Serva Me, Servabo Te PV Opened 6/27

To Abella Marie (@Ami Procoppio)

To Ms. Marie

24 July

Abella
Miss Abella

First off, I hope you don't mind my familiarity, but I think after what your bloody owl put me through, I shall call you exactly what I please. Honestly, I've been ignoring all correspondence and no one else's owl was as persistent and rude as yours. When I tried to deposit your letter into the basket where I'm keeping most everything these days, he felt it appropriate to pick it back up and follow me around with it. He did so three times until I set it on a table, at which point, he abandoned the letter, and pecked my head when I tried to go back to bed. The stupid thing wouldn't stop until I opened your letter, and then once I opened it, he tried to bite my hands until I began a reply. Even now, he sits glaring at me eating the mice I got for him. He's quite the little ass.

Despite your owl's rude behavior and the irritation it caused me, your letter is much appreciated. I do remember you vaguely as one of the somewhat tolerable adults at the parties.

I honestly don't know or care to know the gossip that surrounds this house, myself, and my parents right now, but I can imagine. At the moment, I don't think it would do you or me any good to even try to detail all that has occurred. Suffice it to say, the reality of these times is far more painful than any rumor mill could whip up.

As for your thoughts about having been closer with our family, I honestly don't think that would have made it better for anyone involved. In my experience, no Pureblood families are truly close, beyond being close in the way business partners are. All of them chatter and play nice when times are cheery, but the moment anything gets messy, they all turn on each other and devour the ones that are perceived weak. It may be crass to say, but I would say I can say whatever the fuck I please with all that's happened.

I do, in fact, believe that you have no ulterior motive, seeing as your letter was not accompanied by some silly overpriced present. My personal favorite thus far is the bottle of scotch I received. Who the hell sends a bottle of scotch to a family going through something that they could never even possibly comprehend? Still, the elves seemed to have enjoyed it, based on their singing the night it came.

You clearly don't know my parents very well, because anyone who did would say that they absolutely deserved this. I can't know exactly what my parents did to deserve this level of pain, but quite frankly, whatever it was, they did something to earn this. As for myself, I'm sure I've more than earned this, although I have to say, after the mess that last term at school was, I would have thought that that was my punishment for whatever it is I did.

Again, I believe that your sentiment is genuine, mostly because you unlike so many others are not trying to force me to believe it so. You're the first person thus far to express much concern for my well being, which is deeply touching. For the moment, I'm somewhat alright, at least with things that are within the mortal realm of control. The elves are feeding me, and my father's twin's wife has stopped in to make sure that everything is still relatively under control, or at least under control enough to maintain appearances of a functioning house hold (what a joke).

I am grateful for your invitation, but am going to decline on account of the fact that I am absolutely miserable company at the moment, and in no state to be interacting with humans any time soon. However, I can't say that I wouldn't read any other letters that you might send.

Cordially,


PS - There's some water marks on the paper that I think are from your owl sweating on it, although they may rather resemble tears.

Addressed to: @Anastasia Beckett Beckett Manor London, England

Abella Marie Isle of Dogs London, England

July 27, 2020

My dear Anastasia,

Goodness! Well, I must apologize for Evers' behavior, although I must admit, that was mostly my fault. I asked him to make sure you wrote back, but I suppose he took the words a little too close to heart. I forget how... agressive he can be when given a mission and a purpose, so I do sincerely apologize for that. I've already reprimanded him for his horrible behavior, as well as his untimely delivery. I can only assume that he decided to take a detour, as I only received your letter this morning.

You are wise beyond your years, Anastasia, more than you should have to be. I will never ask outright for you to confide in me, but no one should have to bear the weight that you have been tasked to carry, least of all yourself. You say you deserve it, but I promise you, you do not. If anything, I'd deserve it far more than you, regardless of what you've done this past term. Because trust me... I was worse. But I digress. I cannot think of anyone who is less deserving of your pain, but life goes on, leaving destruction behind in its wake. Should you decide that you cannot carry this burden alone, know that I will offer my aid, an open ear, a shoulder to cry on, and some freshly-baked cookies. Cookies make everything better, I am told. You look at the pureblood community with a critical eye, and I will certainly not excuse any of our past, horrible actions, but I hope that I don't live up to that stereotype. My parents might, but I would never turn my back on you. This may seem odd, as we hardly know each other, but I can't help but see myself in you. Just... please. Reach out if you need to. No pressure, or anything. I'm here if you need me.

