Letters...

[Violet Bellamy]

It was only her first day at Hogwarts, but Violet had promised she'd write once she got there and settled down. She knew her parents were a little worried about Violet going to boarding school, so Violet thought she'd write straight away. She didn't want them sitting at home worrying about her.

She quickly scribbled a letter to her parents.

Dear Mum and Dad,
I thought I'd send you a quick note to let you know that I got here okay and I've settled in. I got sorted in to Hufflepuff, I know you'll be disappointed that I'm not in Gryffindor, but it's not what house you're in but what you do in it that counts, right? There are some lovely people in Hufflepuff, I'm sure I'll like it a lot.
I'm nervous about classes starting, but I'm sure I'll do fine. I have History of Magic first, that should be interesting. Unfortunately I don't have Potions or Charms until next term but it doesn't matter, at least I have something to look forward to!
Anyway, I'd better send this now, I have to go to breakfast. Write me back, and I'll write again soonish. Miss you already.
Love, Violet.
P.S. Give my love to Rose, and tell her I miss her.

She found an owl, patted it on the head and gave it the note. She watched it fly off in to the morning sky, then left the owlery for breakfast.

 

[Violet Bellamy]

((lol, I'm using this thread to develop Violet as a character. I hope you don't mind.))

Friday afternoon, and Violet made her way to the Owlery yet again, holding in her hands the letter she'd received the previous morning from her mother. Shaking her head as she read over it again, she scribbled out another letter home.

Dear Mum and Dad,
Yes, Mum, I'm doing my homework, keeping up with it, and what not. I've done all my homework for the 4 lessons I've had so far (History Of Magic, Astronomy, Defence Against The Dark Arts, and Transfiguration). I have Flying tomorrow. I hope I'm not too bad at it, you know how uncoordinated I am!
And yes, Mum, I'm glad I'm in Hufflepuff. Everyone's so kind. I'm in a dorm with two other first year girls, Emma and Jezreel, and they're lovely. I'm really quite glad I was put in Hufflepuff. That's not to say Ravenclaw and Gryffindor girls aren't nice, they're lovely, too. I also met a couple of Slytherin people who are really nice. So it's a nice year group.
I'm still getting used to things around here, it's such a change! This morning, my Transfiguration teacher turned in to a cat, and back. That was quite shocking!
Hey, dad: how's the surgery? Do you miss my help on a Saturday?
Anyway, I should go, there are heaps of owls here and I'm not a fan of birds. I really hope they can't read that.
Love to Rose, of course. And to you two. Miss you.
Love, Violet.

She sent the letter off and returned to the Hufflepuff dormitory, ready to relax a little before dinner time.

 

[Violet Bellamy]

Violet trudged up to the Owlery. It was about time she sent another letter home, it had been ages. She knew her mother would be freaking out right about now. She even said so, in her last letter. Violet snorted. Her mother was crazy, sometimes.
Violet perched herself up on the window of the tower, and pulled out parchment, a quill, and ink, and scrawled a letter to her parents.

Dear Mum and Dad,
I'm so sorry I haven't written earlier. Things have been a little hectic here! I've hardly had time to eat, let alone write. (Don't worry though, I'm eating.)
I was a little homesick last week, but I'm feeling a lot better now. There are so many lovely people here, I've made so many friends. All the Hufflepuff 1st years are really kind. I've also met a couple of nice Ravenclaws and Gryffindors. Haven't had much to do with the Slytherins yet, though, but I'm sure they're not all bad.
I love it here, it's so beautiful.
The lessons are really good, a little challenging but I enjoy them. I think my best subject at the moment is History of Magic. My worst is probably Astronomy! Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration are really good, too. I haven't got to use my wand for anything, yet, but hopefully I will, soon. It looks kind of lonely there, not being used.
Also, I learnt to fly a broomstick! It's so amazing. It took me a little while to pick it up, but I practiced and now I can do it. I went to extra practices, and that was a really good idea, because the flying professor is buying me and some of the others our very own Firebolts! I know you probably think I'll ruin it because I'm so uncoordinated, but I really think I'll be able to use it well. I'll have to get a broom servicing kit from Obsidian Harbour.
I also joined clubs at school. I joined the book club, the drama club, the music club and the language club. I hope I'm not overloading myself. The language club is really good, I've improved my French and was even able to teach one of the guys some new words. I know I'm no teacher...
Anyway, it's dinner time, so I've got to go. I got the books from Aunt Pearl today, and I think in love. I'll have to write to her soon to tell her I said thank you.
Tell Rose I miss her, and give her a hug for me.
Love, Violet.

She folded up the letter, and attached it to one of the owls. She watched it fly off in to the sunset, and would've stayed there longer, had she not realised how hungry she was. She skipped downstairs to her dorm to put her writing supplies away, and then raced down to the Great Hall for dinner.

 

[Violet Bellamy]

Violet looked incredulously at the last letter her mother had written to her.
"You have no faith in me, mum..." she said quietly to herself, before scrawling yet another letter home.

