From the End to the Start
Chapter 3
Dear uncle,
Mother said I can't come visit you until after the gala. I hope that's okay.
I've been mostly cooped up in my room, reading and writing. I loved the books you sent me. I'm halfway through my summer homework as well. I suppose I'm spending my summer in the most boring way possible, but there's really nothing else to do in the house. The only other thing I've been doing is writing to Diaval. He tells the most fascinating stories about muggle-born culture. Do you think you can bring me to muggle London someday?
See you soon!
Love,
Maleficent
Dear Maleficent,
Don't you have a nickname? At this point I'm tempted to put "Dear M" on all my future letters.
How was the summer gala? Was it fun? Do purebloods really do that fancy stuff all the time?
My cousin Robin is staying over for the rest of the summer, so I've been spending most of my time making sure he doesn't sneak into my room. It's a bit bothersome because I have to write my letters and do my homework at night, when he's asleep, but I do enjoy his company. I just wish I could teach him quidditch, you know? I've never really been a fan of football.
I hope you're doing well.
Yours,
Diaval
Dear Diaval,
I suppose you can call me Mal if my name is too tiresome to write, but I really do despise that nickname (it's what Stefan insists on calling me).
The gala was like any other fete we've had in the past, really. Mother made me wear really itchy dress robes, so that was annoying. I'm not even sure why galas like that became tradition. I reckon it's a way for the pureblood elite to flaunt their riches and exchange gossip.
The only upside to the gala was that now I get to stay with Uncle Balthazar for the next two weeks. My parents like sending me away so they can focus on things they deem more important than raising a child. I don't mind, though. I don't want to be around them anyway.
Yours,
Maleficent
P.S. What is football?
Dear Maleficent,
How about Lefi? Can I call you that?
Purebloods are weird. Or maybe it's just your family, because I've never heard Ravenclaw purebloods gripe about such frivolities.
I'm sorry about your parents, and I'm sorry that you've gotten used to it enough for it not to bother you anymore. I wish there was something I could do to help you. At least you have your uncle, right?
Yours,
Diaval
P.S. Football is a sport where people kick a ball across a field to score a goal. Teams are comprised of eleven players each, and the objective is to get the ball past the designated goalkeeper without the use of hands or arms. I'm appending a diagram to help you understand better.
Dear Diaval,
Yes, Lefi is acceptable. Although it sounds weird, doesn't it? Then again, there's really not much you can do with my name.
Honestly, you diagram was useless. You can't draw- haven't you noticed that?
Football is weird. Why would you need so many players to kick just one ball around? Quidditch teams have half the players and three balls- now that's a proper sport.
Oh by the way, advanced happy birthday. I hope my gift is to your liking.
Yours,
Maleficent
Dear Lefi,
I had a small birthday celebration. I wish you could have come- the food was fantastic. Mum is really the best cook ever. Her cooking is even better than the Hogwarts feasts!
Thank you so much for the gift! I've finished reading it already. It's interesting reading about muggle life from a wizard's perspective. There are, however, a few things I'd like to clarify. Maybe we can discuss this in detail at school? My opinions might get lengthy.
In exchange, I'm sending you one of my favorite books. You don't have to read it if it's not to your liking. I just thought it appropriate to share more of my muggle heritage to you, as you have shared more of the wizarding world to me.
Only two weeks left before term starts again! I'm excited about the new things we'll be learning this year.
Yours,
Diaval
P.S. I'm very much aware my drawing abilities are non-existent, thank you very much. Also, I agree that quidditch is the superior sport.
Dear Diaval,
I told myself I would only write to you when I've finished the book you sent. It was a marvelous read, although a difficult one. I've had to ask uncle to explain to me several things in order to understand the book better. Thank you for lending it to me.
Another thing David Copperfield has done is to reaffirm my belief that you are a Ravenclaw through and through.
I'm not entirely sure how we can talk in person at Hogwarts. I suppose we can always meet in the library, but not too often and preferably when there are few students milling around. I really do want to hang out with you, but if Stefan gets wind of it I'm sure he'll write to my parents, and I'm not sure what they would do, to be honest.
Yours,
Maleficent
Dear Maleficent,
Oh. I guess we can just continue writing letters, even in school?
No need to return David Copperfield. It's yours if you want it.
See you on the train.
-Diaval
Dear Diaval,
Are you mad at me? I'm sorry. I would really like to spend more time with you, but you know the situation I'm in.
I'll understand if you don't want to be friends anymore, but I am hoping you still do.
Yours,
Maleficent
A/N: I'm still sick, and I was feeling under the weather when I wrote this so...
Tell me what you think!
Cheers!