*At Durmstrang, sometime after Jade sent off her letter*
In some ways, Donovan wished there was a more effective means of written communication in the magical world. Normally he was a patient man, but this time he was not. The wizard paced in his office - heavy boots surely creating a downward echo for those on the floor below him to hear. The students and staff would soon learn that a pacing Donovan was something they should want to avoid at any cost. He estimated the strength of Juno in comparison to the owl he'd used to send Jade's letter.
Donovan anticipated that Jade's letter likely made it the eve before Henry's, though the school did not typically permit owls until the next morning unless it was urgent. Not hearing a single word back from Henry wasn't what concerned him. It was not having heard back from his long-lost daughter that worried the wizard. Perhaps he was being too hasty about this: after all, how long had it taken him to form his greeting to Jade? It shouldn't be so surprising that a response is taking some well-deserved time and thought.
A tap on the window shook Donovan from his musings. There, at the sill, was a brown tawny owl. The wizard immediately spelled open the window just long enough for the bird to enter. Outside, the air was bitter cold. The owl immediately perched upon the empty stand, a letter tied to its foot. Its more immediate concern, however, was water and food: both of which were found in dishes upon the stand. Donovan's hazel-gray eyes examined the bird, resting their gaze upon the leg tag bearing a Hogwarts crest. Without waiting for the bird to finish Donovan untied the letter.
He then stalked to his desk, letting the bird be. With a sword-shaped letter opener, Donovan slit open the topmost crease in the envelope and deftly pulled out the correspondence from within:
"Dear Father, -- A unrestrained grin crossed Donovan's features.
I hope it is alright I call you that? Mother told much about you I feel I concider you my father already even though we have yet to meet face to face. I hope my appearence has not caused trouble in anyway, Mother was right I have always wanted to meet you and I am glad you feel the same. Henry did exchange words with me about a meeting, though informed me I could choose a date and time on my own. I don't believe he will be attending to be honest.
"To be honest, I anticipated no less..." Donovan muttered at the letter.
If it is convienant for you I am for course free of classes on the weekends and perhaps lunch time? I look forward to meeting you Sir, as longly over due as it is.
Thank you,
Sincerly
Jade Blackwood"
A weekend at lunchtime. Donovan could certainly arrange that. Without even thoroughly thinking about it the wizard grabbed a piece of parchment to compose a reply. Before he could get very far, the door to his office creaked open. "I do not wish to be disturbed at this time," he warned the as-yet unidentified visitor, bordering upon a threatening tone of voice. It must have been a student, for the door instantly snapped shut again and a sheet of parchment slipped under the door. Donovan would get to that later.
Now, back to the letter...:
"My Daughter,
Concern yourself not with Henry. His relationship with me is complicated at best. We shall make an afternoon of my visit without him, if necessary. As for trouble it would do you well to banish that thought, for I see none.
I will write to those in power to arrange special permission for you to venture into Hogsmeade, as I understand only those of Third Year or higher are willingly permitted. I propose we meet at The Three Broomsticks. A booth shall be arranged on the left wall, near the second window. It is possible you may arrive at the establishment before me, but I assure you that I will be there as promised. A Saturday is most convenient, and by my calendar quick to arrive. If you are agreeable to meeting me this soon, then I shall see you soon enough.
Until Saturday,
Your Father"
Much like before, Donovan reached for his usual stock of black envelopes. He put the letter inside after the ink was good and dry, and sealed it with wax. On the front he did not scribe the full address. Instead, he simply wrote the recipient's name: Jade Blackwood. There was a reason for this.
The Hogwarts owl tiredly gazed at Donovan as he stood. Almost as if with a sigh it stretched out its leg for the letter to be secured. Donovan instead brushed the bird's leg down. "We'll be doing something a bit different this time," he told it, and instead encouraged the owl to perch upon his arm. Without even stopping to examine the parchment that had been left for him, Donovan swept out of his office and to the nearest apparition point.
** Hogsmeade **
Donovan and the school owl appeared with a snap at Hogsmeade village. Were the wizard a bit more open, he would have spoken to the bird the entire way to the Three Broomsticks. "Might this be more manageable?" he asked the owl, offering the letter. An obedient hoot escaped the creature before taking the letter and flying home.
The wizard watched for several moments, until he could no longer see the owl, and then made his way to the Three Broomsticks Inn to make the necessary reservations and pen another letter in preparation for the coming weekend.
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