Dear Stranger pv Maurice Andrieux

Zophyr,

I'm not entirely sure how this mix-up came about, but I'm afraid your letter was not received by any Telus, nor did it even make it to Paris. I'm still not entirely sure how the magical postal system works outside of school hours, but whatever the issue was, your letter arrived in Pau just a few hours ago. How curious, right? I will say though, I'm quite intrigued to be hearing from someone all the way in Morocco. And another wizard? What a perfect coincidence!

Funny you mention Beauxbatons, as that's where I attend school. It's quite a beautiful place, though it's admittedly a bit too crowded for my taste. Although, I feel like I always mix up my excitement with anxiety. That's a bit personal for a stranger. I don't have enough ink to scratch it out. Ignore that. Anyways, I can't imagine the stress of being forced into a future you want nothing to do with. It's the opposite for me. I feel as though I have far too many options, and the revelation of magic has only made it all the more impossible. Seems you and I both have some choices to make. Though I know you weren't technically asking me, if you want my advice, I say you just tell them straight-on and leave no room for argument. That's how my sister convinced our parents to let her become a rockstar, anyways.

I suppose I should tell you who I am, now that I've already revealed so much. My name is Maurice Andrieux. My parents sometimes call me Mary, but I hate that. It's a girl's name, isn't it? Not important. I'm a second year at Beauxbatons, though often I feel like I'm still in my first. It's all so bizarre, the magic and the rules and really everything about wizardry. My parents are both non-magique, or however you would call them, but it seems most magical people here are fairly inclusive of that. I had meant to go to the spring ball, but I was too coward. Perhaps I would have seen you there.

The stars in France are simply magical. Well, I suppose not magical how you would envision, but the closest natural thing to it. Some of the darkest skies in Europe are in France, and while I've never been to Paris, our view from Pau is magnificent. Just last night I spotted Ursa Major, so be on the lookout!

I hope you manage to get in touch with Telus, a sibling I'm guessing? You don't have to respond to this if you don't prefer to chit-chat with strangers. Feels nice to speak to other magical people, though!

Warmly,
Maurice Andrieux

Sent from: Zophyr Qethnis, Agadir, Morocco
Sent to: @Maurice Andrieux, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

Maurice,

I'm about as intrigued as you as to how my letter got to you. I had to ask my sister where Pau was, because I've never even heard of it. I guess my owl got tired, which is fair enough, Paris is quite far. I'll see whether I can get a stronger owl to get my message to Telus, who (you guessed right) is my brother.

It's very nice to meet a fellow nosy wizard who looks at letters that aren't destined to them, though! It seems you have about as many morals about other people's privacy as I do, heheh. Obviously, I don't mind too much - you seem very kind, and rather interesting. I appreciate the honesty both about the mix of excitement and anxiety, and the lack of ink. I'm sending you a new inkwell with my owl, because I quite enjoyed your letter and I would love to get to know you better, which I can't do if you run out of ink >:]

I'll try your advice with my parents, thank you. I don't know how much it will help, but I might as well try. I can understand the feeling of too many options - is there a specific path you like? Healing, history, maybe flying? I like flying a lot, I play Quidditch for Uagadou, though I don't think I'm good enough to make it a job. Being a rockstar sounds like a lot of fun, good for your sister. But it's not too late yet, you shouldn't worry too hard. We've both got plenty of time to figure it out.

I think you're the second Beauxbatons student I've ever met! As I mentioned, I go to Uagadou, in Uganda. It's the coolest school out there, in my (very unbiased, of course) opinion. Students from all over Africa attend, so there's a lot of people, but because the school is inside a mountain, it's really spacious and doesn't seem crowded at all. You should visit someday! Most people at school are pretty accepting of Muggleborns (if I understand correctly, that's what you are), though that does change from country to country out here. One time, when I was in Senegal, a guy insulted me just for being a wizardborn and not pureblooded. Like it's a choice or something. It's all very stupid.

