With the capture of Verandi Farley and several high-ranking Trossach members, the British wizarding world has finally caught a break. The rate of rogue werewolf attacks have started dropping at a steady rate and, hopefully, things will stay that way. The Ministry is starting to loosen some restrictions, like not arresting werewolves standing on the street for loitering, however there’s still an obvious power imbalance between wizardfolk and werewolves.
The Cotswolds pack are continuing to advocate for the rights of werewolves and petitioning to change the legislation that has been set in motion by the current Minister for Magic, whilst the remaining Trossachs members are trying to stay out of the spotlight and keep a low profile… for now.
Whilst the British wizarding world seems to have calmed down, the same cannot be said for over in Northern Europe where a rebellion of magical creatures has risen. The state of things has gotten so bad that the European Ministry has enacted protocols to protect those under eighteen whilst their adult witches and wizards fight to keep control of their countries.
Students from Durmstrang have been sent to Hogwarts to keep them safe and those not old enough to attend school have been sent to live with relatives or designated British Ministry officials outside of Europe for the time being.
Will the low rates of werewolf attacks in Britain continue? How long will Durmstrang students stay at Hogwarts? Will the creatures usurp the wizardfolk in Northern Europe? Only time will tell.
SEPTEMBER 2019 It's been a very long, eventful summer in the wizarding world. A baby was stolen, several high ranking Trossach members were imprisoned, and werewolf attacks have drastically dropped as a result. What will happen now school has returned?
MAY 2019 An attempt to capture the beta of the Trossachs has been launched. Were the Aurors successful in their mission? Go read more here!
How are things going with you? Are you succeeding with your goals for this year?
On my end, things are dreadful. Do you know when it began the norm for students to look so drab? Not to mention, sixth year students? You'd think that they'd have some modicum of self-respect for themselves and their appearance, but most of my peers are showing up to class looking positively uncouth with tangled hair and crinkled uniforms.
It's an affront to my eyes every single day and my current mindset is to teach them a lesson, although I'm certain that once they graduate they will swifly learn that uncleanliness will achieve nothing in real life.
I am very glad to have received your letter, little sister. I am pleased to inform you that my project has thus far been travelling along well enough... just slowly, unfortunately.
The level of taste at Hogwarts has always been questionable; I understand your pain as I lived through it on the daily. Worse still is the fact that students wear their acne as if they'd never heard of bubutuber pus solutions.
I can fix people's wardrobes but I cannot fix their ugly faces.
Take heart in the fact that you only have to suffer two more years. Surely out of 200 odd students there must be at least a couple that are not completely useless to the wizarding gene pool?
I'd gladly meet them … if they exist. Hogsmeade, this weekend? I need to collect some more wolfsbane. Potions to brew, people to 'save'.
To, VINDA SELWYN Care of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry
You know what they say, slow and steady wins the race, and patience is key. It's better to slowly work your way to achieving your goals, as you do not wish to rush. That may lead to dire consequences.
It's a shame because milking a bubotuber plant is one of the easiest tasks you can do when it comes to Herbology. Yet they're too lazy to do so and put time and effort into their appearances.
Not only ugly faces, Pierre, but there are some real atrociously ugly bodies at the moment too. Those with freckles are a blight on humanity, coming in as a close second to redheads.
There are some that are bearable. Medraut Snyder and the Valentino twins all come from good pureblood stock, and they make their ancestors proud I'm sure.
I'll meet you in Hogsmeade and give you a hand. There's nothing more important to me than 'saving' masses of people.
If only the rest of the population had half of your brains, mon petite sœur, perhaps I'd consider procreation. Alas, the most intelligent woman on Earth I've come across is my own sister.
My supplies have run short with demand far outstripping my stock from the past summer. The winter has taken its toll on the plants in my greenhouse.
Maybe you can take a page out of my book and assist the idiots without them knowing it. The pus would be easy enough to hide. Consider it a community service.
The English are unfortunately blighted by the freckle gene - blame the Irish for that. If only we could have attended Beauxbatons instead, like Grand-mère Vinda, things would have been better.
Snyder you say? I faintly recall a young lady of that family. Always held her in high esteem - otherwise I'd have forgotten the name by now.
I'll meet you at 3pm in Hogsmeade. If I'm delayed, forgive me. Give my... love... to Flora.
