Friday | 17 October 2025 | evening

Madeleine was surprised when she was told a courier delivered a package for her here at Beauxbatons. Normally owls would just deliver your letters and packages directly to you. It was only when she went and saw there was a whole fishtank being delivered that the news made more sense. You couldn't just send a pet on its own - animal courier services existed to make sure they were safe in transport. But why was she receiving a fish? As she approached the tank and the animal inside, she recognized Momo's markings. Her expression grew more puzzled.

Mads, congratulations on your performance! I'm really glad to hear it went well, and that your extra hours practicing paid off. Before you get ahead of yourself, no I am not regifting Momo to you, but I do have a favor to ask.

This news may come as a shock, but I am going to be stepping away from my responsibilities at Hogwarts. I am going to be working with your uncle Kenji instead, training with a team of Cursebreakers under his charge (by the way, he sends his regards and hopes to see you again during our next trip to Japan). This means I'll be travelling a lot in the coming months as I make this career shift. So I have a big ask of you - to care for Momo while I am adjusting. I hope to be settled enough in my routine to take her back over the Christmas break, so it won't be for long! Your mother has agreed to take her if you feel she would be a distraction, but I know that you would prefer to have her anyway. I've sent her with plenty of food and treats, and of course I'll reimburse you if she needs more. - Dad

Maddie was indeed shocked by the news - not once had her father mentioned an upcoming career shift. At least, not to her. Had he been thinking about this for a long time? The seventeen-year-old had so many questions for him, but she knew she wouldn't get any answers until she saw him for Christmas. He had taken to writing very vague letters lately, preferring to talk in person. She didn't know why - hadn't really thought to ask - but she had gone along with it. Their relationship had been built up better through direct conversation anyways. She would write back a letter once she was in her dorms - for now, focus on getting Momo settled.

She carefully took the carrying case Momo had arrived in, immediately grateful that it was a lot lighter than it looked. The beautiful golden fish was very large at the moment, as she knew her father kept her in a really big tank that she had grown to match. The same tank that she now reducio'd so it would be easier to take back to her room. The fish food - he really had included a lot - was given the same treatment, then tucked into her pockets.

The brunette took her time heading back, deciding to give Momo a proper tour of Beauxbatons. She had never been here, after all. They went through the gardens, to the rehearsal room she spent most of her time in, and then to the dining hall for dinner. It was a bit comical carrying around such a large fish to all these different spots, but Madeleine greeted friends along the way, introduced Momo and had a laugh. She really didn't care what the staring younger students thought. It was her seventh year here at Beauxbatons and she felt like she owned this place. Sure, it sucked not having her best friend Cassanora around, but she had her fellow dancing friends and dormmates to hang around with. Seventh year was no joke in terms of studying, but it was also a time to really bask in the halls of this place. They would be leaving soon.

Eventually Madeleine returned to her dorm and set up Momo's tank. A bit of elbow grease and some water later, then Momo was happily swimming in her freshly-engorgio'd tank.

Dad, this career shift is definitely unexpected, but I'll be looking forward to all the stories you'll have for me over break. I hear cursebreaking is no easy path, so good luck! And don't worry about Momo, I think she likes it here already.

Sorry (again) that I didn't get to see you for the foreign school visit to Hogwarts, but staying here to practice really did pay off. I appreciate your encouragement. Send me some postcards from your travels, I'd love to know where you're treasure hunting. xoxo Maddie

Madeleine had no idea this wasn't just a bit of petsitting. Her father would be otherwise occupied just weeks before Christmas break, leaving her with Momo for the foreseeable future. But Maddie was no Seer, so that possibility never crossed her mind.

WC: 614/400 (without Marcus' letter)