8 October, 1892

Alice,

I'm deeply sorry for waiting so long to write. Part of it was I wanted to give you time to settle. I know starting something new can be overwhelming even if it is something you wanted to do.

It is also partially because the tiny dragons - there was an infestation of them - seemed to like to torment the owls and after an incident trying to deliver a letter to Daffy, it has taken this long to convince Wizz* that he could leave now without getting attacked. He's fine no matter how much he plays it up, he is just a big baby. Still, I've attached some treats for him.

You'll be pleased to know Sisse has stepped up as the voice of reason after your departure and would not allow me to sneak a tiny dragon as a pet. Though, in hindsight, she'd of never known if it stayed in the dorm her not being a Hufflepuff and all. Darn. Honestly, Momma might have found it cute as well, and surely couldn't be the strangest thing the batch of us ever did.

Oh, and speaking of the batch of us and Daffy. I'm not sure if you've heard but Daffy's opening up her own shop in Diagon Alley on the 29th. If you have the chance you should stop by and say hello.  You can be me since I won't be able to go till Christmas.

Bridget and Callum are doing well and Niamh seems to be settling in. I'm not sure if they've written home - if they haven't, tell me and I'll nag them - so I wanted to reassure you. They've all got everyone watching them so you don't need to worry. I won't let anything happen to them.

You'll have to tell me everything that's happened now that you are a trainee, okay? I wanna know about what they have you doing? What are you learning?
your friend,
Calla

*Wizzbee - Calla's tawny owl she got at the start of her fifth year after Dahlia's graduation being she could no longer mooch off her sister's owl. She obviously named it after candy.
Alice Dawson

  

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look at the pretties mj made me!!!

October 9th, 1892

Dear Calla,

You needn't apologize! I'm quite overwhelmed with work myself at the moment - hence my own lack of writing. Truthfully, I've only managed to keep up more frequent correspondence with Mr. Moony, and that's only because he's taken over for me with my siblings.

Which, to answer your question on that front - they have due to Mr. Moony's insistence. The letters are infrequent and brief, but my parents don't mind so much. It irritates me some I'll admit, especially Bridget's lack of monitoring our siblings. However, without my being there there's little I can say on the subject.

Now, please. Elaborate on these dragons! I heard it was quite the commotion, there were mediwitches in Hogsmeade that were aiding when necessary. I can only imagine Sloane and yourself chasing after the things. I'm relieved to hear you didn't squirrel any away in your dorms! Sure, they're cute and tiny now, but they wouldn't be for long. I hope Sisse reminds you of this daily.

I hadn't heard but I'll be sure to visit. That's amazing for Daffodil, are your parents pleased that she has moved out on her own? It hasn't even been six months yet and I've already begun to fantasize about when I might move away from the farm. It's so dreary here in the winter, not even fond summer memories make the place enjoyable.

Mediwitch training is interesting and exhausting. It isn't as terrible as I suspected it might be when I first left school. I suppose you might see me as more of a medic than a healer? Most of our work is administering potions and mending any minor wounds. I don't feel as challenged as I would like to have been, but it's enough for now. Perhaps one day I'll follow up on the traveling healer idea that was once mentioned to me.

Tell me all about your classes! Are you enjoying the lighter course load?

Yours Most Sincerely,
Alice

  

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Amazing set by Bee!

9 October, 1892

Alice,

Ohh Alice, you worry to much. Bridget is only 14, let her be a child still. You know well enough the batch of us will keep an eye on them all just as I said in my last letter. We'd never let anything happen to them. At least you know that means they've settled in well if they find themselves to busy to write.

I'm kinda glad you can't see my face right now. Somehow you manage to make me sheepish with your lectures even if they are over letter. See, ir is like nothing has changed.  I'm not sure they would've grown much more. To me it seemee like the flight was of one species and most were already adults. Some form of miniature dragon. Though I will admit they were just as aggressive as I've heard some off the larger species to be.

For the most part the castle was kept clear unless someone opened a window but they had to cancel herbology and astronomy. (Oh am I overjoyed to be rid of sleepless nights memorizing star chats.) They postponed tryouts and practices as well. And just as much as dragons were were overwhelmed by ministry officals trying to rid of them. I even saw some of the people I worked with over the summer at the zoo! They stopped to say hello. I wonder if they got to keep any four the zoo that I might get to work with then if they allow me to return? I'd be fascinated to see if they do get any larger.

