October 10, 1894

Dearest Millie,

How glad I am for your letter. It warms my heart to know that you trust and value my opinion on such a matter as such I shall keep you from suspense and get right to the heart of the matter.

While I know society seems to frown on such things, I do not think such friendships should be neglected simply for the sake of gender. Why your Aunt Laurel allowed us to be friends along side the Plunkett, Bixby, and Hatchitt boys as we grew up. She even took in Daffodil's school friend Jack, as you may recall, as part of the family. They were raised along side us as friends, brothers, and protectors. Although, I do harbor the romantic notion that Mama may have perhaps wished any of us to marry among their ranks, but I digress for I know you are much more eager to have an answer than listen to any pass impressions that have long since been forgone.

As long as your friend trusts this young man, for that is imperative, with her virtue and remains strong in her etiquette and manners, I do not think harm shall come from it. With, or without you as chaperon. Hogwarts has rules in place to keep any missteps from happening. That is why they insist on ladies being chaperoned around the school and why they have house matrons, prefects, and head girls and boys. If ever there was a place for such a friendship to bloom, I would trust it most readily there at Hogwarts. Such friendships are frowned upon once one is out among society. But allowing it to bloom now allows for a friendly face in later years and, hopefully, a protector in the years to come.

I know you are anxious for a response to your letter and as Mari didn't allow me a moment of peace to answer yesterday I shall end my letter here so you may not wait in trepidation.

All my love,
Dahlia

P.S. I hope you enjoy the sweets. If your friend has any preferences too let me know and I will send them in my next care package.

---

Pretties by Bee <3