The letter was delivered by her Hoohoo, it is enchanted with a fire retardent spell to stop the birds heat from scorching the edges.

Mister Foxwood,

July 19th 1892

Thank you for the hospitality of your home over the past few days. As Poppys friend, I was honored to be included in the family celebrations. And additionally, I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting you. I had not expected such enlightened conversation at a society event - unfortunately, it can be a rarity, or at least not a privilege extended to young ladies, and would be delighted to continue our discussion. I do not claim the level of experience or knowledge that you undoubtedly possess.

I consulted with my associates, who have graciously volunteered to assist in your research. I hope you find their contributions valuable. One of them has delivered this package.

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Included in the package are some hoohoo feathers and a small envelope full of kitsune fur.

  

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Gin made something stunning

July, 19. 1892 - Wellingtonshire, Foxwood Residence

Basil was surprised, to say the least, when a flaming Hoohoo swept in through the window over breakfast. He was alone in the drawing room at the Foxwood residence in Wellingtonshire once more, pouring over the Daily Prophet (and keeping an eye out for a Mr. Prewett even if unwittingly) when the creature fluttered in rather regally. Startled, and a bit intrigued, the professor accepted its delivery of a small parcel and a letter.

He unfolded the scribbling with care then and was again surprised to see rather familiar, feminine handwriting. Ms. Mountbatton’s to be exact. Now here was an interesting tidbit… Her honesty made the brunette crack a smile despite himself. Ms. Mountbatton was proving a more interesting acquaintance every second. He opened the small parcel next and laughed, picking up one of the Hoohoo feathers. Her associates, indeed.

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Dear Ms. Mountbatton,

How splendid! Thank you for your exquisite contribution to my research, and please — tell your associates they too have my devoted gratitude.

It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance over the week end. I am pleased to find my cousin Poppy has at least one friend in society who is not so silly and frivolous as most tend to be. I should be delighted to continue our discussion, now and in the future. I am not ashamed to admit that it was a respite for me too, to find someone worth an intelligent conversation over dinner.

You mentioned an interest in the transformative properties of magical fire if I recall correctly? Herein I’ve included an article from the most recent issue of Transfiguration Today. I dug it up upon my return home after our conversation. Perhaps you will find it as fascinating as I did after our discourse.

I wish you quite well.

respectfully,
Basil Foxwood

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[Enclosed is the aforementioned article from Transfiguration Today along with a small box of Merlin's favorite owl treats.]

@"Natsuko Mountbatton"

  

Mister Foxwood,

Thank! It was an immensely interesting article. Taiyo, the messenger for my letters, offers his thanks for the treats. He would be more than willing to donate feathers whenever they are required. Although Sakura, my owl, definitely stole more than a few treats.

I have found that the article has left me with more questions than I had before! When it says magical fire, do you know if it's referring to a fire started by magic or a fire with any magical origin? In which case I would assume that fire bird fire would count. I admit, Mister Foxwood, that although I have an interest in the subject I am no expert. It is what is putting me off from attempting the animagus transformation - I do not trust my own knowledge of the subject to not end up permanently turning myself into a mouse - or some hybrid monster!

I may be abusing our correspondence excessively by asking if you can recommend any texts where I might start my study?

Kindly,

Miss N. Mountbatton

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The following 1 user Likes Natsuko Foxwood's post:1 user Likes Natsuko Foxwood's post
   Basil Foxwood

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Gin made something stunning

Basil couldn't help the small grin that accompanied his reading Ms. Mountbatton's response. Here was finally an acquaintance from the ton that he rather enjoyed corresponding with!

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Dear Ms. Mountbatton,

Please, rid yourself of the thought of having abused correspondence. Yours are the letters that give me hope in our generation's future.

Magical fire in this context I believe to be of natural magical origin, i.e. found occurring without intervention. Whereas some fire is lit by use of magic, this fire is occurring in nature and holds certain, unique magical properties. I do believe your Hoohoo would, indeed, count!

As to the animagus transformation, I am thrilled to hear you mention it! I have many texts and articles that I can recommend and some to send forward to assist your own, personal studies. The transformation is actually my current topic of in depth research; I have been working tirelessly with one Miss Ida Chang, a brilliant former Ravenclaw, to expand upon some theses for publication. I should like to introduce you to Miss Chang one day, if the circumstances permit. I feel she would make a fine impression!

If you are ever in need of someone to assist with your first transfigurative attempt, do not hesitate to contact me. I would gladly be on hand to aid in the case of error. I too one day soon may be asking the same in return. I've taken the study upon myself and hope to complete the transformation in the next year or so.

I am pleased that Taiyo enjoyed his treats. You can thank my brother's precious owl for his recommendation.

respectfully,
Basil Foxwood

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[Enclosed are three thick texts, bookmarked and noted with little slips of parchment to assist with animagus transformation education. Enclosed is also a list of additional reading material suggested, both tomb and article alike.]

@"Natsuko Mountbatton"

  

Natsuko had been delighted to see the letter from the younger Mister Foxwood. She was enjoying their correspondence, it was rather delightful to have an academic conversation, to be intellectually engaged on a subject that was not fashion or dresses.

Mister Foxwood

Thank you for the texts Mister Foxwood, it was incredibly interesting! I think we can officially say that I have begun my studies! I do hope I don't become something incredibly impractical - if you hear of my untimely death, drowning on dry land when I accidentally turn myself into a koi, you shall know that I have been successful.

My former transfiguration professor at Mata sent me a text on human-to-animal transfiguration. It is in Japanese, but I've included a fun gadget that I received some years ago that I thought might amuse you as it also includes an element of transfiguration. I'm sure you could tell me how the magic works when next we meet.

I have already had the pleasure of knowing Miss Chang, she and I are well acquainted. I would count her as one of my closest friends. I'm sure your acquaintance with her speaks well of both of you, such is my impression of you both.

Do you find that teaching at a secondary level stands in the way of your own research? I'm aware that Miss Chang has proven to be an exceptional student, but I cannot imagine that all of your students are such inspiring scholars. Thinking to my own education not everyone was entirely as dedicated to their studies as Miss Chang, which I imagine might be demoralizing to someone with a genuine academic interest.

Taiyo did indeed enjoy his treats, even if Sakura, my scoop owl pilfered rather a few of them. They, and I thank you.

Kind Regards
Miss N. Mountbatton.

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Included is a gadget that looks like a magnifying class, but essentially transfigures the text from the language of writing into English.

  

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Gin made something stunning