25 July 1892

To Deputy Headmaster Hamish Darrow;

I hope this letter finds you well, sir. If memory serves me correctly, you are in the midst of preparing to send out quite a few letters, so please don't hasten to respond should you need to prioritize. My name is Louisa Clearwater; I doubt you would remember me, but I was a Gryffindor prefect and my sisters, Gertrude and Heather were your Hufflepuff students a couple years my senior. They always spoke highly of you as their Head of House.

I write to inquire about an open position whose vacancy has reached my ears: The position of the Matron of Gryffindor House. As I understand it, of course having been a former Gryffindor is obligatory, but I wish to ask of any other requirements that the position might require.

I await your response —
Louisa Clearwater

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— Hamish Darrow —

  

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loveliness by MJ <3

         
 

26th, July, 1892

Miss Clearwater,

I may be advanced in years, but my capacity for memory has only improved as I have had more to recall—I of course remember not only your sisters, but you as well! I hope that the years have been, if not kind, then at least tolerable to you.

As to the matter of your inquiry: House Matrons are akin to mothers to all students who reside within their dormitories. They must set an excellent example of behaviour, dole out discipline, demonstrate compassion, and educate as needed. Some of our poorer students, for example, may come to Hogwarts unable to read and write, which must be remedied, and there are myriad feminine questions which the likes of myself are ill-equipped to answer. Experience is not considered so much as moral character—though of course, experience as a governess or lady's companion does help to bolster the resume.

If you believe that you have the qualifications necessary, and can procure at least two letters of reference speaking to your character, I should indeed be delighted to meet with you in person.

Warm regards,
 

Professor H. Darrow
Deputy Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

— Louisa Clearwater —

  

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— set by the long-lost bex —

27 July 1892

To Deputy Headmaster Hamish Darrow;

How wonderful to hear you remember us! Of course I should not have blamed you if you didn't, but I find myself comforted that you are still at Hogwarts. The years have been decent enough to someone like me, but I shan't beat about the bush.

I believe that I do have the necessary qualifications for such a position. You see, my primary profession all these past years has been as a governess, sometimes to the very children who are preparing themselves to enter your school. While my experience has certainly been guiding children who come from families who can afford a governess, rest assured I do not discriminate when it comes to my teachings, and thus, it is completely inexcusable in my practice to withhold tutelage and treatment from students who are of more unfortunate backgrounds. I am stern in my teachings, yet never harsh. Though of course, I understand proof from a third party is a great assurance in these instances, and so given that, please find enclosed past letters of recommendations from the various families that I have worked with. I shall endeavor to acquire a letter of reference from my current employer as soon as I am able.

Though you state that a strong moral character is valued above experience, I believe that my experience is what has made my character. I am fluent in French, Italian and Spanish, and conversational in German and Russian. I am also skilled at the pianoforte, painting, though I know there are plenty of professors at Hogwarts whose talents outweigh mine by at least the weight of a minotaur!

Should you require any other paperwork from me in your determination of my capacity for this position, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Kindly,
Louisa Clearwater

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— Hamish Darrow —

  

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loveliness by MJ <3

         
 

28th, July, 1892

Miss Clearwater,

I would not be doing my due diligence if I did not insist upon interviewing you in person, however if I may be candid, I feel that it is merely a formality at this juncture. I should be grateful if you could arrange your schedule to meet Wednesday, 3rd August at two o'clock at the address enclosed.

Warm regards,
 

Professor H. Darrow
Deputy Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

— Louisa Clearwater —

  

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— set by the long-lost bex —

28 July 1892

Deputy Headmaster Darrow;

I have confirmed that I should have no trouble making the appointment as stated in your previous letter. I look forward to our meeting. In the meantime, thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Louisa Clearwater

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— Hamish Darrow —

  

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loveliness by MJ <3