April 2nd, 1892

Dear Mama,

I don't mean to alarm you (and I certainly do not mean to draw you from your work, before you even think it), but I have found myself in an interesting predicament. If you found yourself affected by unknown magic, without any inclination of the source of it, what would be your first course of action?

Again, I do not mean to worry or distract you. I assure you I am quite well and quite capable of handling things on my own, except that this is rather unusual and I don't know exactly how to begin.

Love,
Dot

PS: Would it be too much to ask if I said please don't tell father about this just yet? At least until I have my bearings on the situation. You know how he can be and I don't want him to make any rash decisions.

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Theodosia Twycross Gwynedd Oakby

  

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Beautiful set by Kit!

April 3rd, 1892

Darling Dorothea,

I will not pretend that I don't find these questions alarming, but I trust you when you say there's nothing to worry about - you are a level-headed young woman who would surely have the good sense to let her mama know if something was seriously wrong. Given the lack of detail in your letter regarding the problem at hand, below is an outline of certain steps I’ve found useful in my work. This framework is easily adjusted to address problems of both academic and interpersonal nature, so you might find it helpful in dealing with questions relating to magic as well.

1. Define the problem
   Make sure you have clarity on the issue at hand - it is important not to conflate surface-level effects with the actual root cause. I would start with thinking about why you find yourself in this situation, such as the possible sources of this magic and their motivations. Breaking the problem into smaller sub-problems is usually helpful - for example, when did you notice the effects, and what were you doing immediately before it? I also often find it enlightening to consider whether there is someone else dealing with the same problem and, if possible, taking their experience into account. Bringing people together usually leads to a mutually beneficial process. It might even turn out that someone else has already found the solution you're looking for.


2. Make important decisions first
   If there are some time-sensitive sub-problems, or sub-problems that prevent the solving of the root problem, it is prudent to deal with those first. (As a common-sense example, if this said unknown magic was having an effect on your health, you would want to pay a visit to St. Mungo’s immediately.)


3. Outline what you know and what you don’t know
   I’ve found that making lists is helpful. Try to also consider things that you don’t know you know and don’t know. We've talked about this before. After you've charted the limits of your knowledge, it will be easier to fill out any crucial gaps.


4. Define success
   It is important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, as otherwise you might not recognise a solution even if you found it. What counts as success, in this case? Do you wish to have the magic reversed, or simply learn its source?


5. Involve others
   The most efficient problem-solving is always collaborative. You are a resourceful young woman and I'm very proud of you, but it is never a sign of weakness or failure to ask for help. For example, I've collaborated with several highly talented and reliable curse-breakers over the years with whom I could put you in contact, if your problem required it. Alternatively, talk with your father. I know you don’t always appreciate the way he reacts, but his worry comes from a place of love.


6. Brainstorm and evaluate
   This is the hardest part for most, but I expect your creativity to far offset whatever other disadvantages there might be. Try to imagine possible solutions to your problem(s), and then evaluate these against your definition of success. If you get stuck, discussing the issue with other people often helps. Their different approaches can produce potential solutions that one could never come up with alone. I'm here for you, whenever you need me (as is your father).

I will be home next week-end for your birthday. We can discuss the issue more then, if you will, and see what progress you have made. I know you value your self-sufficiency, but in the meanwhile if the need arises promise me you'll ask for more help. I have complete faith in that you will be able to solve any problem you put your mind into, but your wellbeing is at least as important to me as my work. Never forget or doubt that.

Your loving mama,

TTTwycross

April 3rd, 1892

Dearest Mama,

This has been quite a help, thank you! (Don't worry; no impact whatsoever on my health! You know I've never been fond of healers but of course you know I would still see one if I thought it necessary — I am hardly looking to become a cripple!)

Your advice about others similarly affected by the problem has given me a very good start in defining it, I believe, though it is difficult to determine exactly where the similarities are mere coincidence and where they are meaningful. I am still working to determine its exact source but I believe once I do the effects will be easily reversed — at least, I have always found that it is easy to find a solution when one approaches a problem with a clear head and an open mind, and I am fortunate enough to have both (and a Mama who offers excellent advice!)

Don't fret about my birthday. I'm sure by the time you visit this will be entirely resolved and I'll be able to tell you the entire story while you laugh at what a silly predicament it was. (Though I will let you know if I need a cursebreaker; I've heard my favorite one, Lissington, started teaching with you recently!)

Love,
Dot

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Beautiful set by Kit!