Honestly when it come to Daffy... I don't know. I've always thought we were quite close but she really kept these whole thing under wraps. She didn't really tell me anything other than she had a project if you want the truth.  I'm not sure if she told momma and pappa more than I. I'm kind of glad to return to the castle as it felt really odd at home without her. But really! Don't misunderstand. I am really happy for her that it is going well for her. I guess I just don't know how to feel about the whole thing so I'm choosing not to think about it.

Maybe I'm childish but I really can't imagine moving out of home. Sometimes it feels like I'll be there forever especially when I've never really seemed to have much interest in boys or marriage. And I'm not sure if I could do what Daffy did. I mean, maybe if I lived with a handful of friends? I guess momma and pappa won't want me around forever. With being in sixth year this year and you leaving it's sort of been weighing on me. The real world is suddenly coming up real fast and I'm not sure I'm ready to be an adult yet even if you don't really get a choice.

School is... something. I may have less classes but that doesn't mean I have less on my hands. The professors have increased the difficulty and workload by five fold. And I've never realized how much work there is behind being captain. Hopefully competing against Cam this year doesn't cause any issues.

Don't worry about it, Alice! I'm sure you'll work your way up. You are the new girl. They always make the newbie do the dredge work. It was that way at the zoo. So much cleaning. But are you learning? How do you like interacting with the patients. I don't know how you don't get overly invested in every case. What's the most interesting stories you've heard so far? If you can pick,  that is!

But if you find you aren't as excited about it, I've heard of a place where they let you do your NEWTs outside of school. You can always save up to do if you want.  Besides what can be better learning than hands on. Really I think you'll be learning far more than us.
your friend,
Calla

  

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look at the pretties mj made me!!!

October 11th, 1892

Dear Calla,

She might only be fourteen but in our family fourteen is old enough to understand responsibilities and obligation. One of my aunts was even married at fourteen. She's not a nursing babe - she can send our parents letters. Although, I must say I do appreciate your looking out for them. It's a relief to have so many eyes on my siblings in the castle. Feel free to hex Bridget whenever you please.

Only you would truly fancy having a dragon in your dorms. Burnt curtains, crispy notes, the list is endless. Were they that cute, then? I've never seen a dragon outside of textbooks.

Astronomy was always a favorite of mine. I wouldn't have been able to justify it as a NEWT level course, but it was one of those things I enjoyed. There's something special about a star filled sky. I suppose that's one benefit about being home - my skies are still full of stars. Did you happen to see them the night of the coming out ball? It was magical.

Do you think you'll intern at the zoo again next summer? There's one at that beach resort too, I think. The Sanditon? I wonder if they have more aquatic species on the premises since they're so close the ocean. But, perhaps it's not the best place to visit considering what transpired last year. Yes, you ought to stick to Irvingly. I'll try to stop there for you too sometime soon and report back on whether or not they were able to keep the dragons. Is there anything else I ought to make sure I see?

Sometimes older sisters are afraid to burden their younger ones with their troubles. She also might not have wanted to jinx her good fortune. Either way, it doesn't soothe her absence at home. Do you think she'll allow you to stay with her from time to time? It might be a fun adventure for you over the holidays to experience Christmas in London.

There's nothing childish about wanting to remain at home. Your home is safe, a place of love and comfort. Why should you want to leave it behind? Besides, do you think you'll move out outside of marriage? Do you even want to ever get married?

You can do it, I'm sure. And if there's anything I can do to help you manage your classes please let me know. I spent all of last year in the library copying from the textbooks so that I could have some more advanced resources to pull from. I might be able to at least direct you if you need it.

Most of my stories are of drunkards or foolish people with foolish injuries. Anyone of interest goes to the hospital and I'm closed out of their care after that point. It isn't a very glorious career path.

What is this place? Could you pass along whatever information you have?

Yours Most Sincerely,
Alice

  

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Amazing set by Bee!

12 October, 1892

Alice,
I hope you don't get mad at me for saying this... but you left, Alice, to give your siblings a chance at school you won't have. Let them live that to the fullest. Just because the generations of the past did things a set way doesn't mean those younger than us should. I'm not saying she shouldn't write home. Let her continue to be a kid where she doesn't have to have too many worries before the real world catches up. And no matter what you say, I'm not going to hex Bridget.

