October 1993
Ilvermorny, The American School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Wizarding Massachusetts, United States of America

Lyra was sitting on an overstuffed couch in her common room when someone passed by her and dropped a letter into her lap, on top of her open book. She tore into it and couldn't get through the first line without smiling.

Puk,
So the bad news is that you have the manners of a cave dwelling troll and have yet to write me, thanking me for your birthday gift. The good news is that I will be available after Christmas and you can grovel to me in person. A bit of advice. The more shameless and sincere your heartfelt apologies, the better. I am expecting it to be good, Black. Don't let me down.
Cheers,
DM

Lyra let her smile drop a fraction. The brat prince was right. She had forgotten to thank him for the bracelet. She'd been trying not to think so much about Scotland and all of the new heaviness that went with it. She was shocked that she hadn't written him though, she wore the bracelet everyday. She looked down at her wrist, studying the way the snake's sapphire eyes reflected the firelight. She shoved her book aside and grabbed a quill.

October 1993
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Wizarding Scotland

A letter landed in front of Draco, dropped by some unseen owl, as he absently read a little blurb about centaurs he'd found in his Magical Creatures textbook. He looked down at the envelope and swallowed his smile. Speaking of magical creatures...

Frog,
You're right, I'm sorry. I love the bracelet. Thank you so much for thinking of me. I hope you had fun on your vacation. What was your favorite place? Other than England and Scotland, I've never even really been outside of New York. Have you ever been to New York City? I told my mom about you and she says hi and that you and your family are welcome any time. I'm really glad you're going to be there this winter and I will prepare a grand speech of apology to soothe your delicate feelings. No really, it'll be huge. I'll release the doves and everything. You're gonna love it.
Best,
Lyra

Draco was struck by a smile that he couldn't hide and stuck her letter in his backpack so he could read it again later, and maybe answer it...if he got around to it. He was terribly busy.

Author's Note - Short one here. More to come. Happy reading! -MM