The Scars to Prove It
Mailings
September 3, 1989
Dear Mother,
Things have been well at school. I have a few friends already in my House – George and Fred Weasley, who are twins, and my best friend so far is a girl named Farren Zabell. She’s a metamorphmagus! And what’s even more wild is that she isn’t the only one – there’s a fifth year who is too! Also, there’s a boy named Lee Jordan who I hang out with a little.
My classes are going great so far! My favorite right now is Herbology, but we haven’t had Care of Magical Creatures yet, and that by far sounds like the best! Potions are the next best – Professor Snape seems to like me. More than the other Gryffindors, at least. Charms are going well, too, and I’m pretty good at them. What I really don’t understand so far is Transfiguration, but Farren is great at it (naturally) and she says she’ll help me out.
You must have already heard that I was sorted into Gryffindor, which I’m sure was a surprise to all of us. I hope father is not too angry. Please ask him to forgive me.
Speaking of father, some people here know him. Some one got really upset with me when she found out that I was his daughter, and I didn’t understand why. She told me that he was a Death Eater... Mother, what does that mean? She made it sound like Father was really nasty, and didn’t believe me when I told her that he really wasn’t that mean. What is a Death Eater? Why do they think Father is one?
Best wishes,
Carina
September 17, 1989
Dear Mum and Dad,
I’m a Gryffindor now!!! But I was almost a Ravenclaw. Apparently, I was something called a hatstall. I dunno what that is, but it’s pretty rare. I was speaking with the sorting hat for about six minutes! It’s a good thing I was the last one, yeah?
I miss you guys. The school is so loony, with the ghosts and the portraits and the staircases. I’ve gotten lost and nearly been late loads of time. But I’m much better off than some of the other students. I know how to deal with Peeves, and I haven’t gotten caught is a trick stair yet! Some poor bloke was stuck for almost an hour during class, and he was a third year!
It’s brilliant though. Classes are ace. Transfiguration is no trouble, and Professor McGonagall loves me. I think Herbology is rather slow, but it’s nice being outside in the greenhouses. History of Magic is dead boring, but it’s a right laugh throwing things through Professor Binns (no, it doesn’t bother him, I checked). Charms and Defense are all right, and I’m doing fine in both of those as well. Potions, well Potions is an unusual case. Professor Snape usually hates Gryffindors, but he seems to like me, at least a bit. He gave me an odd sort of look when I walked into class the first day sporting red hair (in honor of Gryffindor) and Mum’s green eyes. He definitely likes my best friend though, so he can’t hate me.
I met Lee Jordan, Fred and George Weasley, Angelina Johnson, and Alicia Spinnet. They’re all in Gryffindor and a lot of fun. My best friend, though, is a girl named Carina. She’s so shy, and not like me at all, but she’s very kind. Her last name is Rosier.
I know who her dad is, but she’s not like that at all! She got sorted into Gryffindor! She is the nicest, kindest person I know, and she didn’t even realize her father was a slimy piece of scum, I’m sure of it! I sort of blew up at her on the train, but she didn’t have the faintest idea of what I was on about.
You can be upset if you wish, but I won’t stop being her friend. I promised.
Love,
Farren
October 13, 1989
Dear Mother,
Please thank Father again for stopping by to explain things to me. Everything’s a lot clearer now.
- Carina.
November 1, 1989
Mum and Dad,
Thanks for the post. I was really missing Mum’s cookies, but you need to send more. Most of them got eaten by Fred and George. They told me to tell you they were delicious, better than their mum’s. I told them it was because you used a Muggle cooker. They didn’t believe me and said they needed more evidence. I think they just want more. I swear they never stop eating.
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written. I’ve been having so much fun that I just can’t find the time. Classes are still interesting, and they aren’t even as hard as Dad said they were. I think he was trying to scare me. Peeves and I have even come to an understanding. I stay out of his way, he stays out of mine. Unless we’re collaborating to prank Professor Merrythought. Usually I help Lee, Fred, and George with their pranks. Carina is usually our spotter. She doesn’t like making trouble as much as we do. It’s a right shame though, she’s so quiet that no one would ever suspect her.
