January 10th, 1893

Dear Calla,

I hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday and settled back into school easily. Only five more months until you're home for the summer!

It feels even stranger to have missed the train this time as opposed to the start of the year. I think it's something to do with the weather, Scotland is far colder and snowier than the farm or London. The grounds were usually covered with a thick coating of snow by now, meanwhile in London everything is coated with this horrible layer of grime. I wish I had held out for an offer from Hogsmeade Hospital instead of settling for St. Mungo's. At least I'd be closer to you and more able to meet up with everyone on Hogsmeade weekends.

When is the next one? Maybe we can arrange for all of us to get a drink or something. Tea maybe? I've been developing a taste for ale but it's still not something I'd request first. Do you have any preferences?

Yours,
Alice

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!

12 January, 1893

Alice,

Five more months then only one more year until I leave for good. I think it feels more real, now that you aren't here. I mean, having someone leave makes it feel more concrete. And Cam, Hatchett, and Ned are leaving in five months as well. It is certainly going to be strange in the castle next year, with only me and the other Gryffindor girls. I dare say it, quiet. I do look forwards to summer though. I'm going to see if the zoo will have me back and if not I guess I'll just help around the shop.

Once you finish your training, Alice, you could always put in a request to transfer. Hogsmeade Hospital is much smaller so I'm sure they are always looking for staff. And even if that's after we all graduate most of us live in Hogsmeade anyways. You'd be closer to Ned while he trains too!

Mmm... I think it is the 29th. Ale? That sounds so odd. How funny is it that I'm older that you - legal too - and you are the one growing up so much faster than me? I think I have to tell you to stop or soon you might find me - and everyone else - far to childish to be around. But I would like to see you.

your friend,
Calla

  

---

look at the pretties mj made me!!!

January 15th, 1893

Dear Calla,

The 29th isn't too far away! I'll see if I can have that day off and perhaps we could get some hot chocolate again instead. There are a few sweet shops in London but none compare to Mr. Honeyduke's. Plus, with it being so cold out the warmth would be nice.

I understand what you mean about it feeling more real. That's how I felt the entirety of last year, like I was standing on the cusp of adulthood and my future. It's a very daunting feeling. I wish I could say it gets better in time, but having been out of school for over six months now I can't say the real world is any less daunting. You just have to muddle through it, I think. The good news is by the time you graduate the boys will have been in the world for a year and myself for two, so you'll have plenty of people to help support you if you need!

I'll consider moving to Hogsmeade once my training is done. It would be nice to be so near all my friends again.

Yours,
Alice

  

12 January, 1893

Alice,

Hot chocolate sounds lovely. Much nicer than ale. Hmmm.... do you think once Dahlia marries Mr. Honeyduke that I'll still have to pay? Like do you still charge your sister-in-law. Oh that's weird. I know Dahlia is going to marry him but I've never thought about him being my brother-in-law. That's odd.

Ohhh? You really think about move? Imagine it, maybe we can plan it and we can be neighbors in each of our own places. We could be those ladies moms warn their daughters away from because they are too independent. We'll talk little girls into working and voting. Oh my goodness, the picture has me dying of laughter.

your friend,
Calla

  

---

look at the pretties mj made me!!!

January 20th, 1893

Dear Calla,

I think as long as you're not demanding free sweets daily it wouldn't be an issue. A single cup of hot chocolate is hardly going to destroy his finances. Besides, it'll be Dahlia's shop as much as it's his, so a cup for her sister is completely reasonable. It is strange to think you'll be so connected with all known names though. Do you think Mr. Grimstone will gift you with a free broom at futureChristmases?

Moving to Hogsmeade would be a dream indeed. Truthfully, I sometimes consider asking Daffodil if I might be her roommate just to get away from the farm. Father's mood is dreadful and even my mother's expression is not sour than not these days. I think everyone should be a lot happier if the house burned to embers and they were finally free of their failures. At least then they could decide to move and I might be allowed to stay.

The 29th will be here before we know it. I'm looking forward to seeing you.

Yours,
Alice

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!

21 January, 1893

Alice,

No, no! I'd never take advantage! Beside even if I wanted to I have no desire to eat so much sweets I get out of shape, even if I'm not going to go into quidditch professionally. But I mean... if Mr. Grimstone wants to gift me a personalized broom? Well I certainly wouldn't say no. I don't think I could ever give up flying. Besides if I always live in Hogsmeade I can just fly to work everyday.

You should!! I'd happily put you in contact with my sister, I know she's still looking. Can you imagine? One of my best friends living with my sister? I could see you both at one time. And i think you'd get along well enough. She was a Ravenclaw, did you know?