Dear Mum and Dad,
Mum, why don't you believe me about the Firebolt? You know I'm not that imaginitive. In fact, I got my new broom a couple of days ago. It's fantastic, I love it! And yes, I really, in all honesty can fly. I guess I'll have to show you sometime, because you won't believe me otherwise.
And yes, I told you, I'm eating. I spent the last week with a bit of a cold, but it's okay, I went to the Hospital wing and got some medicine, and feel heaps better now, and I'm looking after myself more carefully. So STOP WORRYING, MUM.
Oh, in History of Magic, we went to the Smithsonian museum, can you believe it? We used a portkey. It was a strange experience. I also got a really high mark for the lesson, and I'm really proud of it. I know you and dad would be proud, too.
In Defence Against the Dark Arts, we got to use our wands for the first time! I learnt how to stun and how to block. It was really scary, but really fun, too.
And just last night, I decided to set up a support and study group for the Hufflepuff first years. Aren't you proud?
I've said it once, and I'll say it again - the people here are really, really nice. I'll admit - I was wrong in not wanting to come here. I love it, so much.
Anyway, I'd better go. Give dad and Rose lots of love from me, I miss you all. <3
- Violet

Coaxing one of the owls with some toast she had taken from the breakfast table, she gave the owl the letter and watched as it flew off in to the distance.

 

[Violet Bellamy]

Violet hastily scribbled a letter to her aunt and uncle (and cousin) in England, feeling terrible that she hadn't written before.

Dear Aunt Pearl, Uncle Patrick and Angus,
(I know Antoinette won't get this letter, but I'm writing her one now as well).
I'm so sorry I haven't written earlier. Things have just been so busy! Then I got a cold, and well...it's just been hectic, really!
Thank you so, so much for the books! I love them so much, I've been reading them in any spare time I've had! I re-read Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, and I love it dearly. I'm reading Jane Eyre now. I'm almost sad I'm missing a 'conventional' education to go to Hogwarts! I miss English classes.
How are things over in England? I swear I'm going to come over there and visit one day. How's work? How's school, Angus?
The only problem with being at Hogwarts (well, apart from missing normal classes like English) is the isolation. I miss out on all the news.
Again, I'm really sorry that I didn't write earlier. I promise I'll write again, as long as you write back.
Love, Violet.

Then, thinking that she'd have to write to her other cousin, she scribbled another note out of guilt.

Dear Antoinette,
Hi! I'm so sorry that I didn't write earlier, I've been feeling a little...well, yucky. But I'm better now. Any letter I would have sent before would've been all whingy and whiny!
Congratulations on being sorted in Ravenclaw! I got sorted in to Hufflepuff, and I love it so much. Do you like Ravenclaw?
Are the people over there nice? The people here are so kind, and the lessons are so interesting. I love it a lot. I hope you do too.
There's nothing much more to say, really, apart from sorry about the delay in response!
Write back,
Love, Violet.

She shrugged as she read over the letters, and attached them to a nearby owl. Then she descended from the Owlery, down to the Hufflepuff common room to read.

 

[Violet Bellamy]

Dear Mum and Dad,
How are you both? How's Rose?
I'm sorry I got angry in my last letter. I was just upset that you didn't believe me. You have to have trust in me, mum!
I'm loving school, as always. I changed my quill in to a spoon in Transfiguration! It was very exciting. I've also learnt to use a couple of spells in Defence Against the Dark Arts. I keep meeting lovely new people, I swear I meet somebody new nearly every day!
As for moving home, I'm very excited about that. I'd love to see Brisbane again. I'll be sad to leave New Zealand, but I'll have Hogwarts to go to, right?
We've just had our Halloween party. That was a bit exciting. There was lots, and I mean lots of junk food! Sorry, dad. I'm eating healthily, naturally. Honestly.
Apparently there's a ball at Christmas time. That's something I'm not really looking forward to. But it's okay, we'll be moving then, won't we? Besides, as if I'd have fun at the ball. I wouldn't even have a partner to take.
Alright, I'd better go to History of Magic. Love you all lots.
Take care!
- Violet

 

[Violet Bellamy]

Storming up to the Owlery, Violet grabbed her quill and parchment and scrawled a hasty, angry letter home.

Mum,
I'm upset. And angry.
I'm so sick of everything being kept a secret from me.
I hate myself more than ever, now.
First I broke somebody's wrist. Then I got this letter.
I'm so stressed out, and so angry right now.
Not that I should be. I mean, it's worse for you, and for Aunt Pearl, and for Angus, than it is for me, but it doesn't stop me from being enraged.
I can't believe you kept this from me for so long.
What next? Dad's not my real dad?
- Violet.
P.S. What's Angus going to do now, anyway?

