<em>Maman</em>was most wroth with her, but Aimée didn't care.  She unfolded the parchment again, smoothed out the wrinkles from where it had been in the inner pocket of her cloak, and read the words again.<br/><br/><em>Dearest Aimée,<br/><br/>I do not understand why you persist in this foolish idea of "further education".  The Department of Magical Law Enforcement has already offered you a position with the qualificaions you already possess, and your father's diplomatic corps likewise offers you employment.  I do not comprehend your reasoning behind this move -- the positions offered will not be available forever, as there are many qualified wizards and witches that will fill them in a heartbeat.  <br/><br/>Return to France at once, and put this foolishness behind you.<br/><br/>Your mother,<br/>Cécile</em><br/><br/>She leaned against the railing, staring out over the grey waves, the wind blowing through her hair as she watched the distant dock draw closer.  "Ah,<em>Maman</em>," she said, crumpling the letter in her hand and tossing it into the sea.  "<em>Je ne suis pas prêt.</em>I am not ready to return. So you, and the Ministry, will just have to wait."