Letters From Home

Hagrid seems like a nice person and I would like to meet Fang… I weigh the options in my head only to realize I could no longer send back a response. Slight relief at not having to make a decision joins my regret of not being able to say yes.

Hope of running into Hagrid enters the back of my mind as I sullenly stuff the note into my pocket. Grabbing the envelope, my mood turns around at the sight of my family crest on the wax seal. Two parchments seem to pop out after unsealing the envelope.

Examine the two, shock jitters in my eyes at the physical evidence of letters from home. One of the parchments held the quality of published books, with neat ink curved on the page. With the other seeming longer, holding the trademarks of being written with a quill. By the first line, I immediately recognize the first parchment as my Father's.

Dear Catlyn,

How was your first day of school? I hope you've made some friends. What house did you get into? Zachariah has been saying Hufflepuff but I'm thinking Ravenclaw. Zachariah was hanging around the shop before he went off to Drumstring but even then it still hasn't been the same. I have to admit, I have been a little lonely. A few wizards have stopped by to ask for wand cleanings or rebalancing but other than that it's been slow.

What's your favorite class? Charms was fun for me but nothing really hit the same as Potions or Spell Theory. Who's your favorite Professor? I know some teachers can be difficult to deal with but don't be discouraged.

I heard that you met Sheda, she's been a long-time friend of mine and I've known her since my school days. Don't be annoyed at yourself for not remembering her. You were very little when she used to come by and she started to travel a lot as you grew older.

Time for the elephant in the room; Dumbledore informed me of your Mana deficiency. Side note, Dumbledore's the only man I know that can rename a fundamental cornerstone of magic theory. I'm sorry that you have to go through all of this. I know you hate it when people apologize for things they have no control over but I had to say this.

Every Father wants to shield their child from everything and carry the weight of their problems on our shoulders. I am no different, just remember that. I will always be with you, even when I'm miles away.

I am so proud of you for deciding to stay at Hogwarts. I know you actually like and want to be a Wandmaker but I just want you to remember that you can change your mind if you become disinterested. You do not have to be a Wandmaker to carry on the family legacy. You can do whatever you want. I love you, and always will. You light up my world my Lumos.

From, Olivander.

P.S. I'm taking my yearly wand material gathering trip soon and will try to write back when I can.

Tears swim in my eyes, being kept at bay by the lingering skepticism at the truth of his love that lives in the back of my mind. Wiping them away with my sleeve, I quickly move on to the other note, trying to distract myself from the emotions that will stir by dwelling on the letter.

Hey AC,

How's Hogwarts? I'm over at Durmstrang freezing my arse off but you're probably doing the same. Do you know how bulky our uniforms are? They're a pain to deal with. I sent this before heading off to Drumstring and my parents wouldn't allow me to send this letter out so I had to owl it to you with Mr. Ollivander. You got into Hufflepuff, right? Your dad and I sort of have a bet about it. Second-year of Durmstrang will be sooo boring! I really wish I could be with you at Hogwarts right now.

I'm considered this "mysterious" loner here and it's getting annoying. I don't even know why they think of me as mysterious. I've been forced to attend fancy bloody balls with most of them as a child after all. The idea that I'm a loner is at least semi-valid. Has it ever occurred to them that I don't talk to any of them because every word that comes out of their mouth makes me want to punch them?

I really hope the fad of wearing the Deathly Hallows mark dies down. It's pompous, arrogant, and everything I hate about that school. If it wasn't outlawed then they would try to wear the dark mark. Knowing my parents, they would most definitely force me to do the same. I even have to keep pretending to like this prick a year ahead of me to keep my social status afloat.

How have classes been for you? Knowing you, you're probably at the top of your class. What's been your favorite class? I like DA, but only when we're learning to undo and protect against all the despicable stuff we just learned. Aside from Dark Arts class, there isn't much different from our curriculums I hear. Have you made any friends yet? I know a fair amount about the wizarding families and the kids our age so if you have questions about people, you can ask me.

How did the train ride go? I heard that some get this weird sickness from moving muggle vehicles, did that happen to you? The Durmstrang only allows students to send mail to our parents so this is the last letter you'll get from me. You should be able to send messages to me though.

I've noticed that you get better quicker with Maxi around so I sent a picture of her. It always helps to be able to talk to others. I hope to Merlin that this advice will get through your stubborn, self-deprecating skull. If you haven't made any friends yet, maybe writing to me will help? I know it won't be as good as telling someone but I hope it'll help you.

I know a guy and he'll be able to get the messages to me if you send them to the owl post at Hogsmeade. I hope you're having a better time than I am. At least I get to have some working at your father's shop before they ship me off.

Your soon-to-be miserable friend, Zach.

P.S. If your father calls me Zachariah one more time I swear to Merlin!

The end joke causes me to chuckle as his warm words punch a smile through my mask.