Of course Ms. Dashwood had been on his mind; the poor thing had looked absolutely devastated after knocking her cousin out with a spell, and Gus couldn’t blame her. It took him some time to articulate his thoughts into a letter, taking extra time to enchant a quill so she’d actually be able to read the words rather than just squinting at it. (Sometimes he felt like the quill mocked him, and he really ought to buy a new one with less personality.)

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April 16, 1892

Ms. Dashwood,

I wanted to check in on you and see if you’re doing okay. Are you feeling okay? I hope you’re not too upset over the ordeal. Professor Foxwood will make a speedy recovery. I will say, you cast a very powerful spell and I am impressed. Please do not blame yourself for what happened - it was my deflection that harmed your cousin and you were under my instruction.

Next time, if you choose to practice again, we’ll take more precautions. You have great talent Ms. Dashwood. Please don’t waste it.

Professor Lissington

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Poppy Dashwood

  

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Poppy held the letter from Professor Lissington tightly between her fingers. She felt awful, quite frankly, about what had happened. She was glad he hadn't come looking for her yesterday though; she'd spent most of the afternoon hiding in her room, curled up in bed miserably. It was something, she supposed, that he was impressed by her abilities. Poppy knew she had that... that hellion inside of her that could wreak havoc if it was unleashed; she'd just never seen such tangible proof of it before. Not like this. Not physically harming someone. It had been even worse when she heard her cousin had been admitted to the infirmary overnight! She knew she should have gone to visit Basil. She owed him at least an apology, but Poppy couldn't stomach the idea of his not recognizing her again. Of facing her mistake in that way, head on. Instead, she read and re-read Professor Lissington's note. It was sweet of him to tae the blame; his responsibility, she supposed, as a professor. But deep down Poppy knew it had been her spell, her failure, that had caused all of this mess. Not his. Picking up her quill with a sniffle, the Ravenclaw quickly jotted something down to return to him. She knew she must, else he'd continue to worry.

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Dear Professor Lissington,

I'm quite alright.

Thank you for your concern and for he update on my cousin's status.

Thank you for checking in on me.

I will be refraining from further practice at this time.

respectfully,
Poppy Dashwood

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Gus Lissington

  

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© Fox

Gus frowned at the words scribbled through; of course Ms. Dashwood would take these to heart. He didn't know her well, but if she was anything like her cousin she'd mull over what had happened for years.

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Ms. Dashwood,

I would like you to reconsider. I've seen what you are capable of, especially when you actually put some effort behind it. With just a little more practice, and maybe a couple more spells, you'd make a fine Curse Breaker.

Professor Lissington

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Poppy Dashwood

  

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Curse breaker? Poppy read the word over and over again, not quite sure she’d processed it correctly the first few times. There was no way she had the magical, or societal, ability to be a curse breaker. The reckless abandon to pursue such a dangerous, male-dominated, ruinous career? Perhaps… but the actual skill to carry it through? Hardly. Still, a small part of her couldn’t help but feel the tiniest bit better that someone believed she did. Sniffling, the Ravenclaw scribbled another note to Professor Lissington. Only to let him know how grateful she was for his confidence.

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Dear Professor Lissington,

I appreciate your saying as much, sir.

respectfully,
Poppy Dashwood

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Gus Lissington

  

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© Fox