She sought out an owl, and attached the letter to it, without being particuarly gentle. The owl scratched at her with its talons and gave her a reproachful look. Violet sighed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't inflict my problems on other people. I'm sure you've got enough problems of your own." She gave the owl a bit of bread, absently patted its head and sent it on its way, then wandered down the stairs. She didn't want to see anyone and she was pretty sure there was nobody who wanted to see her.

 

[Violet Bellamy]

Having finished her last exam, Violet wandered up to the Owlery to write some letters, clutching her sore right elbow in her left hand. She was developing a bruise where the bludger had hit her. It was quite painful. There was also a bit of blood on her left knee, from when she had hit the ground. She clenched her teeth as she walked. "It'll heal," she told herself, dismissing her injuries. There was no way she was going to the Hospital Wing, for this - a small cut and a bruise. She'd had plenty of cuts and bruises in her life. They'd disappear as quickly as they were acquired.

Violet sat outside the Owlery and wrote out some letters. In a matter of days, she'd be back home, but she wanted to write first, to apologise. She couldn't get home, only to have everything in a negative mood. She was moving back to Brisbane, it was Christmas time, and she was seeing the boy she was now to call her brother. She didn't want to sour the mood at all.

Dear Mum and Dad (and Rose),
I'm sorry about my last letter. I was a bit angry and frustrated. It's okay, though, I've reconciled myself to the facts. So, I'm sorry, and thank you for finally telling me.
I just finished my last exam. I got hit on the elbow and nearly crashed in to the ground, but I think I did rather well. (Yes, it's okay, I'm not hurt. A little battered and bruised, but it'll clear up).
I'm looking forward to coming home soon! The Christmas feast is coming up, and then I'll be on the train back home. There's a ball on - the Yule Ball - but you know me. I'm not going. I don't have a partner, and I so wouldn't enjoy it. I'll leave it until my seventh year.
...or maybe fifth.
Anyway, I suspect this letter will have to race me home! I'll see you in a couple of days. I look forward to seeing you all! I'm looking forward to going home to Brisbane, too. I'm very excited!
Lots and lots of love, Violet.

Violet smiled. She was in a good mood, today. She scribbled out another letter.

Dear Angus,
Wow.
That's all I can say.
My brother.
How amazing is that! After all this time, and all the times you said you'd rather have me as a sister than Antoinette - so it's true!
I suppose we have more in common than you two do.
Oh my gosh. I am still in shock, to be honest. Was it a shock to you?
What am I asking you this for, anyway? I'll see you at Christmas.
It'll be much easier to talk things through in person, than me expressing myself in a letter. At least I can get your replies straight away.
I can't wait to see you, and to tell you all about Hogwarts (are you excited? I'm going to bore you to tears!)
Lots of love,
Your sister (haha! how strange!), Violet.

She smiled as she sent the letters off to their respective destinations, but her mood was dampened by the pain in her elbow. She wandered back down the tower stairs to go and sleep, or maybe read. She was reading Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, and she was loving every word of it. It was time to relax. She deserved it.

 

[Violet Bellamy]

For the first couple of weeks back, Violet felt as though a dark cloud was hanging over her. She was moody, sarcastic, and cynical. What's going on? she kept asking herself. But she didn't know. She was lonely and bitter, and completely miserable. She had nobody to talk to. And she knew that she was never going to be the best at anything at Hogwarts, no matter how she tried. For a twelve year old, that was a shocking revelation. She trudged up to the owlery for the first time this semester, and scribbled a couple of letters, just for something to do.

Dear Mum and Dad,
How is everyone? Are you all settling nicely back in Brisbane? I wish I could've been there longer. Oh well, there's always the winter holidays. It'll be nice to see everything again.
Speaking of seasons, it's so weird that it's still winter here, when it's summer at home. I'm still getting used to that. I mean, after the sunny Christmas...
Classes are going well, I have Potions, Charms and Herbology this semester. Potions is okay, Charms is great, and Herbology...well, it's not my favourite subject.
I haven't really spoken to many people this semester, I've kind of kept to myself. I'm trying to do better in my classes. And everyone just seems so down at the moment.
Oh well.
Looking forward to hearing from you again,
Love, Violet.

Formal, non-descriptive. Violet gave a half-smile as she watched the owl with that letter fly away, and then decided to pen another letter.

Dear Angus,
Hey, brother, how are you? Sorry, still getting used to that.
Are you coping alright back in England? I mean, Antoinette's not there so you should be fine. How's school going?
School's okay, here. I've only got 3 subjects this semester and one of them's Charms, which is really good. I mean, I haven't spoken to anybody, realised I don't have friends, and feel generally lonely, but besides that, at least the classes are alright.
I want this year to be over so you can come to school here! I'm really looking forward to next year. I hope you are too.
I seriously can't wait to see you again. Or at least hear from you. Don't keep me waiting, okay?
Love, Violet.

Smiling, a more genuine smile this time, Violet watched as the owl flew away with that letter. All the way to England, poor owl. At least she knew she could count on Angus. At least she'd have a friend at school next year.