A letter from Mrs. Charles Peregrine Derrick


Minerva MacGonagall,
I am happy to hear that a woman is finally in charge of this terrible school. That Dumbledore did not respond properly to a single one of my letters and Snape was a much needed step up, but you know he was just a climber and we all know how those are. That man had no pedigree what so ever. I am sure that you will oblige me in sending a scroll of your own bloodlines. It is harder for me to locate correct Scottish documentation. Maybe we could have tea some time and discuss it? My treat, of course. I pride myself on my hostess duties and am always complimented on them. Not that I am bragging. That is unbecoming, as we ladies know.

Now, the business of this letter is of course my children. I am the mother of Peregrine Derrick, the captain of what was the Slytherin Quidditch team and Teodora Derrick who should be a Prefect considering her marks and behaviour. I have been told that this could not be changed, so I suppose it can still not be changed. I'm sure this new grounds would benefit from a healthy donation, but if that can not be then I suppose this can not be. I am sure you can understand that my brilliant Auror husband can not simply spare money at this time. We have it to spare, but there are so many groups we can give to. The assistance of Mud-ggle borns is a worthy effort and things like that.

This letter is a complaint. I insist the Housing system return. My son is a Slytherin. He has made all of his friends and acquaintances within that finest of Houses which my daughter should also be placed into. On my daughter, first she is placed in this terrible House with all sorts of nasty children, then she is housed with all of the girls even that disgusting Rivers child which I've specifically written to Dumbledore and requested he discourage her association with. Then she owls me and says that she has no hair! What is a mother to think? I feared for my daughter's well being especially when she told me her brother, my first born son and heir to the Derrick name was blind. Blind! He should have been sent straight to St. Mungos for that! With the disgrace my husband's nephew brought to this family's name, we are subjected to this terrible treatment in the home of learning! You are lucky he did not lose his position or this letter would have gone straight to the Minister himself.

I am outraged. I am offended. I demand my requests be acknowledged and the wrongs done against me and my family be righted right away! As a member of society, I expect a response promptly and once we have taken care of this nasty business then I insist you come to the Derrick house for a spot of tea. I will be waiting.

Sincerely your friend,
Mrs. Charles Peregrine Derrick