Last week, when we were setting up dung bombs in the great hall, we got caught. Filch sent his cat to scout ahead, then he came wheezing after her. Carina, Lee, Fred, George and I were caught! But all Carina had to do was blush and she got off scot free. Lee managed to talk his way out of it, but Fred, George and I were dragged to Filch’s office. Luckily, Lee and Carina managed, with the help of Peeves and Nick, to set off a massive dung bomb in Myrtle’s bathroom. Filch ran off, and we had a chance to peek round his office. We found this old bit of parchment in a cabinet labeled “To Be Destroyed.” We haven’t quite figured out what it is yet, but is has to be something good. Any advice, Dad?
There’s another metamorphmagus at the school, did you know? Her name’s Nymphadora Tonks, but she goes by Tonks. She’s a Hufflepuff, but she’s brilliant! Tonks showed me some wonderful tricks. I can do animal features now!
The Halloween feast was fantastic! There were live bats and giant pumpkins that Hagrid grew. He was so proud of them. I think he got a little teary when carved them in Herbology.
Carina’s dad showed up at school the other day. Just seeing him made me furious. He looked so smug! I thought I was gonna go barmy. But he talked to Carina, and I was right. She had no idea her dad was a Death Eater. She was crying when he left. She said she hated him, said she hated what he did. She even apologized for him. She said that if I didn’t want to be her friend anymore, I didn’t have to be! How could you think she was a sneak after that. I knew she was alright from the start.
Love,
Farren
November 9, 1989
Mother,
Yes, I realize I haven’t written in several weeks. You should realize that’s on purpose. How could you hide so much from me? About my own family? And you’re upset that I won’t be joining the cause because I’m in Gryffindor? Fine.
And I do realize how much trouble I’ll be in when I come home. To be honest, I don’t care. Goodbye.
- Carina
December 9, 1989
Mum and Dad,
The cookies were delicious. I actually managed to have a few myself this time. Sadly, Fred and George found them rather quickly. How they got into my trunk, I’ll never know. You’ll need to send more over Christmas.
Yes, that means I’m staying over break. I want to come home. You know I miss you, but Carina doesn’t want to go home, and I can’t blame her. She tried to convince me to go, but I can’t leave her in this drafty old place by herself over Christmas. She would be lonely. Plus, it’s a great time to set up a few more pranks. Maybe I’ll manage to set one up for Fred and George while they’re gone. They switched my shampoo to syrup! No worries though, I’ve got plans. And I promise they’re not lethal. Well most of them aren’t, anyway.
Classes are getting a little more difficult, but they’re still no trouble. Poor Carina though, she’s nearly drowning in Transfiguration homework. I have to help her with most of it, and we have two feet of parchment complete over break. That’s another reason I need to stay. She’ll never finish it without me. Or so she says. I think she just needs a little more confidence. She’s so timid in her spellwork that it doesn’t work half the time.
Anyway, that’s pretty much it. It’s been rather slow here lately. I think the Bloody Baron had a talk with Peeves after he enchanted all the desks to buck off papers, books and inkwells. Let’s just say the professors weren’t very pleased.
Have a good holiday. Miss you.
Love,
Farren
P.S. Would you send me a few sickles? I need to buy some good presents.
December 13, 1989
Not coming home for break. Sorry.
- Carina
January 13, 1990
Thank you for my gifts! I loved the gloves and the cloak is so warm. The prank spell book is ingenious. I used one of them on Fred and George. Their hair practically jumped off of their heads! They’ve been begging for the counter-jinx for days. I’ll probably give it to them tomorrow; I would hate their shiny, little heads to get burned over the weekend.
Carina got me a lovely quill and a pad of sketch paper. The quill can change to charcoals, colored pencils, or ink. Fred and George’s mum sent me a “Weasley Sweater.” It’s got a sorting hat (for a hatstall, I’m guessing) on it and it’s a lovely shade of blue. Lee got me some Chocolate frogs and a sugar quill.
The hall was lovely. There was real snow! There were only a few other students there, so they banished the four house tables and we all sat together at the staff table. There were tons of wizard crackers. I got a Gobstones set and Carina got a chess set. She’s trying to teach me how to play. I don’t really understand it, but she seems to have a knack for it. She says that I’m too impatient.
