January 11th, 2010

Mum,

Please pardon my penmanship; I am writing this letter from a tree, as I do. It has stopped snowing at long last, and I was hoping to take advantage of this opportunity to write on parchment that is entirely dry. The same cannot be said for my robes, which are already damp. I currently have a chest cold, but I am coping, and I believe that the fresh air must be helping. Elijah is coping with his “condition” as well, and we are both quite excited to see what might come of it. There have been no new prophecies that I know of. I imagine that it will be up to me to keep track while we're away, as he does not seem to be able to remember them afterward. I intend to record the next one in order to have better success in reporting it to you, as I imagine you are as fascinated as I am. Furthermore, if anything should occur that reflects the content of his original prophecy, I will pass that information along. We do not intend to keep you out of the loop for a single moment!

I have seen some omens in my own life recently, but nothing as noteworthy as all of that. The big fuss here is over the upcoming tournament task which, if given the option, I do not plan to attend. As long as they continue to brutalize creatures for sport in the name of “international cooperation” then I will continue to dissent. It hurts my heart that it is not a more popular opinion amongst my peers. They have been giving me grief lately, but they always do. I am certain that things must be very different in South America. I'm planning a trip (for later).

As always, here are my questions this week:

1. If you are able, can you please inquire at the ministry regarding whether I might be able to learn apparition without proof of age? I anticipate it becoming a frustrating situation, and I'm sure it can be circumvented, if only somewhat. Please do not worry about disappointing me; bad news is information, and I prefer bad news to no news.
2. Do you know of a more effective, cruelty free remedy for a cough? I have been supplementing my tea with herbs, but my chest is still bothering me.
3. If you were a deceased rabbit, where would you prefer that your ashes be scattered? If that question is too personal, then you may approach it from this angle instead: If you were in charge of the ashes of a deceased rabbit, where would you scatter them? (With that said, if you come up with an enticing location somewhere other than the school grounds, then my next letter will include the ashes of a deceased rabbit so that you might scatter them there on my behalf.)

   Missing you tremendously,
   Your daughter,

      Evelyn Grimlish

January 14th, 2010

My dearest Evelyn,

I can smell the bark through the parchment.  Let all your letters be as gloriously full of life, even if it requires sacrificing your penmanship. However, do take care of yourself.   I'm glad that you are both coping in your own ways, but I've also sent some of the Great Hedgewitch of Rockston Alley's chest balm.  She goes a little heavy on the valerian, so you should wait until bed to apply it. I assure you it is cruelty-free, I watched her prepare it myself.

I wish I could be present for Elijah's prophecies, although your records are so detailed that I feel I am with you in a way.  It won't be long before my colleagues take an interest in his "condiction" as well, I imagine. Keep an eye on him, and remind him to write!  Yule is not nearly long enough, and I miss my darlings.   

Tell me more of these omens. Have you been experiencing darker vibrations as of late?  I feel like something is trying to reach me, and I am not surprised that you may be seeing omens of what is to come.  We may need to consult with your aunt, I know she has been paying particular attention to lunar energies as of late.

You should see a second letter in the parcel, I signed a letter asking that you be excused from the tournament task.  I find it hard to believe that they would force you to participate in such a cruel event that so explicitly exploits these poor creatures simply because they cannot speak for themselves.  As for South America, I can begin making arrangements with our friends in Peru for part of your trip, but you know how I feel about extensive travel when an omen is on the rise.

I have yet to speak with Mr. Lotusorder about your apparition test.  I'll ensure that he knows of our situation so as to avoid any public dispute about your eligibility.  I know how difficult it is for the both of you when your parentage is becomes an obstacle, particularly in front of your peers.  I'll do my best to smooth it out beforehand and update you once I know something more certain.

I hope your rabbit friend's passing was gentle, and I mourn the departure of his spirit from this plane.  Peace be with him or her.  If I were such a rabbit, I would want my ashes scattered across some place dear and familiar where I felt at home.  Perhaps the gardens? Were you able to see his home nearby? If you are unable to find a suitable location, I would be happy to scatter his/her ashes at home near the memory garden.

