The Hershey Conspiracy

Prologue, Part 1

A/N: Dang plot bunnies! I never can finish a fic without starting a new one, can I? Anyway, this is my first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fic. I've never read the books and the old movie traumatized me, but I really enjoyed the new one. So needless to say this fic is based on the Tim Burton version and nothing else (except perhaps what I've heard via the grape vine and whatnot). I've taken a few liberties with it, but who hasn't? Yes I know its Teavee and not Teavée; I changed it because the TV pun was driving me nuts. I like to pronounce it Tea-vay, but I'm just weird like that.

The first couple chapters don't have Charlie or Mr. Wonka in it, but don't worry, they'll show up eventually. Please let me know if I'm crazy and if you hate the letter format. It will change when I get to the action, but I need to set it up a certain way and this is the only effective way I can think of. Part one's chapters will be short, but part two will be considerably longer and more exciting. Please bear with me. Thanks for your time! Happy reading.

Dear Ms. Beauregard,

Upon committee review of your application we are please to inform you of your acceptance into our illustrious academy. Enclosed in this letter is a list of supplies for the upcoming year. Please have a parent or guardian fill out the health forms and return them in the provided prepaid post marked envelope. We hope to see you at the start of next term.

Sincerely,

Paula Timley, Deputy Headmistress

Veruca,

Hey, long time no chat. I just got a weird letter from a school in London saying I've been accepted, but the problem is I haven't even sent an application. I think my mother had something to do with it. She's been trying to get me out of her hair for years, so I wouldn't put it past her. Have you heard of this Hershey Academy?

Anyway, how're things going with you? We haven't talked in so long I don't really know what to say. My life is still hectic; Mom won't give me a break. Sometimes I wish that woman would get a boyfriend or something so she could stop breathing down my neck 24/7. I know she only wants me to succeed, but I wish she'd just lay off. I've got a 4.0, I'm at the top in my class... What more does she want from me? Sorry, hope you don't mind my complaining. I've got to blow off some steam right now. Feel free to do the same; you know I'll always listen.

Take care,

Violet

Dear Violet,

Yes, I have heard of Hershey, but I'm afraid I don't know much about it. It's quite new; I'm willing to bet this is its first term. I asked Daddy about it and he said the only Hershey's he could think of were the makers of really mediocre American chocolates. (They're nothing compared to HIS chocolates, anyway. You know of whom I speak.) I'll check into it and let you know if it has any real credentials. Who knows, if it's any good I might enroll myself. Then we could be dorm mates! I really miss talking with you. We haven't properly seen each other since the Tour, so it would be great to meet you again after all these years. This might seem rather insensitive of me, but are you still blue? You don't have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable.

Speaking of the Tour, do you still keep in contact with anyone besides me? You live rather close to Mike Teavée, don't you? I remember he kept giving you funny looks, I think he was quite taken by your 'no prisoners' attitude.

Don't worry about your mother. If you do decide to come over here I can guarantee you she won't be standing over your shoulder all the time. Really, I'd attend for that reason alone if I were you. You should be happy to be rid of her by the sound of things.

As for me, things could be better. Mumsey filed for divorce, and that's been quite messy. Daddy has the better lawyers though so she won't be getting much. I feel a bit bad for her, but I can't say she and I ever got along. At least Daddy tries to spend time with me, even if it is awkward.

Well, I must get to my ballet lessons now. I've forgotten how much fun it is to have pen mate. Let's not let our friendship suffer anymore by distance.

Cordially Yours,

Veruca