Classes are back in swing, with more homework than ever. I haven’t even had time to plan a prank lately. It feels like they’re trying to prepare us for exams early. Carina certainly thinks so, and she agrees. She’s already beginning to stress about it. I’m not worried.
I’ll try to write regularly, but it’s going to be difficult.
Love,
Farren
March 19, 1990
Mum and Dad,
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written. Carina is keeping me very busy. She’s asking me Transfiguration questions at all hours of the night, and trying to get me to study. I’ve finally started, at her insistence.
The weather is finally warming up here. The snow is pretty much gone. The warmer weather has opened up a wonderful avenue of outdoor pranks. Fred, George and Lee need to watch their backs. All the mud is just a natural prank. It makes Filch so mad when we “accidentally” track it inside the castle. He tried to give us detention, but Peeves saved us. He trapped Mrs. Norris in a toilet. It was hilarious, and it gave us a chance to escape. And Peeves did it all on his own. I think he’s taken a liking to us, although I’m not quite sure that’s a good thing.
I miss you guys, and can’t wait for exams to be over so I can go home! Slytherin is going to win the House Cup I’m afraid. They won the Quidditch Cup too, beat Ravenclaw by 210 points. Lee got to announce after the usual one (a fifth year Ravenclaw) got struck by a “stray” bludger. Gryffindor came in dead last, again. I think I may go out for the team next year. Angelina and Alicia are going to, as well as Fred and George.
The Hogwarts Express will arrive at 6 pm. Can’t wait to see you!
Love,
Farren
June 4, 1990
Express gets to London at 6:00 pm. See you then.
- Carina
June 8, 1990
Dear Farren,
Things are going as badly as we thought. The moment my mother and I Apparated home, my father slaps me across the face for my “insolence.” My mothers also got bruises from before I got home... I wish I didn’t have to stay here all summer.
My father still wants me to become a Death Eater. He says that one day He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named will come back soon, and to make up for disgracing the family I have to join up as soon as possible. I know that you guys told me to stand up to him, but it’s a lot harder in person than over a letter...
I do hope your summer is better than mine. Have you seen the Transfiguration essay? I swear, if my parents don’t let us hang out, I’m going to fail it...
Love,
Carina
June 17, 1990
Carina,
Try to hold on. My parents said that you could stay with us near the end of the summer. I told him your dad probably wouldn’t let you. Do try to convince him though. I can’t stand the thought of you there all by yourself. And if he asks you to become a Death Eater again, tell him he can shove it.
I posted Fred and George before writing this. They said that we could stay with them for a week or two. I’m going to meet the Weasley’s at Diagon Alley on the 19th of August, then go to their house. I think Lee will be there as well. If you manage to convince your dad to let you stay here, then we could go together. If you can’t, see if your mum will take you to the alley on the 19th. That way, we could at least see each other.
My summer has been fine so far. My mum took me to a football match. I’ve already finished the homework. If we can stay at the Weasley’s together, I’ll help you with it. If not, I’ll give it to you at Diagon Alley.
Try to stay positive. We’ll be back at school before you know it.
Love,
Farren
P.S. Fred and George mentioned something about a flying car and rescuing you. I tried to talk them out of it, I figured you dad wouldn’t be too pleased, but I’m not sure if I succeeded. Keep your fingers crossed.
October 5, 1990
Dear Mother,
Second year’s going well. I hope things with him aren’t too bad. You really should leave home. Our letters might be censored you say? By my own father? What a coward.
George and Fred say hello as well – remember, you met them and Farren, Lee, and Alicia at the Express last year? They hope things are okay as well. I’m sending a bottle of Essence of Dittany for any emergencies, in case he hurts you again. Why did you marry him anyway?
By the way, I’m going to the Weasley’s for Christmas.
- Carina
October 22, 1990
Mum and Dad,
Thank you for my birthday gifts. They were lovely. And Fred and George appreciate the cookies. They still can’t believe you cook them the muggle way.
I had a pretty good birthday yesterday. I celebrated by pulling a giant prank on the new Defense professor. With the help of Fred, George, Lee , and Carina, of course. And don’t worry. She didn’t know it was me and she won’t find out, so my grades shouldn’t suffer. Transfiguration is much more interesting now that were doing more advanced stuff. Poor Carina is struggling even more now though. A lot of the other students are too. To keep me interested, McGonagall lets me work ahead in the lessons. She asked Tonks to help me get ahead. It’s brilliant.
