Letters to Durmstrang

[Estrella Drage]

Estrella had decided that it was high time to get a hold of Katerina. She felt bad for being horrible at keeping in touch, but with her new duties and such this year she was having a hard time keeping track of anything, let alone the people who weren't constantly around her. The Ravenclaw girl wished she had brought a shawl or jacket of some sort as she ascended the stairs of the chilly tower. With December moving in fast she needed to remember to be wearing something warmer. Finding Harper, she gave the rather neglected barn owl a treat and sent her off with the letter, hoping that the owl would be okay going to Durmstrang.

Katerina,
At this point I daresay you've forgotten me by now. First off, I have to say that I am so deeply, truly sorry for neglecting to respond to your letter at the beginning of last summer. I've been so caught up in things I hardly have time to think for myself!

How are things going at Durmstrang? It really is a shame that you don't go to school here- I wouldn't mind seeing you more often! We will have to organize something over one of the breaks- or, when we get out of school. It's so mind boggling that we have only a year and a half left! I'm still positive that I want to be a professor, but I think I might try to get a post as a librarian for a while. And maybe work odd jobs here and there. What do you want to do after school? (And if we've talked about that before, I apologize for forgetting! I am really starting to think my head was screwed loose when I started NEWT classes.)

Oh! I almost forgot to tell you, I made Head Girl! I really wasn't expecting it, considering that it's only sixth year. It's been nerve wracking, but I like it all the same. It isn't as difficult a task as I thought it was going to be, but it's still crazy knowing that you're paving the way for the rest of the school's . Bruin got Head Boy. I take it you were around for the infamous kissing booth?

And I'm still dating Jaken. We'll be going to the Yule Ball together (of course) and then for Christmas break, I'll be going to his place. It's going to be a little intimidating but I'm sure it will be fun.

Enough about me; how are you doing, Katerina? Have any romantic interests? I do hope I haven't estranged myself by being a horrible contact.

Missing you (a lot!)
Estrella

 

[Katerina Ivanova]

((I am so sorry! ))

Katerina sunk to the floor, her back holding the door in place. The year in New Zealand had been wonderful - and now, back at Durmstrang, things were back to the way they were. Katerina had thought that making peace with Jaken would have eased her trauma at Durmstrang. Sadly, she was mistaken. Demitris, Dietrich, Hayden, and particuarly Svetlana still treated her like dirt, and tormented her at every possible opportunity. At the very least, she had Yvan. He made her time at Durmstrang tolerable, and whenever she was around him, she could forget the torture and torment and focus on how much she loved him - one of her only friends and the person who knew her best.
Her owl had been maimed, and she barely ever had a chance to write, but finally, she managed to compose a letter to send to one of her other friend - Estrella, one of the Hogwarts New Zealand girls she'd really gotten along well with. She missed her, and felt that she really needed to write back.

Estrella,
I could never forget a friend like you! Although I suspect you may have forgotten me, as I've taken a ridiculous amount of time to write back. I am very sorry about this! School has been stressful and tense - out of class and in class. Doesn't matter, though, finally writing now.

Durmstrang is...bearable, I suppose, not enjoyable, but I am coping. The classes are as wonderful as always, although I've never been particuarly fond of Dark Arts. Still, I'm sure I'll pass that class. How's Hogwarts New Zealand? I miss that place. Has Bruin Dumbledez been kissing any more professors? No students coming to harass the girls and their love lives?
It's quite frightening to think it's almost over! I'm not sure what I'll do, I think I might apply for the Russian Ministry of Magic, or perhaps I'll travel the world for a while. I still don't know!

Congratulations on making Head Girl! I'm so proud of you, I knew you'd get it! Bruin got Head Boy - I take it that Professor must have enjoyed the kiss, then. But well done! I'm so happy for you!

Jaken - I underestimated him. We had our difficulties in the past but we have resolved them. I'm happy for you and him - he's a good guy. Me? Well, I'm dating Yvan (I think you met him) - we got together on the last day in New Zealand, as a matter of fact! He's really great, I'm so glad I have him.

Must go, but before I do, I must say that we need to catch up again sometime! What are you doing over the summer?

Miss you and hope to see you again soon!
- Katerina

Kissing her owl on the top of the head, she gently touched the injured wing - the owl didn't flinch, which was good, and attached the letter to her. "Take this letter to Estrella Drage, at Hogwarts New Zealand castle. Be safe."

 

[Estrella Drage]

Estrella could feel several pairs of eyes on her as she let out a small yelp. It was quite obvious that she had not been expecting mail from anyone, of any sort. She was quick to save the letter before the envelope was smeared entirely by her breakfast of kippers and eggs. The Ravenclaw waited until the curious finally became bored, the excitement of her sudden outburst over. She turned the letter onto its front, seeing her name in a rather neat scrawl. It was not one she recognized immediately.

The girl tore open the letter with her fingernail, as she found letter openers were inconvenient in the fact that they were never at hand. It was difficult not to squeal as she realized who the letter was from. She had almost begun to wonder if her friend from Durmstrang had completely forgotten about her, but she forgave the girl instantly. This time of the school year was always incredibly busy, and the other school was leagues upon leagues away, after all.

With half of her breakfast abandoned, Estrella rushed into the library. Luckily, it was a while before she had to attend Arithmancy, and she figured that if she managed her time well she would be able to get to the Owlery and back with a few minutes to spare.

The sixteen year old girl was writing in such excitement that random spots of ink blotted the parchment. Well, she didn't think that Katerina would be too nitpicky. It wasn't long before she had produced a decent letter that had probably turned into a massive question-and-answer session.

Katerina,
Well, you don't know how much of a relief it is to know that! I haven't forgotten you at all- though I can't blame you at all. Especially with exams right around the corner, things around here are busy, busy busy. I can totally relate with you on the stress. I honestly can't wait for sixth year to be over.

It's unfortunate that Durmstrang is only bearable for you, but it's good to hear that you're doing well. Dark Arts? Do you actually have a class on that subject? Or is it more of a Defense class? That's the one we have. It's never been my absolute favorite subject, but I've always liked it. And I'm sure you'll pass it! If you attended school here, I'd have you pegged as a Ravenclaw.

Unfortunately, Bruin has not been smooching any more Professors, at least to my knowledge. I'm sure he's too busy being Head Boy these days. And thanks! Can't say I'm not a sucker for compliments. Being Head Girl really takes away a great deal of your sanity, but I must say it's going to look good on some sort of application- someday.

I agree wholeheartedly. A job in the Russian Ministry of Magic? That would be neat! What do you think you want to do? Traveling is always fun too- and you know you're always welcome in New Zealand!

Yvan yvan- oh wait, I think that I remember him! He seemed like a pretty nice guy. From what I've heard the other Durmstrang guys that were here were right gits. I'm glad that you guys hit it off so well. He's a lucky guy to have a girl like you.

Yeah- Jaken's a good guy too. I went to his family's place over the summer- that was a bit interesting, in my opinion. I haven't been able to see him enough lately. I'm entirely too busy.

The summer? Well, I haven't thought about it at all yet. Silly, considering that there is so little time left in this school year. Maybe we will have to spend some time together! It'd be awesome to catch up! I've been wanting to do a few things ever since I turned seventeen. I'm surprised I haven't exercised my ability to use magic outside of school yet!

And I too must fly. Merlin knows what will happen if I'm late for Arithmancy. I've never been tardy to it before, so I don't know how Professor Manteia would react- and I don't particularly want to find out.

Hope we can catch up again,
Estrella