FOR: Alicia WHAT: Lestrange Christmas Letters WHEN: The 70s
LESTRANGE
Dear Druella and Cygnus,
1971 comes to a close more quickly than expected for Bellatrix and myself. I hope you will forgive the lateness of our very first Christmas letter and consider it a sign of our good fortune during this holiday season.
Work on our home proceeds with pleasing efficiency. It is a labour of love for us both, with Bellatrix proving more than capable of directing the interior. She is not keen to admit it, but she shares her mother's aesthetic eye and the good sense to expand on my less imaginative recommendations. I am occupied largely by concerns of security given our proximity to our muggle neighbours. While I have always admired the Blacks' townhouse in Islington, times have changed since its construction and we frequently find ourselves at odds with Ministry regulations. Still, we are not daunted. We are near enough the Ministry to continue lobbying for ward permits, and near enough Diagon to amuse ourselves with shopping when time allows.
The best shopping by far has been abroad. Bellatrix selected several beautiful rugs on our trip to Italy and I was able to procure a rare set of encyclopaedias for the mantle (though I suspect it will be in frequent transit to my desk as I brush up on my translation skills). Miracolo o Magia?—rather appropriate to the season. While in Florence, we experienced a rare moment of true tourism as we haggled for art outside the Basilica di Santa Croce. A flood several years ago damaged a number of the church's paintings, but we believe we can restore those we acquired in due course. A testament to Magia over Miracolo.
Even late in the year, Italy was beautiful. Bella and I saw more sun than expected, much to the distress of our newest edition, Jack. He must have hardly recognised his sunburned owners; upon our return, we were treated to a measure of suspicion for several days. He came around soon enough (with the help of treats) and posed for the enclosed photo. Though it has only been a few weeks, he has grown exponentially—as has his appetite. Our taste for Italian leathers is mutual, though I am sad to say that Jack's enthusiasm for my favourite pair of oxfords will require us to return to Italy sooner than we'd planned. One can only hope for a year of such 'misfortunes.'
From your family here in Knightsbridge, we wish you the very happiest Christmas and hope to see you soon,
Rodolphus, Bellatrix & Jack 22 December, 1971
LESTRANGE
Dear Druella and Cygnus,
We come upon the holiday season following a very full year. This Christmas I in particular look forward to joining you for the annual family dinner. After a brief foray into cooking, one cannot help but have a renewed appreciation for elves' natural domestic talents. Thankfully, we have had weightier pursuits to occupy us—
In November, we successfully oversaw completion of the first phase of Diagon library. At the year's start, we were unsure if we would be able to accomplish such a monumental feat so quickly. Between building applications, transporting mountains of books, and endless security paperwork, it may have been easier to construct a library brick-by-brick out in the wild.
Luckily, Bellatrix is gifted with a deep reserve of persistence, and I with a tolerance for minutiae. By financing the project ourselves we bypassed many quandaries ordinarily facing those who must construct with consensus. Our 'building committee' consisted only of Bellatrix and myself, with Jack lending a thoughtful eye to the project throughout. His attention to creature comforts is unparalleled but our priorities were not always aligned. We persevered.
He is over a hundred pounds now and still growing. Though he accompanied us to the building site most days, we thought a companion at home might suit him. Thus we set about searching for the perfect second dog, a task nearly as weighty as designing a library. Our new addition to the family is called Proserpina. She is a red setter, come to us not from Ireland but south Wales, where her parents are regional obedience champions. She is a reserved thing, not inclined to playing and quite disdainful of Jack and his boyish antics. This has not dissuaded him (or us). Bellatrix took to her immediately, though she has yet to capture the elusive beast by photograph. I have been promised we shall be able to submit proof of two dogs by this time next year. Perhaps by then she will also brush up on the use of her camera. Enclosed is a photo she took of her idle husband with our beautiful library sadly relegated to background.
When not busy with the dog or library or her philanthropic pursuits, Bella occupies herself with a new hobby: bonsai. I understand bonsai to be an exercise in patience and sculpture, neither of which I had known to interest her. Still, she has produced some intriguing pieces. I confess at the start of her project, I anticipated our modest herbology skills would bring this new occupation to a swift end. Happily, Bella's indefatigable ambition outweighed any potential shortcomings in her skillset. Perhaps this New Year, I shall resolve to temper my scepticism with a newly open mind.
Until then, we are resolvedly yours,
Rodolphus, Bellatrix, Jack & Prosperina 18 December, 1972
LESTRANGE
Dear Druella and Cygnus,
Another year has passed in a flurry of activities. Thankfully for my writing hand and your continued patience I could not recall every detail if I tried, but I am happy to share with you some highlights as we reflect fondly upon the year.
Work in and on the library remains a source of pleasure and pride. Last year, we had designated an antechamber as incoming storage to house and organize new texts. But ambition ever-present, the storage room is no more, stripped down and refurnished to house books in disrepair with dedicated workspaces for conservation and restoration. I remain the library's only employee, but in this occupation I have no dearth of energy, a much needed asset as our friends' and family's generosity fills the shelves and workshop alike. Thank you especially for your welcome gifts this spring, I was humbled to be entrusted with such rarities.
