Letters to Grandmother solo

February 10th, 2023

Isadora,

Curses are a part of life, not matter how uncomfortable they are. It would be best to get used to them sooner than later. Sometimes I wonder how well Hogwarts does to prepare its students for the harsh reality of the world. Hogwarts itself has a history of danger, as I'm sure you've heard. It used to be that students were made stronger for it, but now I suppose they just coddle you.

Your cousin is doing very well. He's excelled in all his personal studies, and I'm sure he will continue to do so at Hogwarts starting September. You know, he's the spitting image of his grandfather when he was his age. And such a charming child, too. I have no doubt he will bring this family much good fortune.

He wishes me to write that he misses you around the manor, and he can't wait to catch up over your spring holiday.

I will consider your request once I determine for myself how hard you've been working. Do not ask again, you know I detest badgering.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

February 13th, 2023

Dearest Grandmother,

Please tell Bradley thank you for me. I also look forward to coming back during spring break.

Enclosed is my school report. Thanks to Ruby, I managed to pull up my grade in History of Magic to an O. The only class I haven't gotten Outstanding in this month is Transfiguration. I believe I was overthinking some questions on the homework. I've started corrections on what I've gotten wrong in that class, and me and Ruby will go over the subject in our sessions.

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge

February 17th, 2023

Isadora,

I'm pleased that you've finally decided to apply yourself. History of Magic is not a subject that warrants laziness. But to find that your average in Transfiguration is now in danger is disappointing. You already have two E's in that subject, and any more will be intolerable. Because of this, I deem it unacceptable to allow you to more time with your peers when your studies should be top priority. Spend this month correcting your mistakes. Then, perhaps I will reconsider in March.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

February 20th 2023

Dearest Grandmother,

I understand. I will work harder to improve my standing. Yesterday, I spent a while in the library reviewing Defense Against the Dark Arts. I remember you told me to get used to curses, and I've been wondering if Hogwarts was very dangerous when you attended. Is it still very dangerous now?

I met Lucas Chapman, by the way. He asked me to say hello to Bradley for him. He's in Gryffindor House.

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge

February 24th, 2023

Isadora,

Lucas Chapman, you say? Well, I'm glad your embarrassing scene at his eighth birthday party hasn't dulled his opinion of this family. It's a shame he's not a Slytherin, but I suppose Gryffindor isn't the worst house you can get. I passed on your message to Bradley. Perhaps I'll ask the Chapman's over for lunch sometime.

In response to your inquiry, Hogwarts, like the world, has various dangers. The Forbidden Forest is full of all kinds of bloodthirsty creatures. Hags, vampires, centaurs and more. I would wager that Hogwarts is indeed more dangerous than it's ever been, with all those dhampirs and werewolves running around. I considered sending you and Bradley elsewhere for your education, but the Everridge's are Hogwarts students. It would be disrespectful to tarnish that legacy now.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

February 27th, 2023

Dearest Grandmother,

Another student told me once about shadowy spiders that plagued the dungeons a few years ago. I'm trying very hard to be prepared, but I don't know what I could do if something really bad happened. I'm just a first year. What if I meet a dhampir or a werewolf and get hurt? What if I get hit with a curse that I can't counter? What if my studying isn't enough? What do I do?

I really need your advice, Grandmother.

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge

March 3rd, 2023

Isadora,

Calm yourself, child. I did not write to you about Hogwarts' dangers so you could retreat into cowardice. I did it to encourage you to push yourself harder. I don't want to hear any more excuses about how you're only a first year. If the time comes when you have to protect yourself and you fail, you'll only have yourself to blame for not listening to me.

What you must do is ask for dueling lessons from Ruby Cazares. I've heard she's very proficient in that. Listen to her and get over your timidity, and you will not only be prepared for conflict, but you will strengthen our bonds with the Cazares family.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

March 6th, 2023

Dearest Grandmother,

Ruby agreed to practice dueling with me next week. I will try my best. I am sorry for making excuses before, I will try to be less nervous. Is there a way, though, to perhaps end a duel quickly, or avoid one altogether? I read the rules and it says that typically opponents will duel until one side is unconscious. I don't want to get hurt. Perhaps instead of dueling, even, I can just practice defensive spells on dummies.

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge

March 10th, 2023

Isadora,

The only way to end a duel early is by forfeit, and I will not tolerate that. I will also not tolerate your procrastination. You will duel with Ms. Cazares, and that's that. If you cannot hold your own against her, then perhaps you've failed to learn anything from her all this time.

I await your response with details from yours and Ruby's duel.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

March 13th, 2023

Dearest Grandmother,

I tried to duel Ruby like you wanted me to. She was much better than me, obviously. I got scared and asked to stop, and I felt very bad about it. I know how you feel about forfeit, and I apologized to Ruby about it too. She asked me to tea afterwards though, and she said I'd done well enough for my first time, and that I'll get better if I keep trying. Ruby really is an amazing tutor, and she's helped me so much with my marks.

Please forgive me for forfeiting. I was scared, but I won't do it again, and I'll do better next time,

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge