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Arcturus Black ([info]arcturusfirst) wrote in [info]compass_comm,
@ 2022-01-21 16:22:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:!closed, maryanne walker (oe), sarah sully, ~arcturus black

[Message delivered to Maryanne Walker]

Dear Mrs Walker,

I was given your name by a mutual acquaintance of ours, Miss Katherine. She mentioned that you have a son named Barney, and that he has some magical abilities. I do use that term broadly; you may prefer to say powers or sorcery or something of that sort. I have a nephew around his age, Sirius, and I would like to ask if you would permit the children to meet? There are some educational magical projects that I am working through with Sirius, and I know he would find them much more enjoyable if he had a companion.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

[Message delivered to Sarah O'Hara]

Dear Mrs O'Hara,

I was given your name by a mutual acquaintance of ours, Miss Katherine. She mentioned that you have a daughter named Harri, and that the little girl has some magical abilities. I do use that term broadly; you may prefer to say powers or sorcery or something of that sort. I have a nephew around her age, Sirius, and I would like to ask if you would permit the children to meet? There are some educational magical projects that I am working through with Sirius, and I know he would find them much more enjoyable if he had a companion. I should also say that I am acquainted with your husband, at least after a fashion. We met when he was young, and believed you to be his foster-mother or something of the sort.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black


(Post a new comment)


[info]maryanne_walker
2022-01-22 08:21 am UTC (link)
Hello Mr. Black,

Barney isn't exactly magic, he is, what we're called in my world, a mutant. But he is classified as a Darwin mutant, which basically means he can manifest what he needs to, when he needs to. For example, his fingers and toes gain webs, and he gains gills with every bath he takes, and has done since he was an infant, which is highly unusual in itself.

He does have a twin sister and a twin brother, and a brother that is slightly older, and one that is slightly younger if you're talking play dates. Tim is nine, Mitchie and Howard are seven, with Barney, and Richie just turned seven. There's also little Maria who just turned six, she's deaf, but her brothers and sisters can translate for her, or for Sirius. All that said, they're in school so any participation in projects will have to wait until homework is done, after class.

I hope that's helpful,
Sincerely,
Maryanne

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-22 03:39 pm UTC (link)
Dear Mrs Walker,

Thank you for your kind response; it was very helpful. Barney sounds like a very interesting little boy. It is not magic as practiced where I am from, you are right, but it does sound like a form of it. I shall use your word mutant when speaking to him, though, as I have no wish to confuse him. Whatever they are called, his abilities sound splendid.

I have not encountered the term 'play date' before and do not really know what it means, but Sirius is a shy child and accustomed only to the company of his brother and sister, who are not here. We thought it best that he meet only with Barney, and I can certainly tailor the projects we undertake so that he will be able to use and practice his particular mutant abilities. When I was last in a land far from home, I had a cousin who ran a 'comparative magic' group, which was for people with all manner of unusual abilities, all from different places, so I have some knowledge of how to adjust things.

I would not wish to tire him out. Is he free on Saturday afternoons, perhaps, or Sundays? I will of course be happy to meet with you beforehand to ensure you are happy for him to stay with me and Sirius for an hour or two.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]maryanne_walker
2022-01-24 07:22 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr Black,

A play is just basically a bunch of children around the same age to get together and basically play with toys, and the like, and each other. It fulfills a social need that most children have, and gives the parent's, or guardians, a moment to breathe and relax.

Barney is a little shy himself, and may take some time to warm up to someone, especially without his brothers or sisters, so it may have to be for a trial basis. He's the only child of our kind here. And will be for the next ten-ish years or so.

Sincerely

Maryanne

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-24 11:25 am UTC (link)
Dear Mrs Walker,

Thank you for that explanation. I don't think it would do Sirius any good at this point to be around a larger group of children. It is better to take these things slowly.

Naturally, if Barney does not like the idea, or if he finds the meetings unpleasant, or he and Sirius do not get along, I wouldn't expect them to continue. It is something to try, and to carry on with only as long as everyone involved thinks it is worthwhile, with no hard feelings on either side when it ends.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]maryanne_walker
2022-01-25 10:05 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr. Black,

You might change your mind farther down the road. It is very important for children. And your sanity. Trust me, I have twelve children, and nine of them are under the age of ten, three under the age of five. I love them all, and it doesn't mean you love him any less because you need a minute. You're not letting him down, or anyone. And you're allowed to be a kid too. There are more than a few that are probably around your age.

