28 Feb 2024, 05:22
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
February 10th, 2024
Mr Eric Yang
Oxford University
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
Eric,
Told you I would write to you weekly even though it technically hasn't been a week since I arrived at Hogwarts. So far, it's alright. It's different to working with teens compared to toddlers and children. One of the Ravenclaw prefects greeted me a few days after I arrived.
I don't know how much you know about Hogwarts, but they've placed me in Slytherin house, probably just to make sure there's enough supervision everywhere. Their common room is in the Great Lake! I haven't seen the squid recently, but apparently that's a thing that happens.
How are you? It's almost time to start your postgrad! Wish you all the best for that. I hope you're alright by yourself at home, not that the apartment is very big, anyway.
Please send me those daily Te Reo proverbs we used to get on our phones. Technology doesn't work out here. If it did, I'd be sending you texts every night.
Your little mermaid,
Sereia
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
29 Feb 2024, 09:10
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Mr Eric Yang
Oxford University
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
February 13th, 2024
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Hello!
Today's proverb is "E kore au e ngaro, he kākano ahau i ruia mai i Rangiātea". I shall never be lost, I am a seed which was sewn in the heavens of Rangiātea. It's about remembering your roots and not forgetting your origins. Very fitting since we've been living away from home for a while, but do you feel at home at Hogwarts? You said your dad went there, so there's surely a connection.
Sometimes I miss NZ. I don't miss Windy Wellington but I miss the people. I've been keeping in touch with our old friends but everyone's busy. You-know-who is also good at forgetting we exist, so let's hope they remember us sooner rather than later.
I'm in the middle of research right now. Yes, lectures haven't started but good to get a start on my paper.
Slytherin is interesting. I hope they don't think you're sly or something. You're very lovely, kind, and supportive. As for the Great Lake, please tell me the glass is reinforced to not break. Considering how long its been standing, it probably is, but let me know anyway.
I am taking care of the kids, don't worry. They are very cosy but they do miss you.
Your prince,
Eric
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
1 Mar 2024, 08:23
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
February 15th, 2024
Mr Eric Yang
Oxford University
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
Eric,
Thank you, I like that proverb. I miss the greenery in NZ and also how chill it was. I feel like I have to wear business casual everyday and that jandals* are illegal at any point in time. Not that I'm wearing any since it's literally winter but you know what I mean? I'm always wearing my nicest blouses and you know I don't own many. Simple shirts that could get dirty were ideal for kids but now I just look plain.
Anyways, is that what Slytherins are like? I haven't talked to them yet, only two Gryffindors and a Ravenclaw. Maybe I should talk to more students in other houses outside of classes. I will admit that the Slytherins don't seem too keen on my classes unless we're learning a violent spell. So many of them get excited about the Cracker Jinx. Insane.
Please send my love to the little ones. I've left their favourite toys in the bottom drawer in our nightstand because they get lost often and then they get upset. Please return them to that drawer before they sleep when they play with it. You are already stressing enough and them throwing tantrums will not do you any good.
Also, bless those souls. They will remember to text back eventually. I'm pretty sure they were travelling Europe last I checked. Can't be sure because they don't even post on Instagram anymore. Are they on Twitter or Threads? I can't check.
Missing you,
Sereia
Reducio
*Jandals = New Zealand slang for slippers/flip flops
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
21 Mar 2024, 04:14
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Mr Eric Yang
Oxford University
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
February 20th, 2024
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
To my sea,
Proverb: Itiiti rearea, teitei kahikatea ka taea
Translation: Although the rearea is small, it can ascend the lofty heights of the Kahikatea tree. Essentially, it's a saying about giving it your all in order to achieve your goals.
Greatest apologies for not writing sooner. The workload is a lot more than I expected along with the kids. Did you want me to stop by the mall for some nicer clothes? I still know your laptop password so I could find some clothes that match what's on your Pinterest boards. Any brands in mind?
Don't be so surprised with them being excited for violent spells. We were like that before. Made life more fun.
They're on Twitter and I'll look to sending them a text sometime. No promises.
How is Hogwarts? It's been two weeks since you started. It doesn't seem like a long time but it feels like a long time to me. Do you have a break during Easter? I might visit Scotland.
Love,
Eric
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
25 Mar 2024, 07:43
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
February 23th, 2024
Mr Eric Yang
Oxford University
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
Eric,
It's more than alright. I can manage. There's shops in the local village so I will look and see if there's anything nice there. If you plan on visiting, come stay in Hogsmeade, although I'm not sure about the hotels and motels there. I haven't had a proper look yet. Please let me know soon before I decide to grab a flight back to England.
It's crazy to me that it's already been two weeks. You know, the day your letter came in, a student came knocking on my door. I didn't think Divination would be so popular. In our years, everyone hated it. Except maybe astrology.
I still think maybe this isn't for me but there are days when I enjoy teaching. A boy named Piérre is definitely at the top of my list for favourite students. After one of our lessons, we had a lengthy discussion about death omens and did a card reading which he interpreted almost perfectly. It's refreshing to see the subject get some love.
I hope everything's okay at home. Please take care of yourself.
