January 17, 1890

Dear Sybille,
How has school been since you came back to Hogwarts? Did your friends get any interesting presents over the holidays? Are your teachers a little more cheerful? Have you caught a glimpse of Headmaster Black? I would hope not, he can be quite intimidating.

I know you've been mad at me for... well, all the complicated things our family has gone through recently. But I do care about you Sybille. You and the rest of our siblings. I do hope you and Jolie are getting along better after a nice holiday outside of classes and drama among your peers. Please feel free to send word to me.

From,
Ace

Sybille Lukeson/Sisse Thompsett

  

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Magic by MJ!

January 18, 1890

Dear Ace,

School has been well. Lessons continue to be interesting, although I admit that Magical Theory is no better than it has been in the past. As for my friends, Fleur got the most delightful gift this Christmas - but you already know of that.

The professors seem cheerful enough, although some of them hardly ever smile anyway and the break seems to have done little to help that. There is a rumor that Professor Ruskin’s son is to marry. Half the school says that he is happy about the match and half says he disapproves. It’s hard to tell looking at him, he always seems cheerful.

Headmaster Black is holed up in his quarters still. The boys have a bet when he will next be seen out of his office. But I agree with you I’d like to keep out of his way. He is scary!

It is not all your fault and I do wish you would not feel that way. I hardly recall a time when our family was normal anymore and I suppose I shall just have to adjust it.

Would you be able to speak with mother? I feel horrible about our fight, but I can not give up baking. It would be like giving up a part of me, you know this, but I do not know why she can’t see that as well.

I hope you and Lucille are well.

Love,
Sybille

  

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January 19, 1890

Dear Sybille,
Well, you will get to pick electives next year. Do you know which ones you are hoping to choose? Some people choose all three, but you only have to pick one if you really want to. There is no shame in only taking one that seems interesting, and don't let your peers bug you about taking more.

I will try to speak with her. But Sybille, I feel that you have the right to know that mother has always felt this way. She never really wanted you to like baking this much. I don't know how well I will be able to change her mind. I'm sorry.

From,
Ace

  

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Magic by MJ!

January 20, 1890

Dear Ace,

It seems all anyone can talk about in my classes is what electives they will take. I know I’d like to take Muggle Studies but I haven’t decided on a second one, there are simply too many to choose from. I know I could take only one, but with so many options how might I ever narrow it down to just one? What did you take when you were in school?

Thank you for trying Ace, I know you will do your best. Mother listens to you more then she listens to us. I just don’t understand why mother would never have said anything when I was younger - I think it father unfair that she is trying to change my mind now when I so love baking. How can she not see that?

Are you and Lucille well? I hope you know I do like her, even if I didn’t like how I found out.

Love,
Sybille

  

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January 21, 1890

Dear Sybille,
Quite frankly, I took Muggle Studies for the childish purpose of sending updates of my studies to grandfather. Though the class was rather nice, please don't take a class for the sake of spite. I think about it as one of my lesser moments for my own morals. I also took Arithmancy and Ancient Studies. Yes, I do realize that does make me sound rather hypocritical in regards to advising taking less electives. While I enjoyed each class, I do feel I might have had more time to appreciate the classes I had if I had chosen less of them. More time to study one elective to enjoy it rather than rush through many electives in order to pass. This is simply advise, my dear sister. Please feel free to take as many classes as you like, though I do prefer that you keep your grades up. Even if that does mean a little less time in the kitchen. Don't worry, I won't tell mother.

I do hope you understand just how much mother loves each and every one of us. This lack of enthusiasm towards your passions never seemed to sit well with her anyway. She only worries of what such a career would look like for your future. I know, it doesn't really make sense given her mindset on many things, but you must realize that even if she is quite open-minded, she was still raised by our grandfather. Raised in a society that would prefer women to not work at all. It feels so similar with what she did with Avril. She wanted to take all of you girls out of school after fifth year, did you know? She still might. I'm not sure, and I highly doubt you or Jolie would agree on that stance. It shook her when Leroy died, and I think that mentality got the better of her. I don't know if she thought about it while Avril and I were in school, for Avril. But tragedy does strange things to others.

This news does warm my heart, Sybille. I love Lucille dearly, and was hoping very much that you would all grow fond of her. She and I are doing well. Finally fully settled in the country home. We will be in the townhouse during summer, of course. The nursery plans are going well. Lucy seems to glow, but that is my own opinion on the matter. Do you have any opinion what would be a nice addition to the room? I think we will have different themes for the different houses, so the baby can have more to look at. Lucy and I send our love.

From,
Ace

  

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Magic by MJ!