Fred, George and I made the house team. Fred and George are Beaters, naturally. I, as well as Angelina and Alicia , made Chaser.
The Weasley’s invited Carina and I to their house for Christmas. They said that you could visit as well. Apparently, Mr. Weasley would love to meet Mum, because he just loves everything to do with Muggles. Would that be okay?
Love,
Farren
February 2, 1991
I know I haven’t written lately. I’m sorry. And yes, it’s because I’ve been busy. With practices and classes, I can hardly find time for sketching, let alone writing.
Classes are still fun aside from History of Magic which is still dead boring. Herbology is even relatively interesting now that we’re looking at carnivorous plants, although it’s disgusting having to feed them. I feel so bad for the mice!
Fred, George, Lee, Carina and I got detention the other night for fighting in the hall with a couple of Slytherins. It wasn’t our fault though! They were picking on some poor Hufflepuff first year, throwing her stuff around and breaking it. I did most of the actual fighting (I used some prank spells and a little transfiguration), but everyone else got detention as well for “not restraining me.” It wasn’t fair at all. Filch is just upset because one of my spells accidentally turned Mrs. Norris into a rain boot. Don’t worry though, there was no lasting damage, and out detention was helping Hagrid with his garden.
The team is still doing poorly. Angelina, Alicia and I can score as many goals as we want, but with our rubbish seeker, we always lose.
Professor McGonagall said that we get to choose our electives for next year soon. Which ones did you take, Dad?
Miss you both.
Love,
Farren
May 11, 1991
Mum and Dad,
You would be proud of me. I’ve kept the pranks to a minimum lately, giving people some calm so they can study for exams. However, I can’t say the same for Fred, George and Lee. Remember last year when I mentioned what we swiped out of Filch’s office? Well, we figured it out around March. It’s an odd sort of map, but dead useful.
Gryffindor lost, again, this year. Both the House and Quidditch cups were taken by the Slytherins. If we could find a decent Seeker next year, we’d be golden. No one seems to be able to match up to Charlie Weasley... he was brilliant.
The Hogwarts Express will show up at 6 pm. See you there!
Love, Farren
June 2, 1991
Mother,
The Express is arriving in London at 6 again this year. Can’t wait to see you – not Father so much. Second year was great. George, Fred, Lee, and Farren got into a lot of trouble this year for pranks... but the twins are now Beaters on the Gryffindor team! You would be happy to hear that Slytherin won the Quidditch and the House Cup. Is there any chance I could spend part of summer with the Weasleys? I know that Father is pretty adamant about me staying at the manor.
- Carina
June 15, 1991
Dear Farren,
I think this summer’s worse than the last. Father’s stressed... something’s happening. I’m worried it has to do with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I tried to ask once, but he blew up. I have a few bruises to prove it, too. I really, really hope your summer is better than mine.
You remember that time we got detention from Snape with George, Fred, and Lee? For fighting with the Slytherins? My Father hasn’t forgiven me for it. I’m not supposed to be able to use my owl, but Mother is letting me use hers once a month. Make sure you say hello to George for me? And Fred and Lee? Thanks a ton.
Love,
Carina
June 19, 1991
Carina,
I really, really, really hate your father. I could probably be locked in my bedroom and still have a better summer than you. I’ll ask my dad about You-Know-Who, see if there’s anything in the MLE office.
I cannot believe he hit you! Well, yes I can, but that doesn’t make it alright. And he’s still mad. He doesn’t have anything else to hold against you? Pity.
I’ll send everyone your love and I’ll ask Fred and George to help me come up with another way for use to talk, since your lunatic of a father won’t let you communicate. I’m sure we’ll be able to come up with something.
I don’t know why I even bother, but I’ll be at the Weasley’s for the month of August. My parents are taking a holiday to celebrate their anniversary. If your dad will let you out of prison, you should join us.
If I don’t hear from you in a month, I swear to god I’m coming to rescue you. I don’t care if I need an office full of Aurors to do it, either.
Love,
Farren
P.S. I’m sure you could whip up something to put your dad in a better mood, or maybe incapacitate him. Put those Potions skill to work!