Okay, please let my oldest Tim come with. He's not magical, at all, but he has a way about him that just sitting there and reading a book, will keep Barney calm. Which will let him focus on what you want him to do. The very last thing you want is a mutant that is... them to be scared. Especially one like Barney, because he'd be unpredictable.

Think about what I said.

Maryanne

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-26 08:57 am UTC (link)
Dear Mrs Walker,

You have a wonderfully large family, and I am sure you care for them all very well. It is right that as fond as I am of Sirius, I cannot be with him every minute of every day, but in the situations where I need to go somewhere without him, I leave him with a trusted adult friend. He does not seem to mind that. I appreciate your concern over me. It is true that I am young, but boys younger than me have had to take on greater responsibilities in time of need, and so I will do my best for Sirius until we go home or an older member of our family arrives.

Frightened children sometimes lash out with the abilities they have available to them, including magical ones. It isn't their fault. The trouble is that Sirius had been taught that children without magic will hurt him. That they are a danger to him. Please let me be perfectly clear; I am not saying that I believe your Tim will hurt Sirius. Only that if I take Sirius into such a situation, he will think I am deliberately leading him into danger, and I may lose his trust. I cannot risk that.

With respect, if there is no way to arrange this without frightening one of the children, it may not be the best of ideas. I do thank you for your patience in writing to me.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]maryanne_walker
2022-01-27 07:27 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr. Black,

I just don't want to see you burn out. And a lot of young parents do, through no fault of their own. So please, for your own sanity, find an adult you trust, that will allow you to get some 'me' time when you need it. In case home, or family, is a long time coming.

How about this, when you and Sirius get more comfortable on the station, when your guard isn't so high we explore it again. Without me knowing the extent of Barney's abilities, I couldn't handle the guilt if something happened to you or Sirius.

Sincerely,
Maryanne

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-27 10:08 am UTC (link)
Dear Mrs Walker,

Your concern really is very kind. I do leave him with Miss Adrian for an evening occasionally, so that I can go out and spend time with a friend. She is very understanding of our particular circumstances.

I should assure you, though, that when it comes to Sirius' welfare and happiness, my guard shall not be let down. I am all he has here, and I will not shirk that duty. Perhaps when you have had more opportunity to explore the extent of Barney's capabilities, or he grows more able to control them, we may reconsider things. Although I should say that shielding against children's accidental magic is a skill we tend to learn early.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]maryanne_walker
2022-01-28 10:46 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr. Black,

I didn't bring this up before because, well, I don't know, but since you're putting on pants that "men" twice your age don't, please call me Maryanne. We're on equal ground here.

I'm glad you do trust somebody, because even though you're doing a very manly thing, you do deserve to go and be a boy every now and then. Maybe get into a little mischief, as long as it isn't putting holes in any exterior walls or windows.

I don't know that I will be able to know the extend of Barney's powers, even if we both live centuries. But when Barney better understands focus, and self control, will it be wise. His power's aren't a magical skill, they could probably mimic one, but they are because of a mutation in his DNA. I don't know if magical shielding would work.

Respectfully yours,
Maryanne

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-28 11:22 pm UTC (link)
Dear Mrs O'Hara,

I must decline, I am afraid. It would be very disrespectful. Calling a lady by just her first name implies - well, either considerable intimacy or rude condescension. You are kind to suggest it, but you are my elder and it wouldn't be at all proper.

I shan't tell you about the mischief I got up to when I was younger! The station would not appreciate it, I can tell you.

I shan't pretend that I can say anything specific about Barney's abilities, having not met the boy. When he understands focus and self control, however, there will be no need for shielding. If you'll permit a little advice, it is important to place your trust in a child, at the right time, if you don't want them to grow up fearful of their own power. Precautions are necessary while they learn control, but not after.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]maryanne_walker
2022-01-29 06:48 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr. Black,

Well, if you want to be technical about it, you're probably my elder. Because I was born in 1992. It's only disrespectful if the lady didn't request it be done, and if anyone wants to imply you and I have done anything untoward, because you made the choice of calling me by my first name, I would give them a swift slap for their trouble. But I'll wait until your more comfortable with me before I ask again.

