Anonymous Quill Pal Program pv Kiara Amelia Hawthorne closed

5 October 2024
Somewhere in the Dungeons, Hogwarts

Dear Quill Pal (Who May or May Not Be Convinced I’m an Ass),

Hello!

First off—no, I’m not an ass. Or at least, I do my best to not to be. If I ever sound like one, you’re allowed to tell me.

Second—I’m really glad you wrote. I had no clue what I was signing up for when I joined this quill pal program, and I won't lie—I was scared I'd be paired with someone who writes essays about wand woods and uses words like "cordially." But what I got instead was you (which is great) and grilling. Which I at first thought sounded like a pyromaniac's dream, but your explanation was a little less terrifying. (Though pressing people for information does sound mildly threatening.)

Now, on to your grilling:

1) Did I grow up in the wizarding world?
Yes. Entirely. I'm what you might say is a pure-blood. It just means I've had magic around me my entire life, I didn't even know what a "plug" was until a few weeks ago. Still don't, in fact. (Please tell me it’s not dangerous.)
If you have weird, magical questions, you can send them my way, no judgment, ever. Hogwarts has a way of making everyone feel like they’re behind, no matter where they started.

2. Hobbies?
I like duelling—not to hurt anyone, but just to feel fast and sharp. Reading spellbooks that I’m not technically supposed to have yet. Writing things I’ll never show anyone. I’m starting to like writing letters, too; it's oddly calming.
I also like cloudgazing and food. What are yours?

3. How am I feeling at Hogwarts?
I love the place, but some days I wonder if I’m more of a visitor than an actual part of it. That’s dramatic, I know, still true some days.
It’s getting better, though. I’ve met a few people who make it feel a little more like mine. Maybe you’ll be one of them, and I hope you're getting used to this school.

Bonus: Pronouns?
She/her, too, good to know yours.

Your letter made me laugh—thank you. I’d like to choose a codename, if that's okay with you. Something ridiculous, ideally. I’ll pick one too, something that sounds mysterious and deeply unserious. Suggestions welcome!

Looking forward to hearing from you,
—Your Quill Pal

Reducio

5 October 2024
Somewhere in the Dungeons, Hogwarts

Dear Quill Pal (Who May or May Not Be Convinced I’m an Ass),

Hello!

First off—no, I’m not an ass. Or at least, I do my best to not to be. If I ever sound like one, you’re allowed to tell me.

Second—I’m really glad you wrote. I had no clue what I was signing up for when I joined this quill pal program, and I won't lie—I was scared I'd be paired with someone who writes essays about wand woods and uses words like "cordially." But what I got instead was you (which is great) and grilling. Which I at first thought sounded like a pyromaniac's dream, but your explanation was a little less terrifying. (Though pressing people for information does sound mildly threatening.)

Now, on to your grilling:

1) Did I grow up in the wizarding world?
Yes. Entirely. I'm what you might say is a pure-blood. It just means I've had magic around me my entire life, I didn't even know what a "plug" was until a few weeks ago. Still don't, in fact. (Please tell me it’s not dangerous.)
If you have weird, magical questions, you can send them my way, no judgment, ever. Hogwarts has a way of making everyone feel like they’re behind, no matter where they started.

2. Hobbies?
I like duelling—not to hurt anyone, but just to feel fast and sharp. Reading spellbooks that I’m not technically supposed to have yet. Writing things I’ll never show anyone. I’m starting to like writing letters, too; it's oddly calming.
I also like cloudgazing and food. What are yours?

3. How am I feeling at Hogwarts?
I love the place, but some days I wonder if I’m more of a visitor than an actual part of it. That’s dramatic, I know, still true some days.
It’s getting better, though. I’ve met a few people who make it feel a little more like mine. Maybe you’ll be one of them, and I hope you're getting used to this school.

Bonus: Pronouns?
She/her, too, good to know yours.

