Letters to Grandmother solo

September 9th, 2022

Isadora,

I don't need to tell you how disappointing it is that you were not sorted into Slytherin House. Our family carries a long legacy of admirable Slytherins. By comparison, a Hufflepuff in the family is underwhelming at best. Do not be satisfied with your Sorting and become lazy, you are still expected to do great. Perhaps next year, your cousin will carry on the Slytherin tradition.

Now that you are at Hogwarts, you must remember to keep your grades up. I will not allow your peers to think you weak-blooded. And of your peers, you must be sure not to associate with those below your rank. Steer away from half-breeds especially, as they can be very dangerous.

Your grandfather has been feeling better this week. He picked up his violin the other day and seemed to be enjoying himself. I will relay your well wishes to him promptly. Your uncle and Bradley have also been doing quite well. I'll be chaperoning Bradley in this season's events, introducing him to the right people. The Wickham's have a girl about his age, and I believe them to be a good match.

Remember, keep up with your studies! I expect weekly updates. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

September 12th, 2022

Dearest Grandmother,

I am so sorry to have disappointed you by my sorting. Rest assured that I will do my very best to succeed here and represent my family with dignity.

My studies have begun in Charms, Potions, and Transfiguration. They all seem to be challenging topics, but I've started to regularly study in the library during my free time. The librarian and other students have been very helpful and I've learned to navigate the library well. One girl from my house joined me for a study session the other day, and I believe we helped improve each other's Charms techniques.

I want to thank you for the allowance you've been sparing me. I'm investing in a wand maintenance kit. I also may need the money for a Fall Ball outfit, depending on the theme.

I'm glad that Grandfather is doing well. I would've liked to hear him play. And I wish you all the best luck in finding a match for Bradley. How has business been for Uncle Harris as of late? Has he hired on any help, or is Bradley assisting him? I'll be happy to help him when I'm back on break. There's always a rush around the holidays.

I'll be sure to write you next week. Be well.

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge

September 16th, 2022

Isadora,

I am pleased that you have devoted much time to your studies. You may lack the raw talent of other wizards and witches, but that's no excuse to fall behind. As for your study partner, be shrewd. Lesser wizards will cling to us Everridge's in order to leech off our success. Be sure she is an adequate study partner, and use her knowledge to your best advantage.

No need to buy an new outfit for the Fall Ball. Expect a parcel to be sent to you in the next few weeks. You shall wear an old gown of mine. All of those new fashions are undignified, and I won't have you dress like a promiscuous harpy.

Bradley has been such a young gentleman as of late. It's a shame he won't be attending Hogwarts until next year, he'd have made some young witch a brilliant escort. The events of the ball are sure to reach the ears of many a distinct social circle. Be a dear and stay out of trouble.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

September 19th, 2022

Dearest Grandmother,

Thank you for being so considerate as to send an outfit to me. I will notify you as soon as it arrives.

I've been quite busy this week with my classes. Some of the Professors are very interesting, coming from all around the world. My Defense Against the Dark Arts professor studied at Durmstrang, and my History of Magic professor is from Benghazi, Libya. I feel as though I'm traveling across the globe each time I walk into a new class.

Speaking of Professor Zahid, we are learning about the Gargoyle Strike of 1911. I am a bit confused, however. Professor Zahid says the Gargoyles were magically sentient and that's why they demanded better treatment. However, I don't quite understand how a spell can grant sentience to a previously non-sentient object.

I hope you and the family are well.

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge

September 23rd, 2022

Isadora,

You really ought to know these things by now. Your ignorance of magic is shameful, and a discredit to how long I've toiled to teach you. Of course gargoyles are not sentient! Every time a wizard levitates a feather, do you think the feather chose to fly away of its own free will? Use some sense, girl! Those gargoyles had as much sentience as a brainless beast, and only appeared to rebel through some inadequacy of the spellcaster.

Why your professor holds this up as some labor rights issue is frankly preposterous! I had been concerned that Hogwarts has laxed its standards in staff and students as of late, and now I see these concerns were well founded. I have half a mind to send a howler to that headmaster of yours! This is the kind of biased reading of history that plagues our world today.

I expect you to correct yourself when it comes to these sorts of errors, and not spend all day dreaming of gallivanting across the world.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

September 26th, 2022

Dearest Grandmother,

I apologize, I didn't mean to offend you with my last letter. You're right, I still have much left to learn. I will venture to use common sense in the future.

Have you posted the dress yet? I'm sorry to ask, but I would've thought the owls would have delivered it by now. That's okay, though, there's still plenty of time before the ball. I can wait.

Please tell the family that I miss them very much.

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge

September 30th, 2022

Isadora,

I confess, your last letter made me doubt whether you deserve such a beautiful piece. It is an old favorite of mine. I doubt you could appreciate it enough, but I am too generous for my own good. I've sent it along with this letter and you should receive them together.

Your Uncle Harris has had a lot of business as of late. Really, some people can be so careless. He told me one of them drove their broom directly into one of those Muggle plane engines. I hope your flying instructor is better than some of your other professors.

You must have gotten your first marks back by now. Send me a copy of your report card promptly so I may review.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge

October 3rd, 2022

Dearest Grandmother,

Thank you for your generosity in sending me this dress. I am truly grateful. However, it is a bit large on me. Perhaps I should just purchase my own?

In truth, I'm a bit hesitant to attend the Fall Ball, as it happens to be so close to a full moon. I think it may be safer to stay in my dorm that night. I'm not really needed at such a gathering, anyways.

I have one more class I need my marks back from, and they should come out this week. I can send you my report card as soon as next Monday.

Thank you again for the dress.

Sincerely,

Isadora Everridge

October 7th, 2022

Isadora,

Honestly, it's as if you're never satisfied. First you're anxious to receive a dress, and now you don't want it? I knew it would be wasted on you, foolish girl. If the fit is loose, simply have someone alter it! I'm sure there's a slacking house elf that would welcome the extra labor. You will attend that ball and you will wear that dress, that is final.

The full moon is not until October 9th, so do not worry about werewolves. You should be more wary of the half breeds in attendance. Stay away from them and out of trouble. There will be plenty of purebloods you can associate with instead. You really must stop with the wallflower routine, you're getting too old for that.

And do not delay sending me your marks any further, or there will be appropriate consequences.

Sincerely,

Ramona Bethany Everridge