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charmaine travers is determined to be happy (merited) wrote in bw_history,
@ 2010-02-16 12:15:00

Entry tags:

! 1933, ! 1936, charmaine travers, gwendolyn morgan

WHO Charmaine Travers and Gwendolyn Morgan
WHAT Charmaine and Gwen are Pre-Hogwarts penpals
WHEN 1933 - 1936

RATING G
STATUS Complete

April 7, 1933

Dear Gwendolyn Morgan,

Although we did not speak much when our mother's had ~~abrupt and unscheduled~~ tea, I enjoyed our short conversation on how Hogwarts might be. My brother, Maximilian, will be going to Hogwarts this September and I will be sure to inform you of how he perceives thing. I do believe what our parents tell us about Hogwarts and what Hogwarts, a History tells us is much different than someone who has had first hand experience.

Also, I do hope ~~your pet?~~ the sick sheep you told me about is well.

Sincerely,

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April 8, 1933

wind
2010-02-16 08:27 pm UTC (link)

Hi Char!

It's swell of you to write me. I was going to, but my cousins were daft enough to play rugby in the rain and it was murder! Mom's busy patching up their knees, but she says I should owl you back because you're a lady. You're a bit small for a lady, aren't you? I thought they were all tall and prissy and wore giant pink hats. I tried one on once, but I got lost and tripped over a bucket because I couldn't see. Have you got magic that lets you see through all the ribbons and bows? I wish I had magic like that. I wish I could go to Hogwarts right now, but dad says I'm not old enough. How old is Max? He's right lucky. I bet it's immense. You should tie him down and make him promise to tell you everything. Then you can tell me and my dreams'll get better 'cause I'll know what to put in them!

Cadi? She's grand! She just had a lamb. He's tinier than a teacup! I tried to take a kip next to him, but dad said he might kick me in his sleep. Have you got any animals? What's your house like? Do you live in a castle with a moat and a dragon and a knight who guards the gate?

I've got to wash up for supper now. Write me back soon!

Yours,

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April 11, 1933

merited
2010-02-16 08:32 pm UTC (link)

Dear Gwendolyn,

You certainly don't really mean murder do you? Given that it's not, it is a rather dramatic figure of speech you use and whatever your cousins were playing sounds barbaric. Are they okay?

Well, I hope to truly be a lady and am currently learning how best to be one. Are you not taking any etiquette classes? Ladies are lean and can be tall, and pretty pink hats are not always necessary but, well, they are pretty. Mostly, ladies know how to properly wear their hats and can walk in them without running into anything, even without magic. The hat you tried on probably was too big for you or wasn't the proper fit.

Maximilian is ten years old so it will be his first year. Also, I need not force him to do anything when all I need to do is ask. You sure have an odd way of saying certain things. A bit violent. Regardless, I will let you know what he says. I give you my word! And when I give anyone my word, I always follow through.

I do not have any animals except for a few owls. We call our house the Travers' Manor, it is quite cosy yet spacious. I do not know how else to really describe it other than that it is more modern than most manors and mansions I've been to. What about your place? You said there was a lot of grass, correct? Also, do you have any siblings or just cousins? I also have one younger sister, she's six.

Sincerely,

P.S. I've attached a stack of clean parchment (it's charmed to not get dirty) for you to write on since the last one you wrote on was, well. A bit dirty.

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April 13, 1933

wind
2010-02-16 08:37 pm UTC (link)

Char,

'Course not! They just got proper banged up, is all. They're alright now. It was the rain that did it. Rugby, you play it on the ground, so if there's mud about you slip and slide your way to nasty scrapes. It's a bit violent like Quidditch, 'cept my cousins don't fly since they're Muggles. Do you know about Quidditch? My dad took me to Diagon and it looked brilliant. Turns out my uncle Dai – on my mom's side – is all sorts of famous! He let me fly on his broom just last week! Mom wasn't too happy with him; she'd rather I knitted and baked and played with dolls than went zipping about. But I made him promise to sneak back again and take me to one of his games. He didn't listen to her when they were kids, so I reckon he won't mind her now.

Classes? You mean private tutors and the lot? We haven't got many of those 'round here – just schools for reading and writing and arithmetic. I don't like it very much, except for playtime. But my mom dresses me up sometimes. Makes tea and serves biscuits on real china and tells me how ladies do this and that and the other. It seems a bit silly to be so fancy when the sheep are bleating their lungs out just 'round the bend, but that never stops her. I'd rather follow my dad about, most times. I'll have to ask him about smaller hats. I don't fancy the pink ones too much.

You mean he'll do what you say if you ask? It's not like that here. You've got to speak up to get their attention, or else you'll get drowned out in the fuss. Push your way around a bit sometimes, if they're real stubborn. I'm pleased as punch you'll tell me about it! I trust that you will. Dad says your word's your name, and it'd be hard to get far if you haven't got one of those, wouldn't it?