Dear Mother,
Things have been well at school. I have a few friends already in my House – George and Fred Weasley, who are twins, and my best friend so far is a girl named Farren Zabell. She’s a metamorphmagus! And what’s even more wild is that she isn’t the only one – there’s a fifth year who is too! Also, there’s a boy named Lee Jordan who I hang out with a little.
My classes are going great so far! My favorite right now is Herbology, but we haven’t had Care of Magical Creatures yet, and that by far sounds like the best! Potions are the next best – Professor Snape seems to like me. More than the other Gryffindors, at least. Charms are going well, too, and I’m pretty good at them. What I really don’t understand so far is Transfiguration, but Farren is great at it (naturally) and she says she’ll help me out.
You must have already heard that I was sorted into Gryffindor, which I’m sure was a surprise to all of us. I hope father is not too angry. Please ask him to forgive me.
Speaking of father, some people here know him. Some one got really upset with me when she found out that I was his daughter, and I didn’t understand why. She told me that he was a Death Eater... Mother, what does that mean? She made it sound like Father was really nasty, and didn’t believe me when I told her that he really wasn’t that mean. What is a Death Eater? Why do they think Father is one?
Best wishes,
Carina
September 17, 1989
Dear Mum and Dad,
I’m a Gryffindor now!!! But I was almost a Ravenclaw. Apparently, I was something called a hatstall. I dunno what that is, but it’s pretty rare. I was speaking with the sorting hat for about six minutes! It’s a good thing I was the last one, yeah?
I miss you guys. The school is so loony, with the ghosts and the portraits and the staircases. I’ve gotten lost and nearly been late loads of time. But I’m much better off than some of the other students. I know how to deal with Peeves, and I haven’t gotten caught is a trick stair yet! Some poor bloke was stuck for almost an hour during class, and he was a third year!
It’s brilliant though. Classes are ace. Transfiguration is no trouble, and Professor McGonagall loves me. I think Herbology is rather slow, but it’s nice being outside in the greenhouses. History of Magic is dead boring, but it’s a right laugh throwing things through Professor Binns (no, it doesn’t bother him, I checked). Charms and Defense are all right, and I’m doing fine in both of those as well. Potions, well Potions is an unusual case. Professor Snape usually hates Gryffindors, but he seems to like me, at least a bit. He gave me an odd sort of look when I walked into class the first day sporting red hair (in honor of Gryffindor) and Mum’s green eyes. He definitely likes my best friend though, so he can’t hate me.
I met Lee Jordan, Fred and George Weasley, Angelina Johnson, and Alicia Spinnet. They’re all in Gryffindor and a lot of fun. My best friend, though, is a girl named Carina. She’s so shy, and not like me at all, but she’s very kind. Her last name is Rosier.
I know who her dad is, but she’s not like that at all! She got sorted into Gryffindor! She is the nicest, kindest person I know, and she didn’t even realize her father was a slimy piece of scum, I’m sure of it! I sort of blew up at her on the train, but she didn’t have the faintest idea of what I was on about.
You can be upset if you wish, but I won’t stop being her friend. I promised.
Love,
Farren
October 13, 1989
Dear Mother,
Please thank Father again for stopping by to explain things to me. Everything’s a lot clearer now.
- Carina.
November 1, 1989
Mum and Dad,
Thanks for the post. I was really missing Mum’s cookies, but you need to send more. Most of them got eaten by Fred and George. They told me to tell you they were delicious, better than their mum’s. I told them it was because you used a Muggle cooker. They didn’t believe me and said they needed more evidence. I think they just want more. I swear they never stop eating.
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written. I’ve been having so much fun that I just can’t find the time. Classes are still interesting, and they aren’t even as hard as Dad said they were. I think he was trying to scare me. Peeves and I have even come to an understanding. I stay out of his way, he stays out of mine. Unless we’re collaborating to prank Professor Merrythought. Usually I help Lee, Fred, and George with their pranks. Carina is usually our spotter. She doesn’t like making trouble as much as we do. It’s a right shame though, she’s so quiet that no one would ever suspect her.
