Sasha R. Schlagenweit

Mr.  Dreogan Eleor
London, England

December 3rd, 2008

Dear Mr. Eleor,

I've been meaning to write you for several weeks but have been busy and distracted.  I've heard that my sister has been worried and am writing her as well.  It seemed a safe assumption that you might worried, too.  I've been looking forward to an opportunity to write you and tell you how well I'm doing for quite some time.  Unfortunately, it has taken a little while for the right opportunity to present itself. 

But, I wanted to let you know that I am safe and am doing well - wonderfully, in fact.  A I'm sure you know, I was suspended a few weeks ago.  Shortly after returning to school, someone was caught stealing test papers from the Transfiguration Professor.  The person claimed I set them up to it and the professor believed them and gave me a term's worth of detentions for cheating.  Headmistress Snark got wind of that and used that and my time in London as grounds to suspend me for the rest of the term.  Which, of course, means I'm missing exams.  She said she was going to write my parents about the suspension.  Luckily, my vacation has allowed me to forget about all of that and focus on relaxing and enjoying excellent cuisine.  I don't know if she has.

I'm being treated excellently here and intend on remaining for the rest of my suspension.  The start of next term will be rather crazy as I'll have so much to catch up on.  But, I'm confident I'll manage it.  I am looking forward to returning to school at the start of the next term.

Please give my greetings to everyone and let them know I'm doing well and I'll see them soon.  This owl should be able to bring back any replies should you wish to send one.

Sincerely,

Sasha S.

Sasha R. Schlagenweit

December 3rd, 2008

Sasha,

While I am greatly relieved that you are well and enjoying your stay, you were right in considering us concerned. I am not sure why 'the right opportunity' would be difficult to find while on holiday but am very happy you've written. You've been missed and it is wonderful to hear from you. Tell us a little more about your adventures! Have you had the opportunity to go riding? Has the weather permitted it where you are? What kind of cuisine would you recommend, having tried so much now?

I wish I had known about the grounds of your suspension earlier; it is likely that since disciplinary action has already been taken, there is not much more cause for contesting the charge, but you can be assured I'll look into it and do my best to intervene should the headmistress aim to take more action. I must say, however, that leaving for holiday during a suspension does not improve the appearance of innocence. Please do write to your sister -- I know you likely already have -- and Professor Frasier as well. He has also taken an interest in your career as well as your absence.

Sasha, when I spoke to you about being true to yourself, I'll be honest in saying I hadn't quite anticipated this. There is a difference, I think, between prioritising your needs above others' and completely forgetting others' needs in pursuit of your own wants. I want you to know that I am happy to support you in chasing after your goals, desires, and needs, but please do consider the hurt and pain you've caused others -- particularly your sister. She would do anything for you; we all would.

When you are done enjoying excellent cuisine, I will be in London. You will remember I told you about my friend Gil's restaurant. I'd like to meet with you there; we can catch up. I'll pass on your message but I am sure everyone would like to hear from you directly. They'd even like to see you. Take lots of photos! I'd love to see some of the sights you've seen whilst you're out and about!

Your friend,
Dreogan Eleor

Mr.  Dreogan Eleor
London, England

Dear Mr. Eleor,


Again, I do apologize for the delay in getting in touch.  Unfortunately, the first couple weeks of my vacation, a combination of being busy and not quite prepared prevented my writing anyone.  I just needed to make sure I was ready before writing anyone.  I certainly meant no offense though this did prove to be one of those situations where my needs simply had to come first.  I understand that such a decision might be perceived by others as irresponsible though, sometimes, a little pain is unavoidable.  I'm sure, in the long run, my sister will understand.  Some matters, such as that, are simply beyond our control.  Some morality lectures are, simply, unnecessary.

It's quite cold here and the waters just look colder.  Most of my adventures are indoors and of a more relaxing nature.  So, adventurous might not be the right word.  There's more leisure activities going on though, yes, I spend a good deal of time riding every day.  My show schedule starts a couple days after I'm back in London and it's nice to get a little practicing in before getting home.  That's the only thing my family thinks I do during the term that I haven't figured out how to do.  It's alright, though.  Quidditch helps me keep similar skills up. 

I honestly hadn't been aware of any reason to mention the grounds for the suspension.  The trip to London had been authorized by my Head of House so I assumed there wasn't any reason to be concerned.  I'd already been issued detentions for supposedly cheating so I thought that was behind me, other than the detentions.  I didn't have any idea either circumstance would be a problem.  I know going on holiday wasn't the ideal thing to do but I'd been directed to go home.  That, of course, wasn't an option.  After being issued the suspension, I went to Hogsmeade but had no idea what to do.  I was presented with the option of a holiday and accepted that option.  I chose not to take innocence or perceived innocence into consideration.

How are you doing?  How are things in London? I'm looking forward to getting back for the holidays.  I take the train back to London on the 16^th and have a lot of preparation before the shows start but, from the 17^th through the 21^st I'll be staying in London near the show grounds and will be able to steal away for lunch any of those days.  My parents don't usually come to shows with me until the last day and final rounds so it's typically just Wilhelm and myself those first few days. 

I do look forward to seeing you and hope this owl finds you well,

Sincerely,

Sasha S.