And someone sent you scotch! Know that I am practically chortling over that, however un-lady-like that may be. You must tell me who, I can uh... try to get you more. For your house-elves! Not for you.

Or maybe for me, if you feel oh-so-generous.

I am sorry that you feel poorly enough that you feel unable to try and force down my awful cooking, but my invitation for dinner still stands. I know that my son would love to meet you. I've shown him pictures of your legendary outfits, and I feel that he desperately needs a makeover. My daughter, as well, but I doubt she'd let anyone style her. Teenagers, am I right?

And speaking of my son and my home, I wonder if I could bore you with my daily life? I don't see many people on a daily basis, living in Muggle London with this virus going around, and even daily video calls from my husband can't seem to lift my spirits enough. Frankly, you're one of my only sources of entertainment. It's a tough job, but I'm sure that you'll be up to the task.

My son, Scout, is getting quite big now. He cannot yet speak in full sentences, but he seems determined to have quite energetic conversations with Evers. The precocious little boy has already begun to toddle around the house, running as fast as his legs can take him. Perhaps I can make a Quidditch player out of him, yet! He's quite the artist, as well, but I suppose all toddlers are, especially at his age. His preferred mediums seem to be colored wax (crayons) and ink (well, markers) on paper, and it seems that he draws most of his inspiration from the great works of Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. Somehow, the local library has DVDs of those shows, and he quite enjoys them. I'm sure such a sophisticated woman as yourself can appreciate art as great as this, yes? His drawings are quite lovely, though, and I can certainly ask him to draw you something for your room if you so desire.

Well. I suppose I shouldn't bore you with the trivialities of an mother's daily life any longer, I highly doubt you found that interesting, and I certainly wouldn't blame you if you just skipped over it.

Hoping you are well, and sending all my love,
Abella Marie

31 July

To Abella Marie (@Ami Procoppio)
Isle of Dogs
London, England

Miss Abella -
What kind of asshole owl does that? Honestly, after the harassment I received, I would have expected him to have gone home the same day. He was less aggressive this time, but still rather persistent and obnoxious. Makes our owl who poops on people look well behaved.

There are mainly things I have been called, some of them less flattering than others, but wise is new. I would vastly prefer to not be wise. From my limited experience, wise tends to be a euphemism for miserable. I scoff at the ignorant, but whoever it was that said ignorance is bliss was definitely on the right track. I would give anything to be ignorant again. For the moment, I'm anything but suitable company, as it seems that all I am capable of is destroying things, intentionally or not. I find that knowing someone rarely changes anything. I have yet to meet anyone who improves upon further acquaintance, so I don't particularly object to our limited interactions. Before this summer, I had yet to encounter a problem that cookies didn't solve. Turns out, they do exist.

I believe the Scotch was from the Greengrass family. Or the Grasston family. Or Grassworth. Something to do with grass. I shall certainly have the elf send you any further particularly festive libations that make their way to our door.

To be perfectly honest, most people desperately need makeovers at any given point in time. Few lack the conviction to dress the way they truly want to, which is rather sad.

I found your account of your family life to be most interesting and am going to demand updates in any and all further letters you send. Your son sounds quite lovely and has excellent taste for one so young. Honestly, I don't think any of us improve with age. I certainly haven't. I also have several questions - what is a video call? I would also certainly appreciate it if an artist such as him sent me a drawing. The manor these days seems terribly lacking in both color and life, so I think art would greatly improve the ambiance.

To be perfectly truthful, you're the only person I'm actually writing to at the moment. I can't bring myself to correspond with any of my friends because I honestly wouldn't even know what to say. I do rather enjoy receiving your letters and I thank you for your concern.