Last week, when we were setting up dung bombs in the great hall, we got caught. Filch sent his cat to scout ahead, then he came wheezing after her. Carina, Lee, Fred, George and I were caught! But all Carina had to do was blush and she got off scot free. Lee managed to talk his way out of it, but Fred, George and I were dragged to Filch’s office. Luckily, Lee and Carina managed, with the help of Peeves and Nick, to set off a massive dung bomb in Myrtle’s bathroom. Filch ran off, and we had a chance to peek round his office. We found this old bit of parchment in a cabinet labeled “To Be Destroyed.” We haven’t quite figured out what it is yet, but is has to be something good. Any advice, Dad?
There’s another metamorphmagus at the school, did you know? Her name’s Nymphadora Tonks, but she goes by Tonks. She’s a Hufflepuff, but she’s brilliant! Tonks showed me some wonderful tricks. I can do animal features now!
The Halloween feast was fantastic! There were live bats and giant pumpkins that Hagrid grew. He was so proud of them. I think he got a little teary when carved them in Herbology.
Carina’s dad showed up at school the other day. Just seeing him made me furious. He looked so smug! I thought I was gonna go barmy. But he talked to Carina, and I was right. She had no idea her dad was a Death Eater. She was crying when he left. She said she hated him, said she hated what he did. She even apologized for him. She said that if I didn’t want to be her friend anymore, I didn’t have to be! How could you think she was a sneak after that. I knew she was alright from the start.
Love,
Farren
November 9, 1989
Mother,
Yes, I realize I haven’t written in several weeks. You should realize that’s on purpose. How could you hide so much from me? About my own family? And you’re upset that I won’t be joining the cause because I’m in Gryffindor? Fine.
And I do realize how much trouble I’ll be in when I come home. To be honest, I don’t care. Goodbye.
- Carina
December 9, 1989
Mum and Dad,
The cookies were delicious. I actually managed to have a few myself this time. Sadly, Fred and George found them rather quickly. How they got into my trunk, I’ll never know. You’ll need to send more over Christmas.
Yes, that means I’m staying over break. I want to come home. You know I miss you, but Carina doesn’t want to go home, and I can’t blame her. She tried to convince me to go, but I can’t leave her in this drafty old place by herself over Christmas. She would be lonely. Plus, it’s a great time to set up a few more pranks. Maybe I’ll manage to set one up for Fred and George while they’re gone. They switched my shampoo to syrup! No worries though, I’ve got plans. And I promise they’re not lethal. Well most of them aren’t, anyway.
Classes are getting a little more difficult, but they’re still no trouble. Poor Carina though, she’s nearly drowning in Transfiguration homework. I have to help her with most of it, and we have two feet of parchment complete over break. That’s another reason I need to stay. She’ll never finish it without me. Or so she says. I think she just needs a little more confidence. She’s so timid in her spellwork that it doesn’t work half the time.
Anyway, that’s pretty much it. It’s been rather slow here lately. I think the Bloody Baron had a talk with Peeves after he enchanted all the desks to buck off papers, books and inkwells. Let’s just say the professors weren’t very pleased.
Have a good holiday. Miss you.
Love,
Farren
P.S. Would you send me a few sickles? I need to buy some good presents.
December 13, 1989
Not coming home for break. Sorry.
- Carina
January 13, 1990
Thank you for my gifts! I loved the gloves and the cloak is so warm. The prank spell book is ingenious. I used one of them on Fred and George. Their hair practically jumped off of their heads! They’ve been begging for the counter-jinx for days. I’ll probably give it to them tomorrow; I would hate their shiny, little heads to get burned over the weekend.
Carina got me a lovely quill and a pad of sketch paper. The quill can change to charcoals, colored pencils, or ink. Fred and George’s mum sent me a “Weasley Sweater.” It’s got a sorting hat (for a hatstall, I’m guessing) on it and it’s a lovely shade of blue. Lee got me some Chocolate frogs and a sugar quill.
The hall was lovely. There was real snow! There were only a few other students there, so they banished the four house tables and we all sat together at the staff table. There were tons of wizard crackers. I got a Gobstones set and Carina got a chess set. She’s trying to teach me how to play. I don’t really understand it, but she seems to have a knack for it. She says that I’m too impatient.
Classes are back in swing, with more homework than ever. I haven’t even had time to plan a prank lately. It feels like they’re trying to prepare us for exams early. Carina certainly thinks so, and she agrees. She’s already beginning to stress about it. I’m not worried.
