10th January, 1891
My dearest brother,
While I have little doubt that you relish having one fewer body in the house, I do quite hope that my particular presence has been missed since my return to Hogwarts. Naturally, I (probably) would not pester you over something as trivial as it having been a week since my return to school, however; indeed, I write with news!
At the urging of Hermia Bonaccord, I have signed myself up for the potion brewing competition being held at the castle at month's end. Of course, I could thought of no one better suited to offer me pointers than my favourite brother, who I admire so deeply and who is so bold and brillaint and—
—you must pardon me; I could not finish that sentence without laughing so hard that I mussed my words.
Regardless, any suggestions would be dearly welcomed; I know a competitive nature is not entirely becoming in a young lady, but as I am still in school, I trust it shall be overlooked.
Obviously I miss having you in the house, and thank you for not trying too hard to compliment me, for then I would not be able to send you the tips because I would fear you were under the influence of the imperio curse.
I think that you'll find the competition suits you. Some tips:
- bezoars for antidotes, always
- try not to rush; if you overheat a potion it is as good as useless
- blinders on: your potion is the only potion that matters to you
- review the basics of some of your N.E.W.T. level material
- I would orient yourself with the ingredients closet before the competition so that you do not get desperate in your searching
Let me know how it goes!
13th January, 1891
My dearest brother,
I must thank you for taking my request seriously, and for not bemoaning that I do not take you seriously. I hope ardently not to make a dreadful fool of our family on the day in question.
Clementine, if I were offended every time you did not take me seriously, I would never get anything done.
15th January, 1891
My dearest brother,
I question the claim that you get much of anything done at all.
Any additional questions with little time left until your competition?
22nd January, 1891
My dearest brother,
Will you judge me terribly if I lose?
No, but I might poke some fun at you.
30th January, 1891
My dearest brother,
Given my performance this afternoon, it might be best for your career if you denied any relation.
What happened?
3rd February, 1891
My dearest brother,
I shall admit that it was not entirely dire; I did finish within the prescribed time (unlike Mr. Leveritt, and he spent the summer under the tutilege of an actual potioneer!) and nothing exploded, which are both marks in my favour. My potion, though, was just so lacklustre in comparison to the efforts of my peers. While I had not been overjoyed at the prospect of competing, I am too competitive not to have wished to do better!
Well, it sounds as if we shall simply have to practice more this summer.
I jest (unless you are interested in such a thing); but it does sound as if things could have gone worse. Perhaps next time you shall be more successful. In the meantime, I'm glad you did not cause an explosion in Hogwarts, or something similarly dire.
7th February, 1891
My dearest brother,
There is no sense practicing if our brother will not let me to return to Hogwarts in Septe
7th February, 1891
My dearest brother,
Practice, perhaps not, but I do miss you dearly.
Was that letter almost wholesome? Clementine, you've changed.
Miss you too; see you soon, I'm sure.