And in return, my thoughts for your perusal:

1. I've been asked to work with a potion which, although I can't send you the exact details, it is of a transformative nature that allows its recipient to safely experience another creature's way of life. What perspective would you most like to experience if given the option?

2.  I think a romantic relationship is developing between two of my younger colleagues.  What are the social protocols for interacting with them these days?  You have a far rich field for observation of these things, and I'm curious how things have changed from my school days.

With much love,
Your Mum,

Marietta Grimlish

January 12, 2010
about 3:30 a.m.

My most dearest and darling mum,

If you’d be so kind as to forgive the random timing of this message, I would be much obliged. I know that you prefer messages at night, as that’s the time most suited for the children of the night – however, even with that in mind, I understand that this is very late. I fear that I’ve been unable to sleep for almost a fortnight, and I don’t believe it’s getting any better. My dormmates have suggested a trip to see Madame Nadge to request aide in sleeping, but I fear sleep almost as much as I fear being awake – not to mention that I trust no one to hand me potions outside of the family. What would happen if someone were to put garlic in the potion or something else fatally harmful to my kind?! I prefer life to death (though the question arises that if I were to be killed, would I simply become a full vampire or would I pass over?).

Since the incident, I’ve been a bit too nervous to write. Being a true seer is very difficult, mum. When it happened, I had no clue who I was. I had lost myself. I’ve never been so far away from what makes me so very much myself, and it terrifies me. I’m scared that when I close my eyes to dream, that the dreams will take me out of my own consciousness and I’ll start spouting nonsense again. I’ve yet to decode the vision, and I’m a bit surprised that no one’s come to speak to me from the Ministry. I would rather no one did, but I’ve heard that someone from the Hall of Prophetic Records would be calling on me soon. It’s a very distressful situation. I should write to Auntie Rhiannon, I know she’d understand my situation and try and help (though I’m also a bit scared that she’ll be jealous of my abilities).

On a less depressing, though still unsettling topic, I’ve seen another member of my kind not long ago! There’s a new half-vampire in the castle, and though she looks completely different from me, it still adds proof to our case! So now, all those that have called me a nutter for ages have to bite their words. I bet it tastes like bubotuber puss in their mouths. She seems much different than Evie and I, though I suppose that could be because we were raised in a home without the vampirical influences of a father within the home (not that I’m complaining, I could never dream of a better childhood!).

If you’ve a chance, could you take a look over Vlad when he delivers this message? He’s been a bit sluggish lately, and I’m not sure if he’s had too many sweets lately or if it’s something more sinister. If you haven’t the time, I’m sure I can take him to Madame Nadge, she seems to be pretty good with animals – but you know Vlad, he’s not a fan of strangers.

Anyway, I’ll leave you to your thoughts. Give the family my love, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. I miss you sincerely and severely, I feel that the winter holidays aren’t near as long as they should be, and though classes, quidditch, and the divination club keep me quite busy, I still find my mind wandering to home and our family.

Hoping you are well, and with all the love in my heart,
Your son,

Elijah Fitzroy Grimlish

January 15, 2010

My dearest Elijah,

I've enclosed an infusion of lavender and gillberry that you can take with your tea before sleeping. Although I trust Madame Nadge to have her students' best interests at heart, there are many who do not respect the dangers present to our family miracle.  I honestly don't know what would happen if you were to suffer any fatal harm, and while it is an interesting question, it is not one that I can entertain without immense distress.  In this one aspect, dear heart, let us not experiment.

I am so sorry that you must walk this path alone for the time being.  Do not worry about Auntie Rhiannon.  I'm sure she will rejoice in your newfound talent and guide you along this treacherous path.  You should notify her soon.  She will help mitigate the Ministry's curiosity so that they do not disrupt your life too much. 

I'm very excited about your new friend.  Perhaps during the next holiday we can meet for dinner? I'd love to talk with her about her own experiences as a half-vampire.   I send my love, and Vlad should be a little happier upon his return.  I think he's just homesick, as we all are.

