Love Note Leavers Errand Finished

Mentions: @Phel Atwood

Greetings and Salutations Phel!

I know that you suffer my presence enough during breakfast, but I figured that since this whole letter writing thing is going on, I’d annoy you with something much more tangible. Why bother you in person when I could give you this permanent reminder of me? It’s a genius idea if you ask me, plus there’s chocolate frogs involved.

In all honesty I’m not entirely sure why you endure my presence especially since you can sometimes talk so fancy when I’m anything but fancy. Maybe it’s because of my title as reigning riddle queen? Well reigning riddle Queen until Arnold poses a tricky riddle again and I get frustrated. My rule as riddle queen will be one of a tyrant! Or as tyrant..y as a tiny eleven year old can get.

It’s weird to think that only a year or so ago I had no idea this whole thing existed or that you even existed! I’m not sure if I could’ve adjusted to this whole thing if you hadn’t stumbled into that train compartment. Who else would I have asked endless questions to? The very idea of it being someone else is crazy! Come to think of it I never did properly thank you for all that, so consider this my thank you! I also suppose your rambles about astronomy help too, so I should thank you for that. Before I came to Hogwarts, I didn’t know a single thing about astronomy! I couldn’t even tell the planets apart! I think it’s because of your star orientated mind that I somehow managed to get an E on the first astronomy assignment. Saying a simple thank you doesn’t seem like enough but it’s all I got! Maybe I could give you a chocolate frog or something..

As much as I love rambling on in this fine letter of mine, there’s new literary frontiers to explore! Thanks again for tolerating me, stink head.

- Callie

Word Count: 525
Errand Progress: 2/5

Dear Mum and Dad and Grandpa,

Well, I've made it! I arrived and am settled in. Of course, you can guess which house I was placed in. Dad must be right, I am a mini Mum! I am in Ravenclaw, and I think that it is perfect for me. At first, I was nervous because everyone seems so smart! Many of them are happy to teach others, too, and share their knowledge. It is just like you said it would be, Mum. You know, the sorting hat almost put me in Hufflepuff. How strange would that have been? I guess they seem like a nice bunch, but I don't think I would feel as at-home with them.

Classes should be starting soon, and I could not be more excited. I really want to learn about magical creatures, but I don't think I will have that class until third year. Still, maybe I can find some books about them in the Library.

Anyway, I should get going. I hope that you all are well! I look forward to seeing you all in the winter and telling you everything I am learning.

Love,
AnnieJade

Word count: 497
Errand progress: 1/5

Mentions: @Thomas Baines

Aloha Thomas!

I’ve recently discovered a brand-new love for letters so it’s only natural that I write one to send to you. It’s a much more tangible way of reminding you of me! You know, a way that isn’t seeing you scramble all over the common room floor. But this letter isn’t to make fun of you! No way, no how! This letter is actually to thank you for, well existing.

Now I am more than aware of how painfully annoying and dreadfully loud I can be, yet you still talk to me regardless! It’s amazing really, you deserve a medal of this or at the very least chocolate. Who doesn’t like chocolate, right? I’m not sure I could’ve coped so well with this whole magic thing if you weren’t there to help me out or if you and Elias didn’t argue so much. To even think of you and Elias not arguing for even a few seconds is unthinkable! At this point I think I could tell the time of day just by when you and Elias argue, it’s a brilliant gift I know. On a more serious note I’m seriously thankful for you talking some sense into me about how silly those anti-muggle born morons were being. Turns out they were getting more into my head than I thought! Freaky right?

I hope you and Elias argue about chocolate soon, I think that would be quite entertaining. Even if it would make me hungry..

Much Love

Callie

Word Count: 358
Errand Progress: 3/5

Interacting with @Hjørdis Jensen

Reading the letter from the Head of House, he had to chuckle at the post scriptum. Caradoc seemed to have quite the eclectic interest in books though he supposed most of them he expressed an interest in for the sake of his daughter. He really had to make sure to get the books delivered today – they had been lying around waiting for too long already.

Picking up a new piece of parchment Zahid also exchanged the ink he had been using for a green one in honour of his friend's position as Slytherin Head of House. He would have done the same for Caradoc but yellow on parchment was not particularly conducive to being legible.



Hm. That had not ended up being a particularly long letter but he supposed it would suffice. With a nod to himself he put the letter aside to dry and racked his brain what other letters he currently still had to reply to. Thinking about it, he actually didn't owe any letters currently, but that did not mean he could not use the occasion to write some more.

While he waited for Professor Jensen's letter to dry he considered who he should write next. Maybe--? No, he did not have a current address for him, he would not be back home for another two months at least... But he could also write- no. Well, he could write a letter but he already knew it would not be read. That man was certainly no fan of letters. Zahid shook his head.