I’ll try to write regularly, but it’s going to be difficult.
Love,
Farren
March 19, 1990
Mum and Dad,
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written. Carina is keeping me very busy. She’s asking me Transfiguration questions at all hours of the night, and trying to get me to study. I’ve finally started, at her insistence.
The weather is finally warming up here. The snow is pretty much gone. The warmer weather has opened up a wonderful avenue of outdoor pranks. Fred, George and Lee need to watch their backs. All the mud is just a natural prank. It makes Filch so mad when we “accidentally” track it inside the castle. He tried to give us detention, but Peeves saved us. He trapped Mrs. Norris in a toilet. It was hilarious, and it gave us a chance to escape. And Peeves did it all on his own. I think he’s taken a liking to us, although I’m not quite sure that’s a good thing.
I miss you guys, and can’t wait for exams to be over so I can go home! Slytherin is going to win the House Cup I’m afraid. They won the Quidditch Cup too, beat Ravenclaw by 210 points. Lee got to announce after the usual one (a fifth year Ravenclaw) got struck by a “stray” bludger. Gryffindor came in dead last, again. I think I may go out for the team next year. Angelina and Alicia are going to, as well as Fred and George.
The Hogwarts Express will arrive at 6 pm. Can’t wait to see you!
Love,
Farren
June 4, 1990
Express gets to London at 6:00 pm. See you then.
- Carina
June 8, 1990
Dear Farren,
Things are going as badly as we thought. The moment my mother and I Apparated home, my father slaps me across the face for my “insolence.” My mothers also got bruises from before I got home... I wish I didn’t have to stay here all summer.
My father still wants me to become a Death Eater. He says that one day He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named will come back soon, and to make up for disgracing the family I have to join up as soon as possible. I know that you guys told me to stand up to him, but it’s a lot harder in person than over a letter...
I do hope your summer is better than mine. Have you seen the Transfiguration essay? I swear, if my parents don’t let us hang out, I’m going to fail it...
Love,
Carina
June 17, 1990
Carina,
Try to hold on. My parents said that you could stay with us near the end of the summer. I told him your dad probably wouldn’t let you. Do try to convince him though. I can’t stand the thought of you there all by yourself. And if he asks you to become a Death Eater again, tell him he can shove it.
I posted Fred and George before writing this. They said that we could stay with them for a week or two. I’m going to meet the Weasley’s at Diagon Alley on the 19th of August, then go to their house. I think Lee will be there as well. If you manage to convince your dad to let you stay here, then we could go together. If you can’t, see if your mum will take you to the alley on the 19th. That way, we could at least see each other.
My summer has been fine so far. My mum took me to a football match. I’ve already finished the homework. If we can stay at the Weasley’s together, I’ll help you with it. If not, I’ll give it to you at Diagon Alley.
Try to stay positive. We’ll be back at school before you know it.
Love,
Farren
P.S. Fred and George mentioned something about a flying car and rescuing you. I tried to talk them out of it, I figured you dad wouldn’t be too pleased, but I’m not sure if I succeeded. Keep your fingers crossed.
October 5, 1990
Dear Mother,
Second year’s going well. I hope things with him aren’t too bad. You really should leave home. Our letters might be censored you say? By my own father? What a coward.
George and Fred say hello as well – remember, you met them and Farren, Lee, and Alicia at the Express last year? They hope things are okay as well. I’m sending a bottle of Essence of Dittany for any emergencies, in case he hurts you again. Why did you marry him anyway?
By the way, I’m going to the Weasley’s for Christmas.
- Carina
October 22, 1990
Mum and Dad,
Thank you for my birthday gifts. They were lovely. And Fred and George appreciate the cookies. They still can’t believe you cook them the muggle way.
I had a pretty good birthday yesterday. I celebrated by pulling a giant prank on the new Defense professor. With the help of Fred, George, Lee , and Carina, of course. And don’t worry. She didn’t know it was me and she won’t find out, so my grades shouldn’t suffer. Transfiguration is much more interesting now that were doing more advanced stuff. Poor Carina is struggling even more now though. A lot of the other students are too. To keep me interested, McGonagall lets me work ahead in the lessons. She asked Tonks to help me get ahead. It’s brilliant.
