Dad,
Thought I'd send Saffron out real quick to share the events of my first twenty-four hours here.
Enjoy (does sarcasm translate via quill?)
Yesterday evening, we were informed that a bloody tournament is being hosted here. What sounded like fun and games is actually a death march, supposedly. Those are my own words, but trust me - it's just as it sounds. And to my surprise, many a student are already lining up! (Myself included - kidding).
You'll never guess this, though. One of our hosted schools is Beauxbatons. My old friend I mentioned is here: Calliope. I haven't had the chance to talk to her yet, but I'm looking forward to it. It would be nice to have her back, even just for one year.
As for my evening, I'm about to go watch George make a right fool of himself as him and Fred attempt to get their names in to be considered for the tournament. I assume this doesn't make a better case for him. Nevertheless, he's harmless, and I promised you this vitally important gossip, didn't I?
It is odd not having you here. Though I've never had you before, last year was an utter whirlwind. I went from no dad, to dad/teacher/always in your office and now.. well I don't have no dad again, but you get that point.
My next point hinges on the Dark Arts - we've got a psychopath teaching it! Name's Mad Eye and he's actually terrifying. He had us perform all three Unforgivable Curses IN CLASS today. So much for no use of practical spells, as I could quickly torture and take out a Death Eater in one fell swoop now already!
Anyway, I hope you and our dog are doing well. I do miss you, but nothing seems amiss here.
Same old, same old.
…Other than a death defying tournament that we get to witness, that is. Do you suppose this will be broadcast?
Emeline
As she folded the letter and sent Saffron off with a kiss to her feathery head, Emeline grabbed her bag and the novel she was currently reading and darted out of her common room in a hope to meet her friends around the Triwizard Cup and 'bask in it's glory' as the twins said.
•
"It is quite dim-witted, I must agree." Emeline divulged, laughing next to Hermione. Both girls, books in hand, couldn't contain their giggling as the twins jumped over the age line and made it. It took only moments to backfire, as expected and they howled with laughter louder as they watched the twins wrestle on the ground, George's facial color matching Emeline's usual embarrassed flush for the first time ever as he glanced at her before they hurried out of the room.
"What a sight." Emeline chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Age does not become him the way I thought it would."
Hermione laughed as they both turned back to their books, but she quickly looked up as she felt she's on her.
Emeline's head shot up in curiosity after Hermione's and she saw the lingering look Victor Krum sent her way.
"Did you see that!" Emeline whispered.
Hermione nudged her side and shook her head. It was her turn to switch to a shade of pink now.
"I haven't a clue what you're talking about."
Both back to their books, they passed the time between fiction and study before supper.
•
The starry night and candles flickered and lit up the ambiance of the room as the Headmaster extinguished the side lighting and allowed the blue glow of the cup to illuminate the Great Hall.
Everyone waited with bated breath for the names to be drawn and Emeline shot her Gryffindor friends an excited smile. Her eyes grazed right across Calliope's again, the Beauxbatons seated separately.
Why was she avoiding her?
She redirected her attention as her table erupted in excitement. Cedric was their chosen champion for Hogwarts. Of all houses, hers! And someone shed spent some time at the Quidditch Cup with.
"Wicked, congrats!" She joined in with everyone else as he stood and took his place with Fleur and Victor.
When all seemed to settle and they were ready to eat, the cup erupted and spewed out another slip of paper. Emeline could hardly believe her ears when Dumbledore composed himself enough to speak.
"Harry Potter!"
When the champions had left the hall, the rushed to her feet to see if another owl was free in the owlry. She simply had to get this to her father and Sirius right on the tail skirts of her letter sent with Saffron.
•
The next morning, Emeline was awoken to a pecking on her beside window and opened her sleepy eyes to see Saffron waiting patiently with a letter in her beak. She jumped out of bed now and let her in, quickly taking the letter and tearing it open.
Em,
It translated via quill quite well before I even read that line. The 'enjoy' was quite enough.
Sarcasm or not, I was happy to be greeted by Saffron last night.
Another friend flew in behind her with your secondary news.
Harry was chosen, but how? Our dog and I are extremely concerned for him and we need more information. Please ask Harry to take you to his common room tomorrow evening, alone, and meet us by the fire. You'll understand.
As for your defensive classes, as sick as you practicing those curses makes me and as uncomfortable a feeling as it may be, there is no law against learning them. Stay alert and stay safe. It certainly isn't the 'getting ahead' I was aiming for, but I know you are safe at Hogwarts, especially with an auror like Alastor. He is gruff and eccentric.. I'd never peg him for a psychopath.
Are you that uncomfortable around him, pup?
I hope you get to speak with your friend soon. That's a wonderful addition to your year and I'm happy for you.
As for here, I miss you too, Emeline. More than you know. But I'm very proud of you and I will see you tomorrow evening.
PS: the tournament is not broadcast despite the fact that were you of age, you competing in it would be broadcast worthy. (Does sarcasm translate via quill?)
-Dad
•
Down by the lake later that afternoon, Emeline found Harry and Neville, chatting jovially about sea creatures and various oceanic potions. Well, Neville was jovial, anyway.
"Hey Neville." She greeted cheerfully.
Was it just her, or did he tinge pink at her greeting?
"Emeline, hey!" Harry interjected.
"Harry, I was hoping to get a word. It'll just take a moment."
He nodded and Neville smiled, turning back to his book and offering them privacy.
Harry walked over to her and she dropped her voice to a whisper.
"Harry, Padfoot and Moony would like to meet us fireside in the Gryffindor common room alone tomorrow night. They're extremely concerned about your name being pulled and they have questions."
Harry nodded and glanced back at Neville, who still wasn't paying attention.
"Padfoot will be there?"
"That's what they say," Emeline shrugged. "Think we can swing it?"
"Definitely. I'll see you there."
"See you there, Harry."
They were interrupted swiftly by the other half of their friend circle in a sad yet hysterical display of back and forth telephone. Like a game, Hermione relayed information between the boys (whom Emeline had no clue were evening arguing) before she finally got fed up and stormed off. Emeline figured she'd remove herself from a situation in which she didn't belong and hurried off after Hermione and Ginny who'd followed suit.
She caught the most important bit, though: That Hagrid was looking for Harry.
Why? She hadn't the slightest clue.