Thanks, everyone

[alt_neville]

My coming of age birthday was brilliant. For a surprise, Gran and Uncle Algie and Aunt Enid and Evelyn took me to see the incredible gardens at Chatsworth, the Flint family mansion. You could spend days exploring the grounds! Gran's not up for very much walking, so after taking a turn around the South Lawn to see the limes, she sat by the Protector's Fountain, chatting with Uncle Algie and Aunt Enid. Meanwhile Evelyn and I toured the Cottage Garden and had a lot of fun getting lost in the Maze and trying to find our way out again without using the 'Point Me' spell. It took awhile! The Ouroboros Knot at the center of the Maze was really impressive, one of the nicest examples of enchanted topiary I've ever seen.

I sat in one of the greenhouses and just sketched for an hour as Evelyn wandered around, admiring the flowers. I was trying to scribble down all of the ideas I could to bring back to Hogwarts. I wished I had my layering sketchbook; I didn't think to bring it. Wish I were a better artist! Evelyn bought me a beautiful book about the gardens they had for sale in the gift shop, and I'm really glad to have it. It tells a lot about the various species they have planted there.

Evelyn and I ended up with quite bad sunburns, but that's what potions are for. Should be gone by tomorrow.

Then we apparated home, and had a nice family dinner. I opened up the box with my coming of age watch after dinner, and the rest of the presents. Thanks to everyone who sent me something by owl today.

I can't think of a more enjoyable way to celebrate my coming of age.

Comments

Re: Order Only

[alt_neville]

I do wish you could have come. I bet the Professor would have really liked exploring those grounds. They're just amazing.

Re: Order Only

[alt_terry]

We'll go there together, sometime.