The Written Word

[Amzurah Archer]

Amzurah had returned from her trip to the Mall feeling more refreshed than she had ever felt before. Her chance meeting with a complete and utter stranger had left her smiling the entire way back and as the weeks progressed she found her thoughts drifting to him often. So much so that she wrote to her mother and asked her to send on Zura's copies of The Dominian albums she possessed. Her mother owled them all to her in record time and wondering about her own sanity at this point, Amzurah listened to them all one last time before she wrapped all of them up carefully, put a protection spell on them so that they didn't get damaged in transit and attached a note.

Bas,

Hope these get to you safely. Couldn't believe that you had seriously never heard of them but all that
is now rectified. These are only on loan mind you, I do expect them back at some point. Every album
The Dominian ever had are here - all twenty three of them. Some were my fathers and the rest are my
own. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
It was great running into you.

Zura

 

[Sebastian Rossi]

Sebastian was greatly surprised to discover a package waiting on his bed when he returned from class. He'd only just sent his gran an owl that morning asking her to send his suit so he knew that she couldn't have responded so quickly. His next thought was that it must be from Willow, but when he glanced at the writing, he knew it wasn't. The package did have his name on it though and he shook it carefully as he dropped first his bag and then himself on his bed, surprised at how heavy it was. As he read the letter, Sebastian was surprised to discover that it was from the girl he'd met at the music store. She'd been really cool and they'd spent the entire time talking about music. His eyes widened as he turned to the package and ripped it open, unveiling the entire collection of the Dominian. He put on the first album and as he listened, he reached for a piece of parchment.

Zura,

Wow! I can't believe you sent me all of this. It's wicked cool so far. Thanks.
And don't worry. Your Dominion albums are safe with me.
I promise I'll get them all back to you in one piece, but it may be a while.
I just listened to "Even Protego Can't Save You" and I've got to learn that solo. It's insane.

I'll have to return the favor and lend you some muggle music.
Maybe we can meet up during the holiday to do the exchange?
I'm probably going to be heading to New Zealand for part of the holiday.

How's life in that part of the world?

Bas

 

[Amzurah Archer]

Zura had just had the most grueling training session in the dueling chamber up against the werewolf of all people, the girl was good. No the damn Gryffindor was brilliant and Zura had to take a trip to the hospital wing straight after to make sure everything was still in working order. Never before had this happened to her and it peeved her greatly. She was in need of a bit of good news by the time she returned to her dorm, so discovering a letter waiting for her on her bed was a breath of fresh air. Opening it she smiled, delighted that Bas had written back to her and delighted he was enjoying the music. She couldn't help but smell the parchment a little to see if there was just the faintest hint of scent from him but there wasn't and she rolled her eyes considering herself completely foolish. Feeling much to tired to reply, Amzurah fell asleep but made sure she did write to him the following morning.

Hi Bas,

Glad you're enjoying the tunes. Have to admit your taste is great. That particular song is a fav of mine
as well. No matter how good a guitarist you might consider yourself, other musicians even greater have
tried and failed to perform it as well as The Dominian. It's been rumoured that Flex Durser the base guitarist and Binkle Zhlepp the main guitarist both charmed their guitars with some dark magic. It could
explain why their solos are so hard to copy.

Would love to hear some more of your muggle music but I don't know any muggles or know anyone who has a muggle gadget that would get the albums to work. I think there is a store in Brightstone though so I might take a trip in on our next weekend free and see what I can find. It'd be great to see you again, I don't know many here with a solid taste in music. I managed to get myself a job for the summer holidays with the view to staying on afterwards long term or until something better comes along. Can't believe I never gave my career any real thought before now.

How about you, any plans for your future?

Zura

 

[Sebastian Rossi]

Sebastian was busy sitting outside of the Prefect's lounge area waiting for Trilby to leave another prefect's meeting. With the Yule ball only a little less than a month away, it seemed that Headmaster had the prefects attending constant meetings. Sebastian didn't know what they thought would happen there, since he knew that most of the students looked forward to the dressing up and the festivities that came with the ball. He pulled the letter that he'd gotten back from Amzurah out of his pocket and opened it finally. He'd received it the morning before but hadn't gotten around to reading it because he'd been busy with other things. He chuckled as he read, realizing now exactly why he'd been having such trouble with the song he'd been practicing.

