Gooseberry High

I would like to investigate further on Patronus forms and totemic theory, I believe. My additional readings have led me [. . .] astray.

[Ebonhide Junior Girls]

I must ask you a very strange question.

[. . .]Are any of you frightened of snakes?

Today is a day which muggles the no-maj world calls International Women's Day, in which the achievements of women from history as well as modern day, in all areas, of all walks of life are recognised and remembered, as well as honouring our continued fight for equality. I suppose as witches we have a duty to remember and respect all women around the world. Often their accomplishments are underwritten and forgotten.

We are all very lucky to be here at Gooseberry, with such a diverse group of students from different cultures and parts of the world, and to call such strong young women our classmates and peers. I admire that such an establishment exists and that I am able to be a part of it here.

Mummy says I should be more social and get to know my classmates if I am to stay here so Hello I am Sybilla Borgin and

Did you know the Roman fertility festival Lupercalia was the origin of our Valentine's Day celebrations? It was celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of February. The sacrifices to the gods women gathering to be struck with the animal skins for fertility rituals and traditions are [. . .] quite a bit different from today, however. But the ancient Romans did not have chocolate of course. I expect they did have flowers, however. The Romans were mad about flowers. One emperor even suffocated his enemies with flower petals. Perhaps not to the extent of Heliogabalus of course.

We do have Shakespeare to thank for popularising the holiday into what it is today. But I find so much of our modern world is shaped by Shakespeare. Perhaps that is why I am often so keen to read more of him around this time of the year. Especially Antony And Cleopatra. What a beautiful disaster. I have a lovely illustrated edition of the comedies if you would like to join me.

Having recently learned of the purported deliciousness of tacos, and having [. . .] read about eggs, I find it strange that scotch eggs are seemingly not as popular here in America as they are back home. I believe if more readily available, they could be quite a hit here in the states.

[Ebonhide Junior Girls]

Daddy has agreed with my wishes that I may stay here for next year, though nothing is quite official just yet. I see no reason to return back to Hogwarts when our instruction here is far more immersive and specialised. I am very happy he has allowed me such, however.

Who: The Borgin family, annotated version (Sybilla, Larkin and Serena Borgin, and Bedwyr)
When: Saturday, January 21st, before Parent/Teacher Conferences (backdated)
Where: The grounds, beside the lake
What: Family time.

( A true Borgin  )

Many of you are so very lucky to have a beautiful snowy holiday. I believe Courier & Ives and other popular sources have done us a great disservice in painting a picture of a Christmas with lots of snow in England. It is rainy and windy here in Lancashire, unfortunately. Daddy said I have had my fill of snow and thus I am not to be missing it so, but I do love the snow.

Luckily Daddy and I have designed a very clever spell to produce strong gusts of snowfakes. The incantation needs quite a bit of work, as I have needed to dig Daddy out of several large snowdrifts, and Mummy does worry about him so. But it is progress nonetheless, and I am well pleased.

I do hope everyone is having a most pleasant holiday, with whichever weather you so prefer.

[Ebonhide Junior Girls]

I do hope you find your presents arrive in a timely fashion, I find I always experience a slight anxiety when I am to be owling parcels. Perhaps I shall devise some trace charm so one may monitor the delivery of a long-distance owl.

Owl post delivery for Sybilla Borgin, at breakfast, 4th December 2013

( DELIVERY  )

Owl post sent home to Larkin & Serena Borgin, Lancashire, England, 26 November 2013)

( Dearest Daddy and Mummy, )

If you happen to see my cat Madoc today, do offer him your congratulations and praise, for I am very proud of him and his progress. He has killed his first rat this morning! He's still a kitten, so all encouragement would be wonderful as he embraces his true predatory instinct at this formative time in his life.

I do apologize to Bailey for him leaving his trophy on your pillow, but I have left a very strong cleaning potion that Mummy and Daddy sent with me on your desk. Madoc must have a great deal of affection for you to leave the slain foe in your bed, I suppose if we truly consider that point of view on the bright side. He is very protective of our cabin and we should all be very grateful as such.

[Warded to Ebonhide Junior Girls dorm]

I do hate to be a bother but I was very poor in my timing to return back from the library. If you hear a knock on the door please do not panic, it is only me. Perhaps we should have worked out some sort of password. I shall yell my name before I enter the dorm so I am not hit with a panicked hex. I do know things are quite stressful.

And if anyone else needs to walk back to camp please do let me know soon, I am about to leave the lodge.

I do love how festive Americans get for Halloween, you lot certainly surpass Hogwarts' attempts at decor and the feel of the season, I will say that. October certainly is my favourite time of year, all of my favourite scarves and jewelry fit in so well with everything in October. I especially hope we do pumpkin carving, and from pictures I have seen, Americans are quite artistic when it comes to pumpkin carving. Did you know that traditionally during this time of year, turnips were carved out and made into lanterns? I suppose that takes much more precise knife work, though.

Though Americans don't really have a version of Bonfire Night, and that is a shame, but Halloween is loads better than Bonfire Night, I'd say.

Tonight after dinner we have Duelling and Fencing club! I have been looking forward to duelling again for the entire summer hols. Watching Daddy practice his jinxes and cursework without being able to cast any myself back home is most tiresome. Waiting until December until I'm old enough seems like a lifetime away.

It is a most thrilling activity, and even if you are hesitant about fencing or duelling, I highly recommend you join us all just to try it! I'm sure you will come to love it. And Ms. Lilywhite is a brilliant sponsor and duelist, as well.

Who else is taking animagus studies this year? This will be my first year and I'm so excited to be starting! Have you lot studied or done any preliminary research over the summer? I brought some interesting books related to the subject if anyone would like to borrow one for the weekend. I found them most illuminating.

[Warded to Hogwarts exchange students]

I would like to say the time difference gets easier to deal with your second time around, but I'm exhausted. Thank Merlin for a weekend to catch up on the Portkey lag.

( ARRIVAL )