Your letter made me laugh—thank you. I’d like to choose a codename, if that's okay with you. Something ridiculous, ideally. I’ll pick one too, something that sounds mysterious and deeply unserious. Suggestions welcome!

Looking forward to hearing from you,
—Your Quill Pal

Interacting With @Robin Marie

Robin stalked into the owlery, ready to find an owl willing to send her letter off to her new Quill Pal. Robin picked out a code-name to sign off her letter - "The Midnight Wren." She hoped it conveyed that she was a friend of the night - maybe a little mystery. Not to add the fun play on her name being a bird. She hoped it wasn't too obvious but figured it wouldn't matter too much in the long run. Robin might actually like this mysterious girl, which was not at all what she was expecting. She had originally supposed she would be scrapping the return letter and forgetting she ever involved herself in something so ridiculous. Instead, she was there, at the owlery, basically skipping to deliver her letter to her new potential friend.

Robin was clueless about how the owls knew the correct person to whom to deliver the letter, but the professors had made it clear that they would. They're not magical owls for no reason, she guessed. Robin tied her letter to the leg of a smaller tawny barn owl, gently giving the bird a few scratches on its head. Robin smiled, sending the bird off, knowing that it would be back in only a few minutes. The destination wasn't far, indeed.

8 October 2024

Dear Considerate Non-Ass,

Somewhere in the dungeons, huh? Does that mean you're a Slytherin student, then? Or maybe just a student with a passion for potions? I am very pleased by the news that you aren't an ass. I will make sure to point out any contradictions to that statement, and would love if you were to do the same for me. We all try our best with niceties, but sometimes I think being straightforward leads to the best sort of resolutions.

I wasn't quite sure what getting into this program meant, either. I guess I just wanted someone to talk to without feeling compelled to like them. Trust is difficult for me, but you seem to be someone who at least seems trustworthy. That's a good start to me. I'm glad to have helped explain the concept of "grilling." As compelling as pyromaniacs can be, I think I'll stick to the intel side of the term, thank you very much.

I am pleased to know that I have a pure-blooded source for all of my wizarding inquiries! I will happily explain about plugs and whatever else intrigues your curious little mind, as long as you riddle me this: are your parents/guardians really able to finish chores with spells? Do you ever have to do chores? This has been on my mind since the first time I learned about housekeeping spells - my siblings and I always had to participate around the house with cleaning and occasionally cooking - is that something you ever had to deal with? Not sure why I'm asking - maybe it's to give me some semblance of hope that I won't be reduced to folding laundry for the rest of my existence. Oh yes- plugs. To be honest, I don't even know how they work. They're not dangerous, I don't think, unless you're near water. Electricity and water don't mix very well.

What do you like about dueling? Do you think that you'll ever join your house's team? I haven't thought much about extra-curricular activities, but learning about Quidditch really seemed exciting, and flying class has been a delight. I can't believe flying is normal in the wizarding world - I certainly think it's been my favorite new activity so far. My hobbies include people-watching, reading, and the occasional tarot-drawing. I'm certainly no good at Tarot, but I enjoy it, and it helps me with self-reflection. (I also love food. Very much indeed).

I'm glad to hear that your time at Hogwarts is getting better. I don't think you're dramatic - I think you're honest. I really thought being away from home is what I needed in order to finally be independent, but it has been a bit lonely. I miss my little sister but think I'm faring quite well. I am an introvert at heart, so loneliness isn't always bad for me.

I'm glad my letter made you laugh! Joy is a wonderful thing. My code name will be The Midnight Wren. Have fun picking out your own!

I'm having more fun with this than I thought I would, so thank you.

Sincerely,

The Midnight Wren

Reducio

8 October 2024
Dear Considerate Non-Ass,

Somewhere in the dungeons, huh? Does that mean you're a Slytherin student, then? Or maybe just a student with a passion for potions? I am very pleased by the news that you aren't an ass. I will make sure to point out any contradictions to that statement, and would love if you were to do the same for me. We all try our best with niceties, but sometimes I think being straightforward leads to the best sort of resolutions.

