29th March, 1891

Professor Shaklebolt,

I write to you having delivered my son and daughter to the train station for their return to Hogwarts, having greatly enjoyed their company over the Easter week-end. The latter, one Miss Ruby Urquart, you are well-acquainted with, and it is for her benefit that I write to you today.

My daughter made known to me your offer of employment, for which I first must thank you. Divination is a subject in which Miss Urquart is deeply interested, and your encouragement of her has given my daughter a confidence that any father should relish in seeing. She has always been a driven girl, but clear direction was lacking in her for some time; that this seems to have been remedied puts me at peace.

Miss Urquart touched on the nature of the work to some extent, and my consent, inasmuch as it is needed, has tentatively been given. Our family circumstances, fatherhood, and my own nature, however, make me protective of my children, and so I will not feel comfortable in my decision until I have heard from the horse's mouth directly, if you will pardon the rather unflattering idiom.

I hope that you might be able to shed some light upon the finer details of the arrangement, be it via owl or face to face. I would ask—though you are not obligated to agree—that you not tell my daughter of my request. I do not wish her to think that I do not trust her judgement, for I certainly do; rather, it is my own shortcoming that sees me seek out further edification.

Sincerely,
Mr. Balthazar Urquart

— Edna Shacklebolt —

  

---

— mj makes pretty things! —

1 April, 1891

Mr. Urquart

As a mother myself I of course understand your concerns. Miss Urquart has been one of my most eager students, and has brought an energy to the Divination classroom that I do not remember seeing in my own years at Hogwarts. She is a hardworking girl and even without my guidance I have no doubt that she would make a name for herself in the field. If her drive and talent for the divine were not enough to spur an offer of employment on my end, her artistic skills are—it is rare to find someone so knowledgeable of the product and also the ability to produce it.

I've admittedly never employed someone before. Before taking my position at Hogwarts I worked out of my home with my own daughters assisting me, although I know better than to think they did it out of anything other than duty to their mother. Teaching provides structure and stability that a small business does not, but it does not give me much time to focus on what I am passionate about: designing and selling tarot cards. To some it is a strange passion, and it certainly is a niche one, but by the time I met your daughter she had already begun designing her own cards, and under my tutelage she has reached a level in her skills that most aspiring professionals could only hope for.

The only thing she is lacking is a sense for business, and that is where I believe working for me would do her good. My home in Irvingly is divided between a living and an office, and it would soothe your nerves I would be more than happy to give you a tour of my workspace come summertime. Miss Urquart would work from there, and I would assist her in all matters of accounting and business planning while she continues to refine her divination and artistic skills. It would give her an steady income while learning the ropes of the business, and it would allow me to continue furthering my business while working out of Hogwarts.

It is an unconventional arrangement, and of that I am aware, but—like you—I only hope for great things for Miss Urquart.

Professor Edna Shacklebolt

---

The following 1 user Likes Edna Shacklebolt's post:1 user Likes Edna Shacklebolt's post
   Ellory Lestrange

---

— absolutely DIVINE set by MJ —

3rd April, 1891

Professor Shaklebolt,

Even to hear that you are situated in Irvingly, as we are, does ease my concerns, and I do thank you for taking the time to reply to me so swiftly. It does a father proud to hear his daughter so kindly remarked upon, also.

I will of course take you up on your offer of a tour come summer, but I wonder if we might meet one another face-to-face as well. My son is participating in the Showcase of Living History, which I have arranged to observe; if your schedule is favourable, I would be grateful to add you to my itinerary.

Sincerely,
Mr. Balthazar Urquart

— Edna Shacklebolt —

  

---

— mj makes pretty things! —

5 April, 1891

Mr. Urquart

Your daughter deserves every praise given to her. One of my daughters is also participating in the Showcase of Living History, so I would of course have no trouble making time to meet you in-person if it will help ease your heart even further.

Professor Edna Shacklebolt

---

  

---

— absolutely DIVINE set by MJ —