May 6th, 1895

Darby,

I do hope you don't mind me writing, but I found myself in need of some... outside perspective on a situation that has arisen. I'm afraid of what my family and friends will say if I ask for their thoughts and though, I suppose in some weird way we are friends, it is not exactly the same. Please don't take that personally, I'm all mixed up and out of sorts, but I do want your advice.

I have been offered a position on a magizoology expedition— to South Africa. I would relish in the opportunity to go, but I fear everyone around me will say it is a bad idea. Hogsmeade has grown uncomfortable for me in the last year of being me again and I want to take this chance while I can to get out and do something meaningful. Something just for me.

Do you think it is worth it?

Best,
S. Bixby

Aubrey Davis

  

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Adventure Awaits!

7th May, 1895

Miss S. Biscuits Bixby,

No offence taken, Miss. I don’t get often asked for advice, strictly speaking, so I suppose you could say I’m honoured, anyway.

Can’t say I know much about South Africa – or any Africa – but if it’s thanks to your your magizoology skills, it’s an exciting opportunity, I’m sure. (Besides, if you can handle the most violent of hedgehogs, you can probably handle any wild African beasts you might find.)

Is it because it’s dangerous and you’d be off by yourself somewhere far away, that you think your people think it’ll be a bad idea? Or is there something else you worry they’ll say? They oughtn’t forget you were a Gryffindor – you ought to be brave. (Unless there’s nothing in Africa you want to see, and it’s just getting away from Hogsmeade you want. That’s a long way to go if all you’re really interested in is running away.)

Your friend, in whatever weird way you please,
A. Davis

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Formerly known as Davis, Elijah Urquart's pet hedgehog.

May 8th, 1895

Darby,

I suppose the distance is most of it. I was already gone for a year inexplicably, I'm afraid my parents won't let me go at all for another six months or longer. I confided in my middle brother, he's a healer of creature-induced injuries (and the most level-headed of us all), the thinks he might be able to go with me, which is helpful to convince my parents, at least.

Part of me just wants to escape and get out, but most of me is excited about the prospect of such hands-on experience. I still have a whole year to go in my apprenticeship at the zoo, and while I get plenty of experience there, it'll be nothing compared to this. There's expeditions and field work and creatures I'll never see otherwise. Without my NEWT grades, I have to do more apprenticing and this is the best way I can think to get more work. I didn't think this would be my career when I was done with school, but it's what I've got and I want to be good at it. I need something with a clear direction in my life.

Does that make sense?

Best,
S. Biscuits

  

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Adventure Awaits!

10th May, 1895

Miss Biscuits,

As long as they know that you are gone and know where you will be this time, I don’t think anyone can begrudge you that. It’s different than the just disappearing. I suppose you can keep sending owls, even from the bottom of the world?

What did you think you were going to do after school (if you don’t mind my asking)? I have to say – I am speaking from experience, as one – you were a natural hand with creatures, even at Hogwarts. I am sure you are a good friend to them at the zoo, and will be in the wild too. (You ought to look out for any wild African hedgehogs, if there are such a thing.)

It makes sense to me. I wouldn’t mind some clear purpose, myself – but sometimes you do have to go out and find it, since it won’t always just fall into your lap. And I can’t think that anyone would want to stop you from going out and finding a direction for your life – at least as long as you do come back for them eventually.

At any rate, I say you should

enjoy your time away, and see what you find out there.

Darby

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Formerly known as Davis, Elijah Urquart's pet hedgehog.

May 15th, 1895

Darby,

That is true and yes, owls are still a reliable source of communication, even if it requires several to get from there to here.

I had envisioned and practiced for, a promising career in quidditch. My father is a coach, my eldest brother plays professionally and one of my other brothers (there are four in total) used to make brooms. In fact my next eldest brother used to work in the Games and Sports Department and even my mom worked in the Broom Regulatory office. It seemed like the natural thing to do. I was good at it too, until the accident. I haven't been on a broom since and I don't know if I ever will try again.

This has helped. I spoke with a couple of my brothers as well. I think Harrison is going to come with me. He's a creature-induced healer and they are also needed on the expedition. Hopefully that will ease some of the worries of my family. Harry is by far, the most level-headed among us. I think I'll make the final decision and accept.

I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the wisdom.

Best,
S. Biscuits

  

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Adventure Awaits!