I wasn't quite sure what getting into this program meant, either. I guess I just wanted someone to talk to without feeling compelled to like them. Trust is difficult for me, but you seem to be someone who at least seems trustworthy. That's a good start to me. I'm glad to have helped explain the concept of "grilling." As compelling as pyromaniacs can be, I think I'll stick to the intel side of the term, thank you very much.

I am pleased to know that I have a pure-blooded source for all of my wizarding inquiries! I will happily explain about plugs and whatever else intrigues your curious little mind, as long as you riddle me this: are your parents/guardians really able to finish chores with spells? Do you ever have to do chores? This has been on my mind since the first time I learned about housekeeping spells - my siblings and I always had to participate around the house with cleaning and occasionally cooking - is that something you ever had to deal with? Not sure why I'm asking - maybe it's to give me some semblance of hope that I won't be reduced to folding laundry for the rest of my existence. Oh yes- plugs. To be honest, I don't even know how they work. They're not dangerous, I don't think, unless you're near water. Electricity and water don't mix very well.

What do you like about dueling? Do you think that you'll ever join your house's team? I haven't thought much about extra-curricular activities, but learning about Quidditch really seemed exciting, and flying class has been a delight. I can't believe flying is normal in the wizarding world - I certainly think it's been my favorite new activity so far. My hobbies include people-watching, reading, and the occasional tarot-drawing. I'm certainly no good at Tarot, but I enjoy it, and it helps me with self-reflection. (I also love food. Very much indeed).

I'm glad to hear that your time at Hogwarts is getting better. I don't think you're dramatic - I think you're honest. I really thought being away from home is what I needed in order to finally be independent, but it has been a bit lonely. I miss my little sister but think I'm faring quite well. I am an introvert at heart, so loneliness isn't always bad for me.

I'm glad my letter made you laugh! Joy is a wonderful thing. My code name will be The Midnight Wren. Have fun picking out your own!

I'm having more fun with this than I thought I would, so thank you.

Sincerely,

The Midnight Wren

Interacting With @Kiara Amelia Hawthorne

11 October 2024
On a Huge Rock by the Black Lake

Dear Midnight Wren,

Your name absolutely slaps. Mysterious. Slightly poetic. Sounds like someone who reads by candlelight and probably has secrets. I'll be Flickering Firefly!

About being in the Dungeons, wouldn't you like to know? I do like potions, one of my preferred subjects actually. You know, it's precise: if you follow instructions everything's fine and that's reassuring. I also agree with you, honesty is always the best option.

This leads me to the second point: yes, my parents can do chores with magic, but no, they don't let me use magic to tidy up my room or fold laundry, sorry to shatter your dream. The fact that folding laundry exists across magical and non-magical worlds is some great cosmic prank. Solidarity, Wren. "You have to understand the work before you charm it", my mum always says, which is extremely unfair but very on-brand for her.

As for dueling, it’s the only time I feel like I don’t have to talk to be understood. It’s all movement, instinct, timing. That kind of focus where you stop overthinking and just are. I would love to join my House's team but, who knows? I really hope you'll try entering your House's Quidditch team someday. I'd definitely come to watch your tryouts, you can bet on that.
By the way, I also love reading! What's your favourite genre, if you have one? I totally understand if you don't, I don't even have a favourite book. I'm an extremely indecisive person, I could never choose one, I love too many.
And Tarot drawing honestly sounds so interesting, how did you get into it? Is it Divination in general that interests you? In third year, it will definitely be one of my extra subjects.

Do you really have a little sister? Aw, I'm so jealous! I'm an only child and I've always wanted a sibling. To be completely sincere, I like being the center of attention (I can be a bit egocentric, might as well come clean) and I would hate sharing my room with someone, but sometimes I find myself wondering about the unique bond that siblings share, and I get a bit sad that I'll never experience it.