Hey, as long as no one gets hurt, I say seek mischief. And if anyone has a problem with it they can answer to me.

I do trust Barney, but I'm also wary of him around people that aren't family. But he does go to school, he's with his brother and sister, and he's fine there.

Sincerely
Maryanne.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-29 09:14 am UTC (link)
Dear Mrs Walker,

I did try, once, telling people that as I was born in 1835 I was their elder and should be treated accordingly. It wasn't received particularly well! I think you may have misunderstood. I do not decline because I am uncomfortable with you. That isn't the case, if anything our correspondence has put me much more at ease. Perhaps it would help if I told you that my very closest friends at school were known to me as Carrow, Selwyn, and Miss Rosier?

I shall keep that in mind, thank you, although if I did anything of the sort it would be rather unfair on you to say it was with your permission!

I understand that children are safer with family, and that he is your son and you know what is best for him. All I suggest is that you allow for the possibility that someday - not yet - he will be able to visit with others like my Sirius without it being dangerous for anyone.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]maryanne_walker
2022-01-30 10:50 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr. Black,

I'll give you a way to get people to respond to it favorably, let them suggest it. Don't be arrogant about it. Act like you have with me, an extremely responsible young man that is very mature for his age. Okay I've come up with a compromise for the name, Mrs Maryanne.

Well, there is a Norse God of Mischief on board this station, and you could just say you're paying homage to the god himself. Plus, with my permission. As long as no one gets hurt, and because they are hard to replace, no breaking of peoples things.

Absolutely. I won't shelter my boys under my wing always, but for now...

Sincerely

Maryanne

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-31 03:20 pm UTC (link)
Dear Mrs Maryanne,

That is rather an unusual suggestion, but an acceptable one, thank you. You're quite right about setting an example being far more effective than making demands. I wish I'd realised it when I was first away from home, it would have saved me some trouble.

I am not a destructive sort of fellow, and there is a code of honour with these things - one doesn't play mischievous tricks on ladies or elderly people or small children, it wouldn't be fair.

Then we are in agreement on things. Very good.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]maryanne_walker
2022-02-02 05:14 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr Black,

Well, I don't think you would have won me over by force or arrogance, I'm a very stubborn woman.

Now here is where I will suggest going a little modern with your pranks, because ladies do have a sense of humor too, and can be just as mischievous as men. If it makes you feel bad about playing tricks on them, maybe don't be as rough with the pranks.

I imagine I will lighten up even more with time. Their father, my husband, has just been gone a year.

Sincerely
Maryanne

(Reply to this) (Parent)


[info]sarah_sully
2022-01-22 09:48 am UTC (link)
Hi!

Harri does have magical abilities, but they may be different from yours. Her abilities aren't very developed right now, but do to the crazy ways of the station I know they will come to her as she ages. But sure! Harri and Sirius can meet. Are you going to put Sirius in school?

Well, not really his foster-mother. Just a general guardian, he has a rough life on earth, and when he is little I like to make sure he has the best life he can, here on the station. And my dog Mouse, who is not your average dog, is a comfort to him.

See you soon
Sarah

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-22 03:51 pm UTC (link)
Dear Mrs O'Hara,

That all sounds splendid! Thank you! It is very kind for you to watch over Mr O'Hara when he is in such circumstances, and I know that he appreciates it. He spoke very highly of you when we met. I am also acquainted with Mouse, who I have to say is quite an excellent dog.

I have not lived here for very long, but before I arrived, I was in another peculiar realm with people from different times and places, and with all manner of magical abilities. You have my word that if Sirius and Harri do any magical learning together, it will be nothing but encouraging, and respect and celebrate the differences there may be in their talents. Sirius is still developing the finer points of magical control, and I suspect there will be some things each can do that the other cannot.

Sirius will not be attending school here. In our culture, children do not begin formal schooling until they are at least eleven, and when they do it is at a specialised school focusing on the development of their magical abilities. Sirius is only seven, and terribly unsettled over arriving here, and so he is going to learn at home, with a few visits from tutors.

Does Harri attend a day-school here? If she does, perhaps she and Sirius can meet in the early evening, or on a day when there are no lessons?