Have you got a few 'cause you don't want just the one to get lonely? Maybe we should get another. She must be sad up in the barn when nobody's got any letters to send 'round. They sell them at Diagon, don't they? Maybe I can save up my pocket money and find her a proper mate so she can have little owls. I live in a cottage. It's not very big, but our land is. There's grass and hills as far as the eye can see. With the sheep, it almost looks like white and green polka dots. I haven't got any siblings yet, but my cousin Glynn is divine and lately my dad's been saying I might get a little brother. I don't know if I want one. One of my aunts had a baby and it spit up on me something awful. What's your sister like?

Yours,

P.S. Thanks for the parchment! It's enchanted, alright; I just got back from helping my dad fix the fence, but the dirt's not rubbing off on the paper. You're real special, Char.

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April 17, 1933

merited
2010-02-16 08:39 pm UTC (link)

Dear Gwendolyn,

Firstly, I would appreciate it very much if you could call me by my full name. I have never been called anything other than Charmaine, and though it may be verbose (or a few more letters to write), none of my siblings go by any form of nicknames.

Secondly, I would like to apologise for the lateness of this letter. Mother had to explain why you had cousins who were muggles and I had many questions for her. I believe you just may be the first halfblood I know. I'm surprised that ~~you can even write~~ you're very interesting, even if you do engage in activities such as rugby. I do not understand why you would want to be part of something that you play in the mud but I am glad that you have been introduced to Quidditch instead.

I have watched one match already, one of father's clients had given him box seats for our family. As violent as the sport is, it is also fairly graceful, watching them fly around in their brooms with such ease. Although I do not know of your uncle, my brother seemed very intrigued that your uncle was "Dangerous Dai," as Maximilian put it (he said the quotes were necessary).

Playing with dolls can be fairly fun. You get to dress them up in different outfits and when my sister does not wish to have tea with me, the dolls can keep me company. But I prefer books or painting to playing with dolls. What do you do in your spare time?

I can see how it may seem silly without context, but your mother is doing a great job of teaching you such manners now so that you are not at a disadvantage later. And if you do not have any etiquette teachers, what your mother does not teach you, perhaps I can help!

I believe we have several because my father may need more than one at once. I'm sure if you have an owl that lives in a barn, she feels quite at home. When I imagine owls, I imagine them in a forest, residing either inside of a tree or by a barn. Now I will think of your house every time I think of where owls stay.

Little sheep seem like a handful, but little owls too? That must be a lot of work.

You haven't got siblings? Hopefully you do have a little brother, boys are essential to the family line, not saying that girls are not just as useful though. Besides, siblings make you feel less alone, even if you do not always see eye to eye with them. My sister's name is Ernestine, she's a bit quiet and shy, but it's really odd how she looks very much like me.

Lastly, I'm glad you enjoyed the parchment. Perhaps when you get a brother, he can help your father fix fences so you don't need to get yourself dirty.

And thank you. I never had anyone call me special before.

Sincerely,

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April 19, 1933

wind
2010-02-16 08:41 pm UTC (link)

Charmaine,

No nicknames? Really? Tell you what! I'll call you Charmaine if you call me Gwen. That's a fair trade, isn't it?

You haven't got to apologise! I've got all sorts of questions for you too. Is that what they call it? Half-blooded? I know if you haven't got magic you're a Muggle, and mom's parents' parents' parents' parents' parents (or something) are something called "pure," but I'm still learning all the words. Oh, no, I don't play rugby! At least not properly. I just watch. Girls aren't allowed, my dad says it's too rough. But Quidditch, girls play that! Dai says we've got an all-girl team called the Harpies right here in Wales. I'd love to see them play someday.

Dai, the papers treat him like a god. He said he's going to owl me a book, so I can learn all about it instead of just gawking at the brooms in Diagon. They're quite pretty, some of them! I can get ~~Max~~ Maximilian an autograph, if you like.

She's trying to teach me how to write properly. It's hard 'cause we don't speak fancy here, but she says owling you is bound to rub off on me. I don't mind, as long as I haven't got to wear the pink hats.

I guess so. She is a barn owl, after all, so where else would she be? Your father sounds like a very important person. Next time I say hello to Bronwyn, I'll think of your papa's fleet.

You're probably right. The lambs trip and tumble about enough without baby owls falling out of the rafters and trying to flap their little wings. I think I'll take your advice and save up for something else, like a Quidditch magazine.

I don't know. I'm still not convinced. If doesn't get goo on me, maybe. I'd rather a pretty sister like you.

You're welcome, Charmaine! It's the truth.

Yours,

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August 20, 1936

merited
2010-02-16 08:44 pm UTC (link)

Dear Gwen,

I can hardly believe that we will be going to Hogwarts in mere weeks! I was very glad to see you at Hogsmeade, and I do apologise for the slight rudeness of Maximilian. He does not understand that you're not the typical halfblood. But once we're all at Hogwarts, he'll see that you're a good friend of mine and any friend of mine should be accepted by him. He said that you act rather boy-ish, but I just laughed because of all the things you tell me about Quidditch and how you interact with your cousins.