Zura,

Of course my taste is great, I try to tell people that all the time... I wished they'd listen.
I think it is a challenge I'm going to accept. I've already got a few of the bars down but those rumors are probably right.
They must have used dark magic for some of those notes. I don't think my guitar can hit them, but I'm not giving up.

A job sounds cool. Where is it? At the music place? That'd be pretty awesome. Don't be so hard on yourself though.
I haven't thought much about a job either, well other than performing anyway.
My friends and I are in a band, and I'm figuring once we graduate, we'll be able to get more serious with it and maybe do something finally.
But until then, who knows?

I actually may head out to New Zealand during my next weekend.
My only plan for the future so far is trying to figure out what to get my girlfriend for our anniversary.
I was thinking of writing her a song, but anything I've written so far sounds like rubbish.
So, I may have to resort to buying a gift at one of the shops. Any ideas?

Bas

 

[Amzurah Archer]

Zura stretched her way out of her bed, feeling pretty good about herself and the infernal school she had ended up in. Getting washed and then changed into her uniform she pulled on her robe as she left her dorm, only bidding a greeting to Serena and Trinity as she passed the beds, ignoring the red haired grump who seemed to be a thorn in everyone's side of late. As she sat down for breakfast a batch of early owls arrived flying low over the tables as they dropped parcels, howlers and letters off. She pitied the fourth year Hufflepuff who was recieving the Howler and wondered what in the world a Hufflepuff could have done to warrant one. A letter fluttered down to her and she caught it effortlessly.

She smiled at the hand writing she was recognising, of course she read his notes often enough so she was bound to be familiar with his writing by now. Her heart nearly dropped to the ends of her feet though as she read and reread it. Of course he had a girlfriend, why had she thought otherwise? The guy was cool and funny, gorgeous and had great taste in music. Zura sighed and folded up the letter putting it into her pocket while she finished her breakfast. Though she read it again later that day, it was a good two days before she got up the nerve to write back again.

Bas,

Glad you have a healthy view of your own worth anyhow, many boys wouldn't be quite so ...
nope, scrap that every boy I know loves to gloat and boast about themselves. It's only the very
wise who don't listen to them or appear to while not hearing any thing. I am obviously not one of the wise! Well inbetween our letters I wrote and asked my mom about the 'rumours' she's a freelance journalist with the Quibbler and I'll be doing an apprenticeship there from August onwards but as its a no paying job, that's why I had to get myself another one. I am going a bit
all over the place here, so back on track again ...

My dad pretty much inundated my mom with all the old stories of the band, so because I can't very well go to the 'other side' (no matter what some lyrics suggest) to ask him then I had to ask her. She says that it is very possible that they did use something but it wouldn't be dark magic because the ministry of every country would be down on them like a ton of bricks, but they put that 'rumour' out so that cover bands wouldn't rip their stuff off and make a sham of it. Again I say ... Boys!! (totally rolling my eyes here) So if you're brave enough to keep trying, my mom said persevere until your fingers bleed apparantly it helps! I do not know how but figure that it's the only way to break the charm they've used on their music. A drop of persons sweat and blood only after practicing for hours will break it and you'll be able to play just like them. All that trouble!

So what's your band called?
The job is nothing major, I'll be working in a pub in Brightstone village. It belongs to one of my professors. The pay will be cool, so that does help.
Forget buying a gift for her, most girls don't like that type of thing anyhow. Unless she's the type who loves flowers and jewellery. Otherwise I'd suggest going to The Dominian's 12th Album;
The Cauldron of Chaos and listen to track 4; Unbroken Vow.
It is possibly the most amazing love song I have ever heard in my life. Nothing comes close to it. It expresses everything that a person could possibly feel concerning love, how you imagine it to be if you've never felt it; how it is if you are in love and how it always should be. It's really powerful stuff but the great news is ... this one anyone can play. I'm sure they thought their die hard fans wouldn't be into that type of thing so just left it. The lead singer wrote it when his girlfriend was really sick and he thought he might lose her. Give it a listen, if you like it then learn how to play it. If you're any good at singing then sing it to her. It's so memorable trust me. Moonlit night and that song, you can't go wrong!

