Dear Woodward | Sincerely, Decipio Closed

Recieved: The day before the ball
Date: A few hours after the first letter was sent
Delivery: Similarly stuffed into her locker

The letter is neatly folded, and obviously written with care.

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April 24th, 2020

Miss Decipio,

Although the sentiments owed in your letter are greatly appreciated, I must be the first to inform you there's nothing to be apologetic for. While my uniform has had to be ironed, ultimately there was no harm done which couldn't be fixed in the matter of a few minutes. Admittedly, my back is rather sore, and my scalp has seen better days- but in the heat of the moment, things like that aren't in the forefront of one's mind. That is to say: it's more than fine.

If anything, I should be thanking you. Our last game, against the Slytherins, was my first- and I would be lying if I said I wasn't fully happy with my personal performance at that time- even if our success was imminent. The latter game, in my opinion, was one that I can happily say I had the absolute pleasure of taking part in, and I feel like my contributions to this team have only begun to shine.

While it is not my duty to chase the snitch, and lifeguard duty can, at times, feel synonymous to being benched- if it weren't for that, I thoroughly believe the Hufflepuffs would have won. (Which, let's be honest, is a reprehensible offence which I would not have stood for!) Despite not being able to make scores for our team, it has been made very clear we have some amazing Chasers on and off the second string, and it's not like I wasn't doing anything.
It's not every day I get to feel the thrills of chasing the shine of 150 points, nor do I usually have a passenger screaming at me in the fervent urgency of what seemed like life or death. It was certainly a game I won't be forgetting any time soon. It's not every day someone suddenly kisses me, out of the blue. (No worries on that front, by the way, although I would have preferred it if you took me to dinner first.)

Thank you for the compliments, by the way. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm something more than average when it comes to the pitch, and I'm sure you could attribute a lot of my success to the quality of my Silver Arrow- but your words are kind, and I appreciate them. Considering this was my second game of quidditch, and I only found out about the sport a few months ago, I believe it might be imprudent to call me an 'excellent flyer.' The handling of my broom could surely be chalked up to a few rounds of practice between matches, as well. It's temperamental, but with a firm hand, it knows its maker.

If you would like to meet up and chat on the pitch sometime soon, the pleasure would be all mine. My schedule has been rather predictably clear for the past few weeks, and (as pitiful as it might sound) I don't have any other loquacious activities which come to mind. I would be happy to offer you a second ride on my broom, and the opportunity to finally have a substantial conversation would assuredly be most amusing to me- given our only previous contact has been such wonderfully striking topics as "Your left, no, your other left." and "do I need to steer you?" if I remember correctly. If it's any mollification, I do know my directions- and I am usually one to give clear, concise warning before flinging someone across the field.

I digress,
Thank you for the heartfelt letter and apology. I'll be sure to remember it next time I catch you from 80 feet in the air going 70 miles an hour- and you should too. I think we made a great team, and getting to know you better for future games would only serve us in the most positive, and effective notions. I look forward to your reply.

With best, and yours truly,
Charlie A. Woodward

p.s. Please be sure to bring a school broom with you if and when we decide to meet next. While it was certainly a thrill, I'd rather watch you try my broom from the safety of a separate entity. I fear you might rip my hair out this time, as I have not fully healed from your last attempt to recreate Ratatouille. Many thanks.

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