January 25, 1890

Dear Ace,

It is hard to imagine you doing anything out of spite. But I assure you interest in Muggle Studies is quite genuine. Perhaps I shall avoid writing grandfather of it as it seems you likely gave him more white hairs from those letters. Whatever I choose, I promise I shall remain diligent in my studies.

I know mother means well, but the mother I knew, the mother from before she [strike]died[/strike] came back would never have been like this. It seems unfair she might change her mind on so many things and take into account our passions and desires as she has done. It would be cruel to pull Jolie and I from school after seeing what it did from Avril, but if she did I would not be surprised. Indeed, with how she had returned to us I’d almost expect something so completely unjust.

Perhaps this summer I might get to know her better, especially if you shall be nearby for most of it. I admit that I find it hard to imagine you anywhere but at home. But a home in the country must be full of changes for you. How are you finding it?

I think the nursery should look like a fairy tale garden. Our nursery was always so plain. But imagine a forest with small animals to surround it? If you wish for more for the baby to look at I’d think that would be a good start.

Love,
Sybille

  

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January 27, 1890

Dear Sybille,
At the time it seemed quite reasonable with the way he acts, though as an adult I do believe that it was a tad too childish. The class was interesting, though not something I would have likely taken for my own enjoyment or enrichment. That is my own personal preferences. You are, of course, a different person with different interests.

I don't expect you to agree with her. If I am to be honest, I do not agree with her on the matter entirely. Though I do feel that perhaps you should keep baking as a hobby rather than spend your allowance on a shop and so many supplies and such. That is a discussion for when you are older, and it does not mean that I don't support your dreams. Owning anything bigger than a dress is a complex matter in and of itself.

Perhaps we shall spend time in the country estate as a family for a week or so. It is nice, bigger than I am used to. Though we do have that estate in Wales. Father and mother both preferred London. I can't blame them, as I can not see them enjoying this calm and quiet for so long. I find it calming. Not much can be done no matter where we live due to the mourning period, though the country estate certainly is a great place to be away from all of the odd looks and such.

I believe mother once mentioned our nursery was in such a state due to the fact that she was constantly worried that we would choke on something. We will certainly be looking into spells to prevent such things. A garden sounds nice, and I'm sure Lucille will love that idea.

From,
Ace

  

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Magic by MJ!

February 1, 1890

Dear Ace,

I appreciate your support and advice, but I refuse to change my dreams. I do not see what is so wrong with wishing to own something of my own - even if it is a shop rather than a closet full of dresses. But as you said it is many years away.

To be candid I often forget about the Wales house. Mother and father never took us there as children, at least not that I remember. I wonder why that was. But I do hope you and Lucille enjoy the solitude. If Mr. Nott’s outburst at Christmas was any indication, society is not being kind to you two.

Love.
Sybille

  

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February 2, 1890

Dear Sybille,
Quite frankly, because it looks bad on your reputation. Though if Avril and I are any indication, our family isn't the best at keeping a perfect image. I think she just worries. Worse reputation leads to less comfort and more stress, I suppose. It's a difficult matter. The stress must be very hard on her as it is. You know what she's been through. We don't even know exactly what happened the entire time she was gone. What they had done to her.

Mother always loved being close to family, even with all of the tensions. I think her main reason for keeping to London so much was for our uncle. If he ever was disowned on one of grandfather's whims, he would need us close. But that is only my assumption. I don't like to think of such things. He has enough stress by being treated like an outsider by aunt Jade and grandfather. I couldn't imagine how he would feel if things got worse.

Avoiding stress is very important for Lucille's health in these coming months. Mr. Nott was certainly out of line, but surely he will not be the only one to make assumptions of our situation. Lucille is innocent in these accusations, though I doubt we could really prove that to others.

From,
Ace

  

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Magic by MJ!

February 17, 1890

Dear Ace,

I apologize for the delay since your last letter. School has been very busy these days. Professor Ruskin assigned us a very long essay and I've only just managed to complete it. It seems all the professors have decided to have tests and essays due at the same time. There are times when I wish they would discuss this with each other before assigning such things, but as they do not I've been very busy.

I understand mother worries, but we did alright without her but I do not think running a respectable bakery is something that should damage the family reputation. Perhaps I may even convince her of this this summer.

I hope you and Lucille are well.

Your sister,
Sybille

  

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February 19, 1890

Dear Sybille,
The delay is understandable. The end of the school year will be here before we know it. How does that feel? You are growing up so fast Sybille. I know father would be proud. I know I am. We all are. Keep up with your studies, I know you can do well.

If you do bring this topic up with mother once more, I must insist you keep these matters away from Lucille. She will be near her due date and if things turn into an argument I do not want my wife stressed. Any yelling and I promise that I will side with mother out of frustration. I care deeply for Lucille. Understand?

From,
Ace

  

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Magic by MJ!