Goodluck,


Zura

ps let me know when you're coming - I might actually venture out to meet you.

 

[Sebastian Rossi]

With the week that Sebastian had been having, it took him a while to realize that Amzurah hadn't written back in her usual speedy manner. He'd come down with a cold, a fairly bad one that had him sneezing for an entire day before Trilby finally convinced him to go to the nurse. He hated being sick, but he hated taking medicine even more. He'd even missed his favorite class- Potions because the nurse had kept him when she'd detected a spike in his temperature.

As he sat eating some toast in the salle a few days later, Sebastian was feeling a tiny bit better. He watched the owls deliver their messages, still feeling slightly listless, when he wondered what had become of Zura. He didn't have to wonder for long though because a letter dropped on his lap, one with the girl's now familiar writing. And it was much longer than usual. He read over the letter as he finished his toast. Since he had fallen ill, Sebastian had to catch up in classes, so it took him a few days to write back to her.

Zura,

Sorry it's been a while. I've been sick and there's nothing worse than dealing with school when you're sick. These professors are so insensitive. They don't seem to care that I'd rather be in bed than in their class. On a related note, maybe if you girls praised us more, we wouldn't have to do it ourselves. Haha! (I know I'll probably get beat up for making comments like that...)

That's really cool that you've got a mom who works at the Quibbler and that you'll be there too. Paid or not, you must be pretty excited. It's got to be better than working in a shop.
Pubs are pretty cool though, so that should be alright too.
And tell your mom I said thanks. I'll definitely try it out. All the best guitarists play til they bleed anyway so why not me? You reckon I should add some tears to that blood and sweat? Regardless, I'm glad you told me because I was going insane thinking I was the worst ever because I still haven't got past the first few bars of Protego. Bet it's a really powerful charm then since they'll get in trouble for dark magic.
Sad to say, but we haven't really got a name yet. I know, I know. We're working on it though and on finding space to practice.

Thanks for the gift idea. I'll give it a listen when I finish all this stupid make-up work. Scratch that, I listened to it because I didn't want to do my work and it's pretty awesome...for a love song anyway. I skipped right past that song when I listened through the albums, but it sounds like it may be just what I was looking for. Sounds like you've played it for a special someone before...not that it's any of my business. Thanks again!

Bas

P.S. I'll definitely send you an owl if I decide to head to Brightstone.

 

[Amzurah Archer]

Amzurah had a ton of work to do, assignments seemed to have piled up no matter how she tried to stay on top of it all. Her head seemed to ache from the pressure she was under and though tempted to take some of the pep-up pills that others were taking to keep themselves awake into the long hours of the morning for extra study sessions, Zura simply loved her sleep too much. It was also some time since she had received word from Bas and she wondered if he was under the same pressure that she was, not to mind the added pressures of his band and dating.

She couldn't believe how much it niggled her that he was actually seeing someone but she didn't even have time to brood on that fact. It was while eating her cereal a good few days later that a letter arrived. She practically tore it open and sighed on reading it, already aggrieved that he had been ill. Checking her watch she smiled, knowing she had time to get a letter off to him before her next class.

Bas,

it was great to hear from you, you are only amazing! It was like you knew I wanted a letter to stem the flow of boredom that my assignments have cause. Thank you! You are positively wonderful and I bet looked incredibly handsome even with being sick.
hahaha now was that enough praise for you? I think I'll leave you to boast instead, praising a boy for no apparent reason just seems lame. (if you were here I'd most likely be sticking my tongue out too, very mature I know!)