Love,

Addressed to: @Anastasia Beckett Beckett Manor London, England

Abella Marie Isle of Dogs London, England

For the sake of... time and sanity, frequent letters back and forth between Abella and Ana are assumed. Letters from this point on are the more notable ones.

August 30, 2020

My dearest, darling Anastasia,

I worry for you, and I worry about you. After the war against Voldemort, Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. But of course, you of all people know that. Just... please. Be careful. I may no longer attend Hogwarts, but I still hear things. Maybe not as much as I'd like, but gossip travels fast... Ana, darling, please keep me updated. I hate feeling worried.

On a much happier note, Scout has finally learned to eat his vegetables without throwing a complete tantrum over the process. In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion that peas have become his favorite food, although he puts up an awful mighty performance about hating them. He's a world-class actor, especially at only 16 months old. I can only imagine what a mischievous teen he's turn out to be... thank goodness my oldest can't lie to save her life. At least I'll always get an honest answer out of her...

But I digress. You'll be a third year this year, which means electives! I'm sure you'll ace them all, of course; I still remember Ancient Runes being one of my favorite classes- excluding the core classes, of course. Charms was always my strong suit... even now, although I work with Muggles, it still comes in handy every once in awhile. You must let me know who's teaching the electives, though, and what you think of them. Maybe I'll recognize a few names, if any old classmates of mine chose to return to Hogwarts to teach the next generation.

I'm afraid this letter will be very short, as I need to make a last minute trip into Diagon Alley today... but I have included a few gifts for you. I know your mother once mentioned to me that Beckett meant bee... or maybe it wasn't your mother. One of your aunts, perhaps? I can't recall at this very moment... but whomever it was, for some reason, it stuck in my head. I hope the bracelet is to your liking, I have no idea how much jewelry you actually end up wearing on a daily basis. I've always included a package of cookies, although I hope that you don't mind that they're vegan... Scout wanted to include a little picture, too- maybe you'd like to bring it with you, to your dorm? It doesn't move, like our photographs, but he seemed quite proud of it, and I know it would mean a lot to him.

Wishing you the best of luck this semester,
Abella Marie

Gifts included (minus the cookies):

Reducio

10 September

To Abella Marie (@Ami Procoppio)
Isle of Dogs
London, England

Dearest Abella -
Let's be honest, I worry about me. Hogwarts isn't as safe as one might like, but as far as I know, no one's died thus far in the term. I'll do my best to keep you updated on anything particularly interesting.

In that vein, I have something that you might find interesting. It's going to sound bad, but it's really perfectly valid and justified. I would rather you hear it from me than anyone else, and I promise far more thought went into the decision than it may appear. There's a slight possibility that I punched a girl in the face and subsequently tackled her. There may have been blood. In my defense, she kicked me and also punched me. Again, I am more than aware of how this sounds, but I promise that the things she was saying more than validated my attack.

Tell Scout I'm ever so proud of him. I personally loved peas when I was younger, although I couldn't stand most other vegetables. Even now, I still vastly prefer sweets to vegetables, but I've made progress. I apparently threw mythical temper tantrums as a child, so there's hope for Scout yet.

I managed to sign up for all of the electives! So far, I loathe Divination, tolerate Care of Magical Creatures, enjoy Muggle Studies, and positively live for Ancient Runes. Divination is far too much emotion and feelings for me, and I of all people know that attempting to predict the future is completely pointless. Still, drinking tea during class is nice, and as long as I predict death and destruction, I manage an O. Rosalind Kibitzer is our Diviniaation Professor this year, and while I find her subject to be complete and utter tosh, I actually rather like her. I doubt she was one of your classmates, seeing as she's older than the earth itself. Our COMC professor is Ivar Eide, and suffice it to say, I don't think he should be allowed out of Azkaban. He's a competent professor, but he's absolutely deranged looking and I'm not convinced he's permitted to be around children. Runes is Béatrice Lydursdattir and I quite like her, although flying is still my favorite. Muggle Studies is Maya Galim. She's quite pretty, and Muggles are very confusing. Their lives would be so much easier with magic.