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]sarah_sully
2022-01-24 07:05 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr Black,

You don't go to school for reading, writing, and arithmetic? How do you learn those fundamentals? Our school isn't like an earth school. It's basically the people who live here sharing their knowledge with the children that were born, or brought here. Miguel teaches science, and I'm his teacher's aid, for instance.

Harri does attend school, so early evenings would be ideal. And I'd have to attend at least one of your teaching sessions, so I'm able to explain what you're trying to do in a way she can do it too. Because her magic is like mine and my siblings, and not usually like most realms. See, like Harri, I was born to this world. I was just brought back in time.

I await your questions.

Sarah

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-24 11:20 am UTC (link)
Dear Mrs O'Hara,

You would be very welcome to attend the first session, or as many as you like, to assist with explanations and to make sure you are satisfied that Harri is happy to be there. I would be interested to see how her magic, and yours, differs from ours.

How it works where I am from is that children begin to be educated when their magic comes in, which is ordinarily between the ages of three and five. They learn within the safety of the family home - reading, writing and arithmancy, yes, but also magical control and basic spellwork, and for many also the fundamentals of other subjects such as magical theory, history and Latin as they grow older. Some families employ a tutor or governess to see to the teaching, but other children are taught by their mother or another relative. At eleven, some children continue being educated at home, but most will be sent to a magical boarding school instead.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]sarah_sully
2022-01-25 11:11 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr. Black,

Oh! I'm good at standing by and keeping quiet, and only offering Harri instruction when she needs it. Will she need anything? Robes? A wand? A staff?

Oh! Something I forgot to add about our school, almost everyone of the teachers has something you could consider within the realm of magic. In case that helps at all. I just can't imagine not spending all my formative years learning one thing or another from someone that wanted to share their knowledge. Even now I'm learning to strengthen my spell work with Loki, and when Miguel's his proper age, and not distracting me by being all handsome and the absolute best, I'm learning the finer points of genetics.

Sincerely

Sarah

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-26 09:11 am UTC (link)
Dear Mrs O'Hara,

There is no need for anything special. If she usually uses a wand, staff or other focal object, or if you think it would benefit her to try one, then do bring it along. Sirius uses a wand, but I know there are wizards in other countries who do not. We wear robes because that is usual where we are from. If Harri would like some, I can try to obtain some for her, but otherwise she should wear what is comfortable, and will keep her warm, because some spells are better attempted out-of-doors.

I am pleased that you have had such a fine experience at this school! Let me assure you that I do very much want to share my knowledge with Sirius. Although my own education has been disrupted, I have schoolbooks here and I am ensuring that I will at least not be dreadfully behind when I return home, and I am quite capable of teaching Sirius the things that are appropriate for a boy his age. It is good to know that the teachers at your school are magical, and if Sirius were an older boy, I might have considered it, but seven is too young for the expectations and trials of school. He is quite a sensitive child, I doubt he could stand the discipline and such.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]sarah_sully
2022-01-27 06:52 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr. Black,

Okay, I'll probably get her a fairly straight stick to start with, and if she does good to have the focal object I'll make her something more catered to her. Do you mind getting her some robes? I think that would help her focus on the things that are the same, rather than the things that are different.

Oh! I don't doubt your ability to teach Sirius everything you know, but what about the things you don't? Our school is nothing like any Earth school. There are no punishments or anything like that. Henry, my son who is currently 23, is a very sensitive soul too, and he thrived. We realize every child is different, and every child learns at their own pace, and the people from earth know what they hated about school, and make sure they don't carry those same practices over.

How about this, come and sit in, with Sirius, on Miguel's Spanish class... When he's back to normal that is. If you do, and you both absolutely hate it, I won't say another word about it.

Because, we don't know how long you'll be here. I know my situation isn't quite the same as yours... but I've been here for almost eight years.


Sarah.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-27 09:58 am UTC (link)
Dear Mrs O'Hara,

That sound splendid. We have specalist wand-makers back home, so I am not sure if an ordinary stick will have the same effect, but she can try, and I can always let her borrow my wand to see if she can channel any magic through it. That might be a good indication of whether the wand is a good idea or not. Will you send me over her measurements so I can see what can be done about a robe?

Thank you for your very kind offer, but I wish for Sirius to be educated in the traditional fashion, as his father would want. I cannot claim to know everything, but if there are things a seven-year-old needs to know that I have forgotten, it will be easy enough for me to review them and pass them on.