Sorry to hear you were sick and yes, I must agree but not for the sake of praising you in any way - but professors can be quite insensitive especially when us students prefer our comfortable beds to their rock hard desks. The injustice of it all.

Am dying to know if you tried out the piece of music again or not and you know adding tears to the mix might be a great idea, just do me a favour and make sure I get to see it too. Hmm names, these are just off the top of my head because I wanted to get this to you asap...

The Express; The Dawning; The Shadowdwellers; Crystal Moon

Not sure what type of music really you play yet so will give it some more thought when I do. That's if you and your band don't mind me coming up with names and stuff.

Actually I never played it for anyone, the song I mean. Maybe someday ... I don't know. My Dad always played it for my mom and that's how I first came to hear it, then after he died when she misses him, she plays it over and over. It'd have to be a really special person that I am willing to offer that song, to listen too.

Anyhow, weekend is coming up and I will be working for a good bit of it but I also do have time off. If you are around meet up with me at work and maybe we can just hang out. The pub is called The Hogs Head, it's on the main street in Brightstone.

Hope you're well over your man sickness

Zura

 

[Sebastian Rossi]

Sebastian sat with his Potions book opened at the table and propped open by the jug of orange juice at his table while he ate some oatmeal. He had a quiz to study for and since he actually enjoyed the class, he was studying for it. One of his old professors had walked by and given him a look of disbelief which Sebastian promptly ignored. As the owls arrived, he spared a brief glance upwards and was surprised when not one but two letters dropped onto the table in front of him. He paused, glancing at the writing and a huge smile crossed his face. Ripping open the first one he read over it quickly and then briefly nodded to himself. The next he read a bit more slowly, chuckling to himself when he finished.

After finishing his quiz, Sebastian headed for the common room, so he could return those letters. He wrote the one to Willow fairly quickly because all he had to tell her was that he would be there at the Hog's Head. The second letter took him a bit longer since he had more to say to Amzurah.

Zura,

Of course I felt your boredom because I'm feeling it too. It's just been work, work, work here in France. But thanks for understanding how awesome I am! I'm kidding of course. I wouldn't want you to think I'm some arrogant a- because I'm so not. I did get an O on my potions quiz today though. Just saying.

You're pretty awesome yourself. First, the albums, then the song and now some killer ideas for band names? You're like my personal Yoda...sorry couldn't help throwing in a Star Wars reference. Ever seen it?

I haven't resorted to tears...yet...but I have felt like throwing my guitar halfway across my room. The only thing that stopped me was that I love my guitar. Couldn't hurt it if my life depended on it. So, sorry but no tears, and I don't know how I'd feel about you seeing them. No one's ever seen me cry, not that I do of course. I know what you mean about the song though. It really has a lot of meaning.

The Hog's Head? Really? That's pretty interesting. I'll be heading to New Zealand in a couple of weeks. Maybe we'll run into each other somewhere.

See ya soon pub girl,
Bas

 

[Amzurah Archer]

It had been quite some time since Zura had been able to write anything to anyone or been able to see anyone who wasn't quarantined in a hospital bed like she was. She had missed out on tons of things but it was her correspondence to Bas that had hindered her the most. She had been one of the last to contract the illness and the very last to actually leave the hospital as a result of it. Professor Rowann had become so ill that even after her recovery she had simply handed in her notice, much too weak to bother with teaching any more. Zura had been disappointed greatly by this as quite frankly she really liked the woman. Her first day of freedom was not spent racing off to Brightstone however as she had missed that particular weekend and it certainly was not reacquainting herself with her classmates, quidditch or anything else like that. It was to blast some music and write her first letter in months to her friend.

Hey Bas,

Yes I am still around and have not forgotten your existence! Hopefully if you've been rehearsing at the Hogshead still then you'll know that the professor was quarantined at the school hospital with a bad strain of dragon pox, unfortunately I caught it from her and was secluded in the hospital for the past three months. I feel horrible for not being able to write and explain but for the most of it I was seriously too ill to bother with picking up a quill. I couldn't even muster up the energy to speak to a quick quotes quill I was that bad. I am looking for uber amounts of sympathy now and hope you're going to give it in vast amounts.