Though I'll be honest - I'll miss visiting the farm if you move out. Your mother was always so nice to me and I loved swimming there.

your friend,
Calla

  

---

look at the pretties mj made me!!!

January 24th, 1893

Dear Calla,

Would you go into quidditch professionally? I know Sloane and Cameron used to consider it their main plan (maybe Sloane still does? I don't know where she currently stands) but I don't remember hearing you discuss it. I can imagine it perfectly though, you playing for the Harpys or the Howlers. Maybe even the Cannons! There are so many options to choose from if you do play professionally.

As much as I wish I could leave the farm, I can't. Not until they do anyway. They're already irritable with how often I work, if I were to try and move they'd have a fit. I think my father believes I can somehow charm the dirt into being fertile, but it never works. No amount of magic has helped. Truthfully, I think the farm is cursed.

I didn't know Daffodil was a Ravenclaw, but I can completely imagine that. I still think you should move in with her once you graduate, or maybe by then she'll have outgrown the flat and you could take it over completely.

We'll have a last hurrah should my family ever decide to leave. A picnic down by the pond and a hike over to the castle. It'll be grand.

Yours,
Alice

  

12 January, 1893

Alice,

I might have thought about it in passing but seriously? No. I've never thought of myself as competitive enough. There's a difference between a school yard rivalry and professional levels. Look at Cam and Sloane - they have always breathed quidditch.  Though I will miss it when I graduate. Pickup matches just won't be the same. Did you know I didn't grow up loving quidditch? I don't know if you remember him, Mr. Abney? Archelaus Abney. He was a Slytherin three years above us and he played for their team. I met him once, before I started school. He answered some of my questions even if I kind of forced him. But after that I decided it could be my thing. That set me apart from my sister's. I didn't want to be just another Potts girl or constantly one of my sisters' little sister. I really shouldn't have made the team first year. Not with the lack of practice I had.

I know I just said I like your parents but how dare they! I know you share a lot of your wages with them. You even left Hogwarts for their sake! How dare they! If the farm is having that many issues, then the extra income should surely appreciated for supplies. Sometimes land just isn't suited for certain types of plants. Or the nutrients have been used up and in your family's circumstances you don't  have the time to properly rest the fields and restore them.

I'm sure by then, Daffy will be married and not wanting to live with her baby sister. I think I'd be better off living with you* Sloane or Maddy. Or Sisse if her family let's her. But I do think I'd want some. It'd be to quiet by myself.

I'll have momma come up with 'family emergency' to get me out of school if I have to.
your friend,
Calla

*highly scratched out

  

---

look at the pretties mj made me!!!

January 27th, 1893

Dear Calla,

I don't think you necessarily need to be competitive to play professionally. Talent and passion could take you equally as far if you so desired. And you've never been just another Potts daughter. Even without quidditch there's so much within you that sets you apart from your sisters. But, I do understand wanting something that is your own. I'm glad you found quidditch.

The pressure of it all is really weighing upon them, is all. My father hasn't said as much directly to me but I'm beginning to suspect there are some debtors lurking in the shadows. Otherwise I can't really explain his sudden intensity. I'm only hoping I might escape the house before the debt comes due.

I can't imagine Sisse living anywhere other than home or with her eventual husband. Sloane or Maddy would be great roommates, though. I never had any issuss sharing space with them. I'm sure you could find a roommate without issue if they couldn't for whatever reason.

Yours,
Alice

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!

28 January, 1893

Alice,

No, I suppose you don't have to be competitive but it just kind of feels like eveyone would be. Like if I'm not, it means I can't be as passionate about as they might be, even if it's silly. Besides, I have the flower shop and the zoo I can work at and I love those just as much. I've gotten into potions a lot lately. My grades have started improving enough that Professor Valenduris let me continue even if I really shouldn't have. I'm think maybe I can do something like the magical equivalent of what muggles call a veterinarian. An animal doctor. And then I could treat pets outside the zoo in the evening hours too.

But you are very sweet of you to say though. But I think then, I didn't have as much of my own sense of self. Besides, I'm not smart. I don't do well enough in class to stand out to the professors - I would have been just another Potts girl then, living in my sisters' shadows. That's just what it's like to be the youngest. So many paths have already been taken, it is hard to find your own. Wait till Aine is older and she'll say the same. I'm sure even Bridget feels it. You do leave big shoes to fill Alice.

Once you finish your training, your wages will increase and maybe you could do something on the sides? You are good enough you could sell potions or something. But you'll be able to find your own place then - even if it takes roommates. Or you could find a place with Ned depending on the timing.
your friend,
Calla

*highly scratched out

  

---

look at the pretties mj made me!!!

