Chapter Text
To My Assigned Correspondent,
Hello,
I hope you are well. I wasn't sure how to begin this properly, as we are not meant to include our names, and I suppose that makes introductions a bit difficult.
I think Professor McGonagall's idea is a very good one. Writing letters is much more organised than shouting across tables in the Great Hall.
It gives one time to think.
I am very glad to be at Hogwarts. It is even more impresstve than I expected.
The staircases are confusing, but in an interesting way.
Since we are meant to correspond, perhaps we could start with something simple. What subject are you finding the most interesting so far?
I think it is important to take this assignment seriously, even if it may seem a little odd.
I look forward to your reply.
-Your Anonymous Correspondent
──── 💌 ────
To My Assigned Correspondent,.
I received your letter. I suppose I am expected to reply, otherwise Professor McGonagall will
think I am "not participating appropriately."
You seem very enthusiastic about this arrangement. I cannot say I share your excitement. Writing to an anonymous stranger feels rather pointless when one could simply speak to
proper company instead.
As for subjects, I find some more tolerable than others.
Flying is obviously superior. It requires skill, not just memorisation.
The staircases are not that confusing, if one pays attention.
Since you are taking this so seriously, you may answer this:
Which House do you think will win the Quidditch Cup this year?
──── 💌 ────
To My Correspondent, I received your letter as well.
I do not think it would be wise for me to answer your question about the Quidditch Cup.
Most people would simply choose their own House, and since the purpose of this
programme is to remain anonymous, I believe that would defeat it entirely.
Besides, I do not care very much for Quidditch. It seems rather chaotic, and I do not see how flying about at high speed while trying not to fall off a broom proves anything except recklessness.
My favourite class so far is Transfiguration. I think it is the most fascinating branch of magic because it requires precision and understanding, not just waving a wand and hoping for the best. Turning one thing into something entirely different feels like proper magic.
-Your Anonymous Correspondent
──── 💌 ────
I have read your latest letter, I am honestly baffled.
You do not care for Quidditch at all? Not even a little? It is the best thing about this entire school. There is nothing reckless about it if one knows what they are doing.
Some people are simply better suited to flying than others. I suppose not everyone can appreciate it.
Transfiguration is fine, I suppose. It is useful. Though I do not see why you speak of it as if it is the only "proper" magic.
There is more to wizarding life than textbooks.
Also, you may stop writing "To My Correspondent" at the beginning and signing "Your Anonymous Correspondent" at the end. It is unnecessary.
We both know these letters are only between the two of us.
Unless you are planning to publish them.
(Since you seem to like proper form, consider this my signature.)
──── 💌 ────
I am not planning to publish anything. That would defeat the entire purpose of anonymity, which I assumed you understood.
However, if you find my greetings and signatures unnecessary, perhaps we should agree on something else instead.
It seems improper to write without any form of address at all.
Since we are not using our real names, what nickname would you prefer?
Something neutral, obviously. Nothing that might reveal anything important.
I think it would make the letters feel less... abrupt.
As for Quidditch, I still maintain that staying on a broom pom is not, in itself, a personality trait.
I await your suggestion.
──── 💌 ────
I have considered your request for a nickname. If we must continue this unnecessarily
structured arrangement, then I suppose you can call me Atlas.
You may choose something equally dignified for yourself.
And for the record, Quidditch does require more than "staying on a broom."
You would know that if you tried.
Atlas
──── 💌 ────
Dear Atlas,
You may call me Jane.
And I have no intention of trying Quidditch merely to improve my opinion of it.
I prefer pursuits that do not involve the possibility of plummeting from great heights.
Jane
──── 💌 ────
Jane,
I assume this is not a random choice. I have read Pride and Prejudice.
It is tolerable, though I find Mr. Darcy is rather dramatic.
He spends a great deal of time being offended by things that are not actually insults and then more time being misunderstood because he refuses to explain himself properly.
Though I will concede that he improves by the end.
Atlas
──── 💌 ────
Atlas,
I do not think Mr. Darcy is "dramatic." He is reserved. There is a difference.
He does not explain himself at first because he is proud, yes but also because he is
accustomed to being judged before he speaks.
That is not the same thing as sulking. And he improves because he listens.
Which, in my opinion, is the entire point. It is easy to mock someone for being
misunderstood. It is harder to admit when one has been wrong.
Jane
──── 💌 ────
Jane,
There is no need to become so defensive. Do not get your knickers in a twist over it.
I only said he was dramatic. Which he is. Proposing marriage whilst simultaneously
insulting the person one intends to marry seems unnecessarily complicated.
In any case, something far less fictional occurred this week.
What did you think about the whole troll incident?
Atlas
──── 💌 ────
Atlas,
From what I gathered, it was chaotic, but it was also resolved quickly. That suggests the staff intervened promptly, which is what ultimately matters.
I imagine it was unsettling for the students involved but I prefer to think that, despite the
alarm, it demonstrated that there are those who respond decisively when required.
Will you go home for Christmas break?
Jane
──── 💌 ────
Jane,
It seems you are rather quick to redirect the discussion when it suits you.
However, I will allow it on this occasion. It is nearly Christmas, after all.
Yes, I shall be returning home for the holidays.
I trust your break will be... well organised.
We shall resume our correspondence after the holidays.
Try not to spend the entire fortnight defending Mr. Darcу.
Atlas