Ain't That a Juicy Bite of Info... PV Howard

@Evelynn Decipio

T. Ruth,

I'll tell you, I was pretty pissed off at first to see your dumbass pen name again and your words just about set me off. Let me tell you just like I tell everyone else. It is not a habit of mine to hurt other people. I'll admit, I got into it with Aurelia, but just like the last time it was an accident that put her in the hospital wing. NOT a habit! You need to check your choice of words just like you needed to when you wrote that piece.

I was tempted to just tell you to shove it, but I'm trying to understand you. So, what's your purpose here? Why hide behind a pen name? Why talk to me at all? You assume that I hurt out of habit, yet you admit that might have been blood baited. If you want anything more from me you need to give before you take. If not, don't bother writing me back.

Something that becomes a regular tendency is a habit. You may not like it or enjoy it; in fact, habits more often are not positive. If you "got into with Aurelia" again, that starts to make a habit..

The above letter had been promptly crumpled and tossed into the nearest bin before another attempt at a reply was started. One that would actually make it to the intended recipient this time:

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Mister White,

I apologise if my last letter came across antagonistic. It was not my intention to sound accusatory. After all, were it my desire to paint you in a negative light, I could have published another article without clarifying from the source himself. I would also suggest I am not alone in having acted on extremes. Yes, my original article was a touch sensational. I used literally hyperbole to catch the audience, but never did I think it would actually impact that very audience.

I might remind you, as I already explained in the public apology that was published, that the last thing I had expected was for the aggressor in the described attack to have been a student. It was at a time when half-giants were attacking at the ball, hags were prowling for student converts, dolls were attempting to steal the guise of their chosen victims, among a plethora of other heinous plots. The possibility of a vampyre roaming the halls to prey on students was a very real and terrifying possibility. Even after the article was written, there were several other incidents excluding you involving uncontrolled attacks by dhampir students no doubt trying and failing to suppress their cravings. I can only imagine it was because of these that the mandatory bi-daily feedings with Professor Equinox was instated.

And I still stand by that students new to this world, who grew up not knowing about the various beings and dangers, who started their studies at Hogwarts still not knowing about these risks have a right to know with whom they share their accommodations and how to protect themselves. And no, that is not being discriminatory in any way. We all came here knowing exactly what a normal human was capable of—which absolutely can be entirely despicable and dangerous. Our classes and spellwork is, by nature, already geared to prepare us to protect ourselves from each other. But dhampir... part-giants... metamorphmagus... you they all have special qualities that do not quite follow the usual rules, and the usual strategies do not necessarily suffice.

So, again, I apologize for the inflammatory style and word-choice of the original article. But no, I am not sorry for raising awareness or trying to protect my peers—my purpose. As for your other question: I used a pen-name because at the time, I had thought the article to be describing an intruder to the castle and did not care to be silenced for raising awareness of an attack that had been brushed under the rug, so to speak. Worry became well-founded after your display and threats in the Great Hall. And after that, it became something of an identity, I suppose.

T. Ruth

@Evelynn Decipio

A pile of crumpled parchment lay at Howard's feet as he attempted to write his reply. He must have read and re-read T. Ruth's newest letter to him a couple dozen times before finally being able to respond. Try as he might to hold onto the anger and resentment he had latched onto that pen name he was now struggling to find that emotion again. Not that he was looking for it. In fact he was trying his hardest to keep those feelings under control these days, yet for so long the mere mention of that author's name had been enough to set him off. Where was that now? A flicker of it had reignited when Howard first saw that pen name again, but as he read their words that flash would fizzle away.

His anger in the past had been a handy tool to help protect him from the feelings that were too hard to process. Much easy to break and shout than to deal with the pain and confusion. As often as it had served to protect him, Howard had come to realize it was a double edged sword, every slash cutting both ways. It blinded him from the truth, prevented him from seeing that life was not so black and white. As much as T. Ruth's words had hurt to read he could see now that they were not in the wrong. They had been open and honest and now it was time for Howard to do so as well.

T. Ruth,

You have apologized and now I should too. As you know there is plenty of anti-half breed shite circling around our world. I see it in the media, I hear it in the whispers, sometimes it feels like I can never get away from it. Just to see anything written against my kind is often enough to trigger me and I have a hard time dealing with that. So, I apologize for letting my anger get the best of me. Back then and now. I still don't like the way you chose to write, but there is truth to it.