February 4th, 1893

Dear Calla,

It was great seeing you last weekend. I know the weather wasn't fantastic, but I'm glad we were able to make it work. It made me realize how much I missed walking to and from classes with you.

We talked about careers a bit I know, I just wanted to repeat that you would be an amazing magizoologist (or veterinarian). If you got the opportunity to play professionally though, would you take it? We would all have to arrange to watch your games.

Even if you were just another Potts girl, you would still be you. You don't need hobbies or interests or whatever to set you apart. You're your own person already, and I'll tell you that until I can no longer speak if that's what it takes for you to believe it.

If I live with anyone before marriage it'll be my siblings. The closer summer comes the more convinced I am that my family will be moving to America before the next school year. Who knows what will come of us left behind?

Yours,
Alice

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!

07 February, 1893

Alice,

It was nice to see you as well. Letters - as much as I do love ours - are never quite the same as seeing someone face to face. I know what you mean though. I find I miss the small moments most. I was so worried last year about the big things we wouldn't do again, but you are right. I miss things like walking to class together or working together on homework.

Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm not outright opposed to the idea. But even still, it isn't really something I've thought about. I know next year is my final year but the idea of after is still so disconnected. Like it is some other Calla will be going through it. I guess I'd have to see what happens. If I got something offered, I might. I guess it could be a really unique experience and there really isn't anything stopping me from doing my training later on after I retire. If I do ever play, I expect all of you to have action figures of me.

I don't know. It isn't that I place my entire worth on being known for something. But I'm not sure it's something you can really understand unless you have older siblings - and ones that stood out. Always living in their shadows. A disappointment for not reaching the same points they did. I know Momma and Poppa don't think like that nor do my sisters but sometimes it is hard to not feel like that. Like I don't have to do everything they did but better. I think that's why I choose quidditch. None of my sisters did it. There was no hurdle to overcome or standard to meet.

What if you find a place where you have spare rooms? That would you could let out the rooms when your siblings aren't home but are away at school as an extra source of income. It might be harder to find tenants for short term but I'm sure there is a market. Like healers on loan to a different hospital or something like that.
your friend,
Calla

  

---

look at the pretties mj made me!!!

February 10th, 1893

Dear Calla,

I would absolutely have your action figure as well as all the other team memorabilia. Action figures, flags, you name it. I'd also try to attend as many games as I could to show my support. It's like you said, there's nothing stopping you from pursuing a more serious career later. Quidditch can only really be enjoyed while you're young.

I think I understand your meaning more now. I'm sorry for pushing so much. That would be difficult to bear, especially as you get older and your sisters achieve their various accomplishments. Still, I hope you know that of all the Potts you're my favorite.

Spare rooms might be an idea. I'm not sure if I have the maturity level yet to deal with strangers on such a frequent basis. I also don't know if I'd sleep having someone I don't know in the other room. It took me months to get comfortable sleeping in the dorms at school. I think if I had to have roommates I'd much rather them be friends or family. There's still plenty of time to figure all that out.

Yours,
Alice

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!

12 February, 1893

Alice,

Oh gosh. Please don't. Please promise you won't do that if I play. Can you imagine what it would be like every time I visit you, just seeing a sea of mini-mes? I couldn't stand it. A constant reminder that my nose is crooked. No, I think I'd have to make you put them away each time. And I think it would be weird to see something enchanted with just a surface version of your personality. But I guess I'll think about it. Really. Maybe I'll talk to momma and poppa about it this summer and see what they think.

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound so bad. I didn't think you weren't understanding. But I also feel like it isn't hard to be the favorite when I'm the only one you really know. Though I'm sure you'd like them! Though if you wait much longer to visit it will only be three of us. Or less with how the past few months have gone. You never know. Though sometimes I think Thistle would rather marry Freddie - her Screechsnap - than marry anyone at all. Hmmm, I've come to the sudden realization that a concerning number of my sisters keep sentient carnivorous plants. But really, you should still come one day.

Eww I guess I didn't think of that. The odea of rooming with adult strangers seems odder than a bunch of eleven year olds. Though you'd certainly have the chance to meet new people and make friends. Well, I suppose even more motive to room with friends then, right?
your friend,
Calla

  

---

look at the pretties mj made me!!!

February 16th, 1893

Dear Calla,

Okay, I promise there won't be a sea of mini me's. Perhaps only one or two. I could always disenchant them when you were visiting too so you wouldn't see them. Either way, I'm glad you're going to at least consider it.

I think if I were to have roommates friends or family is the only way I'd be comfortable. That or a boarding house, I guess. Would you still want to be roommates someday maybe?

Yours,
Alice

  

---

Amazing set by Bee!