Oh, I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd fancy it. I'd bet you money at least one of the boys somewhere in this school smuggled one. And I mean, you can train a dog and many other animals so what is to say you couldn't train a dragon? I quite think it would be a fun challenge.*

I don't think you can write off ever going to an island at again just because a weather charm failed. That could have happened anywhere. I mean, look at what happened this past summer with Sloane and me getting stuck in the Irvingly lockdown. I think it would be an interesting experience at least once. I've never really worked with aquatic animals before. But yes, I'd like to intern again there, if they'd have me back. And, yes please let me know. I wish I could go with you. How fun would that be? Maybe come Christmas? Oh, perhaps you'll say hello to the firecrabs for me. I grew quite fond of them.

I do think the sky is pretty, don't get me wrong. But between all my other classes and practice I was always far too tired to be happy trudging up all those stairs to draw maps in the middle of the night. The sky the night of the coming out ball? I don't think I noted it individually but everything that night was beautiful. I'll never get over all the enchanted candles in the great hall every time there is some sort of event. Or the ceiling enchanted to reflect the sky.

I thank you for your words of comfort, but honestly, Daffy didn't even really talk to our older sisters about it either. We weren't allowed to come to visit or help her set up or anything. But seeing if I can stay would be fun! I've never really been to London much before other than to help set up for parties sometimes. I'll have to ask her if she'd be okay with it - I know she is currently advertising for a roommate to share the apartment with. That is if she doesn't come home and spend the holidays at home.

**I don't know. I've never really thought about it all that much. I've always known that I didn't really want to be one of those girls who spend their whole lives going to balls and looking for husbands. I think I'd like a family though, so I suppose I'll have to marry eventually. And it does kind of seem like it might be lonely to go through life without someone. But I've thought even less about moving out before I was married. Before Daffy, none of my sisters had so it never really seemed like an option? I think it would depend. Not if I was to live alone and maybe not with strangers either. But maybe if I found a place with friends?

What about you? I don't think we've ever talked about this before. What do you want? I know you'll have to find your own place if your parents moved, but what would you want if you got to choose? And do you think you'd want to marry? Is it something you've thought about?

Oh, you are too nice. Thank you for that. And I'd be happy to look anything up for you if you ask it of me though I can't promise to understand what it might mean. And if you can think of any titles I can always check some out to bring to you over the Christmas holidays.

Really? Well, stay safe, okay? I heard too many stories about drunkards getting violent. I would really hate for something to happen to you. Maybe you should try to learn some self-defense?

Umm... I've only heard of it in passing. Maybe it was Selwyn I heard talking about it? I think it was called Flint Institute or something like that. They were talking about it 'cause it does some upper level post Hogwarts education and some people do research but they mentioned NEWTs in passing. I'm not sure where it is or what kinda cost there is though. Or if it counts as formal results.
your friend,
Calla

In the margins of the letter, Calla has sketched one of the miniature dragons. It has more of the look of textbook drawing than a typical piece of art but she'd got Ned to show her how to enchant it so that it flew around the paper, occasionally perching on words, its tail obscuring a letter or two until it moved on.
**The second half of the letter is written in a different colored ink, like she got interrupted or stuck and had to come back to the letter another time.

  

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look at the pretties mj made me!!!

October 21st, 1892

Dear Calla,

The topic of my family is one we should avoid for now, I think. I'm sore over the situation still. You have my apologies.

Please, Calla. Do not attempt to train dragons. At least not until you're a full fledged magizoologist. Or at least under the care of one. Healing burns is a miserable experience for both the healer and the patient, with the deeper ones requiring more intense debridement before salves can be applied. There was one burn patient I had to help transport a few weeks ago - it was ghastly. The risk isn't worth the reward, however fun it seems.

On a lighter note, the fire crabs say hello. (Or at least I assume they did!) I visited on a surprise afternoon off when there wasn't much to be done at home. There were far too many creatures for me to see in a few short hours. Let's plan to go over Christmas! Should we extend the invitation to all our friends? (I'll still avoid the sanditon for a while yet though. Perhaps I'm being overly cautious but I truly only know how to swim in the still waters of my pond. A raging, violent ocean would drown me in seconds.)

A roommate! How adult! I dream of the day I can move away from home. Although, with the threat of America looming nearer I doubt those roommates would be anyone other than my siblings. Daffy likely is only trying to find her footing as an independent woman. Give her some grace, she'll clue you in to whatever troubles her eventually.

As for marriage, I've thought about it quite a bit this summer. It seems like it would be something of a dream for me. Funnily enough, I once dreamt I'd marry Cameron, not that he'd ever cross my mind now. I don't think he spoke more than ten words to me specifically the entirety of last school year, and I've not heard from him since we left school. Which, I supposed is to be expected. I always knew friendships would be difficult to maintain in the adult world, I just never thought his would be one of the first I lost. Maddie maybe, or Alycone. Even Lester seems a more explainable lost than Cameron. But, the drama of fourth year is not to be forgotten, and he and I are on two paths now, no imaginary marriage to be had.