There definitely is a threat from inside and outside Hogwarts, from both human and non human. I could be used as an example. My transformation happened right here on school grounds, so I should know. I started my time here as a Muggle born wizard and maybe if I knew more I might have been able to save myself. Maybe if Aurelia had known more she could have saved herself from me. It was an accident when I bit her, but if we all knew more maybe everything would have been different.

After my outburst in the Great Hall I can see why you wouldn't want to publish your name. All I can say is that things are different now. I'm different now. I still don't agree with your scare tactics and over exaggeration, but we were all suffering from misinformation. Maybe we still are. Maybe we can do something to fix that?

What do you say? We could work together if you can forgive my past. Help me help others?

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Mister White,

I will admit, I was not expecting to receive an apology, but it is a pleasant surprise. I appreciate the candor of your difficulties in doing so. I am also relieved to hear that you recognize the threats upon Hogwarts. And given what you've said, you—more than most—can relate to the goals I hold. I did not know that your own conversion was here. That must have been a terrifying experience. I am sorry that you were forced to endure that. It is exactly that sort of situation I hope to empower students to be able to prevent; as you said, if everyone knew a little bit more, perhaps no others will be forced to endure the added hardships through which you have had to wade.

Your offer to work together for the good of the rest is certainly a tempting one. Please forgive my hesitation, but I have grown rather accustomed to mistrusting others. If you are serious about working together, how do you envision doing so? Personally, I have every intention to continue submitting articles to be released by the Headliner covering those special-talent humans and non-human beings that a student may encounter: goblins, metamorphmagi, elves, and the likes. That, and unveiling those events that might be otherwise covered up and hidden from the public eye. How did you envision yourself contributing? Or had you something entirely different in mind?

T. Ruth

@Evelynn Decipio

T. Ruth,

I get not trusting others, but recently I have discovered that it is often worth the risk. Maybe in time we can get there. I don't have a solid idea on how we could work together to help others. I do understand that there is a threat here at Hogwarts and in the rest of our world as well, but it's complicated for me. My transformation was hard and it was definitely scary, but I can't honestly say that I would have it any other way. I haven't just accepted my life as a Dhampir, I've come to love what I am as well. My hope is to help others get to this point too. This is mostly my fault, but I did not have a lot of support while I grappled with my new nature and I hope to be a part of our world that helps to fix that. How to do that is the hard part. Maybe we could work together on your upcoming articles? Or with other special talent humans and half breeds? A series of interviews maybe? Highlight the good while warning of the bad? Tell me if I'm wrong, but I assume you are fully human? I think it would be better if we involve the subjects of your articles if your are going to write about such sensitive subjects. What do you think? I could reach out to people if you still want to be a secret.

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Mister White,

Perhaps you may be right, about the risk of trust being worth it in the end. In many ways, I do agree, but it is difficult not to feel somewhat suspect about where loyalties lay. Although I am glad at least to know you understand that there is indeed a threat here at Hogwarts. I am not sure what is complicated about it, however. I understand that you have come to accept your transformation, and can understand, given the certain benefits that come with it, how you could come to love it as you say. But what about that is complicated? Once an event has happened, yes, surely it would need to be handled and accepted in time. But I should hope there is not any question about preventing such attacks in the first place..

But perhaps you might be of some help. As it turns out, the change of students running the Headliner makes it a bit more challenging to get the articles printed. It seems the new girl wants nothing to do with the articles. I imagine the infamy earned from your reaction it the Great Hall might have something to do with it. Do you know her well? Miss Stavrou? If so, perhaps you might persuade her otherwise. If not, I could use the help distributing the articles throughout the school. I have no intention to cease print, but I will have to accomplish it from beyond the school if I am to continue it at all, and bring them in through a third party. In a sense, by banning its production, they are only making this all the more controversial than I had any plan to make it.

Nevertheless, it will go on. I have no qualms with you assisting with the content of the articles as well if that is what you wish. My next will focus upon the metamorphmagi among us. It is quite the unique talent, and a human one. I thought perhaps moving away from highlighting those of mixed blood might be beneficial to show a more balanced voice. Are you aware of any such talented individuals? Interviewing them would be a wonderful idea, I think, going forward.