How is the love life these days then... is she thrilled to bits with the gift you gave her? What did you get her in the end? Whatever it was I'm sure she loved it, I know I would have. How is the band going? I'm dying to hear you guys play, did you settle on a name yet? Sorry if I am all questions but I have been starved for news for so long and this from a girl whose mother works for the Quibbler!

Are you all set for graduation? For your NEWTs?
About that actually, I was sort of wondering how you'd feel about coming to mine? Not the NEWTS though you're more than welcome to do those for me but to my graduation I mean. My mom can't make it and neither can my aunt, can't exactly remember why but I really don't want to go through the day on my own. Crap I sound massively pathetic now, scratch that you don't have to come at all. Bet you have enough to be doing anyhow!

Hope to hear from you soon and am cringing at how needy I am sounding here, that's what months in a hospital will do to a person *insert massively sad pathetic face looking for sympathy vote*

take care you
Zura!

 

[Sebastian Rossi]

Sebastian stepped into the Grand Salle with a huge smile on his face. It was the first time in months that it had found its way there to such a degree. He'd been depressed, really depressed since breaking up with Trilby, being rude to students, skipping classes and leaving school to be alone. All of it had caught up to him though and he'd earned himself two week's worth of detention which he just finished today.

Pulling a plate towards him, Sebastian knew that it meant his mail ban had been lifted as well. Not that he got much in the first place. As his stuff soared toward him, Sebastian sighed and quickly opened the howler. His Nona's voice echoed screaming about how he was better than how he was behaving. He looked down sheepishly, knowing it was true. Next was a copy of a wizarding music magazine he'd taken out a subscription to. He put it to the side and reached for the envelope. He was a bit surprised to see it actually, thinking that he'd somehow lost her too. He opened the letter slowly and read it while he ate, happy that she hadn't just lost interest or tired of him but sad when it mentioned Trilby even though he knew she had no way of knowing. As he had a free period, he set out to write back even though he knew he should be doing some NEWT studying.

Hey there stranger,

I would have written back to you sooner, but I was on detention these past weeks and I wasn't allowed mail. Don't ask why.

Sorry to hear you've been so sick. I heard about Rowann, but I never put two and two together that you'd probably caught the pox too. I was wondering what happened to you, but I just figured you were busy or something with school or other stuff. I hear that the pox is pretty nasty stuff, so I'm sending all of my sympathy your way...as soon as I find a card box big enough for it to fit in. Haha!

The band is doing great! We actually did settle on a name: Ares Moon. What do you think? I was going to invite you to a showcase we had, but then I found out that your school's brightstone weekend had already passed. And, I guess you wouldn't have been able to come anyway seeing as you were stuck in a hospital bed. You'll have to come to a practice or something sometime soon. Maybe after graduation sometime. I can't wait until graduation! Seriously, you have no idea. It'll mean no more NEWTs, no more school, no more drama. And, If you really want me to go to your graduation, I'd be honored. Count me in, and I'll probably bring your music with me. I know I was supposed to give it back to you around the holidays, but things came up. Sorry .

Talk to you soon,
Bas

P.S. I actually was going to ignore the whole love life question, but then I figured you'd call me out on it in the next letter. So, here it goes: Long story, short: She broke up with me. On our anniversary. Sucks, right? So, I never gave her the gift. I actually ended up trashing it. Yes, I still love her. And no, there's no chance we're getting back together. We don't even talk anymore. That's my love life. Now, I guess you can see why I can't wait to leave school, huh?

 

[Amzurah Archer]

Zura had just finished her first exam and was walking out of the classroom feeling disgruntled and exhausted when an owl came swooping down low and almost took her head off but not before dropping a letter on to her lap. Looking at the writing she smiled, her entire day perking up immediately. She waved to Danny and headed over to the nearest alcove to read it, practically tearing open the seal to do so. She knew she should have felt bad for him, knew she should have been upset that someone had broken his heart and part of her was and that part of her wanted to hex the living daylights out of his ex-girlfriend but the rest of her was screaming and jumping about with delirium. He was single again! Sure he wasn't going to be on the look out for a girlfriend any time soon he had said he still loved her which was a bad sign but Zura had every intention of helping him get over this heartache and fast!

