From the End to the Start
Chapter 13
Dear Diaval,
Guess who got thrown out of the house? My parents decided to send me away for the summer, in the fear that I might infect my little sister with "blood traitor-ism". Pretty sure that if they had their way, they would have left me in the streets, but uncle convinced them to let me stay with him instead. At least now I can write to you freely.
How is your summer so far?
Uncle has been visiting the manor as frequently as possible to check on Aurora. For now, she's safe, considering all she does is eat, cry and sleep. Our house elf, Tippy, is taking care of all her needs. She's the same house elf who used to take care of me. Did I ever tell you that? Mother is so averse to handling children so it has always been Tippy who fed, bathed and cradled me to sleep. It's a good thing she's still in the house to look after Aurora.
I want to see her, Diaval. I wish I could. I don't even know why. I never wanted to have a sister. But despite only holding her once, I feel like a part of my heart will always stay with her.
I hope you are well and enjoying the vacation.
Yours,
Maleficent
Dear Lefi,
I'm happy that we can write freely now, but I'm upset because your parents have got to be the biggest bastards in the world. What parent willingly kicks a child out? They just make me so angry. Why did they even have children in the first place, if they hated you so much?
I think that people are born with an inherent desire for family (obviously your parents are exceptions to the rule though), and that's why despite only seeing her once, you are already attached to her. After all, doesn't the adage go, "Blood is thicker than water"? Whoever said that may have a point. Also, I think your desire to protect her only strengthens the attachment.
Do try to see the positive side of things. At least you're with your Uncle Balthazar now. Don't dwell too much on things outside of your control, and don't beat yourself up unnecessarily. I just want you to be happy, no matter how transient the feeling is.
Yours,
Diaval
P.S. My summer is extraordinarily ordinary this year. Mostly I'm left alone at the house. I go out sometimes, but oftentimes I just read. We're going to have our O. this year, so I need to get a headstart on that. I don't want to get too swamped during the school year.
Dear Diaval,
My parents only had children for the sake of continuing the name. We are one of the few truly pureblood families left, and like most of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, my parents endeavored to produce children only to keep the bloodline alive.
It's a bit of a surprise that you got the adage wrong. It's true that "blood is thicker than water" is the popular form, but the ancient runic texts show that its complete form is this: The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, meaning that the ties you choose are stronger than the ties you were born with. I know something you don't! How about that?
Nevertheless, I do agree that in Aurora's case, there is attachment because she's kin, and yes, because I want to protect her from the influence of my family.
I am trying to let go of all my problems and focus on the fact that I'm free, at least somewhat. As for the case of happiness, it has never been merely transient ever since we became friends.
Yours,
Maleficent
P.S. Do you ever stop studying?
Dear Lefi,
I never knew "blood is thicker than water" is the incomplete version! I suppose the meaning has been severely misinterpreted through runic translations, as is typical of language translations all over the world. Thanks for the trivia! And please, you know a lot of things I don't, but only because you've had access to the most ancient wizarding books before I could even speak. Unfair advantage, if you ask me.
Regarding your comment about happiness: the notion that my friendship is enough to make you happy is about the best thing you've ever said to me. I'm glad that even in my inadequate ways, I've been able to help you cope with everything. And you make me happy too, by the way.
Yours,
Diaval
P.S. No. I do not stop studying, and I do not stop learning. After all, we are merely students of life and observers of the miracle of human consciousness! (I can already see you rolling your eyes at this!)
Dear Diaval,
You just can't admit I'm smarter than you.
But since I am a gracious person, I've decided to ease your feelings of injustice and unfairness by sending you my own copy of Alchemy, Ancient Art and Science by Argo Pyrites. You will be pleased to know that my copy is one the first printings of the book, so it still contains Pyrites' lengthy end-of-chapter notes and discussion points, which have been cut in the later printings as it was deemed unnecessary. You're welcome.
You have never been inadequate, Diaval. Truthfully, it is I who haven't been the perfect friend to you. You've never really needed me for anything and I believe I've never given you the measure of friendship that you've given me. I'm sorry, and thank you for staying even despite everything.