I shall not be here long. Sirius arrived here from years after I left, and he has told me about my future betrothal and other such matters, not that I mysteriously disappeared.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]sarah_sully
2022-01-28 10:27 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr Black,

Her measurements are [littlegirl of six measurements]. I realize a stick wont be the same, it's more or less to find out what she does with a focal point, and if she likes using one. Her brother, Henry who is 24 right now but supposed to be four, uses a staff that was passed on to him from, but Harri is more like me, where is Henry is more like his father. I don't know if Harri will need, or take to having something like that.

I just hope you aren't putting too much pressure on yourself. You're raising him is noble enough. It isn't because you think there will be people without abilities handling a child with them, is it?

Oh, well... That's because when you go back, even if you've lived here 40 years, you go back to the place in time that you left. Some remember being here, some don't.

Actively learning.
Sarah

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-28 11:04 pm UTC (link)
Dear Mrs O'Hara,

Thank you, I'm sure I can find her something to wear. I do take your meaning about the stick, and I see no problem with beginning there if you think it best. May I ask you, does she find it alarming that her brother is much older than he should be?

Sirius' father is my elder brother. He always looked out for me when I needed it. Doing the same for his son is really the least I can do. Unsuitable teachers are one concern of mine, yes. I have several others, but truly the most relevant point is that he is seven. Children of seven do not attend school where I am from, even schools that their parents thoroughly approve of. He is too young.

Mrs O'Hara, I cannot tell you how cheering that news is. It makes being here far easier to bear, if I know that no matter how long it may take, we will return as if we had never been away. I miss Sirius suffers from homesickness and he does miss his parents. This may help a great deal. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]sarah_sully
2022-01-29 09:51 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr Black,

She actually doesn't, she's been used to the station messing with Miguel, and Henry has been like this for over a year. She does have moments when she misses her baby brother, but then he comes over and plays with her and she's content again.

Well I hope this will ease you a little, every one of the teachers has at least one ability that is something no average human can do.

Well I'm glad to bring some ease.

Cheerfully yours,
Sarah

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-29 10:08 am UTC (link)
Dear Mrs O'Hara,

I am glad to hear it. Sirius is a little disconcerted that I am not exactly as he remembers me, but perhaps that will ease in time.

That is clearly not true interesting to know, thank you, but I am already aware that the same cannot be said of the students. I do not want Sirius to be mistreated for his magic, nor do I want him to be in trouble for using magic against others if he feels threatened. Then there is the matter of the suitability of what is taught, and what is left out. For instance, I do not think that harm would befall Sirius in Mr O'Hara's care, but muggle science is often completely ridiculous not compatible with magical theory. That is not really the fault of the muggles, who after all cannot study magic, but it would leave Siri with all manner of muddled misconceptions which might cause trouble for him later.

Splendid. Shall we arrange a meeting, then? Is there an evening next week that would suit you both?

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]sarah_sully
2022-01-30 11:04 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr. Black,

How old are you as he remembers?

True, but the only students that aren't 'powered' have 'powered' parents.

Ah, Mr. Black, you need to come visit my lab. I could absolutely change your mind about how science and magic work beautifully together.

Let me know when is good for you.

Scientifically yours,
Sarah

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]arcturusfirst
2022-01-31 04:50 pm UTC (link)
Dear Mrs O'Hara,

Sirius remembers me as being seventeen years old. That is, as an adult no longer at school. I'm almost fifteen now, so it isn't a dramatic change in the way your son's is, but it is enough that he has noticed, and asked about it.

I would expect that those particular students have more reason than most to be envious and resentful towards magical children.

With respect, I don't believe you have studied magical theory to have seen the incompatibilities I write of.

Let us say Wednesday, then. I shall look forward to it!

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]sarah_sully
2022-02-02 04:53 am UTC (link)
Dear Mr Black,

I don't know about you, but most boys hit a growth spurt in between fifteen and seventeen?

Well, they're Maryanne's kids, and have never shown that they're envious. And she only has one kid that is presenting.

I'll have you know that I got a doctorate in Magical Theory. And use that knowledge to incorporate magic in my Sciencing, and I use it to help me figure out how use magic spells and the like. Do you have potions in your world?

Alright! I will look forward to it and I'm sure Harri will too

Sarah

(Reply to this) (Parent)

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