See you soon,
Sereia
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
13 Jul 2024, 21:05
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
April 14th, 2024
Mr Eric Yang
Oxford University
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
I have news,
Today was the first time I'd ever given out a detention. Whenever I thought of an activity to do, I had no idea which one to pick. My go-to is usually just a little chat to talk about why it wasn't right, maybe make them apologize if it directly hurt someone else. But no, it was just a child that wanted to break into the Restricted Section of the library past curfew. After some deliberation, I had them write some letters to the librarian and their Head of House so they can reflect on what they did. I don't think that will deter them from trying again but it was my first detention, so I'll figure out better ideas later.
——————
I had written the above a few days ago but didn't know where to continue, so I left it. I do have worse news, though.
Yesterday, the school held a ball (think formal/prom) for the spring season. Unfortunately, a student had been stabbed and others injured. Everyone is still alive, thankfully, and the nurse has done an incredible job. It was terrifying being in the middle of it. I was so lost on how to help because healing wasn't really my thing, nor was martial combat. There were no dark wizards, just another kid with a want to stab. For my first Hogwarts ball, that was unexpected. I hope it isn't always like that.
How are you these days? I've been doing my morning runs still but running through the city vs. running through the open fields has different energies to it.
I am just grateful to be safe and living a decent life. What are you grateful for?
Stay safe,
Sereia
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
15 Jul 2024, 09:58
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Mr Eric Yang
Oxford University
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
April 15th, 2024
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
I am very close to swearing but I don't want the kids to ever read these letters and pick up swearing. Why did that kid even have a knife? You probably don't have an answer, but that is nuts. Does wizarding travel not have security measures on what they can and can't bring in their luggage anymore? At least you're okay and nobody's dead. I'm surprised we haven't heard anything here in London, thought some newspaper would start spreading it around Diagon Alley. This is the first time I'm hearing of this. Again, at least you're safe. I'm so glad. Were you injured in any way?
Okay, enough of my questions. That'll be enough to fill two pages of letters, probably. As for your trouble-making student, they'll probably try that stunt again. But at least you made them inform the librarian so that they know to up security around there. Your librarian probably gets those types of kids a lot, so they're probably not that surprised. Writing letters is a good idea! Cleaning can also be an idea, without magic, of course. I'll search up some methods for you and send it in my next letter. I just wanted to send this one ASAP after what you told me.
Yesterday's proverb was really good compared to today's, so here it is: He pai te tirohanga ki nga mahara mo nga raa pahemo engari ka puta te maaramatanga i runga i te titiro whakamua. It’s fine to have recollections of the past but wisdom comes from being able to prepare opportunities for the future. You did your best when the fight broke out yesterday, so don't stress too much about your performance now.
I'm also grateful for a good life and being safe at home. I'm grateful you're okay. I don't know what I'd do if you weren't. Stay safe, love.
See you soon,
Eric
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
29 Oct 2024, 05:28
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
September 28th, 2024
Mr Eric Yang
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
Unfortunately, the trend for this year seems to be students figuring out the best ways to slightly inconvenience me every other week.
Sometime in the first week, my curtains were stolen. Not that I picked them since they were already there when I started the job, but it's going to ruin my lesson plans for the Fourth years until I can get replacements. I've been eyeing these nice lavender drapes since August but it doesn't match the rest of the room, so I'll probably have to look at redecorating everything. Not that I mind since, you know, I've been thinking about it.
About a week later, someone decided to cast the severing charm on the spare curtains I found in the cupboard. Then, not even a day later, someone came in to burn one of the desks. Seriously, what is going on?
So I've had to host multiple detentions since coming back. I sincerely hope the rest of the year doesn't end up like that because I might lose my mind.
What've you been up to these days? Remember to clean out the clothing rack behind your door before everything piles up.
Love,
Sereia
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
31 Oct 2024, 10:11
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
October 16th, 2024
Mr Eric Yang
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
I'm not sure if you've been keeping up with the Daily Prophet. We never liked those newspapers, anyway, but you would always check them for the news.
An explosion happened in Hogsmeade and a lot of people died. I was there when it happened. I don't think experiencing disaster and recovering from it will ever get easier. There were kids in that fire, you know? Some passed out but I heard there was a kid stuck in one of the carriages that blew up. Even if Hogwarts has such capable healing staff, it's horrifying to come to terms with the event. They're so young and it's so sad to see them in pain like that.
I'm fine. I'm not hurt at all. I miss you, though.
Stay safe,
Sereia
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13
13 Nov 2024, 20:52
Moments That The Words Don't Reach
Mr Eric Yang
Cowley Road, Oxford
OX4 2BY, United Kingdom
October 30th, 2024
Prof. Sereia Clairmont
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Your father visited. I'm not sure how he managed to figure out where we lived, but he came to the house just a few days ago. He asked for you and wouldn't leave until I told him that you were in Hogwarts.
I'm not sure if he has already sent you a letter, so I hope mine reaches you before his does. I'm sorry.
Write to me soon,
Eric
my imagination tells lies, too. — virginia woolf
sta 7 | eva 15 | str 10 | wis 15 | arc 10 | acc 13