A bulky brown paper parcel arrives at weekend breakfast, topped off with a silver-green bow. It contains an old Slytherin scarf and a costly bottle of emerald ink. The scarf smells of old tobacco. A note has been hastily but lovingly scribbled for the recipient.
To: Feliks Spectre, Hogwarts.
My dear Feliks!
Congratulations on being sorted into my alma mater! Enclosed is a relic from my own experience in those dungeons, and some nice ink to nudge you into writing back. Pureblood society can be daunting, you'll find, but know that it is only a small part of a much wider world. Your house might be your home and family - but it isn't you. I encountered both cruelty and charm in Slytherin. Learn from one and adopt the other. Above all, be kind.
Now that I have reacted to your news, let me deliver my own: I'm going to ask Johann to marry me! Keep it under wraps until the 10th at least, won't you?
My love to oma.
Your papa,
B Spectre
[Sept 3rd] Apple and the Tree (Feliks)