I'll have to marry to be free of my siblings though, as I doubt any spouse of mine would tolerate their antics for long. Callum's most specifically. Perhaps once I'm no longer training I'll be able to consider the idea of courting more.

Have no fear, Mr. Moony drilled a fair bit of self defense into me over the summer. After several practice sessions I can stun with decent reliability, which is more than I can say my ability was upon leaving school. I'll be safe, I promise.

I'll look into it, although if Mr. Selwyn was on about it the odds of my ability to afford it are slim to none.

I hope your classes are going well! I miss you.

Yours Most Sincerely,
Alice

  

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Amazing set by Bee!

23 October, 1892

Alice,

Very well, I shall respect your wishes.

See just like I said. It's just like we are together, Alice. I swear I can hear you worrying. It wouldn't be too much if there is only one of them - besides they are only the size of my hand. But don't worry, I only jest. While I do think it would make a novel pet - and experience, unlike Cam and Bixy, I do, in fact, have common sense. I'll refrain from adopting a small dragon until after I graduate. But I do wish I had Ethel all the same. But the new COMC professor this year did bring a couple of hippogriffs she has some of the newt students helping with so I shall have to pacify myself with that, I suppose.

But I believe you. About the burns, I mean. Even just bumping the fire crabs over the summer if you weren't wearing your dragon leather gloves hurt. Truthfully, I do not know what debridement means - and I'm not entirely sure I want to right now. It doesn't sound like a pleasant word. I do hope that person is okay. Did anyone follow up with you about him?

I would like to think they do. And that they miss me dreadfully - but not too dreadfully. I would hate for them to be miserable. But oh yes, Alice! I would absolutely adore going with you over the holidays. I can give you a personalized tour and tell you all about the animals - at least the ones I'd think you'd like or ones you ask about. You know when I get back - just let me know your schedule and when you might be free to meet. I'm sure I can slip away from the shop easily enough. I'll tell Dahlia if she covers my shift I'll cover hers for the next tea she wants to go to or something. I'll let you choose if you want to invite anyone else and if so who! I really don't mind.

It is a shame it will be far too cold to come to visit and swim through.

But what would you do during the school year? When they are back in the castle? Would you be all alone? That sounds quite lonely. To only have company a few months of the year. I wouldn't know what to do in all that silence after hearing everyone babble on for my entire life. I like having Dahlia or the other Hufflepuff girls for company - I'd feel lost without even just hearing someone next to me.

Wait really? it is something you've thought about? What prompted it this summer? You are only sixteen after all. Or do you fancy yourself in love? Is that it? Who? You'll have to tell me everything! Wait, Cameron? Bleg. Ew. I need to wash my head out now - thank you. Marrying Cameron would be like having to marry your brother. And he doesn't kiss well. At least not when he is drunk. So really, beyond a friendship, you really aren't missing anything there. But really, I know you hate when I meddle, but I'd be happy to try and talk to Cameron if you want me to. Maybe an outside perspective might help him come to terms. Maybe?

I am sorry that you feel that way though. I wish I could just take everyone and tie them together and never let go. I fear once we all leave school that the past five years will just fade away into nothing more than school time memories and I really really don't want that for us. Cam, Ned, and Lester all graduate this year and then it will just be us five girls.

Oh, no! Don't think that way, Alice. Anyone who doesn't love your siblings isn't worth your time. They are only children. They'll grow up too just like you. Besides, do you really, truly, think you could permanently bear to part from them? But when you do find someone, you'll have to introduce us as I will not allow our friendship to be merely schooltime memories. He'll have to grow used to seeing me around quite often - as much as you tolerate me I suppose.

Let me know if you wish me to ask Mr. Selwyn anything about it. Perhaps they offer scholarships - or, probably, the services like newt tests are cheaper than any kind of post-school studies someone like him would be interested in.

I miss you more than the fire crabs probably miss me.
your friend,
Calla

  

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look at the pretties mj made me!!!

October 31st, 1892

Dear Calla,

Happy Halloween! I hope the day passes without any major catastrophes. I do so miss the pumpkin bread from the great hall, though. Please enjoy some for me!