Finally, I'm happy you're having fun with this, I really am too!

Yours,

Flickering Firefly

Reducio

11 October 2024
On a Huge Rock by the Black Lake

Dear Midnight Wren,

Your name absolutely slaps. Mysterious. Slightly poetic. Sounds like someone who reads by candlelight and probably has secrets. I'll be Flickering Firefly!

About being in the Dungeons, wouldn't you like to know? I do like potions, one of my preferred subjects actually. You know, it's precise: if you follow instructions everything's fine and that's reassuring. I also agree with you, honesty is always the best option.

This leads me to the second point: yes, my parents can do chores with magic, but no, they don't let me use magic to tidy up my room or fold laundry, sorry to shatter your dream. The fact that folding laundry exists across magical and non-magical worlds is some great cosmic prank. Solidarity, Wren."You have to understand the work before you charm it", my mum always says, which is extremely unfair but very on-brand for her.

As for dueling, it’s the only time I feel like I don’t have to talk to be understood. It’s all movement, instinct, timing. That kind of focus where you stop overthinking and just are. I would love to join my House's team but, who knows? I really hope you'll try entering your House's Quidditch team someday. I'd definitely come watch your tryouts, you can bet on that.
By the way, I also love reading! What's your favourite genre, if you have one? I totally understand if you don't, I don't even have a favourite book. I'm an extremely indecisive person, I could never choose one, I love too many.
And Tarot drawing honestly sounds so interesting, how did you get into it? Is it Divination in general that insterests you? In third year, it will definitely be one of my extra subjects.

Do you really have a little sister? Aw I'm so jealous! I'm an only child and I've always wanted a sibling. To be completely sincere, I like being the center of attention (I can be a bit egocentric, might as well come clean) and I would hate sharing my room with someone, but sometimes I find myself wondering about the unique bond that siblings share, and I get a bit sad that I'll never experience it.

Finally, I'm happy you're having fun with this, I really am too!

Yours,

Flickering Firefly

Interacting With @Robin Marie

19 October 2024
Dear Flickering Firefly,

I thank you for your kind complements of my new pseudonym, but I do have to question to sanctity of your assumptions. I most certainly hold no secrets of my own and couldn't dream of reading by candlelight and straining my eyes. I do understand why you would think it's mysterious, but it's simply because I like to stay up late and like birds.

Now, flickering firefly? You have set the scene with two little words - I now imagine a firefly dressed in green robes, flickering all over the castle grounds. It paints quite the picture, indeed.

I have also grown accustomed to potions - but I do question the long-term effects of drinking some of the indregients we put in our potions... I mean, seriously! Dragon claws? Armadillo bile? ... Leeches? Who even figured all of this out? I don't know if I'm more intrigued or disgusted - time will tell.

Knowing that you also do your chores makes me feel a lot better, sorry. At least it wasn't just us muggle-borns slaving away for our parents. I think it would be even more of an insult if my mom could simply wave a stick of wood and hours of my time would be saved... For that, I do feel slightly bad for you.

If you ever get involved in duelling - official or unofficial - I'll be there. Just say the word. Quidditch is honestly a pipe dream - I'm still learning to fly on a broom. I'll have to buy one somehow, anyway. Let's hope I win the lottery!

My favorite genre is fantasy - I'm sure you could imagine my excitement when I first got my Hogwarts letter, a muggle girl desperately wanting to believe in magic despite being told it wasn't real. This world is so amazing - I can't believe it's real life. I almost feel as if I'm living my favorite book, honestly. What type of genre are you interested in?

To be honest, I have no idea what Divination is. Another guy in my house kept mentioning it when I was doing a reading and from what he was saying, I'm assuming it's some sort of fortune telling? I don't know if I'm interested in predicting the future, but the class at least sounds intriguing. My tarot practice is more of a meditative thing for me. I like to write my drawings down and come back to them later - it helps me reflect and learn from myself and my thoughts. Not really magical, I'd say.

