A (few) Letters To A Stranger PV Alec Mason Closed

Writing and Roleplaying as André

André had decided to put off writing his letter. At least for the time being. He had studying to get done. And was way too focused on other things to care. Besides, the language barrier was annoying. He'd started learning English at five. His parents wanted him to master it and were very firm on the fact that he should. Years later, the boy was twelve. And while he knew a lot of English, he wasn't perfect. And it bothered him. Writing it was the hardest of it all for him. And he knew there was 99% percent chance that whoever he got wouldn't even know the slightest bit of french. And once he finally got the letter, he appeared to be right. Not even a small attempt. Not even a terrible attempt the boy would just have to roll his eyes at. Well, he couldn't put it off anymore now could he? The boy sighed, deciding it was about time he start to write back.

Dear Nell,

It's a pleasure to write to you. I'm so glad you've heard such wonderful things about Beauxbatons. It's an amazing school. And I've been told many times that I'm so fortunate to have the chance to go here. It's hard not to agree on something like that. I hear Hogwarts is a great school as well. I'm thinking we both got lucky when it came to schools. Although the way they have of pairing up students. Is quite interesting.

My favorite class is transfiguration. There's just something very fascinating about it. What's your favorite class? My second favorite is divination. It sparks up a lot of debate about magic, and its lengthy possibilities. Although divination isn't really just magic is it? It's more supernatural than it is magic. But they're kind of the same thing.

I'm in my second year at Beauxbatons. May I also ask what year you're in? And interestingly enough. No. We do not have houses at Beauxbatons. I can see both the downsides and the upsides to such a thing. I know plenty of other British schools that are muggle do it as well. But it's still a hard thing to wrap my head around.

That reminds me. Do you like riddles? I read one recently. I don't remember where I heard this one.
What word starts with E and ends with E but only has one letter in it?

Best Regards,
André

Once André had finished his letter, he'd triple checked it before deciding it was good enough to send out. I was nowhere near perfect for how he usually wanted his letters to sound. And it bothered him.. a lot. But there wasn't much he could do. He had to accept it. Just this once. Next time he'd make it perfect. Like his handwriting. The very thing he'd spent months on to perfect.

Hello André,

It's great to hear from you! Yes, we both did get lucky indeed. They sure do have a way of pairing up students. I'd like to know, is English your first language? Or is it French?

Transfiguration is quite interesting, I'd have to agree. My favorite class would probably have to be Charms. I just really, really enjoy it. We do not yet take divination at our school, but what it sounds somewhat interesting. What do you really do in divination? May I ask what classes you take in you second year? My second favorite is probably flying.

I am also in my second year! It's quite interesting you don't have houses! It might be nice that you're not separated from your peers, however. Do Beauxbatons students have pets that they bring to school?

I do indeed enjoy riddles. I think I got it:
Envelope!

Sincerely,
Nell

Writing and Roleplaying as André

Dear Nell,

English is not my first language. But I supposed it would've been easier if I had. Since it's more of a universal language. And would be more beneficial knowing it right away. Of course, now I can say I can speak two languages. So the effort to learn a second one was worth all the work.

I started learning English when I was five. I only recently started writing in it. I'm not sure if my grammar is as decent on this piece of paper than it is when I speak it. I hope it sounds okay. I've tried reading it out loud to myself. But I'm never sure.

Also, I'm not sure what the rules on pets are. I've seen people with them around. But I've never asked. Maybe the cats had been used for a class. With magic it seems like you never know exactly what's coming. Always a bit of a surprise waiting there for you. You never know. They could've been used in transfiguration.

Nell, I'm glad you like riddles. I think I might try to send you more. You seem to be a very knowledgeable person. I think we'll get on well. And who knows? Maybe while I'm at it I can teach you some words in french and their meanings? You could come out from this letter writing experience knowing a few. Probably not being able to pronounce it right. But knowing a few nonetheless. I'd ask for some complicated English words in exchange. But I look for those already. It's quite fun to do. You should try. The most random words with the most random meanings are always interesting to research.

Best regards,
André

André,

For someone whose first tongue is not English, you write it very well. English is quite a complicated language if I do say so myself. However, as many places in the world speak it, it's very practical. I wouldn't be able to make a comment on how well you speak it, for I haven't heard you, but I'm positive it sounds wonderful.

I would have to agree with your thoughts on magic. I'm pretty sure I've heard that they use cats for transfiguration. Why cats over other animals I wouldn't be able to tell you, though. There sure are so many surprises in magic.


I do have a feeling we'll get on well. French is honestly such a beautiful language, and I've been wanting to learn it for a little bit now. Maybe this is my sign? I have a very complicated for you. The word 'dactylonomy' means 'counting on your fingers.'

Sincerely,
Nell

Writing and Roleplaying as André

Enclosed in an envelope with a personal wax seal(Blue it had the shape on a rose on it) Nell would find two pieces of parchment, one sealed closed labeled "Letter "on the outside and "List" on the other sealed piece of parchment. The hand-writing neat per any of his letters, nothing crossed out, no unreadable letters, obvious his writing had been perfected.

The Letter

Dear Nell,

I am glad you think I write English well. It has taken a lot of practice for there are translations and things the English language has that french does not. It is a bit confusing. The way things are put of phrased in this language does not help me either, for example.

"La jolie fille anglaise." Means "The pretty English girl" you'll find though the way the words are put together is odd compared to the English language and the way you would say things. The first word means "The", second word means "Pretty", third word means "Girl", and fourth means "English".

It does not help while learning, though it is an interesting factor, is it not? I am glad you have the feeling we will get on well, you seem very nice, I am glad to have met you. Even if only by owl.

Maybe it is a sign! Here enclosed on the other piece of paper of the envelope are some simple words, feel free to look at them.

I will take the word dactylonomy into account as I count how many words I have written in french on the other paper. Thank you for the word, it is always fun to learn more. I have too finish this letter quickly but I have another riddle, you measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy. What am I?

I had a lot of fun writing this letter, I hope you had as much fun reading it.
Best regards,
André

The List

The List
1. Bonjour: Hello, Good morning.
2. Oui: Yes
3. Non: No
4. S’il vous plaît: Please
5. Excusez-moi: Excuse me
6. Je vous en prie: You’re welcome ( often formal)
7. De Rien: You’re welcome (casual, informal way)
8. Merci: Thank you
9. Merci beaucoup: Thank you very much
A special phrase for 10,
10. Ce n’est pas la mer à boire: It’s not as if you have to drink the sea
Meaning: It’s not that difficult(Said to someone complaining, it was the first thing I could think of phrase wise)

Hello André,

Merci beaucoup for that list and the bit of the grammar lesson. I have been practicing them on my own time and have greatly enjoyed it! These phrases seem to be very helpful so again, I thank you.

Well, how have you been? Has school been going alright for you? It has been busy for me, but I decided to pick up on doing my homework assignments again. My fellow scholars are probably not too pleased with my lack of effort.

What are you learning in school right now? I haven't attended many of classes lately, so that I couldn't say. What is a typical weekday like for you?

I hope to hear from you soon André! I have had a delightful time talking with you so far. I apologize for the shortness of this letter, but I better get on with my assignments.

Sincerely,
Nell