Checking the ink, he decided it was dry enough and rolled the parchment up to tie it before turning to his friend and offering it to her with a slight smile.

And now he was unwittingly reminded of students passing letters during a lesson instead of paying attention. He was torn between a wry chuckle, a wince and an eye roll at himself. He hoped it would not show on his face – he certainly was not rolling his eyes at his friend.

Reducio

Dear Professor Jensen,

Your letter did indeed find me in good health just now. Dot was dozing when I left him behind in my office to grab a book from the library. He has been quite lively the last few days, so I would say he is doing well. I hope you and Jeger are also doing well.

Sadly – or luckily, depending on how you look at things – there have been no further developments that I know of. Do you have any news? And how have your Slytherins recovered from the attack? The ones I saw in my lessons seemed to be doing well, but I do not know who all was in the hospital wing.

The History of Muggle Alchemy... I will have to check if I have anything here. I can't think of a book off the top of my head but I will think of it. If I have one it might still be in Benghazi, however, as I keep not getting around to having the rest of my books send here. There were only so many books I could carry with my while travelling. Expansion charms only take us so far, sadly. I will let you know.

Actually, I just remembered one book. It is called The Chemical Choir: A History of Alchemy by Maxwell-Stuart. An acquaintance of mine is quite the fan of the book. However, it is not one that I own (yet).

Please give Jeger a couple of extra pats from me.

Regards,
Zahid

P.S.: Caradoc mentioned the History of Corsets to you? I might have something to that end actually. I have a box of books from a friend of a friend with such odds and ends – I could not let her throw the books away. I will add it to the books I have already collected for him and ask an house-elf to deliver them later today.

Letter: 3/?

WC (Letter): 251

WC (RP): 339

Mentions @Phoenix Lyre

There were too many people crowded in the library for Mars' comfort. When they'd entered the library, looking for something to do, they hadn't expected the gaggle of witches and wizards scribbling away at sheets of paper that was currently occupying one corner of the library.

Looking up, they saw why: #SendALetterDay hung on a banner over the widespread of quills, inks, and various parchment. It even looked like there was glitter or something, precariously hanging on the edge of the table, looking like a disaster waiting to happen.

Letters, huh? Mars came in closer, intrigued. Not being much of a talker, writing had always been... well, not easy but easier. Mostly they like it because it gave them time to actually think about what they were trying to say, instead of just blurting out whatever comment rose to the forefront of their brain. It was better for making friends anyhow.

Grabbing a quill and some parchment, deciding to forego the glitter after tipping it back onto the table, they meandered over to one of the private booths. People were one thing, writing while surrounded by people, that was another. They found that their best thinking was always done alone.

Taking a seat, they nestled in comfortable, laying the parchment out on the table in front of them. The blank canvas was a little intimidating; it had been ages since they'd written anything, let alone a letter that someone would actually read. Musing, they scraped the feather side of the quill over the paper, listening to the swooshing sound it made over the imperfect texture. It made the most sense, in their opinion, to write a letter to their brothers. After all, they hadn't sent word back about the guitar or about anything else for that matter. It might be nice to see what their five little monsters were getting up too. But it was also expected and for once, maybe they ought to step a little bit outside of their comfort zone.

Thinking about the guitar, a person rose to mind. The quiet Hufflepuff in the courtyard. Ummm... Phoenix, was it? Her singing had been beautiful and their conversation flowed easy. That might not be a terrible idea.

Picking up the quill, Mars set to work.

Dear Phoenix,

So... well, I don't really have that much to say. There was this event in the library, #SendALeterDay, so here I am. I hope you're doing well. I can't stop thinking back to that day in the courtyard. You have a beautiful voice, so I hope you're not still worried about interrupting. Actually, if you're not busy, you should come interrupt me some more. I'm always free. I'd love to chat about... well anything to be honest. Can you tell that I'm lonely? If you're interested, you should definitely contact me. Beyond that, you seem to be adjusting well. You look wonderful in yellow, I have to say. Tell me something about yourself? What are your hobbies? Do you like Hufflepuff? Do you miss home? It was good writing, hope to see you soon!

Magically yous, Mars

Sinking back into the chair, they sighed. That had been harder than they thought. It wasn't particularly easy to write a letter to someone they hardly knew. But it was done. Carefully, they folded it up, wrote the recipient's name, and placed it in a back pocket. They'd give it to Phoenix if they saw her or they'd head up to the owlery in a minute. Carefully returning the quill to its original place, Mars disappeared into the stacks, leaving the others still writing away in the search for a good book. Still, there was some amount of guilt weighting in on their heart. Maybe they'd return in a moment to write that letter to their brothers as they had wanted.