To, VINDA SELWYN , Care of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry
You flatter me, mon grand frère. Credit is due, as I would not have learned so much growing up without the help of my older brother. I, too, wish that the rest of the population weren't such dwindling half-wits, and can only pray that when I marry it will be to someone who can hold a proper conversation.
Perhaps you need to find a spell so the weather won't effect the plants so greatly? A warming spell, maybe? Or perhaps I can try and take advantage of the greenhouses we have here at Hogwarts.
As much as they disgust me, I'm not going to do the work for them. I'm not a house elf, Pierre, and they have hands so they can do it themselves.
Oh, if only. Beauxbatons sounds beautiful, doesn't it? They have stunning robes and teacher proper etiquette classes there - not that I need them. If only we had a father and uncle who wasn't so insistent we stay in England.
I'll see you there. Try to be punctual. I've got more important things to do than wait around for you whilst you have your dalliances in the back streets of Hogsmeade.
I was going to invite you to Hogsmeade to meet with some of your favourite designers - I know the annual Hogwarts Winter Ball is on soon and a new dress is in order.
Those wolves ruin everything.
Instead, please find enclosed a package with a selection of dresses. I know that you'll find one to your liking - you didn't learn your taste from our mother after all.
Stay safe, mon petite soeur.
Remember that if you encounter a wolf, do not think twice. You know what needs to be done.
Has Flora recovered from her unfortunate game? Please let her know I will send a Howler from Hell next time.
To, VINDA SELWYN , Care of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry
Those werewolves remind me of that puppy dog mother got us for Christmas that one time, peeing and slobbering over everything. Just like I bet werewolves do when they're walking down the street, even in human form.
Yes, I'm lucky I didn't learn my taste from Flora either. I'd sooner burn my eyes out.
I won't hesitate, Pierre. I am not a Hufflepuff. I'm well aware of what needs to be done.
This is why I told Flora not to play Quidditch. Silly thing, you'd think she'd learn I'm always right by now. Unfortunately not. Now she has to bear the consequences.
Love, Vinda
P.S. I'm also now engaged. Surprise. Do not tell a soul.
Do not remind me of that Christmas! It found my cashmere cloak and tore it to pieces. Mother repaired it with a charm, but it was never the same. Thank Merlin that Flora fell for the devil incarnate and Uncle took it off our hands. If mother had found it in her brandy cabinet... we would still be finding bits of puppy to this day.
What’s this blasé passing post script nonsense regarding an engagement, Vinda? Honestly, it’s as if I am worth less to you than that piece of parchment you scribbled it on.
Details. You’re not pregnant are you? Regardless, please find enclosed a vial - a potion - that will sort that problem out for you quick smart. It’s pretty potent so have some ginger root near by so you don’t vomit it back before it’s had a chance to work.
Don’t throw your life away like mother and father did. You’re too precious to me. Unless he’s beyond rich. Then enjoy, mon petit soeur. Whoever said you cannot buy happiness with money obviously didn’t have enough of it.
Yes, I remember the tears you shed over that cloak. You could have filled a river. Honestly, how mother didn't know you were gay at that point is beyond me. Flora still has the devil incarnate, I believe. If it'd gotten into the brandy cabinet, she would have drowned it in said brandy - oh, wait. No. I forgot how much she values that over human life. Silly me.
I'll have you know that this parchment was not cheap, for one, and secondly, I didn't think you'd pay it any mind. It's just an engagement.
Pregnant, Pierre? Honestly, who do take me for? Some silly little teenage witch who cannot keep her legs closed or cast an effective contraception charm? Becoming a pregnant teenager is, and never has been, in my life plan. I'd sooner die. You can have the potion back, in case you miraculously impregnate some girl and decide to give grand-mère a heart attack.
I am not throwing my life away, nor am I marrying him for money, Pierre. Though perhaps that's why grand-mère believes I should because her lack of faith in my abilities to become a world renowned potioneer is astounding. Just because she didn't amount to anything and ruined her own children's life does not mean I cannot make something of myself.
I believe Mother was too preoccupied with her love of the drink to notice. Even now, I think her vision is blurry enough most of the time to pass any man leaving my wing off as a woman with just a high-pitched voice.
I'm gay so of course engagement is important to me. Any reason for a good party! Besides, you're important to me.
If you're not pregnant than why on Earth are you getting engaged? Though I'm glad to read that you're not going to become another sad statistic, I do hope you get to enjoy yourself... you're not a nun.
