Nov, 1. 1893 - Basil's Quarters, Ravenclaw Tower

It was time. This was the moment Basil had been preparing for, with all his research, all his practicums-- the moment was neigh. November was shaping up to be a rather ripe month for lightning storms, if the data he'd poured over was to be relied upon. That mandrake leaf was ready too; it had spent a good long while marinating in the back of one of his drawers, tucked neatly between some pairs of socks. Now all that was left was to reach out to an ally, someone he could trust implicitly to return him to form if the worst case was to occur. Bending over his desk and pulling out a fresh piece of parchment, Basil began...

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Dear Miss Chang –

I hope you are well; it has been some few weeks since our last communication.

How are things this term at Flint? Your draft article was excellent, I have to say again. It still resides in my office, pinned as an example for the rest to aspire to. We do miss your talents here at Hogwarts. I don't believe I mentioned in my previous letters, but Ravenclaw has suffered tragically this year in terms of house points.

I write today however with better news, and a proposition for you.

I believe the time is neigh to attempt the animagus transfiguration. After a long year and a half of research and study, the conditions are optimal. If you are amenable, I'd like to request your aid with the attempt. You are unparalleled in your talents Ms. Chang, and there isn't anyone I'd rather have by my side during such a dangerous endeavor. I would, of course, be happy to return the favor if ever need be.

Do not fret if this is too forward a request. I quite understand the... societal implications of such a thing. I would however be remiss if I passed over the opportunity to have a competent ally in this process merely because of silly gender-norms. We can discuss the particulars if you agree.

cheers,
B. Foxwood

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Ida Chang

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   Ida Chang

1st of November, 1893

Dear Professor Foxwood,

How nice to hear from you again and thank you for the kind words on my draft. Your feedback was immensely helpful, and I’m thrilled to report that I’ve made it through the first round of reviewers. Your advice on how to handle my form of address was the right move. I do not believe they suspect who I am and if I am lucky they won’t request my presence in person until it’s already in print.

Your help is doubly appreciated because I suspect the term has been quite busy for you. What's all this about Ravenclaw losing points? That's quite unlike us. Tao hasn't breathed a word to me about this, so surely we’ll be able to recoup? Is the Quidditch team any good this year?

Niceties aside– PROFESSOR. We’ve talked about this for ages! I didn’t realize you’ve already started! You have been busy, haven’t you? Of course I will help. It’s not even a question. There are, however, a few particulars we ought to sort out. The forecast looks promising over these next two weeks, but where might we properly meet on such late notice? It is a bit forward, but we do have quite a bit of space on my father’s farm in Irvingly, and I’m happy to volunteer it.

Sincerely,
Ida

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stefanie made this beautiful set <3

Dear Miss Chang –

Marvelous! I too imagine there won't be many questions, especially because of the asinine reality that my name gives credibility to yours. I eagerly await the day I see your tribute highlight every headline, independant of anyone else's. It is a credit wholly deserved.

As for Ravenclaw... Merlin, I fear where even to begin. We've had a rather rambunctious group join the ranks this year. All terribly clever, and some quite dear, but we've a long way to go to catch up after a significant loss in points on the first evening. (The first, can you imagine!) I dare to say I'm not so sure about the quidditch team... I sit in the stands warming a seat more than following much, as you may have already guessed. Slytherin however has a particularly precocious Beater. I fear to think we will have fierce competition for the house cup, regardless.

I am delighted to hear that you are amenable to my schemes! A farm with plenty of space seems quite an ideal locale, but Irvingly is rather rampant with muggles. How are your neighbors? Ought we consider some place more magically inclined? Furthermore, what of your father. He won't imagine me a suitor and require us chaperoned all evening? It would prove terribly awkward for everyone involved if I were to shift into a gorilla...

It's always a pleasure to hear from you. Let's discuss more upon this shall we?

cheers,
B. Foxwood

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Ida Chang

  

Dear Professor Foxwood,

Well in any case it is an incredible opportunity for me to publish alongside you first, not just for credibility but for the ability to learn how this process all goes. I’m so very excited to see it in print – I’ll frame it up to always remember this first accomplishment!

As for the state of Ravenclaw… Merlin, Tao hasn’t told me anything about the new first years. Of course you know well that sometimes the more clever students can also be some of the most free-spirited, however. I’m sure you’ll do an excellent job of taming them however, it just takes time…? No doubt Ravenclaws are much better equipped to do well on assignments and extra credit to make up the differences! Quidditch was never really our strong suit for our bookish house, let’s admit… And Slytherins are relentless by nature.

As for the scene of our scheme – the good news is that we are in quite a remote wizarding area of the Irvingly settlement. As long as we are on my father’s expansive property it should be no matter, even if you transform into a great big gorilla or grizzly bear! Although if you have a better suggestion I am happy to travel anywhere. If it makes you feel better, my father is on leave with business abroad. He’ll be back by Christmas, though I imagine we’ll try to catch a storm before then, or after… What do you think? I am certain it won’t be any trouble.

Do let me know what you think– I am thrilled to be of assistance.

Sincerely,
Ida

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   Basil Foxwood

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stefanie made this beautiful set <3