[ lily returns the hug earnestly, giving him a solid squeeze before she lets go and takes a step back to really look at him. he's grown up so well, but she won't say that. she recognizes the sort of scarring he has too, but she won't question that either.

instead, she says: ] As well as can be expected, really. Things are rubbish all 'round but I've got this place so I'm doing alright.

How are you, considering how things are going with... [ a wave of her hand. everything. ] Congratulations on the impending bundle, though. [ with a smile. ]