My sister told me Pau is in the mountains, which explains the clear view of the stars. I guess you're closer to them, in a way. I wish I could see them from there, I wonder whether the constellations look any different depending on where you're looking at them from. Uagadou has a bit of an obsession with the moon, which I can understand, because it's really cool, but I sometimes wish we spent more time admiring the stars as well. I'll try to go out tonight (Agadir's a bit too bright for it) and see if I can find Ursa Major too - la Grande Ourse, like you frenchies call it. Do you like space stuff too? I always wonder whether wizards will be able to go up there someday, without Muggle technology.

If you don't mind me asking, what are your pronouns? I'm guessing Maurice is a more masculine name, though you never know, really. I go by they/them for ease, but it usually changes since I'm genderfluid.
Anyway, it's very nice to meet you, Maurice Andrieux! or should I say Mary I do hope we'll be able to meet someday.

Sincerely,
Zophyr

Zophyr,

That was quick! I almost thought I had received another wrong letter when I saw the inkwell, but it seems you're both generous and speedy. I'll treasure it like a pot of gold. This stuff is certainly not cheap. I'll pay back the favor with a bounty of endlessly witty and charming letters. As for privacy, I live with three older sisters. Privacy is essentially non-existent in the Andrieux household.

I play Quidditch as well! Perhaps I'll see you on the pitch. The school system here at Beauxbatons is quite intriguing- I've been able to explore a variety of different paths just in my first two years. Naturally I've gravitated towards astronomy, which has always been a passion of mine, though the pressure to choose just one career path can be a bit overwhelming. And, with my years in the collège nearly halfway done, it becomes all the more pressing.

Uganda! A beautiful place, from the pictures I've seen. You'd be the first student from Uagadou that I've spoken to, though that isn't saying much considering I haven't exactly spoken to many Beauxbatons students either. I would absolutely love to visit, especially if it means putting a face to your name. That's quite rotten what that man said. Honestly, it's all the same to me. Wizards are wizards, right?

My family and I live more in the city than the countryside, but every now and then we'll drive out and stargaze. It really is a sight to behold. Perhaps one day you could come see it too. For now, though, we can at least share in our stargazing even from a distance. That's the nice thing about stars. They're universal. I'd quite like to see wizards make it to space as well. Imagine apparating all the way to the moon.

I appreciate you asking about my pronouns! You're better than most. I go by he/him, always. It really is a pleasure writing to you, Zophyr. I tried to think of a nickname to use in retaliation, but I quite like Zophyr. Makes a pretty sound. Anyway, tell me how your stargazing goes!

Warmly,
Maurice

Sent from: Zophyr Qethnis, Agadir, Morocco
Sent to: @Maurice Andrieux, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

Maurice,

Glad to know my act of kindness is being rewarded with "a bounty of endlessly witty and charming letters". I'll try to make mine just as charismatic, but no promises - I'm better with spoken words than written ones. Good to know we have the same amount of siblings! Though one of mine is younger, and only one of the three is a sister.

I would love to play a match of Quidditch with you, I do hope we end up doing so at some point at an event. I do wish they would do more events at other schools, because I must admit I find the amount of danger that takes place there rather uncharacteristic for such a boring-looking castle. I'm quite sad I missed out on the visit to Beauxbatons, even more so now that I know I could perhaps have met you there. I'm glad they give a variety of options to choose from there, though I understand better than anyone how too many choices can often feel just as bad as not enough. It's quite nice to speak to a fellow Astronomy lover, though. I don't know what Beauxbatons even looks like - do you have a tower?

Uganda is quite beautiful, I have to agree, especially from up here in the mountains. Though I must say I think I prefer Algeria, where I was born. I didn't live there for long, but we have visited before, and I really like how many cultures are connected together, especially with the visual metaphors that are all the bridges. Sorry, I'm rambling a bit - I do like travelling, I can get carried away sometimes, heh. What's your favorite place you've been to in France? Or wherever you've been, I don't mind, I've just never visited France before.

