So...

The timing for the trip with Hermione could have been better. I mean, the trip was wonderful, of course, that's not what I meant. But now Mum's pissy at me for missing Christmas with the family, which I have no doubt she won't let me hear the end of until the day I die, but I also had an actual mountain of paperwork on my desk when I got back to my cubicle the office. I realized that I missed a lot while I was gone, but Holy Mother of God. It was a lot of paper. I've been spending the past few days trying like hell to get caught up.

Harry, Gin, Seamus & Nev:

Yes, yes, I know. I know what you're all thinking and you are absolutely right. But for the record: I did try to ask Hermione to marry me at least twice while we were on holiday. I chickened out the first time and the second time, I was just getting ready to blurt it out when we got the paper about the attack in London. Kind of ruined the mood, if you know what I mean.

God, I give up. I need advice. Desperately. Please.