Bas!!

I almost got a detention today the students and professors were in uproar with the size of the box that arrived for me gushing with sympathy. They were drowned out literally in every lesson by the sound of your sobbing!! I kid of course but your beautiful sentiment did not go unnoticed and I appreciate the little effort you made to send me at least some bit of sympathy. It would not do to have me feel sorry for myself for too long would it?

Glad to hear the band is doing well and I am kicking myself even more now for having missed your first gig but I am confident there will be others and I will be in attendance at all of them, providing of course that your band is any good. Love the name by the way, nice ring to it!

Will send you all the details for the graduation ceremony as soon as I know anything, can't wait to see you get my music back - know you were really only holding onto them so you could give them back in person! I know my scintillating conversation gets missed.

Sorry to hear about the love life or lack of. I'd tell you the usual you'll get over her and stuff but I won't. It's best to work yourself through it, like a grieving process especially as you do still love her. Are you holding out hope that you two will get back together again? Can I just say this... you're a musician Bas. Do what you do best. Pour it all into your music, the pain, the anger, the frustration. Write some songs, play your guitar until your fingers bleed. Get it all out of your system in a constructive way. You'll be surprised how you feel afterwards. I'm always here if and when you want to talk.

Zura

ps contrary to popular belief dragon pox does not make a person look like a dragon, so don't be worried about how I might look when you do show up to my graduation. I scrub up pretty well.

 

[Sebastian Rossi]

Sebastian was sitting in one of the towers studying for the Herbology NEWT he would be sitting in the next day. He was far from expecting an Outstanding or an Exceeds Expectations but he was hoping for an Acceptable. As an owl flew towards the window where he sat, he closed his textbook and reached for the envelope. Opening it up, Sebastian spent the next half hour reading, laughing and then writing back to Zura. It was a much needed break with the stress of his exams.

Zura,

Clearly the professors and your classmates do not appreciate the extent to which I sympathized with you. I'm glad you did though but next time I guess I'll limit it to an envelope.

I guess I'll just write your name on a seat then because you will be at every show. We are awesome and I'm not just saying that. Ok, maybe I am just saying it but we are really good and we've been practicing like crazy. So, would you rather your seat be on the right side of the stage or the left? I'd choose the left if I were you since that's where yours truly plays. Just saying.

Speaking of, it must be a musician thing because that's exactly how I've been dealing with it all. I must have about 10 songs that I'll probably never use, but it absolutely helped me deal. And, no...I don't think Tril and I are getting back together. It's been six months and we haven't said a word to each other. Well, that's not technically true. I told her to keep my Herbology quiz when she was handing them back the other day and mine had a D on it. I don't think that counts though. The words not the D, though I wished that didn't count either. My NEWT is tomorrow and let's just say I don't have high hopes for that one. I'll be back to studying as soon as I'm done with this because this is waay more important than studying. Aren't you glad I have my priorities straight?

PHEW! I was worried I wouldn't recognize ya. Haha! Seriously, I never once doubted that you would look anything other than great at graduation. It'll be the last time you have to see/ be in school. How you could not be glowing????

Can't wait for more scintillating conversation,
Bas

 

[Amzurah Archer]

It was evening of the same day when the owl arrived and she held the letter he dropped to her, close to her heart. She was most likely stupid as hell to behave like this, getting her hopes up over a boy who she was friends with but she was sure that the small acquaintanceship that had sprung up accidentally had been destiny dropping by to lend them a helping hand. The same way it had given her a nudge to write to him that very first time. It surely couldn't have been mere coincidence that the place he practiced music and the place she worked were one and the same. If it were all coincidences then so in her view was the fact that now that she was graduating and going out into the big world, the boy she had quite literally been fantasing about for months was now back on the market single again.

