting with Tonks' very personal thoughts about Remus. Her instinctive reaction as to how to put things right again between them, and put them back on the old jokey relationship, as well as onto a new one now with more understanding. It's a great look at a platonic friendship where we can see their strength of feeling is growing all the time bfore they can.

Lovely lunchtime read. Thank you! :)