I am being summoned for supper and I do believe that if I had enough time, I would write forever considering all the excitement that I can hardly contain! I've created a checklist for myself and I hope I can get it all done before leaving! I do feel a bit bad though, considering how Ernestine will be the only one at home. She does seem a bit sad that she cannot go along.

Your friend,

P.S. I thought I was tall but so are you! Most girls are shorter than me when Society gathers for tea or a dinner event.

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August 21, 1936

wind
2010-02-16 08:46 pm UTC (link)

Dear Charmaine,

Can you sleep? I can't. My head is filled with visions of Hogwarts and Quidditch and being surrounded by real wizards! Not that I haven't in Diagon and Hogsmeade, but this is different. ~~This is~~ These are boys and girls like me! I've been practicing very hard. Uncle Dai's been running me and Glynn raw, 'cause he's determined to see that I get a spot on the Quidditch team. I know I can't try out until next year, but wait until the Flying professor gets a glimpse of me! I'll be miles ahead of those other kids. They haven't got Dangerous Dai training them to the best Quidditch player that ever lived (or one of, at least!). Or that Quidditch magazine you sent me way back before Dai brought me his yellowed ones or I could afford my own. I've still got it, you know. All pretty and charmed not to get smudged by dirt. I remember how confused I was when it looked like Witch Weekly at first, 'cause it's my cousin who reads that ~~rubbish~~ stuff. I want to learn to disguise things like that! Mom says it's called disillusionment. That sounds fancy, doesn't it?

Don't worry about ~~Max~~ Maximilian. It's not the first time somebody's turned their nose up at me because they don't think I'm good enough. But you do, don't you, Charmaine? We'll show everyone that being pure or half doesn't mean you can't get along. Is your checklist long? I feel a bit bad about leaving Glynn behind, too. Not that she lives with me, but she's over here so much that she's bound to miss me when I'm away.

Yours always,

P.S. God must have known you'd make an elegant lady and I'd make a good Chaser!

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August 23, 1936

merited
2010-02-16 08:53 pm UTC (link)

Dear Gwen,

I do have difficulty sleeping but I usually fall asleep thinking about how many more things I can get done the next day for Hogwarts preparations.

I really am worried about you going into Quidditch but knowing you, I know trying to talk you out of it is a lost cause. I was unsure if I should even send you the Quidditch magazine for your birthday, considering that I don't want to flame the fire of this ~~unladylike~~ hobby of yours. However, I do hope that you really are careful when it comes to those Bludgers and everything. I worry for you and we're not even at Hogwarts yet! I will be very upset if you get injured though, okay? And no, you cannot stop my worries, just like how I can't stop you from playing!

Of course I think you're good enough, Gwen. It's a shame that you aren't officially part of Society and all, but when I think of how hard it would be for you, along with the fact that you most likely wouldn't be ~~allowed to~~ playing Quidditch, I suppose it is all for the best.

Maybe Glynn and Ernestine can be friends. I believe Ernestine has browsed a few Witch Weekly magazines as well! They could be friends like you and I.

~~We should talk about how things might be at Hogwar~~ ~~Things may be different when~~

I'm going to our summer estate in two days, just like last year, to spend time with family before Maximilian and I go off to Hogwarts. I'm not sure if mother and, especially, father would want me owling back and forth there, but I can try to sneak one in maybe.. We'll see! If you can send me an owl by tomorrow, I should be able to send you one last one before I leave, but if I don't, I'll see you at Hogwarts, Gwen! I'm beyond excited to spend a whole year with others like us, and especially you! I'm going to be wearing my friendship bracelet, and I hope you'll be wearing yours too!

Your friend,

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August 24, 1936

wind
2010-02-16 08:56 pm UTC (link)

Dear Charmaine,

I'd tell you not to worry, but I guess you're allowed, since you're my friend and all. Except friends reassure you too! I'll be alright, I promise. My dad says I'm as tough as an ox, and if you haven't got any of those where you are, they're very tough! No bludger's hard enough to stop me. I'll be a star, Charmaine, just you wait! I'll win my first game just for you.

You thinking I'm good enough is good enough for me. You're the one whose opinion really counts!

Really? Glynn loves beautiful things. Fashion and charms and bright colours. I bet they'd get along just swell! Then we could all sit together.

Charmaine? I think your ink smeared. I hope you're alright. You're usually so tidy, but I can't blame you for being excited. Just last week, I spilled half-a-bottle of it trying to write my Aunt Taffline.

I don't know if you'll get this in time, but it won't be long before we'll be able to chat in person, will it? Maybe I'll stop missing seeing you, then. I'll never, ever take my bracelet off! It links us forever, after all. I can't wait to be your friend properly. Hogwarts is going to be a dream.

Always,

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