I couldn't imagine being an only child - I have four older brothers and yes, my favorite sibling my sister Samantha. Trust me, you're not missing out on much when it comes to the brothers. They're incredibly annoying - but I guess that's why I love them. I do feel terribly sorry that you don't have a sister, though. She was a gremlin gorwing up, but now that she's eight years old, she's becoming the sweetest and brightest kid you could imagine. She'll be my best friend forever, I'll tell you. Fingers crossed she also gets a letter to Hogwarts - I'll be a fifth year by then, but it would be a dream. It would be even more of a dream if we didn't share rooms, I will say, but at least it's prepared me for dorm living. You must be suffering.

Also, I appreciate the honestly. I don't mind a bit of egotism. Sometimes we need our egos - they're the only motivating factors we have. Sounds like you'll be successful one day.

Ps. sorry for the longer reply! History of Magic is endless... how the hell are we supposed to memorize all of the goblin rebellions???

Yours Truly,
The Midnight Wren

Reducio

19 October 2024

I thank you for your kind complements of my new pseudonym, but I do have to question to sanctity of your assumptions. I most certainly hold no secrets of my own and couldn't dream of reading by candlelight and straining my eyes. I do understand why you would think it's mysterious, but it's simply because I like to stay up late and like birds.

Now, flickering firefly? You have set the scene with two little words - I now imagine a firefly dressed in green robes, flickering all over the castle grounds. It paints quite the picture, indeed.

I have also grown accustomed to potions - but I do question the long-term effects of drinking some of the indregients we put in our potions... I mean, seriously! Dragon claws? Armadillo bile? ... Leeches? Who even figured all of this out? I don't know if I'm more intrigued or disgusted - time will tell.

Knowing that you also do your chores makes me feel a lot better, sorry. At least it wasn't just us muggle-borns slaving away for our parents. I think it would be even more of an insult if my mom could simply wave a stick of wood and hours of my time would be saved... For that, I do feel slightly bad for you.

If you ever get involved in duelling - official or unofficial - I'll be there. Just say the word. Quidditch is honestly a pipe dream - I'm still learning to fly on a broom. I'll have to buy one somehow, anyway. Let's hope I win the lottery!

My favorite genre is fantasy - I'm sure you could imagine my excitement when I first got my Hogwarts letter, a muggle girl desperately wanting to believe in magic despite being told it wasn't real. This world is so amazing - I can't believe it's real life. I almost feel as if I'm living my favorite book, honestly. What type of genre are you interested in?

To be honest, I have no idea what Divination is. Another guy in my house kept mentioning it when I was doing a reading and from what he was saying, I'm assuming it's some sort of fortune telling? I don't know if I'm interested in predicting the future, but the class at least sounds intriguing. My tarot practice is more of a meditative thing for me. I like to write my drawings down and come back to them later - it helps me reflect and learn from myself and my thoughts. Not really magical, I'd say.

I couldn't imagine being an only child - I have four older brothers and yes, my favorite sibling my sister Samantha. Trust me, you're not missing out on much when it comes to the brothers. They're incredibly annoying - but I guess that's why I love them. I do feel terribly sorry that you don't have a sister, though. She was a gremlin gorwing up, but now that she's eight years old, she's becoming the sweetest and brightest kid you could imagine. She'll be my best friend forever, I'll tell you. Fingers crossed she also gets a letter to Hogwarts - I'll be a fifth year by then, but it would be a dream. It would be even more of a dream if we didn't share rooms, I will say, but at least it's prepared me for dorm living. You must be suffering.

Also, I appreciate the honestly. I don't mind a bit of egotism. Sometimes we need our egos - they're the only motivating factors we have. Sounds like you'll be successful one day.

Ps. sorry for the long wait for the reply! History of Magic is endless... how the hell are we supposed to memorize all of the goblin rebellions???

Yours Truly,
The Midnight Wren

Interacting With @Kiara Amelia Hawthorne