Cordially, Me PV Ms. Dolohov Finished

Dorothy walked quietly up the steps to the owlery.  In her hand she held a sealed note, addressed to a place called Devon, England.  This note, as the girl knew, would end up at a beautiful mansion by the sea.   Dorothy had always referred to it as a "half-mansion" much to the horror of her rich stepmother.  It had never seemed quite a "full" mansion.  Perhaps this was due to its frostily cold innards, its creaky roof, and the constant quietness the home was plagued with. To Dorothy, a full mansion would be warm and comfortable, pretty and full of the sounds of talking people.  

Mia walked up towards the owlery, yet again, her auburn hair flowing down her back. It was a bit darker now, and she walked with hesitation, grabbing onto the cloth inside her pocket.

She twisted it and walked on, her eyes fluttering. She had had a long day, filled with Potions, Charms, History of Magic, and Herbology. She deserved a nap.

But here she was, climbing stairs. It was her duty as an Alexander to keep correspondance with people, and stay on top of things. She wanted to be heir, and she was going to be. Hopefully.

Sucking in her breath, she went to check if there were any owls for her. To her surprise there were three. A brown one, one that was not quite as majestic as the others, a curious looking white one, and a dark, regal black one.

She recognized two. One was from Grandmother, which wasn't a good sign. But one was from Silas, probably just a box of chocolates from his new home for two weeks-last time it was Italy, those were divine, but Silas nonetheless.

The last one was peculiar. It was brown, and bespeckled, but reeked of value nonetheless. Still, Mia wondered who it was from.

The only people that sent her letters were Maye (white, tiny owl with golden eyes), Grandmother, (dark and regal one), St. Mungos, (large gray one), and Silas, (white, large, and rather peculiar).

Mia sighed and reached out to untie the box and letter from the leg of the owl she was sure was Silas's.

Opening it, the edges of her mouth curled upwards and she blushed, popping a large caramel colored chocolate into her mouth.

Dearest Cousin,

I knew you'd miss the chocolates! Had to order them just for you. In Paris-about to leave to Hungary. Take care, and give one to Scott!

Silas

Mia smiled and put the note into her pocket, folding it beforehand. She let the box stay where it was, but gently put the lid on top of it. It was special, in a way, and it deserved to have a place under her bed, even when it was empty.

Usually she wasn't like this. But this was...it was Silas. Her cousin who inspired her to try out for quidditch, the one who would take her side in arguments-or lay a hand on her shoulder to tell her that she was wrong. The one who would lay on the couch, reading books. That was Silas in her eyes. She wondered what Scott thought of him.

Turning to the next owl, the black one, she stood up, and took the letter off of its leg. It flew away as soon as she touched it and she sighed, discontent.

She didn't want to read the letter.

News from her parents wasn't happy, just tolerable. They would talk in a formal way that she had grown used to, and tell her a few things while keeping it brief.

News from Maye was rushed, but good-ish. Either it was bad news about Rachel or some silly anecdote about her former friends-not including Rachel. Maye wouldn't joke about that.

And news from St. Mungo? That was the letter Mia ignored for days-or until she could manage to cram herself into a broken stall in the abandoned toilets. That was the news that she wished wouldn't come with a thick folder and a wax seal. That was the only news she wished was written in a happy tone-except Silas's news.

Turning back to the letter, Mia licked her plump lips-something Grandmother always hated. It's bad for you-you need to preserve your looks! Grandmother was so focused on that, getting facials everyday and applying just the right amount of makeup. Mia too was now a master at the art of looking her best.

Self consciously touching her hair, Mia looked down at the envelope, turning it in her hands. It was bright white, on the front, in Grandmother's elegant script, her name and Mia's.

Mia Esme Rhys Alexander,

I am disappointed in your performance this year. I expect more, and you know exactly what I am talking about Mia. We place trust in you-we let you carry the Alexander name. Do not disrespect it like this.

Mia, to make up for your failure to uphold our name, I'd like a garden party. A respectable one, filled with people of high status. Invite them promptly.

And please, do meet up with a Dolohov-our families haven't connected in the longest time.

Cordially,

Your Grandmother

Mia swallowed. A garden party? She would have to start sending out invitations soon. Very soon. But first she would have to meet up with the Dolohov girl. She seemed important-so important that Grandmother sent a letter about her.

Mia hesitantly reached for the next owl, grabbing the pristine white letter from its position.

She opened it anxiously. Who would it be from? The Alexander's had enemies galore, and here, at Hogwarts, she was susceptible to attacks from many, many, people. All they had to do was send a threatening owl and her safety was compromised.

Ms. Alexander,

I would like to request a meeting with you. I believe such an acquaintance would be beneficial to both of our families. If it pleases you, meet me in the Trophy room on Thursday, at around 2:30.

Regards,

Dorothea Proxima Centauri Dippet

Mia breathed a sigh of relief. It was-wait it was the Dippet/Dolohov! This was going to be easier than expected. All she had to do was show up on Thursday. Then she would be a disappointment to her Grandmother, but less of one.

With a satisfied smile, Mia gathered her belongings in her hands and walked down the stairs.

Grandmother's reply could wait. She had a girl to research.