If you ever manage to apparate on the moon, send me an owl from there! I wonder if it's easier for them to fly if there's no air resistance (with air to breathe, of course). I'll bet it would be more fun to play Quidditch.
What other hobbies do you like? I'd love to get to know you better. Personally, other than stargazing and flying, I like designing things (clothes, buildings, anything really), growing plants, and making potions.

I'm glad you don't mind me asking your pronouns - honestly, I'd say you're better than most. But I'll keep yours in mind, thank you. I appreciate the praise of my name, you're really boosting my ego here! I really like yours as well - Maurice - it's pretty, fluttery, makes me think of birds. Though I'm very curious to know how it sounds in your accent other than mine. I do speak French, to be fair, but I don't think I'd have the same accent as someone from Pau.

My stargazing went amazingly, thank you! I did spot Ursa Major and Minor, and also Cygnus. I'm not sure why, but the latter made me think of you; perhaps since I relate your name to birds. You do sound quite graceful, honestly. Would you mind if I used that as a nickname for you? You inspired me, and no worries if you'd rather not. I thought it might be cool to have a sky-loving penpal with the name of a constellation, as much as I like the name Maurice. Whenever I'll see it, I'll think of you.

I do hope you're doing well! I look forward to your next letter.

Sincerely,
Zophyr

Zophyr,

Seems we have quite a bit in common. Quidditch, siblings, astronomy. It's strange, but it feels as though I've connected more with you in only a handful of letters than I have with any of the students here at Beauxbatons. Odd how that works, right? And I don't even know what you look like.

I'm sure we'll have many chances to meet later on. I've never been much of a joiner, but perhaps I'll start going to more of these multi-school events, if only to get a shot at finding you. I will say, Beauxbatons is quite beautiful. Lots of white and blue, and many, many tall stained-glass windows with pretty designs. We have tons of towers here, an excessive amount if you ask me, though I'm not sure that we have one for astronomy. I'll admit, though I'm already in my second year, I feel as if I've only explored a quarter of this giant school.

Please, ramble on. You seem like a very well-traveled person. I've hardly even been out of France, but perhaps you'll be my chance of exploring the greater world. There's a special kind of knowledge, I believe, that comes from seeing earth from many different perspectives. I don't often get out of Pau, but the Pyrenees mountains, where Beauxbatons was built, are very beautiful. I went to Marseille, once, to visit my grandparents, and the ocean was breathtaking. There were so many boats, I thought they were all going to collide.

Quidditch on the moon. What a feat. Other than quidditch and stargazing? I suppose I enjoy playing the guitar. My sister taught me some chords a few years ago, before she moved out. It helps me clear my head, and I always enjoy the challenge of taking on a new song. Do you have a favorite song? Perhaps I could learn it before we meet and woo you with my mediocre string skills. I also play baseball, though its more just for fun than anything, and its not like there's any pitches at Beauxbatons. I'd love to see some of your designs! I've always admired those who can create ideas out of thin air and put them on paper.

I've never had my name compared to birds before. You're mind is a wonder, Zophyr. I've always been told that my accent has a sort of twang to it, whatever that means. It's not so posh, as I've found many other Beauxbatons students are. I'd say its not as bad as the Marseille accent, but you'd have to hear it in person to fully understand. Soon, hopefully, you will. I must ask: how many languages do you speak? You seem to have quite the collection!

You continue to flatter me, Zophyr. I am happy to be the creator of inspiration, especially for a mind like yours. Plus, "Cygnus" does have a certain charm to it. I suppose when I see it, I'll think of you thinking of me. A bit of connection despite our distance.

Keep stargazing! I'll be awaiting your next letter.

Warmly,
Maurice

Sent from: Zophyr Qethnis, Uagadou, Uganda
Sent to: @Maurice Andrieux, Beauxbatons France pinging @Charlotte Winfield too because it's been a while

Cygnus,

I apologize for the long wait - school started again, and things have been unbearably busy. I carry your letter with me to all my classes but I hadn't gotten the time to write back until today.* I assume you are back at school as well, so I'm sending this owl to Beauxbatons, I do hope it makes it to you.

