02 May, 1890

To whoever this letter finds,

You're up late. It's nearly four in the morning and we've got breakfast soon. I told my owl to send the letter to first student she finds out of bed. I do hope she didn't bother you too much; I've been told she can get a little noisy while delivering her letters.

What keeps you up?

Signed,
Nelson Bide*

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* Nelson Bide is an anagram of Eldin Bones. I imagine he wanted to sign it in a ~fun way.

  

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2nd May 1890

Mr. Bide –

I have to admit, I didn't expect to receive such a letter this early in the morning. Not to worry, your owl was perfectly lovely. She and my owl seemed to get along well as I was just about to give my own a letter for home.

I've been studying for final exams. Frankly they're easier than OWLs, so I'm not too miffed. Might I inquire what keeps you up?

Alyce Forwar

  

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02 May, 1890

Miss Forwar,

Glad to see that our owls get along soundly. Did you know they say owls' relationship an be an indicator of how well their owners get along? I hope I didn't interrupt your letter-writing.

Exam season is the bane of my existence. Who thought it was a good idea to give students a series examination in two weeks' time to determine how much they learned over the span of a year? It hardly seems fair.

What year are you in? I'm not aware of an Alyce Forwar in seventh year, so I assume you must be younger.

Signed,
Nelson Bide*

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2nd May 1890

Mr. Bide –

I wasn't aware of that fact, no, but I suppose that is a good sign.

Not to worry, the letter was of little consequence; just replying to let them know arrangements for the Express home.

I admit I like exams, they test our knowledge from the year, but I have to think that most our academic knowledge might leave us at the end if it's not pertinent to our career paths.

That must mean you're in Seventh year. I'm in sixth, though I must admit my name is not Alyce Forwar. I'm also knowledgable in our upper student body, am I to take it that seeing as I know no Nelson Bide, that you're also using a pseudonym?

Alyce Forwar

  

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02 May, 1890

Miss Forwar,

I've put off making my arrangements. I'm ready to venture into the adult world, but I'm not sure how I'll feel next September when I don't have Hogwarts to come back to. We spend more time here than we do at home. I suppose that's why I'm so stressed over exams. They wouldn't be so stressful if I didn't need very specific grades.

You've caught me. Nelson Bide fits me perfectly, but I do like yours as well. There's a thrill in anonymity: I could tell you anything, and you could never reveal my secret to the student body.

Signed,
Nelson Bide

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3rd May 1890

Mr. Bide –

That you need specific grades suggests you have a field of study in mind that you want to move into next year. I suppose that's something that some have particular trouble with, but I envy you. You have a choice in what you do. Me, Im stuck.

I agree with you on the anonymity. I don't think I've felt this kind of freedom and candor in a while. It's quite refreshing. By the way, it's not escaped my notice you didn't answer my question of why you're up so late.

Alyce Forwar

  

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02 May, 1890

Miss Forwar,

You could have a choice. I know I may sound like a typical boy in saying it, but I wouldn't if I didn't know it was true. The women in my family have jobs of their own, and I hope to follow in their footsteps. You either assert yourself or attempt to be as useless as possible in what your parents want for you until they allow you to pursue your dreams. Each side has its cons, I suppose.

There's so many reasons to be up at this hour, but none that Professor Sleptov would excuse if I dozed off after breakfast. It was nice writing to you, and I hope you manage an hour or two before daylight.

Sweet dreams,
Nelson Bide

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3rd May 1890

Mr. Bide –

Frankly I'm surprised I managed as long as I did, but I seemed to get some sufficient sleep. I have to admit, I found myself glancing about the dining hall today wondering where you were sitting.

The women in your family are lucky. Were they expected to go along with the women of society like me? I so long to do something more, but I don't think my parents would at all be receptive to that.

I hope Professor Sleptov didn't have reason to punish you, I should hate to think I had caused detention for you.

Alyce Forwar

  

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03 May, 1890

Miss Forwar,

I must admit I did the same. Never have I talked (or in this case, written) to someone without knowing their face. I was in the middle of a conversation about the upcoming Quidditch World Cup with one of my friends when I was suddenly distracted by the realization that you were likely sitting somewhere nearby. I think I may have agreed to attend the first game with them, but I won't know for sure until they bring it up.