All my love,
Mum

January 20th, 2010


Mum,

You will forgive me for not writing sooner, but much has happened since my last letter and I have found myself working on a project, the details of which I will explain presently. I do not know what Elijah may have already shared with you, but I will spare no detail in my own retelling. Before I begin, I am sure you would be interested to know that the chest balm was wonderful and I am feeling well again. Furthermore, the rabbit situation has been taken care of. Thank you very much for your suggestions. I cannot say I knew the rabbit intimately, but I do know that it is now resting peacefully not far from the location of our first and last unfortunate meeting. As far as the omens, I'm not sure what else there is to say. They are certainly dark, and I'm not sure what they might mean for us. This is something I would prefer to discuss in person, if you feel you are able to wait.

Now, you were promised a story. You will find you know the characters intimately, and the plot is what it is, but I will do my best to fill in the details as thoughtfully as I might in my own journal.

This story begins last Saturday, in the evening, when Elijah made another prophecy. It felt very similar to the first. We were in the common room when the trance came over him, and again I had that queer feeling that he was lost to me. His voice was not his voice. You will certainly have heard by now that Elijah was injured during potions class on the fourteenth, and we had only recently decided that his recent 'red sea' prophecy referred to that incident. Although he was fine, and had been since the afternoon of the potions incident, I could not help but expect that the subject of this latest prophecy would be dark. He spoke the following: “A [dark?] shadow will lurk in the wake of this seer's other half.” I may have imagined the 'dark' bit and there's no way to be sure. I know I do not have to explain to you why such a prophecy was troubling. When Elijah came out of his trance I filled him in on the details and he came to the same conclusion that I did, and that is when his vigil began.

I will begin this portion of my story by apologizing. When I look back on the events that transpired, I realize that I was misbehaving, and I am sorry. It also occurs to me that fate must have had a say in my actions that day, which will also become obvious soon. I remind you that all of the players in this pantomime come out unscathed, so please do not be too cross.

Elijah did not leave me alone from that moment onwards. He stopped sleeping and showering and only allowed himself to use the toilet once or twice a day. I was being driven mad. I love Elijah with all of my heart, but you know that constant company grates on my nerves, and danger or no danger, I needed to be alone. Fate does not care who is watching, and I do not believe that Elijah could have done a thing to stop the universe from acting any way it pleased. At the time I did not feel guilty about attempting to secure myself some time alone. When he went to relieve himself I headed for the trees. I missed them. All I wanted was a moment without him so that I could clear my mind, and I got that, but Elijah found me. We had a bit of a quibble, as we were both frustrated.

The events that happened next all happened very quickly. They are difficult to recall with perfect accuracy, but I will do my best. I can remember feeling suddenly anxious, and I can remember seeing a black bird in flight and feeling better. Then we saw eyes shining out at us from under the brush.

I will not leave you in suspense. It was only a kneazle, but perhaps the most tired yet resilient creature I have ever seen. He was injured. I felt it would be cruel to leave him the way I found him. I hoped I might feed him and perhaps tend to a few of his more obvious wounds, if he let me. When Elijah and I went to find something to feed him, he seemed to be following me. It appeared that I had a shadow following in my wake! I believe we both overreacted to the content of the prophecy. I knew in that moment that I'd been meant to find him, and that I had a responsibility to him.

He is currently staying with me, and it has been a struggle. It is clear from his behavior that he was once someone's pet, but he is still half wild and skittish. He seems fond of me. I have been treating his wounds and feeding him, but I do not know what I will do when he is well. I never planned on keeping a kneazle. My fairies have always kept me fulfilled, and it has been a struggle keeping my new ward away from them. I feel I have a cosmic responsibility to him, and I do feel affection toward him, but how long is he meant to remain in my life? Should I be waiting for a sign?

That concludes my story. I'm not sure I could write any more, even if there was more to say! I hope you feel you have been adequately filled in! I did my best. Now I must rest my hand and make sure that the cat isn't terrorizing anyone or anything.

I miss you and I love you,
Your daughter,

Evelyn Grimlish