Yours,
Maleficent
P.S. I did roll my eyes at it. You say the most rubbish things ever, though I can't deny you spin your words creatively. By the way, I've included a revision guide for the O. in the package. They give those away in the ministry for free, and uncle brought home some.
Dear Lefi,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! By the time this reaches you I'm probably already done with the book. Merlin, I'd love a trip to your house library someday. Imagine all the books you've got that are not even being read!
That's rubbish, Lefi. You have nothing to apologize about. Just the mere fact that you've gone against everything you've been taught and everything that's been expected of you just to be my friend is enough. And of course I'm staying with you- you're my best friend, okay? (And also because I want more books. Kidding!)
Yours,
Diaval
P.S. The revision guide was brilliant! Thanks ever so much. I want to do as much revision as possible since I'm trying out of the quidditch team this year! Wish me luck!
Dear Diaval,
My family is so entrenched in muggle hatred that the house itself might attempt to kill you if you ever set foot there. To compensate, I guess I'll just have to smuggle our library to you one book at a time. Since you're already done with Alchemy, I'm sending you Olde and Forgotten Bewitchments and Charmes. It might be useful for the O. .
You're my best friend too, but you already know that. And no, I don't think you were kidding at all. You never are, when it comes to studying. Nerd. (I say that with affection, don't worry.)
Yours,
Maleficent
P.S. Despite hating most of Slytherin house, I still want us to win quidditch, so no, I will not wish you luck.
Dear Lefi,
You send the best stuff ever. In exchange, I give you 1984. I'm not sure if it's good enough but it's one of my favorites. I think the amount of detail pertaining to muggle culture might confuse you, but the themes of the book and the entire plot is too good to pass up, I think.
"Nerd" is a compliment in my opinion. It simply means I'd rather be smart than stupid, and isn't that what we all should aspire to be?
I'm going to Diagon Alley on the 27th to buy school things. Meet up?
Yours,
Diaval
P.S. You'll be wishing you were on my side when we take the Quidditch Cup this year!
Dear Diaval,
Uncle sneaked me inside the manor to see Aurora. My parents went to Ireland on some urgent business uncle wouldn't tell me. So uncle sneaked me in, and I was finally able to see Aurora! Surprisingly, it didn't take her long enough to warm up to me. She didn't cry the entire time I was there. It was probably Tippy's work that she's so smiley all the time. I know for a fact my parents do not inspire smiles from people. Also, she's learning to sit up by herself now!
1984 was brilliant. The way it exposes the fragility of people is fascinating yet terrifying. I wonder if there was something- anything- that could scare me enough to betray the people I care for. I'm sure I don't want to find out.
Can't meet up with you, sadly. Uncle's getting my things via mail-order because he has an international trip. He'll leave tomorrow and return on the 31st, just in time to see me off to school.
Make sure you return my books before school starts! See you on the train.
Yours,
Maleficent
P.S. Guess who made prefect?
Dear Lefi,
I'm kind of surprised your parents still haven't realized your uncle isn't actually on their side.
Accidentally bumped into Leila on Diagon. We went to Fortescue's. I wish you could have been there. She says hi, by the way.
Just returning your books. See you on the train!
Yours,
Diaval
P.S. I always knew you'd be prefect. Leila told me she and Robert got the post. I'm content being a regular citizen, unlike you ambitious lot.
A/N: As you can see, I jumped from March to summer vacation.
I may have gone overboard with the letters, but I think it really shows Diaval and Lefi's growing relationship, how they can be open and vulnerable with each other now, and how comfortable they are with each other. lol
The "blood is thicker than water" thing is unconfirmed, but I thought it'd be cool to add.
I'll try doing the family tree thing on the weekend when I get home.
By the way, after chapter 14, the updates will slow down (to like, once a week or something) if I don't write anything new. It's only been a week in med school and I'm already swamped with work. Whew.
To the anon who asked, I want to become a licensed neurologist. :)
Cheers!