T. Ruth

@Evelynn Decipio

T. Ruth,

It will take time to build trust and although we may always be slightly wary of each other, hopefully the benefit of allying with each other will prove enough to build that foundation. You are of course right in that any attack like the one I suffered should be prevented at all cost. When I say that it is complicated I say this from the perspective of someone who is of two natures. Now that I have come into my own it would be hard for me to wish that this had never happened. However, I can see now that the trauma of my attack and the struggle that proceeded should not be brought upon anyone. In fact, I would love to see a world where there is never another Dhampir created, but only born into the care of another. This is of course something that may never be possible and that is why I wish to help create a society of support and understanding for any half breeds that may need it.

I am not familiar with Stavrou other than we are from the same year. Who knows if she would be willing to hear me out after what I have done in the past, but I'd be willing to try if it might help get the articles published. However, I agree that we could find another way to get the article out there if we have to. If it was my actions that are preventing this please allow me to try and find another way. You're right that preventing its publishing could only make the topic more controversial. Especially considering that the Prophet is continuing to publish articles that are obviously biased against half breeds. Providing a more balanced perspective to the subject is crucial.

I do happen to know someone closely that is a metamorphmagi. I can't promise that they'd be willing to be interviewed, but I will ask. How would this work? I'm not really good with that type of thing. Would you provide the questions? Would we draft them together? I leave it up to your judgment.

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Mister White,

If you would like to speak with Miss Stavrou, I certainly will not be one to stop you. In some ways, it would be convenient to be able to continue publishing with the Headliner. But I can also understand any hesitation to avoid doing so. I am not sure of her reasons for barring it from the line, except to suggest that perhaps she found the notoriety of the articles not something she wanted to have to manage as the new Editor in Chief. I cannot begrudge her that. It won't stop their ultimate release in any event, and while controversy might be the price to pay, perhaps that would mean more would read it. That would be a boon in any book.

How fortunate that you know of a metamorphmagus, though. Are they a student at Hogwarts? By all accounts, the talent is quite rare. I suppose I could also affix a notification seeking volunteers and direct you to seek them out for questioning. The easiest way, I think, to make this work would be if I come up with a number of questions, and provide them to you. Then you could use that as a framework during your interactions. Of course you could add your own questions as well since there may be thoughts that come up organically during the conversations. And since you, yourself, are a member of the more marginalized groups, you might have ideas on how better to approach than I. Then you could simple write me back with the answers and those additional thoughts came to mind for you.

I have included a list of questions:

- Have you read the articles published by T. Ruth? What are your thoughts?
- How do you feel about the author's apparent desire to educate readers on identification and self-protective measures against the race or talent of topic?
- In what ways have these articles impacted your experience at Hogwarts?
- As a metamorphmagus, in what ways has your life been more difficult? In what ways have you found these skills advantageous?
- Do you think students ought to be made aware of your abilities and limitations in the same way that they already know the strengths and limitations of an average human?
- How would you protect yourself from a fellow metamorphmagi with malicious intent who was masquerading as a close friend of yours in order to get close to you?
- How do you inspire trust in others who know your abilities?

What do you think?

T. Ruth

@Evelynn Decipio

T. Ruth,

I will do my best to make contact with Stavrou, but I don't expect much to come from it. Some burnt bridges are beyond repair and I can't really blame them after my actions against the Headliner office. Yet another of my sins to atone for, but that really isn't your concern. I will let you know if anything comes from it.

The Metamorphmagus I speak of is a Hogwarts student and a dear friend of mine. I agree that you should provide the questions and I will add more if they come to me. I do warn you that I may created a bias against you with this individual. As I stated, they are one of my closest friends. I will do my best to explain the situation that we are currently in and hopefully that will lead to some honest answers. Until then if you'd like to seek volunteers I would be happy to speak with them as well. If there is anything else, feel free to contact me as you wish.

Never in a million years would I have thought a letter written by me to you would end this way, but I must thank you. We may never fully see eye to eye, but I can see now that your work is a pursuit of honesty. With how little of that there is among our journalist, perhaps we might shake our differences and provide something positive for our shattered world.

Howard White