Fred, George and I made the house team. Fred and George are Beaters, naturally. I, as well as Angelina and Alicia , made Chaser.
The Weasley’s invited Carina and I to their house for Christmas. They said that you could visit as well. Apparently, Mr. Weasley would love to meet Mum, because he just loves everything to do with Muggles. Would that be okay?
Love,
Farren
February 2, 1991
I know I haven’t written lately. I’m sorry. And yes, it’s because I’ve been busy. With practices and classes, I can hardly find time for sketching, let alone writing.
Classes are still fun aside from History of Magic which is still dead boring. Herbology is even relatively interesting now that we’re looking at carnivorous plants, although it’s disgusting having to feed them. I feel so bad for the mice!
Fred, George, Lee, Carina and I got detention the other night for fighting in the hall with a couple of Slytherins. It wasn’t our fault though! They were picking on some poor Hufflepuff first year, throwing her stuff around and breaking it. I did most of the actual fighting (I used some prank spells and a little transfiguration), but everyone else got detention as well for “not restraining me.” It wasn’t fair at all. Filch is just upset because one of my spells accidentally turned Mrs. Norris into a rain boot. Don’t worry though, there was no lasting damage, and out detention was helping Hagrid with his garden.
The team is still doing poorly. Angelina, Alicia and I can score as many goals as we want, but with our rubbish seeker, we always lose.
Professor McGonagall said that we get to choose our electives for next year soon. Which ones did you take, Dad?
Miss you both.
Love,
Farren
May 11, 1991
Mum and Dad,
You would be proud of me. I’ve kept the pranks to a minimum lately, giving people some calm so they can study for exams. However, I can’t say the same for Fred, George and Lee. Remember last year when I mentioned what we swiped out of Filch’s office? Well, we figured it out around March. It’s an odd sort of map, but dead useful.
Gryffindor lost, again, this year. Both the House and Quidditch cups were taken by the Slytherins. If we could find a decent Seeker next year, we’d be golden. No one seems to be able to match up to Charlie Weasley... he was brilliant.
The Hogwarts Express will show up at 6 pm. See you there!
Love, Farren
June 2, 1991
Mother,
The Express is arriving in London at 6 again this year. Can’t wait to see you – not Father so much. Second year was great. George, Fred, Lee, and Farren got into a lot of trouble this year for pranks... but the twins are now Beaters on the Gryffindor team! You would be happy to hear that Slytherin won the Quidditch and the House Cup. Is there any chance I could spend part of summer with the Weasleys? I know that Father is pretty adamant about me staying at the manor.
- Carina
June 15, 1991
Dear Farren,
I think this summer’s worse than the last. Father’s stressed... something’s happening. I’m worried it has to do with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I tried to ask once, but he blew up. I have a few bruises to prove it, too. I really, really hope your summer is better than mine.
You remember that time we got detention from Snape with George, Fred, and Lee? For fighting with the Slytherins? My Father hasn’t forgiven me for it. I’m not supposed to be able to use my owl, but Mother is letting me use hers once a month. Make sure you say hello to George for me? And Fred and Lee? Thanks a ton.
Love,
Carina
June 19, 1991
Carina,
I really, really, really hate your father. I could probably be locked in my bedroom and still have a better summer than you. I’ll ask my dad about You-Know-Who, see if there’s anything in the MLE office.
I cannot believe he hit you! Well, yes I can, but that doesn’t make it alright. And he’s still mad. He doesn’t have anything else to hold against you? Pity.
I’ll send everyone your love and I’ll ask Fred and George to help me come up with another way for use to talk, since your lunatic of a father won’t let you communicate. I’m sure we’ll be able to come up with something.
I don’t know why I even bother, but I’ll be at the Weasley’s for the month of August. My parents are taking a holiday to celebrate their anniversary. If your dad will let you out of prison, you should join us.
If I don’t hear from you in a month, I swear to god I’m coming to rescue you. I don’t care if I need an office full of Aurors to do it, either.
Love,
Farren
P.S. I’m sure you could whip up something to put your dad in a better mood, or maybe incapacitate him. Put those Potions skill to work!
♠ ♠ ♠
Thanks for the comment, Peace Dreamer [: