30th of January

Germander,

I have embarrassed myself. I didn't make it to the finals* and all because I forgot to add an entire ingredient. I'm an embarassment. At least it was your brother who beat me, I suppose.

Yours,

Seneca

*of the Potion brewing competition, which she had mentioned in a previous letter.

Germander Macnair

  

01 February, 1891

Cousin SenecaStill I'd far rather you with than my brother but at least it was Sage rather than Yarrow. If it was Yarrow I'd never hear the end of it. And now you'll never forget it again. You were cocky to not read the instructions over again. Still, you'll have the dueling tournament to redeem yourself - I assume you'll partake in even if it isn't the most feminine thing ever?
Germander

  

3rd of February, 1891

Germander,

You know that I never miss a dueling competition. However, I do not know when there will be one at Hogwarts. I hear a ladies-only will take place next month, but I will be unable to participate, seeing that I'm at Hogwarts.

There are times when I wish the months leading to my graduation could go on faster. The closer that date comes, the more I want for it to be over with. But nothing particularly positive awaits me, as I will be forced to a year at our late aunt's finishing school. I loved and respected Aunt Olivia a great deal, but I do not understand her decision to build it in Irvingly. Being around so many muggles alone could kill me with boredom. Theirs must be a very miserable life.

Seneca

  

05 February, 1891

Cousin SenecaI've heard about the tournament. I believe mother is entering as well as a few of our aunts and cousins. Maybe Hogwarts will take a page out of their book and host separate tournaments for the male and female students. Regardless, Hogwarts has had one every year, they'll be bound to have one this year.

It will come soon enough, especially this half the year. Professors start cracking down about exams and week now. Then you'll have your fittings soon for your dress if you didn't already. Even if you don't debut, I assume you'll still go. As far as finishing school, it will be beneficial and I hear Cousin Evelyn does take the girls to events occasionally. You'll have that to look forward to. And I highly doubt Evelyn allows you to interact with the muggles.
Germander

  

3rd of February, 1891

Germander,

I know that Evelyn won't allow me to interact with the muggles, it is just the knowledge of being in a muggle village that makes me disdain the experience. I've never been a country girl, I suppose. Other than Fort Lestrange, I prefer to be in the city. There's nothing to do in Irvingly, other than gamble, I suppose. Whoever built that Casino was a smart person. Living in Irvingly must bore people to death, so they take it out at the Casino.

Promise to come and visit often. You are my cousin, so in a way like a brother to me. I am sure Evelyn would allow you to chaperone me around. Perhaps we could go to the Casino and try our luck.

Yours,

Seneca

  

05 February, 1891

Cousin SenecaI'm not sure your father or Cousin Evelyn would be pleased with me for taking you gambling, Seneca. My mother on the other hand might be okay with it. However I could possibly manage the other assuming they don't overlap with work or other commitments. It may not be allowed without one of the staff or your siblings however. If not, you'll just have to tell me what events Evelyn takes you to and I will see if I'll attend.
Germander

  

#phoneposting

7th February 1891

Germander,

Your mother has always been the most fun loving in our family. I suppose my brother's bride will replace her in the years to come.

In any case, you are correct, I wouldn't be allowed at the Casino, which is a great shame, for I would love to see what it's like.

I will be sure to tell you what events I will be attending and you must do your best to attend them. What else do you have to do with your time, after all?

In the meantime, perhaps you can come to Hogwarts on the 13th of March? We won't have an outing until then, for some reason.

Yours,
Seneca