April 16, 1892 - Ravenclaw Common Room

Poppy held the letter from Professor Lissington tightly between her fingers. She felt awful, quite frankly, about what had happened. She was glad he hadn't come looking for her yesterday though; she'd spent most of the afternoon hiding in her room, curled up in bed miserably. It was something, she supposed, that he was impressed by her abilities. Poppy knew she had that... that hellion inside of her that could wreak havoc if it was unleashed; she'd just never seen such tangible proof of it before. Not like this. Not physically harming someone. It had been even worse when she heard her cousin had been admitted to the infirmary overnight! She knew she should have gone to visit Basil. She owed him at least an apology, but Poppy couldn't stomach the idea of his not recognizing her again. Of facing her mistake in that way, head on. Instead, she read and re-read Professor Lissington's note. It was sweet of him to tae the blame; his responsibility, she supposed, as a professor. But deep down Poppy knew it had been her spell, her failure, that had caused all of this mess. Not his. Picking up her quill with a sniffle, the Ravenclaw quickly jotted something down to return to him. She knew she must, else he'd continue to worry.

Then, picking up her pen and a fresh piece of parchment, Poppy decided to pen another letter.

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Dearest Atticus,

I've done something terrible today out of sheer carelessness. I feel so utterly miserable and guilty!

I know it is yet a few weeks away but are you free the 24th? I have a free weekend in Hogsmeade and wouldn't mind a familiar shoulder to hide behind offer some respite. It's been a long term and I already have so much to tell you.

yours,
Poppy

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Atticus Foxwood

  

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© Fox

Atticus couldn't help but frown at the rushed words of her cousin. He didn't know her to regret many of her actions, and if she was still mulling over what had happened, he couldn't say no. Poppy was much more like a sister than a cousin to him and there wasn't much he wouldn't drop to go to her. Seeing the date she requested was even better. He couldn't help but run his fingers through his purple hair and sigh. Hopefully Basil would be able to fix it.

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Dearest Poppy,

I'm sorry something is troubling you. Just remember that all mistakes can be fixed, and if you can't fix something I certainly can for you. Deep breaths. I promise everything will be fine.
The twenty-fourth I am yours. I'll meet you at the path leading from Hogwarts so you don't have to look for me.
Please don't feel too bad. I am proud of you, my dear.

Sincerely,
Atticus

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Before he sent the letter off with Merlin, he enclosed Corne de licorne bretonne en sucre, a treat he knew his dear cousin once enjoyed. Hopefully it would be enough to bring even a temporary smile to her face.

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Poppy Dashwood

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As soon as she saw Merlin hurtling uncomfortably through the window of her dormitory, Poppy rushed over the assist the chunky little owl. She knew Merlin was her cousin’s pride and joy, and if his weight was any indication, he didn’t seem to be easing off many of the treats. Poppy couldn’t help but smile just a touch at the thought and scooped up both Merlin and the slightly heavier than usual later that he was carrying. She deposited both on her bed and cradled the cuddly little creature as she unfolded Atticus’ response. A small confection tumbled out o the envelop and Poppy grinned to herself again. She knew she could always count on Atticus to make her smile. His letter only added to the sentiment and she felt better as she scribbled back a quick reply. Then, popping the sweet into her mouth and letting the sugar drive away all her anxieties, Poppy handed Merlin her response. She settled his plumes a bit from where he’d run into her wall, and then tied - loosely - a little red ribbon around his neck. For style.

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Dearest Atticus,

Thank you, darling cousin, for always believing the best of me, even if I don't deserve it. I look forward to our meeting, eagerly.

much love,
Poppy

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Atticus Foxwood

  

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© Fox

He fondly rolled his eyes as he untied the red ribbon from his little owl, running his fingers through his feathers, making Merlin preen. It took a while before the letter was returned and Merlin resembled a fat grape, his feathers stained purple. The poor owl looks wholly unhappy, and well, if his dear cousin gave him a treat or two he wouldn't mind.

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Dearest Poppy,

You deserve the best and more. It doesn't matter what you do, I will always support your decisions. You're a Foxwood. You're family, after all.

Sincerely,
Atticus

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Poppy Dashwood

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This time when Merlin returned to her, he was an obscure shade of purple. Poppy caught the poor little thing as he huffed and puffed his way into the room and couldn't help a delicate laugh that bubbled up and out. She hoped her cousin hadn't done this to the poor creature on her behalf. She cradled Merlin close, petting him in his exhaustion as she read the letter. Atticus was such a dear. Pressing her finger over the scratched out words 'you're a Foxwood' Poppy finally felt tears betray her. She hid her face in Merlin's purple plummage and cried for a good while, letting all her guilt and self-pity come rolling out. She couldn't believe she'd hurt her own family; she couldn't believe how understanding Atticus was; she couldn't believe how angry or concerned he and Aunt Viola would be when she finally admitted her failure! And, despite all this, they would support her. As they always had, and as she knew they always would.

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Atticus,

I love you all, more than you or Basil or Aunt Viola could ever know.

thank you,
Poppy

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Atticus Foxwood (FYI Viola Foxwood)

  

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© Fox