15th of March, 1891

My dearest Papa,

I will preface this letter by assuring you that I do not follow the gossip tabloids, but it is hard not to know what Witch Weekly is up to when you share a dorm with teenage girls. As such, it has come to my notice that the magazine has written about our own Claudius' wife.

I am sure that these are silly lies fabricated to sell more copies. In any case, there is no denial that my cousin is nothing like my dearest departed aunt.

It is curious indeed that, even though she attended a year at Finishing School, she has turned our the way she has. Come think of it, many of the alumnae of Auntie Olivia's school have turned out to be bad fruit, if you will. I do not wish to speak ill of my dearest aunt, but I do think that her passing has lowered the quality of the school.

I do wonder if it's worth me losing a year of the Social Season to attend a school that has nothing meaningful to offer me. There is no doubt that I will be one of the treasures of this season and any powerful pureblooded family would want to have me as it's bride.

Don't you think it would be better if I didn't attend the school at all? There is no need for me to be finished - like Aristotle, I believe I am already perfect in any way needed. Perhaps what I need is a flaw to make me more relatable and so to not turn potential suitors away.

I do not want to push you to a decision, but merely to consider.

Love,
Your Seneca

Lucius Lestrange

  

     

17th March, 1891

My dear Seneca,

Fond though I am of you, I am not so blinded by such regard that I do not recognize your room for improvement.

Whether intended or not, you do cast aspersions if not against your late aunt, then against your cousin. Be mindful of your words, and ensure you do not voice such concerns to any outside of our immediate family.

I should think that the latest gossip surrounding your cousin might reinforce that anyone might find themselves a target, no matter how illustrious the family. I also wonder at the wisdom of making one's debut at a time when one's brother's wife is shaded with scandal.

With affection,
Your Papa

  

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— phenomenal set by bex! —

18th of March,

My dearest Papa,

You are right and I am lucky that you can see the imperfections I am blind to, for it is always in your best interest that I improve.

I did not mean to speak unkindly of my cousin and I suppose it is my duty to be an exemplary student and succeed in the Season of 1892.

I am looking forward to seeing you during Easter Week. I have practiced some new chess openings and I do dare say you will be met with considerable challenge.

With affection,
Your Seneca