Word Count: 644
Errand Progress: 1/5

After she had folded up the letter for Blake, Dee decided she quite liked this writing thing. Although it made very little sense to write to people in this castle, when she could just talk to them, it was... fun. Kind of relaxing. Maybe she should use this opportunity to tell people the things that she for some reason never told them directly. Dealla had always been very open and direct, her mouth running faster than her brain sometimes, but a lot of her thoughts still remained unsaid.
She nibbled on the end of her pen, a habit her mother had always tried to get her away from. It didn't happen as much nowadays, because nibbling on the end of a quill was nasty, but now she was using a pen and her mother wasn't here to tell her off, so she nibbled away.
The thought made her smile. Maybe that was something she could put in the letter.
Then, she remembered something else, about things left unsaid, and started writing again - still pink and glittery.

Hi Ileen!

I know we just talked to each other this morning at breakfast, but I kind of feel like I never tell you the important things when we meet? I talk so much, and still I only tell you half of what I should. And since this letter thing here is supposed to be about spreading positivity, here goes!
For example, I think I never told you that I think you're hilarious (whenever you decide to talk. Not that I don't like it when you don't talk. Gives me more room to shine. Both are great.)
I also never told you that I think you might actually be better at Transfiguration than I am, although I will deny it if you ever tell anyone I said that.
I'm really glad you let me rescue you when we met in the Hogwarts Express!
But I'll still beat you in the Transfiguration exams, just wait and see.

- Dee

Dee was a little pink in the face when she set the pen down. Writing someone a letter just to compliment them was so awkward. So that was why she never said these things face to face - it would be so embarrassing?
She'd still send it, though. Ileen deserved to know.

Word Count: 387 | Letter 2/5
@Ileen Knight

Cassandra -

It was so great to meet you on the train! I am really glad that you sat with me and we got to talk. Even though you are in Slytherin, I hope that we can keep being friends through school. How are you settling into your dorm? Have you made other Slytherin friends yet? My fellow Ravenclaws seem nice, but I am still a bit too nervous to talk to them very much... I guess this lack of courage is why I was not a Gryffindor

Have your parents written at all? I hope that your doggies are doing well and that you will get to see them on vacation! I know that I am really excited to see all of the animals at my family's farm.

Anyway, I just wanted to leave you a note to say hi. I am really glad that we met and can be friends!

-AnnieJade (AJ)

Words: 370
Letter 2 of 5
Mentions @Cassandra Ironwoods

Dear Dee,

I still remember the day when you swirled into my life - like literally! I know I was ironic and sometimes mean, but you always laughed. For me, that's your superpower. I also know that you like to think of your mind as your superpower. I can just imagine how upset you must be that I feel differently - and that's a funny picture in my mind. What I'm saying is that your ability to laugh at things and to excite others is the thing I admire the most. Even if you get ridiculously excited sometimes and I make fun of it, I always feel comfortable with you. Even more - you are my best friend. Ever.
I guess I never told you how grateful I am that you forced me to become friends with you. And don't you dare hold that letter against me. ;-)

Ileen

P.S.: I should tell you again in person. But you know - talking about my feelings is more your thing than mine. :-)

Word Count: 370 | Letter 1/?
@Dealla Prince

Sighing, Mars knocked their head against the shelf of books they were currently facing. Nothing was standing out to them. They felt as though they'd been searching for hours (it had probably only been about 10 minutes), with nothing to speak of it.

The library was gigantic, shelves lining every wall, crammed full of books and scrolls. Why was it so damn hard to find an interesting book? Exasperated, they pushed off of the bookshelf, walking back up the row and out into the better lit areas.

Immediately, their eyes were drawn back to the #SendALetterDay sign hanging above the numerous witches and wizards still crowded around the tables. They felt a guilty pull draw them back over to the station that carried the art supplies. How long had it been since they'd seen their brothers? Talked to them properly? Nearly an entire school year had passed and they still hadn't written home.

Plucking another quill and a piece of parchment off the table, they headed back over to the secluded booth they had written in before. This time though, they grabbed a couple of different color inks in addition to the black. Maybe they'd try to draw something. Their brothers had always understood pictures better than words anyway.

Getting settled, they thought about what to write. Images of the five stupid faces grinning at them in the morning light ran through their head. It had been too long since they'd all watched the sunset together, had danced under the moonlight, swaying to an invisible song. On their worst days, Mars felt that the five little monsters were the best part of them. Proof that, in some way, shape, or form, they weren't all failure, not if the five of them could turn out alright. Maybe also proof that they were keeping their parents' spirits alive for the younger ones.

