Dearest Brother,


I hope this letter finds you at an opportune moment, as it is vital I receive your response as quickly as possible.

Mother is feeling unwell, and she is asking for your return tomorrow afternoon. She has ordered your room to be made up if you are to return. There are other items I must attend to tonight, so please be haste in your reply.

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Of course it was like Atticus to send a message that was startling and provide no context whatsoever. Basil simmered in frustration. He couldn't very well pick-up and go without attending his classes! Scribbling something on the back of his brother's note, the gave the owl a quick response.

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Atticus,

I am unable to simply pick-up and rush home at first beckon as I have classes that cannot be left unattended.

What exactly is the matter? And please, provide me with some detail so I can make the appropriate arrangements.

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Basil,

Of course, details. Things have been quite... hectic here the past few days.

A few days, mother was feeling quite unwell and retired to her chambers early. The next day she roused much later than normal, although she waved me off when I tried to hover. One of the house elves informed me she'd spent the majority of the night waking up and making startling sounds.

I suppose you don't remember the small bouts of laughter father had when he first became infected with the Laughing Plague? The ones he tried to cover with a cough. Mother has been been doing the same. She has asked for your return, which I can only presume is because of this.

Please let me know if proper arrangements can be made.

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Context for this note can be found in this thread here.

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Atticus,

Thank you, for alerting me to the situation. I will speak with Headmaster Black today and likely arrive home later this evening or tomorrow morning, arrangements allowing. Will send word once I have confirmation.

Please keep me informed of her progress as the day continues.

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There was a sigh of relief as he read the letter, the paper crumpling in his hands as he skimmed it over a few times, just to make sure his brother had so readily agreed to return home at the drop of a hat. Atticus wouldn't have reached out if there wasn't anything to worry over. His hands were shaking as he wrote two words -

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Basil,

Thank you.

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