She did not get a chance to read his letter until she was firmly tucked up in bed and then she could only beam from ear to ear. Unfortunately with exams and extra study periods squeezed in Zura did not get a chance to write back to him until the following day.

Bas,

next time I am that ill which I seriously don't plan on being, I will be a small fish in the big pond of life and will be sent to Mungo's where you can bring all the sympathy you want for yourself, if the sickness is contagious all the better, you can contract it and we can sympathise together.

Damn right I'm going to be at every show mister and if on the left is the side you play on well it goes without saying that, that is where I'll be. You have to have at least one groupie following you personally.Will promise to even throw in some screaming and swooning just for show of course!! Do I get the infamous backstage passes as well?

Wow, 10 songs huh? you have been busy but I am glad it helps. It helped me plenty of times when I've been too frustrated to know what else to do with myself. It's a great release. I'm also glad to see you've got your priorities right, though not sure how the professors would see it. Writing to me must always take precedence over studying, how else will you be chilled out enough to do any?! You'll be fine, stop sweating it! Have every faith in you and if you do happen to fail then I'll become some wealthy writer or musician myself and keep you in the lap of luxury. hahahaha

I've enclosed another small parchment with the graduation details on it. I'm so glad you're coming, it won't be quite as boring as I was otherwise expecting it to be. It feels like forever since I've seen you and I can't wait I'm really looking forward it'll be good to see you again.

Zura

 

[Sebastian Rossi]

Amzurah's letter arrived to Sebastian just as he was leaving the Grand Salle, so he slipped it into his pocket as he headed towards the greenhouse to take his Herbology exam. He was quite nervous and eager to get it over with, and he slipped into the room twenty minutes early. Opening his book, Sebastian began to cram, hoping that the information he was reading would be on the exam.Later on that night as he was putting on his pajamas and feeling unsure over his work on the written portion of the exam, something slipped out of his pants pocket and went under his bed. Sebastian reached under and pulled it out, confused for a moment until he saw the writing on the front. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten about Amzurah's letter! Ripping it open, Sebastian lay on his bed and read. He wasn't exactly sure how he felt about the idea of sharing some sort of contagious illness, but it made him laugh anyway. His roommate kept shooting him odd glances but Sebastian hardly noticed. As he continued reading, Sebastian frowned. Maybe his idea and Zura's idea about groupies were different, but he wasn't sure he liked that at all. He put the letter on his bedside table and turned off his light, thinking about that for a while before falling asleep. The next morning, over breakfast, he jotted down a reply. He figured she was probably joking about the whole thing, so he wasn't going to take it too seriously.

Zura,

If you end up at St. Mungos and I have to go visit you, I'm the one who's going to need the sympathy. I don't really like hospitals all that much, so how about we BOTH stay healthy? Besides, if you're sick, you'll have to miss more shows and we can't have that now. It would be tragic especially since that means someone else would have to fill your seat. Ares Moon plans on playing to sell out crowds, but just in case it'll be great knowing that there will be at least one person in our audience each and every night. Groupie? Nah, I think you have too much class for that. I plan on having plenty of groupies though so there's no need for you to worry about it. I think you can be my moral support because then you won't have to pretend to swoon or anything. You can just enjoy the music.

Speaking of, I hope you're really working on your music and writing because I just finished my written in Herbology and it was not pretty. I've got my practical day after tomorrow so we'll see how that goes. Now, that I know you're going to fund me for the rest of my life, I don't think I have the motivation to study. Just thought I should let you know you're going to have to make sure I have a personal chef and plenty of paper...and new instruments once a year. It shouldn't be too expensive, right? Haha. Man, you're awesome.

Just checked out the paper and it all looks good. Ha! I graduate before you do, so I'll already be a graduate by the time I see you. I'm going to have to break my vow to never enter a place of education again just to see you graduate, so I hope it's worth it. Just kidding. I' m actually looking forward to your graduation more than my own! I'm going to have to hear Trilby give her head girl speech and I bet it's gonna be awesome .

Graduation...here we come!

Bas