Order Only: Here at 12 Grimmauld Place

[alt_molly]

I arrived at about ten this morning to work on the food for tonight's party. I wanted to grab a quick note before everyone else arrives.

The house is better than it was, Sirius assures me, but it had been shut up for quite awhile, and it still needs a bit of attention (Kingsley, I know you have an allergy to their bites, so be warned: there are doxies lurking in the sitting room curtains).

There is a house elf here, by the name of Kreacher. Being alone for so long means his social skills have perhaps deteriorated a bit. He is particularly unhappy that I've invaded his kitchen. I'm taking pains to be as polite as possible, but he has already whisked away the potato peeler and hidden the bag of carrots I'd brought, and tried to claim that I must have forgotten them. I've had to stop to clean out the oven (the state of it was quite shocking) so dinner will be a little later than we had previously planned. Say about six instead of five.

I look forward to seeing everyone tonight. I hope you all had a fine Christmas!

Comments

[alt_molly]

Oh...and whatever you do, don't open the curtains on the portrait in the front entrance hallway.

You'll regret it.

[alt_nymphadora]

Molly, really you should let me help.

I'll just put Bea in the sling, and I'll be down in a minute!

[alt_molly]

Oh, phoo! You are always so busy all the time! Take advantage of me taking the day to do for you. It's my pleasure.

[alt_sirius]

Thanks, Molly. Dora tried to explain to Kreacher about today but I'm afraid all he got from it was that there's a load of interlopers coming in and ruining the purity of my mother's house.

Of course, we've already done that, with Remus and Dora living here now, too. But he's particularly sensitive about his kitchen. We managed to make a peace of sorts, for breakfast each day. No doubt he sees your presence there throughout the day as an affront to his capacity.

In any case, I thought I'd mention that we've been focusing on the main level, the drawing room in particular, and a few guest rooms in case anyone would prefer to stay over.

Oh, and in addition to the other warnings Molly had, there's an umbrella stand in the front entrance hall that tends to tip over and set off the portrait. So, careful of that, as well.

But we've a tree and some trimmings, though most of the decorations are too high for Bea to reach, and she'll be only too happy to play with any packaging or boxes left over from your own gift exchanges (she's chewed on the corners of at least half a dozen boxes already, can't seem to stop her!). And there's plenty of food, Molly's seeing to that!

[alt_alice]

And won't it be fun to see our Kevin and Bea together!

We'll be along shortly, love.

[alt_kingsley]

Thanks for the warning on the doxies, Molly. I'll take my potion just before I arrive, in case of accident.