All the muggles in this world will DIE before I'm caught anywhere near something I can impregnate. Thanks for the nightmares.
Don't think for a second that I missed the fact that you did not tell me anything about your fiancé. Details.
When you come up with a potion to cure idiocy, please send it. I'm surrounded by idiots who cannot tell the difference between asphodel and a common lily.
To, VINDA SELWYN , Care of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry
Perhaps she needs glasses then... other than the kind she holds in her hand. Or maybe a trip to St. Mungos will do her well. Although... grand-mère wouldn't have it. Our family's 'reputation' and all.
Ah, yes. Nothing worth celebrating more than a sixteen year old's engagement and impending marriage. I hope you enjoy the wine.
I am getting engaged because grand-mère wants at least one of us to marry into pureblood and carry on the family line. You're obviously not a choice, seeing as you think women and their reproductive organs are disgusting. You're such a gold star gay, Pierre.
I have no interest in this sweaty, teenage boy gyrating on top of me with zero idea on what to do with his hands or how to even kiss me. Not that I'd know what that's like Hard pass.
My fiancé is, quite frankly, not all he was made out to be. He's a Hufflepuff, although... not a typical one, which I suppose is a point in his favour. He doesn't make me want to retch every time I see him.
Joyeux anniversaire, ma belle petite soeur. I cannot believe that you're seventeen now - I know that you were born an old soul, a proper little lady from the moment you evacuated our mére's body but to know that you are now a fully fledged adult... forgive your big brother for an evening of sentimentality. It'll only be this one quick note to accompany your present. You are such an incredibly gifted witch and I know that you will become more famous than Phineas Bourne in no time at all.
However, I want to remind you about a work-life balance with your gift. Take time to enjoy yourself, ma petite soeur. When you play this violin, who knows - perhaps it will ignite your imagination and fuel the next big break in potions in the wizarding world since Flamel's Elixir of Life. Although if you do invent a potion to extend life, please also make one that extends youth and beauty as well. What point is there to living 600 years if you look like a mummified testicle sack?
How is school going? I may have seen a letter or two on Mére's sidetable regarding behaviour in classes? Are you and Anderson enjoying each other's carnal company yet? I don't need to know the details - only that you're clear on the charms that will stop you from growing a parasitic beast inside you that will leave you fat, pimply and sagging in all the wrong places. Our family's suffered enough ... it doesn't need that horror as well.
I am looking forward to your return in the summer, Vinda. What do you say we go shopping in Paris ... maybe drag Flora out to bonfire her clothes and wear acceptable pieces instead?
Merci, mon grand frère. I truly love the present you sent with your letter. Naturally, I'm assuming our mére's name is attached to them as well because she didn't send me a thing but I'm certain you did all the intensive work of picking out the perfect gift. I endeavour to surpass Phineas Bourne, and there's no doubt in my mind that I will.
Work-life balance is a load of rubbish, Pierre. You must know that. I find that people get too caught up in 'life' that they neglect their work in the process - that's why there's so many failures in the world. However, I did enjoy the violin and it plays quite beautifully. I'll have to show you next time I return home, perhaps in the Easter holidays... are you certain you don't want to look like a 'mummified testicle sack,' or do you just want to not look upon others whose appearance is that way? Because I must say, I've seen some of your conquests and not all of them are of a very high standard.
School is going well, and I'm assuming the letters on the side table were unopened because I've yet to receive an owl from mére. I will have you know that the reason said letters got sent in the first place is because I refuse to have somebody by the likes of Arthur Longbottom attempt to drag my reputation through the mud, and I put him in his place. The Professor showed blatant favouritism during the incident too, as he decided to give me a long-winded spiel about how I was pathetic, and shallow, and he threatened to break my wand, yet only decided to punish the other party by telling him to grow up. I was removed from the class for the rest of the year, but that's quite alright because I would rather kill myself than spend a second longer in his company.
I'm not telling you whether I'm enjoying Adrian's 'carnal company yet' and I'm well aware of the charms not that I've used them
I agree we need to take Flora shopping, however I wouldn't want to pollute the earth with such cheap, tragic materials by setting them alight, Pierre. I think it's best if we give to the needy instead - I can think of several people who'd benefit from them. Perhaps Alana Valentino? I've heard she's cut off.