Hippogriffs are fearful creatures. Their height alone intimidates me, never mind the specifics of how to approach the creature. Have you been caring for it, then? Do you like the new CoMC professor? I so disliked having to grow accustomed to new professors and their teaching styles. There's a certain peace found in reliability I think.

As for that patient, no. No one informs me of their status once the hand off has been made. I can make inquiries, of course, but as a whole that practice is frowned upon. They don't want you to grow too familiar with the patients or invade their privacy much. I hope he's well though. Those burns were particularly horrifying.

What if we were to try to make multiple trips? Once for the personalized tour and so we might catch up and then a second outing as a group if timing allows for it. I can't promise to be afforded that much time from work, of course, but I should at least be able to secure a single afternoon to spend with you. Might I request no demiguises? The one at the zoo was awfully bizarre and I had nightmares about him for a week. The farm is a bore to visit at this time of year. Everything is either brown or grey. Aside from the stars at night there isn't much worth looking at, and you have a far better view of those from the castle than I do here.

Perhaps I could take boarders during the school year. I could occupy the smallest bedroom and rent out the larger ones. Or I could rent the entire house and live in a boarding house myself. I'm not sure, there's still time before that becomes a reality I hope. Have you considered more if you will live at home long if you decide not to marry? Have you considered more about marriage as a whole? I'm curious to know your opinion on it.

The subject of my marriage and any questions about love should be addressed in person, I think. Those aren't secrets I'd like to put to paper. Not yet, anyway. Maybe some day it won't have to be something spoken of in hushed tones. But yes, something happened this summer that made me consider it and yes, I do hope to marry someday. I promise next time we're alone I'll divulge more.

Truthfully, I've known the end of the group has been coming since third year. There was one conversation we all had — I can't remember the circumstances of it now — that made our disparities that much more obvious. Then, I spent much of the summer between fourth and fifth year exchanging letters with Mr. Nelson who only solidified my opinion. We're all so different, Calla. Wishes or not, the circumstances of life will take us all our separate ways eventually. Some individual relationships will be more salvageable than others with close proximity or valiant efforts made. Perhaps in another world they would be easier to save, but we're in this bleak and lonely one.

I hope you're doing well. How is quidditch going? And your studies? I miss gardening with you.

Yours Most Sincerely,
Alice

  

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Amazing set by Bee!

02 November, 1892

Alice,

Ohhh what is a Halloween without at least one incident caused by Peeves? This year I think he decided to go all out and somehow managed to vanish one of the staircases up from the dorms to the great hall. Neither we nor the Slytherins could get to breakfast - or practice - until one of the professors was summoned to... find it? Unvanish it? I'm not sure but it was a mess. Everyone was hungry and you could just hear Peeves laughing down the hallway. I just wanted food. I wonder where he'd put the staircase?

Ohhh that bread is so good! I can ask the house elves for the recipe if you would like me to. I wouldn't be surprised if they were flattered you miss it and be happy to share.

Yeah, they can be a little bit temperamental at first, but I'm sure the professor or the school would never allow the class to use a truly dangerous animal. The pair are really quite sweet once you get to know them. A few extra treats never hurt year but tell me one living animal - humans included - that treats wouldn't work. Mmmmm I miss Honeydukes. It has only been two months now but I like her well enough. It was kind f really nice to have a woman professor for that class so you don't have to deal with the whole 'women are too dainty and weak to handle animals' mentality. And while I do miss some of the old professors - not just this one - it has been interesting over the years to see all the different perspectives. Especially if something gets brought up again.

I get that... the not wanting to be too familiar. It is so odd seeing the inside of our clients' homes. Sometimes it feels invasive though I'm not sure if it is better or worse if I know someone in the family. But this seems different. I don't think you are prying. I just think you are concerned and want to make sure your patient is okay. But maybe I'm being silly.

Oh, that could work! I would love to show you around. But really, no demiguises? They are so weird they are cute! They make me think of mop heads with big eyes. But what was your dream? If you don't mind me asking. But let me know when we get closer to December. I think it might be easier for me to account for your shifts than the other way around.

I think the stars at your farm would be beautiful.

Ohhh that is an idea. You could cater to short-term leases who are only around for part of the year - like if someone is visiting for work or to see family but can't stay with them. Plus then you'd have extra income on top of work - money you could put towards that school or something. For myself, I'm still not sure. It is such a new idea. Unless momma knew them, I'm not sure she'd let me move out right away. Daffy is 22 after all. She's been out of school for four almost five years. She did graduate after our first year. But maybe if I saved up enough from work and went in with a group of girls I knew I might. I think it could be fun. Like it could make up for all the nights I missed when you guys all lived together in the Gryffindor dorms and I couldn't join. I'd miss my sisters though - even if some of them I've barely ever lived with truthfully.

