For Our Dancing Papa Badger Finished

Dear Professor,

You may not remember me, but I definitely remember you. I'm just one first year Hufflepuff, second year this September, so I only had a chance to experience your guidance as a Head of House for one academic year. We also have never had a heart-to-heart conversation, in spite of the fact that I've always known you allow students to visit your office. (So... well... yeah, my lost.) But they told me you've been here for three years or so, and to be honest, I still can't imagine it's not you who'll be in the office next academic year.

I wish you success and best of luck for whatever you'll do in the future. And who knows, maybe one day we'll cross path again; maybe not today and not tomorrow, but perhaps in ten or twenty years. If it really happens, I know I'll still remember you.

Take care and all the very best.

Respectfully,
Marius Brown 焦金昊

Staring at the empty piece of parchment in front of her, Serena wondered where to even begin. There was just so much that she wanted to say to him, and yet, there were really no words for it. In truth, the Hufflepuff would likely not be here if it was not for him. He had saved her, time and time again. He had literally saved them in times when their lives were threatened but more than that, the Head of Hufflepuff had saved Serena from herself.

She glanced at the nightlamp that she kept with her, her eyes instantly watering at the sight of it. He had gifted it to her, likely not realising just how much he had changed her life. His constant encouragement and his presence - even if it was just seeing him dancing and singing around the place - was like a light to her. He had told her the words "Serena, when the world gets dark, remember, you are your own light. Remember this, and you will light the path for others as well." but more than that, he had lived by those words. Serena saw the light in him, she saw him lighting up the path for everyone around. There were not enough words to express how grateful she was to him. Hell, he had been the one who inspired her to step up to become a healer intern. His daughter - who wouldn't have been around if it wasn't for him - was one of the only people she had met who could speak gobbledegook here.

Dear Professor Browne,

There are not enough words to express my gratitude for everything you have done over the years. Not only for me but rather, for all of us. I see it in everyone's admiration for you. I am likely not the only one writing to you right now. Time and time again, you have been there for us. Whether it was physically or emotionally. Your support has been endless and limitless. Thank you, truly, for everything you have done for us. I know I would not be here if it was not for you and I wish I could repay that favour.

To date, I hold the nightlamp that you gifted me as one of my most precious and treasured memories. I once told you - whether or not you realise it was me - that perhaps, one day, I will be strong enough to save myself. I don't know if that is the case yet but since then, I think I have become stronger than I realised I could be. I now intern at the hospital wing, since you made healers look so cool and I have done my very best to help others in their time of need.

This is not much but I have been also working on metalsmithing, thanks to the incredible forge that you prepared for people like me. In honour of that and everything you have done to protect us, I hope you like this gift that I have enclosed.

Thank you for being you, Professor Browne. Without you, we would not be who we have become today. I don't know what the future holds but I think you have taught us enough to be able to tackle whatever life throws at us, and I think that is something incredible. Your shoes will be hard to fill but I promise to do my best to keep dancing around the halls of Hogwarts, to keep the path lit for others.

Lots of love,

Serena J. Towers

Underneath the letter is a large item wrapped in metallic gold wrapping paper, with a black ribbon over it. The wrapping contains a large silver shield that has clearly been inspired by a badger.

Droplets from her face smudged a bit of the ink on the parchment but for the most part, it was still eligible. The shield that had been gifted was one that she had designed over the past few months, before working on it with the help of her father. Wrapping everything up and enclosing the letter into an envelope, Serena sealed it shut with a little metal pin badge that she had made that read 'C.B' on it in the same shape as the shield.

The professor would never know but he had played a great role in her life, far greater than she could tell him. If it was not for him, she probably would not have had the guts to stand and fight against all that was wrong. She might not have been able to help save Erin that fateful day back in October. She might not have been able to retaliate when Hugh literally threw her without crumbling instantly. She might not have had the guts to tell anyone she was a goblin. Without him, perhaps she would have stayed silent, hidden in her dorm and labelled as a crybaby. But not anymore, she would not stay silent, she would not be underestimated and she would pick herself up when she failed. He was one of the people who helped her to understand that failing is not the end, and that darkness was not at the end of the tunnel. He had given her the gift of light and she would do everything she could to keep that flame burning bright.

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