I admit I rather agree about the connection you wrote of - I've come to consider you very close to me much faster than I usually do for others. And as you're wondering what I look like, let me help - here's a very questionable little doodle of me, so you know what you're looking for if ever we see each other outside of letters. I promise I'm a lot more good-looking in real life ;] If you're willing, I'd love to have a clue as to what you look like as well, I am way too curious to have a face I can connect to the eloquent writing.

I am honored to be your reason to consider joining more multi-school events - you must tell me which one intrigues you the most (or deters you the least) so I can plan to be there too. Beauxbatons sounds magnificent, and I can relate to giant schools. As much as I love exploring and mapping out these caves, I don't think I'll ever know Uagadou entirely.

I think my brother has gone to Marseille before - he's a sailor, so it would make sense, what with all the boats. I haven't travelled nearly as much as he has, though now that you mention the Pyrénées, I've got yet another reason to come visit you. Mountains are always so magnificent. Though if you'd prefer to leave your country to come visit my mountains, you're always welcome! I'm sure I'll know it's you if a handsome French guy shows up at my door.

You can play the guitar?! I've always been ridiculously impressed by people who are able to learn to play instruments. I've tried quite a few out myself because they looked fun, but I have very very little musical talent and a knack for getting bored of one thing too quickly. I would absolutely adore to hear you play someday, I'm sure you're much better than you give yourself credit for (though trust me, you don't need it to woo me, these letters are more than enough). I did have to think about it for my favorite song, but I settled on Uh Uh (Outside) by Madelline, though I'm not sure how easy that is to transfer to guitar.

I had to ask my little brother what baseball is, how uncultured of me. It sounds like a lot of fun! Basically just being a beater but on the ground and without magical balls and also a little less violence maybe, if I understood correctly? That would make sense, the more I learn about Muggle culture the more I think all wizards have a death wish. I do think all the danger makes life more fun, though...

You're one to talk when you say you're flattered, you won't stop complimenting me! I'm not used to people admiring my ideas, if I'm honest, so thank you. And good to know your accent isn't too posh, as fancy as your writing is - I genuinely can't stand it when people use their language to show off their social status and make themselves seem more important than they are. My accent is really a giant mix from all over the place, so I'm not entirely sure how I'd describe it to you.
But as an answer to your question, I speak seven different languages, which was kind of necessary growing up as my family never stays in one place very long. On top of English and French, there's Swahili, Kirundi, Tswana, and a little bit of Arabic and Xhosa. It gets a bit much, sometimes - you'd be amazed the amount of times I forget words in literally all seven.

I do hope you're doing well, especially with school starting again after the Easter holidays. Can't wait to hear from you again! Sorry again for the wait.

Sincerely,
Zophyr

Reducio

zoph: i like this guy. time to bring out the flirtiness and scare him away :>
*This is my apology as well, the summer has been hectic and I'm so sorry it took me so long to reply. I promise I'm getting back to the 1-2 week reply time again, these two's relationship is so important to me and I don't want to abandon them they're so cute

Zophyr,

Thank Merlin I was able to find this letter! It seems it had gotten mixed up with roommates, the little imbecile. I found it stuffed away in his desk drawer under a stack of unopened letters. Can you believe it? I hope you haven't forgotten about me yet. I know I certainly haven't forgotten about you. That's an odd thing to say, isn't it? Ignore that.

As for my appearance, it's nothing special. Neither are my art skills. I tried my best, but you'd be shocked to find that Beauxbatons doesn't exactly carry crayons. I found some dried up paints in the library, so I suppose neon yellow hair color is the closest I'll get. I can't assure you I'm as handsome as my art. Perhaps if you like it enough I can tape the paper to my face and you can pretend I'm as ruggedly handsome as my stick-figure persona.

I've returned to school as well, though its much more dull than I remember it to be. I feel as though I'm a robot walking from class to class. I could definitely use something to shake it up. I hear there's an annual ball over at Hogwarts next year, some sort of autumn festival. Perhaps if I catch up on my homework I'll board the carriage in the fall. I don't suppose you're intrigued?