I think my opinions of marriage are something I've thought about even less. It seems so far away still, though I guess it really isn't. I turn 17 next week I mean. I'll be an adult - at least legally. I could've already been married truthfully. But here in the castle, that all seems so far away. But beyond that - if I have to wait, so do you, Miss Dawson, because I certainly detect something you aren't telling me.

I don't want it to, Alice. I know that sounds childish of me but I really don't. I miss those early years when everyone got along despite their differences. When things like money or futures were shoved aside for the now and there and you could be friends with anyone you wanted. I hate it, Alice, I really do. I hate it that we all have to grow up and things like that matter more than the bonds we shared and the memories we made. Maybe I was naive but I really thought that would be enough to hold us together. That we'd be eighty-five and all sitting around still laughing and talking like we used to. I hate that the world makes us care about those kinds of things. Or that people don't have enough empathy to relate to those who do not live the same life they do. It is all so stupid. You are all my friends - all precious - and I don't want to lose that. Maybe I'm foolish or silly or immature but I don't.

I'm okay. I'm just busy. Classes are in full swing and I'm busy with quidditch now too and the gardening club. I've no clue how some people add being prefects to all of that. Sometimes I feel as if I barely get any sleep at all. I had to drop my art elective. It was just to much for me to keep up with. But I think I'm doing okay in my classes. It is nice to no longer sit through the ones you don't really care about anymore. With what I've everything is far more hands-on. No more droning lectures that last the whole period.

You'll have to come over sometime before or after your shifts and we can just spend time in the greenhouses as well. I'll kick out my sisters and you can tell me all about everything outside the castle.
your friend,
Calla

  

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look at the pretties mj made me!!!

November 7th, 1892

Dear Calla,

Oh, Peeves! What a disaster that caused. Perhaps next year you ought to stash some sweets in your dorm in case he makes a second attempt of locking you downstairs. Vanishing stairs -particularly Hogwart's moving staircases - would require an excessive amount of magic, perhaps they were simply obscured? Did anyone try walking where they were to see if they were simply invisible? I daresay, I don't miss Peeves.

That's alright. Even if I could source all the ingredients, I doubt I'd be able to replicate the recipe with much success. The disappointment of failing would be another difficult concept to accept.

I hope you continue to have an enjoyable school year with this new professor. I'm rather impressed with Headmaster Black for hiring a woman for such a hand's on class. It's very empowering for women like you and I and so very unlike such a strict, traditional man. Perhaps the times truly are changing! Did I tell you I treated a woman at the ministry wearing trousers! Not even bloomers but pants like Edison or Cameron might wear! It was jarring to see but now I cannot stop thinking of how much more practical that would be for working in the field.

My nightmares largely consisted of being in a house of mirrors of sorts and them suddenly appearing and reappearing. I don't find them cute at all but quite freaky! Maybe it's more of my not enjoying things I cannot see. I don't know, just please - no demiguises. And yes, we can work out our visit details closer to Christmas!

Well, if you do decide to move out after graduation and I'm living somewhere other than the farm that's suitable for you (unlikely, but you never know!) perhaps we can rent somewhere together. Maybe Sloane could even be enticed to join us! I can't see Sisse or Maddy abandoning tradition so severely, but maybe she would join us for weekly dinners or a sleepover. What a fun daydream that is to consider.

It isn't foolish or naive to dislike the changes happening within our friend group. I'm actually quite envious of your hopefulness. I think the relationships will equal out to the effort put into maintain them. Like I wouldn't consider Cameron a friend anymore, but that's because of the silence that has existed between us for the better part of two years now. If you make the effort, if you write letters and arrange visits and attend to those you still hold dear then you will be eighty-five and laughing around a table. It's all a matter of effort now, we can no longer rely on convenience.


You'll do great at your classes - I know it. And art will always be there after graduation. It's better to absorb as much of your education as you can while you have the access to it. I'm sure you're doing great! And I look forward to gardening with you again come Christmas.

The treats aren't from Honeydukes but a muggle sweetshop I found in London. Do let me know if you enjoy them! Happy almost birthday, dearest Calla.

Yours Most Sincerely,
Alice

*included are whatever nearest sweet to Calla's typical Honeyduke's picks.

  

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Amazing set by Bee!