I absolutely love the bracelet and have worn it most days since I received it. I have no idea what Beckett means, but the bee is adorable, so I shan't question it. The cookies were delicious, and while I love whipped cream far too much to ever go fully vegan, I bet I could do it if I just lived off of those cookies. Also, do tell Scout that his picture was much appreciated and I keep it on the wall right next to my bed. He really is going to be the next big thing, and I imagine this picture will be worth a killing in a few years.

Love,

Addressed to: @Anastasia Beckett Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ???, Scotland

Abella Marie Isle of Dogs London, England

September 11, 2020

Anastasia Blair Marie Katherine Alexandra Sophia Isabella Ann Beckett, you should be ashamed of yourself.

How dare you jeopardize your reputation, ruin your social image, and stoop so incredibly low as to get into a physical altercation with another student. This is not how you should behave, despite what may have transpired over the summer, Miss Beckett, and I have half a mind to march down to the school right this instant to put your head straight.

Need I remind you that, despite whatever people may be saying, the words of others do not and should not affect a Beckett. Imagine what your grandmother, what your aunts would think if they had been there to see you. Anastasia, you are above this nonsense. You are better than this.

And to whomever the hell thought that it was acceptable, respectable, or god forbid appropriate to speak of Miss Beckett and her family in such a manner, I will find out who you are. And when I do, if you have not apologized to Miss Beckett by that time, I will drag you, your family, and your reputation through the mud if I need to. It would do you some good to remember your manners and show some bloody sympathy.

Do take care, Anastasia. I will see you at Christmas.

"Anastasia Blair Maria Katherin Alexandra Sophia Isabella Ann Beckett, you should be ashamed of yourself!"

Ami snickered quietly to herself, the thought of Anastasia getting reprimanded via Howler highly entertaining to her. This certainly boded well for the day... maybe she'd end up doing well on that Charms essay, after all. But the blood drained from her face as she heard the voice continue to talk, her jaw dropping as she realized...

Holy crap. That wasn't just any snobbish pureblood voice- that was her mother.

Of course, Ami had no idea what had happened to the Becketts over the summer, as she didn't give much weight to the gossip flying through the various pureblood circles that her mother swam in. But now, she was concerned, and she wondered just what, exactly, Ana had gotten herself mixed up in. She'd heard rumors about the fight, of course; she wasn't totally out of the loop. But had it been that serious to warrant a Howler?

Furthermore, what the hell was her mother doing, sending Anastasia a Howler? And what did she mean, she'd see her at Christmas? Was this some kind of fever dream? Standing up abruptly, her breakfast long forgotten, Ami hastily gathered her things before fleeing the Great Hall, hopefully unnoticed by Ana.

Her mother had a lot of explaining to do.

Other notes: @Scarlett Aden most definitely would have heard this.

12 September

To Abella Marie (@Ami Procoppio)
Isle of Dogs
London, England

Dearest Abella -
I would argue that my reputation is long past being jeopardized. I would also like to say with certainty that the rumors of a fight on my part are far kinder than the rumors she was spreading. Also, let's be honest here, we all know I'm pretty and rich enough that knocking a few heads won't make me that much less popular.

You'll be pleased to know that the girl in question had quite the reaction to the latter part of your message, it would have been amusing if I didn't fiercely want to punch her again. For the record, I did not actually do it a second time, just thought about it. I also thought it might comfort you to know that I'm far too sore from that debacle to make much of a habit of it.

More importantly, I would like to note that you hyper fixated on one specific detail of my letter, which was little more than a paragraph out of a much longer message. Please tell me you at least informed Scout of his artwork's place of honor. Not to mention, I had some commentary on several of our professors that I found most amusing. To add to what I mentioned last time, I've gotten several more O's in divination, as well as everything else, which is impressive under any circumstances and I would argue more impressive considering that my focus has been somewhat split.