If you love mountains, Pau is perfect for you. Maybe I'll send you over some floo and you can appear in my living room for a day on the town. That sentence looks so odd on paper. Isn't it amazing that wizards just have that technology and have had it all this time? If I knew all the tricks of long-distance magic I'd find a way to send you something better than just ink and parchment. Maybe I really will have to come all the way to your home just for a proper show.

I just listened to the song you mentioned- it was unlike anything I've ever heard before! Definitely a step up from the stuffy French ballads I only ever hear at this school. It gives me somewhat of a glimpse into that personality of yours- I still think I've only scratched the surface with you. I want so badly to know you deeper. Anyways- I've already begun learning the chords! Expect a showstopping rock performance for our first meeting.

My dad got me into baseball forever ago. I played little league before I got into Hogwarts. I had a group of old friends when I was really little that I'd spend hours throwing the ball around with. It's always been a part of my life. It's been a little weird not having it here at school, but I doubt many of the wizards here would know how to play. Maybe I'll have to give you a crash course sometime, if you have such an interest in danger.

Seven! I hope you know my jaw dropped when I read that. I think I'd forget every word in every dictionary if I had to stuff seven of them in my head. You should feel pretty proud about that, it's certainly not an easy thing. And on your point from earlier- I couldn't agree more. I believe that the only true status in this world is based on kindness. It never hurts. Sometimes I think I could be a little kinder. You seem kind.

Anyhow, sorry for the mix-up with the letters. I'll be sure to keep an eye on my roommate's owl. I hope you've been managing all right without my graceful, elegant, captivating letters.

Warmly,
Maurice

Reducio

Blehhh this took me way longer than it should have. This fall has been so extremely hectic, but the clouds have parted and my schedule is finally clearing up. So so sorry for the delay!!!

Sent from: Zophyr Qethnis, Uagadou, Uganda
Sent to: @Maurice Andrieux, Beauxbatons, France

Cygnus,

I see your roommate seems to have gotten jealous of you for the simply fabulous letters you've been getting. I'm very glad to hear you're still thinking of me haven't forgotten about me yet, I was beginning to worry my owl had gotten lost yet again ! I must say life has gotten quite a bit less dull since you wrote to me, I'm not sure what I'd do if your presence wasn't in my life, even if it's through letters. I suppose that's also an odd thing to say, but I'm rather a fan of odd things.

I would go through and answer each point individually like we usually do, but I'm afraid I'm much too excited about one of them to get to the others just yet. I would be honored to attend the ball with you - I remember going to a couple of those in the past, but I'm very sure none of them will be as enjoyable as one where you're there. Thank you for the invite! I will definitely keep an eye out for a handsome neon-yellow-haired French guy. I'll have to bring your beautiful sketch for reference.

You know, now that I think of it, it is quite astonishing that wizards have access to such a thing as floo powder. I figure I'm just too used to it to really notice most of the time - magic has been the basis for my entire life, so I'm more used to thinking it weird that Muggles aren't able to floo powder anywhere they'd like. Apparently the stuff has been around since the 13th century, and brooms since the 10th - I wonder what wizards did before then. Perhaps they were quite a bit closer to Muggles than many of them seem to think.

I'm so glad you enjoyed my song! I have quite a few more good picks, including some French ones if you'd like. I can't imagine only hearing French ballads all year, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. What kinds of songs do you like? I'd love to know your favourite as well, while I'm at it. Though I am very, very much looking forward to the rock serenade. And I'm definitely up for a baseball crash course! Anything you're interested will very probably interest me, as we've gathered from Quidditch and Astronomy.

I'm glad you find my languages cool - in a lot of places I've been to, it's not the biggest of feats, but I can see the appeal if it helps you impress pretty boys. Or kind boys; you, too, are very kind. You have no idea how happy I am that my first owl went rogue.

I do hope to hear from you soon, and see you at the Autumn ball if not! Good luck with the schoolwork. If there's ever too much for you to be able to make it to the dreaded school of Hogwarts, feel free to send some over, I'd be happy to help you cheat a little >:]

Sincerely,
Zophyr