The women in my family are considered unconventional, even by my uncles and aunts and grandparents. Most of my aunts are socialites or housewives, and my mother might of been too if my father had objected to her ambitions. What would you like to do with your life?

Sincerely,
Nelson Bide

P.S. I was not in trouble. I nearly dozed off twice, but I was smart enough to sit behind a student a few inches taller than myself.

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3rd May 1890

Mr. Bide –

Oh dear, I apologize for inadvertently entangling you into whatever you may or may not have agreed to! Though I have to admit the imagery to be rather amusing.

Socialites! And they chose a profession over that life? Now I wish I knew who you were so I might be able to ask them how they broke that news to their parents. I could use some pointers.

Another confession — I'll have you know, you're getting more out of me than I think my sister has, and that's saying something — I don't think I've been asked that before. I suppose with all my rambling on about how I want to do more that...I probably should have pondered my answer to that very question. I would most likely say...I would like to make a difference...

And be recognized for making differences, though you might think that sounds selfish and unaltruistic. It's the truth, which I feel comfortable telling you.

Alyce Forwar

  

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03 May, 1890

Miss Forwar,

I'm glad you've found amusement in my suffering. No, I tease—a day spent with a friend is not one I dread, even if my family had other plans for me.

From someone surrounded by socialites and future socialites, the lifestyle seems glamorous but their reality seems more exhausting than anything. Parties are no doubt fun, but much of their time spent is making connections and planning events that they often seem to have very little interest in. I would hate that, wouldn't you? (I, of course, would not blame you if you wouldn't—I understand it's a privilege to become a socialite.)

Making a difference doesn't have to come from one thing. My aunt helps lead charities, and even though she's merely a socialite, I'd say she makes just as much of a difference as a healer. It's different, but it still helps people. I can't say I know why my mother and sister chose their paths, but I'd argue that making a more direct difference is one of their many reasons.

Sincerely,
Nelson Bide

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3rd May 1890

Mr. Bide –

So that would be the difference between being a socialite and having a profession as a healer. Being a socialite would certainly require a bit more of a chance seeing as it also involves the opinions of others.

I suppose I should examine if I feel that others' opinions of me are more important.

I must say, Mr. Bide, you're giving me quite a reason enough to question these next few years.

Alyce Forwar

  

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03 May, 1890

Miss Forwar,

Do you want to a healer? Or do your passions lie elsewhere?

Sincerely,
Nelson Bide

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3rd May 1890

Mr. Bide –

Being a healer would be a great profession. I envy those who think so selflessly and want to help others. I think I might want to do something along those lines. But speaking candidly, I'm too selfish to be a healer. I would probably be better off at someplace that would be able to tolerate my presence.

What do you want to do?

Yours,
Alyce Forwar

  

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03 May, 1890

Miss Forwar,

Selfish? In a "I care too much about my sanity to put myself in such a stressful situation" or a "I would make someone's illness all about my discomfort"? I'd be more inclined to believe the former.

I do want to be a healer. It's the family profession. I only fear my NEWT scores will prevent me. As much as I love Herbology and Potions, I struggled to get high enough scores to continue at the NEWT level.

Call me clueless, but what other jobs do women usually do that involve making a difference? I know there's the Ministry, but it's never struck me as the type of place you'd go to make a real difference. I have family there, and the bureaucracy seems awful. Are you an adventurous type? Philanthropic? Academic?

Yours,
Nelson Bide

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3rd May 1890

Mr. Bide –

I'm rather touched you think so highly of me without even having met me. Although if you knew me I don't think you'd be saying that. Still, I thank you for the confidence.

I believe it's my turn now to inform you that if you want it badly enough, there might be another way, even if your NEWTs don't turn out as well as you want. Especially if you have connections within your family, they're bound to be able to either give you advice or coach you if you need further education.

I would think myself adventurous, however, I don't feel very adventurous. I'd say perhaps more academic. I love to learn, but above all, I love the accumulation of more knowledge. I like logic and reason, but I don't think logic or reason fits very well into politics.

Yours,
Alyce Forwar

  

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