You Would Do Well Solo Backdated Finished

Feb. 10th, 2022

My dear Alyssa,

It has been quite a while since your father and I have heard from you. I was under the impression, per our agreement at the beginning of this year, that you would write to us once every two weeks updating us on your studies, athletics, and other involvements at Hogwarts, yet no school owl has come beating its wings at my window since mid-January. You are not off to a great start this year in the realm of communication, Alyssa. I expect more from you in the future.

Perhaps you can make it up to me by assuring me that you have been better about other subjects of your life -- specifically, your subjects themselves. Before the winter holiday, you were struggling in History of Magic and Potions. Have you improved upon this or will we need to extend your summer academic requirements into your Christmas holiday in the future as well? I also hope that your other grades have not dipped below what is expected of you as a Livingston and as a Salinger. In the meantime, until I feel reassured in your academic standing, I will refrain from pushing you to focus on your Quidditch. You may focus on it to the necessary point, but the majority of your time should be devoted to your studies, as per usual. Your father and I are quite proud of you, and we would prefer to keep it that way.

Speaking of your father, he has been kept at the office so very often at work lately that I fear you may want to write a letter to him there, as he is rarely home. The house feels rather empty without the two of you around, and as such, I have begun to take on more tasks at work myself, as well. If you ever wonder from whence you received your work ethic, look no further.

Becca bids that I send you her "love." She is too soft on you, in my personal opinion. The last thing you need is love from a house-elf.

One last reminder, whilst we are on this topic of love. With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, and the fact that you are nearly fourteen, there is no doubt in my mind that you are beginning to think about dates and parties and all of the frivolousness that Hogwarts tends to foster and encourage during this time of the year. And Alyssa, I warn you, do not try to lie to me -- you have insisted these past two years that you care nothing of the season of love, but you forget that I was once thirteen as well, and I know better.

When you are older and more trusted to make your own decisions for your well-being and the certainty of success in your future, then you may do as you like during Valentine's Day. But this year, seeing as how you have had recent struggles in some of your lessons, I want you to stay far from any parties, celebrations, or boys. You know what is most important in your life, and if you have forgotten, I would be happy to remind you that your studies should always come first. Additionally, a boy will almost certainly let you down in the end, but a book will never do so. I expect you to spend February the 14th as though it were no more ordinary of a day than the twelfth of August or the third of March.

As a Livingston and a Salinger, as my daughter, you have far more important tasks on your plate than to go gallivanting about like some sort of dreamy fool this Valentine's Day... you would do well to remember as such, Alyssa.

Keep your head about you and focus on what we both know to matter. And, this time, write back to me, else I may find myself writing to your Headmaster and asking if my daughter has been kidnapped or killed in her schooling without my knowledge.

Sincerely,
Hesper Livingston-Salinger

Feb. 15th, 2022

Dear Mother,

Don't worry, I promise I'm alive! Please don't write to the Headmaster. I have just been very busy throwing myself into my schoolwork, and I lost track of how many days it had been since I last wrote you. I've marked it down on my calendar as a reminder from now on, and I vow to you that I won't forget again. I'm so sorry.

You'll be pleased to know that my renewed effort in studying and doing my homework has brought about some excellent results! I've pulled four straight Outstandings on my four most recent Potions assignments - in fact, I have yet to get anything but an Outstanding (and one Exceeds Expectations in Transfiguration) on any homework since returning from the winter holiday. All of that practice Potioneering I did with Father over Christmas really helped me reduce the number of failed potions I've brewed, I believe - Father really does know his accidents and catastrophes, after all! Not to say that I've ever brewed a catastrophe. Really, I'm doing quite well in Potions now.

And yes, speaking of Father, I'll make sure to write him at his office. Do you know if there's anything in particular keeping him there? I haven't gotten a letter from him in forever, though I suppose that's partially my fault, since I haven't written him in what's probably an equal amount of time, too. Send Becca my love back. She might be I know you think Love doesn't make her Thank you for passing on the message.

Don't worry, Mother. I didn't do anything for Valentine's Day yesterday - I honestly forgot it existed this year, really. For most of the night, I was in the Ravenclaw common room editing a foot's worth of a Divination essay that was due first thing this morning. (Not to say I procrastinated it - I'd written it over the weekend, of course!) The only reason I even remembered it was Valentine's Day was because I received a cupcake from my friend, Pericles - you remember me talking about Pericles, right? And no, before you say anything, he is just a friend, and the cupcake was strictly platonic. I promise I am focusing on my studies and not thinking about romance, no matter how little you may believe me.

I will keep you updated on my studies and on Quidditch. I'll do well and make you proud, I promise. Hope you're having fun at work! Or at least as much fun as one can have while catching dangerous criminals for a living!

Love,
Aly H. Salinger

Feb. 21st, 2022

My dear Alyssa,

Well done. This is what I like to hear. You would do well to keep up this standard of work. Enjoy your studies, and I will hear from you in two weeks, else I will write to your Headmaster whether you want me to or not.

Sincerely,
Hesper Livingston-Salinger