OH ALSO

I can't remember if I mentioned this in my last letter as I had quite a bit on my mind, but I made the Quidditch team! First string chaser! I'm a half decent seeker, but I've always been chaser as has everyone on my mother's side for about as long as anyone can remember, so I'm rather happy about that. If nothing else, it's something to occupy me and in theory, leave me less time to punch other people. I'm rather good at managing things though, so I may still get a fight or two in every now and again (that was a joke (mostly)).

Love,

Ana wasn't sure what reaction she had been expecting from the older pureblood. Probably not congratulations, but the howler had most definitely been a surprise. It had earned her more than one odd look at breakfast, but for some reason, the stupid loud letter had her smiling the rest of the day. She wasn't certain why. Her parents had never sent a howler, generally opting for in-person critiques as opposed to making a scene the way a howler would. To Ana's knowledge, her aunt wasn't even remotely aware of what Ana did at school, since they had exchanged exactly one letter each confirming that Ana had made it safely to school, and her uncle most likely didn't care. The idea that someone actually cared enough to yell made her feel a bit better, and certainly made her bruises hurt a little bit less.

Still, Ana wasn't completely insane and resolved to make an effort not to do anything to warrant a howler. Or maybe not tell Abella about it. Except she had a daughter that went to Hogwarts and Ana had no idea how up to date on things like fights. She didn't have the faintest idea who it was, either. Not even so much as a suspect. She had seen that Hufflepuff, Ami, have a strange exit that morning, but her last name was Popcorn or Prochip or something, not Marie. That was a problem for another day, as she was already running late after having spit coffee on herself upon receiving the howler and having to clean it.

Addressed to: @Anastasia Beckett Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ???, Scotland

Abella Marie Isle of Dogs London, England

November 14, 2020

My darling Anastasia,

You haven't written in a while. Four unanswered letters is... concerning, to say the least. Are you alright? Should I be worried? I am certainly more worried about you and your inevitable exploits when I don't hear about them firsthand. As you are well aware, discovering information through gossip is generally not my favorite method in which to obtain knowledge. Please let me know how you are, Ana, and what's been going on at Hogwarts. My own daughter hardly ever talks about the going-ons of the school.

But on another note, I pray that come Christmas, you'll be joining us? I know that we've skirted the subject a few times, but this is my formal invitation for you to stay with us over the winter holidays. Of course, I'm sure that your family would like to see you, so I would not be greatly offended if you were decline, and would, in fact, understand if you chose to spend time with your family. But of course, I know that Scout has especially been asking to see you, if you were to humor a crockery old woman's indulgences. Merlin's Footrest is small, but it is home. I only wish to share it with you.

Please write soon. All my love,
Abella Marie

15 November

To Abella Marie (@Ami Procoppio)
Isle of Dogs
London, England

Dearest Abella -
I apologize for worrying you. School and Quidditch and a tiny abduction have demanded more time than normal. Did I tell you that we won our first game against Slytherin? It was quite spectacular, really. It was raining, and we were fairly far behind. Evelynn, that's our seeker, got knocked off her broom a few times and I caught her and we were after it for the longest time and then, this part is quite remarkable, when we were knocked off by a few bludgers, she managed to catch it on her way down. I was sore for a few days afterward, but it was definitely worth it. Slytherin is definitely one of the stronger offensive teams, they have a beater who sometimes manages to knock people off with one hit, so I think it's most impressive that we triumphed.

Unrelated to Quidditch, I finally got that turn sequence in pointe combination I mentioned a few letters ago. I'm quite chuffed, although I suspect my feet rather resent me for practicing it so much.

I would love that more than I can express in this limited format. Your letters have been quite the comfort to me throughout all the surprises this year brought and I would be absolutely thrilled to. And of course, even if that were not the case, if Scout's requested my presence, then I simply must come. Thank you ever so much for inviting me! I'm certain that my aunt and myself would vastly prefer me to spend the holiday with you and your family.

Much love (and sorry again for worrying you),