Mars didn't think about their parents, ever. There was some truth lost there, too much pain and not enough happiness to make up for it. It was far easier to just block it out, to focus on the future, on the five living, breathing relatives they had left.

Picking up the quill, they started to write.

To my five baby brothers,
It's been a long time, no? I've never spent this much time away from home. I hope you don't miss me the way I miss you or you're all being real unproductive right about now.

Mars smiled at the thought of them all crowding around the paper, trying to shove each other out of the way to get a better look. The oldest one was nine by now, the twins eight, the next six, and the youngest on the older side of five. They'd always gotten on well enough, with far less fighting that Mars assumed other families experience. Maybe the adoption process had strengthened their bonds, who knows?

I wish you all could see this place. You'd love it. The air is great and there's so much grass and a forest and so many people, I'd probably lose all of you in an instant. I hope someday, maybe you'll turn out to be wizards and you can see how grand it is for yourself. You'd all better be keeping up in school or I'll have to fly back there and knock some sense into you myself. And I hope you're driving Estella crazy with all your antics, especially you Nereus.

There was some chance that it would be Estella reading this, but Mars didn't really mind either way. The second to youngest, Nereus, drove Estella insane especially with his hyperactive nature and short attention span.

Thank you all so much for the guitar. It means everything to me, you know? Did you guys know that the butterflies on the guitar are made out of nacre or mother-of-pearl? It's stronger than building blocks.

They knew that right about now, the twins, Sandor and Urian, were probably rolling their eyes. They were both basically geniuses, real Ravenclaws. They'd probably known that from the beginning and would have told Mars a thousand other facts if they were next to them. Mars smiled, a little sad.

I hope you're all taking care of each other. With any luck, I'll be home soon, so don't worry. I like it here at Hogwarts but nothing beats seeing the five of you. Julius, I hope it's not too bad, watching over Plato. He better not be jumping off any more bridges if I'm not around.

Snickering a little at the memory of it, Mars continued on.

I love you all so much. You're the best little brothers anyone could ask for, truly. You know, if you ever need anything, just ask. I'll find a way to get it to you. Stay safe, stay strong, stay healthy. Be terrible little monsters. I love you.

Sighed, Mars

Wiping the black-tipped quill on a spare piece of parchment, they dipped it into some red ink, carefully drawing the stick figure of a person. Changing inks every now and again, they finished the outline of a stick figure family, all smiling. Okay, granted, they'd never been much of an artist, but it was cute. They hoped their brothers would think so too.

Folding it up and placing it in their pocket next to the one signed to Phoenix, they sat musing. Maybe just one more for the road?

The entire letter, for better reading purposes:

Reducio

To my five baby brothers,
It's been a long time, no? I've never spent this much time away from home. I hope you don't miss me the way I miss you or you're all being real unproductive right about now. I wish you all could see this place. You'd love it. The air is great and there's so much grass and a forest and so many people, I'd probably lose all of you in an instant. I hope someday, maybe you'll turn out to be wizards and you can see how grand it is for yourself. You'd all better be keeping up in school or I'll have to fly back there and knock some sense into you myself. And I hope you're driving Estella crazy with all your antics, especially you Nereus. Thank you all so much for the guitar. It means everything to me, you know? Did you guys know that the butterflies on the guitar are made out of nacre or mother-of-pearl? It's stronger than building blocks. I hope you're all taking care of each other. With any luck, I'll be home soon, so don't worry. I like it here at Hogwarts but nothing beats seeing the five of you. Julius, I hope it's not too bad, watching over Plato. He better not be jumping off any more bridges if I'm not around. I love you all so much. You're the best little brothers anyone could ask for, truly. You know, if you ever need anything, just ask. I'll find a way to get it to you. Stay safe, stay strong, stay healthy. Be terrible little monsters. I love you.

Sighed, Mars

WC (without copied letter): 901
Errand Progress: 2/5

Hello Adonis!

Surprise! Sorry we don't speak as often as I'd like, feel free to blame my forgetful brain for it! I'm starting to get the hang of understanding Quidditch a bit better these days and I know a lot more than what I did on the Hogwarts Express. You're partly to blame for that, you know! Your excitement got me curious about the whole thing and it was only downhill from there. I'm also not sure if you knew this but I've been reading up on some mythology and came across your name! Adonis is the same name as some god of beauty, which I think is a neat coincidence. Even if he was killed by a boar...but that's a minor detail! You're extremely unlikely to meet your maker like that around here! Probably, I'm not sure. We should talk again soon! I'm actually curious to find out more about Quidditch and figure you're the best person to ask..

Later!

Callie J.

Word Count: 374
Errand Progress: 4/5