While I busy myself in the workroom, Bella has found a new home in the darkroom—when not behind a camera. I had little idea how intricate were the finer points of photography, from focusing to rules of thirds to F stops (I regret I cannot define this term for you despite my best efforts to brush up on jargon). Once she has captured the images, Bella employs all manner of techniques, magical and otherwise, to create photographs from film. I once, in my naïveté, opened the door to enquire if I could be of assistance—a faux pas if one has any familiarity with the subject; Bella gently declined.
She has used this new occupation to great effect: we took the dogs north for their first snow and captured a whole series of investigations and damp noses. In good conscience we could not tax our owl with more than one, but I am certain Bella would be delighted to share her collection if asked.
In sadder news, we wish to extend our condolences on cousin Charis's passing. We were fortunate enough to see the late Mrs Crouch at the Spring Ides Ball, where she gave a charming rendition of The Giant of Wrekin to a rapt audience. Her quick wit and love of family were apparent in our every interaction, and we much admired her appreciation of our cultural touchstones. We only hope that through our work, we can inspire the same appreciation in others as she did in us.
Know that this holiday season we are thinking of you and remain faithfully yours,
Rodolphus, Bellatrix, Jack & Prosperina 18 December, 1973
LESTRANGE
Dear Druella and Cygnus,
1974 has flown by and us with it, but we look forward to coming to roost with you during Christmas and over the new year.
Bellatrix and I have been swept up in lives of service this year, as I am sure you know. We hope you do not feel overly neglected. As national tensions heighten, it becomes increasingly clear how important our roles are in our respective occupations, particularly where they overlap—
Bella's philanthropic pursuits have been enormously successful. In addition to raising much needed assistance for the Wizarding Genealogy Project, she has also tripled the Diagon Library's coffers in support of my expansion efforts. We are working over the holiday to break ground on two additional floors, which will house category III-V texts, permits willing. In this political climate, it can be difficult lobbying on behalf of any items deemed unsafe—particularly those at risk of falling into muggle hands—but we are determined to rescue items of historical importance from the wrong hands, be they muggle or governmental. (We have been made aware of the Ministry's storage crisis regarding particularly classified magical items and have a solicitor drawing up reclassification requests to ensure these treasures do not go overlooked.) Construction itself has been relatively straightforward, but Bella takes her supervisory duties very seriously as you can see in the enclosed photograph.
Our travels this year were somewhat limited by our responsibilities at home, but we had the great fortune to attend several World Cup games. The English team proved quite entertaining, disappointed though we were to be out of the playoffs so soon, and Bellatrix brought home a dissimulator to remember that game by. We had hoped Scotland might qualify so we could see our favourite Magpie Fabius Watkins in a national game. But we shall be patient for the next cup. In spite of the alleged boycotts, we had trouble acquiring tickets for Syria/Madagascar. It was only due to a last minute scheduling conflict that we were able to attend on my uncle's behalf. Without any emotional investment in either team, we greatly enjoyed the game as a simple contest of skill and "dissimulated" enthusiastically for every goal (or bad call).
All remains well at the house. We have added a few rooms to the London flat to accommodate some new interests. Jack and Proserpina grow fonder of one another as we hoped they might.
Likewise, we wish you the very best season and continue to be fondly yours,
Rodolphus, Bellatrix, Jack & Prosperina 18 December, 1974
LESTRANGE
Dear family, et al.,
Rodolphus is sick. Best wishes.
Bella 23 December, 1975
LESTRANGE
Dear Druella and Cygnus,
This year's letter comes to you from the vineyards of Bordeaux, where the temperature is wonderfully pleasant despite the humidity. We had planned to return last week and attend to our Christmas shopping, but even the best laid plans have a way of disapparating abroad. (Naturally, we have missed the first London snow since moving there).
We discovered this place during our summer holiday, a grand monthlong tour of the globe. I would like to call it an organised tour but perhaps it would be best described as egalitarian, with Bellatrix and I selecting intriguing locations and attempting to arrange our travels efficiently as we went. I am not typically suited for such impulsiveness, but with Bellatrix it is wise to be adaptable. I admit I found it freeing to change course as needs arose, and we were able to see our surroundings beyond the purview of exacting itineraries.
We made rounds to several libraries of substance, including Pergamum, Herculaneum and Alexandria; I could have spent weeks in the last, soaking up ancient knowledge and reflecting upon the evolution of Hellenistic arithmancy and astrology. With Bella's patience I found many hours poring over papyrus and preserved calfskin, bursting with aspirations and inspiration for the return home.
Our culinary adventures could likely fill several owls' worth of parchment (to no one's benefit), but it will suffice to say that my appetite remains ever-mundane and English whilst Bella's adventurous palate perseveres against all odds (namely: questionable delicacies in Sweden, Louisiana and Japan). Our best meal was unquestionably in Florence, though whether that was a credit to the food or an anniversarily nostalgia I simply couldn't say.
The last leg of our journey included the winery, a sprawling expanse of French land that has been neglected for the worst part of a decade. With the Diagon Library all but complete, Bella's need for a project set her sights on this, and we are now the proud owners of a winery-in-progress. We have not yet come to a consensus on its name, nor what manner of grapes will be its focus. I suppose when in Bordeaux one ought to do as the Bordelais—but Bella's independent nature may outweigh her love of claret. We'll see what the future holds. Until then, we oversee restoration of the site and have called in a few consulting experts to ignore.
Shortly after our return home, we added one final dog to our little family. We missed having a puppy around the house; Proserpina's gravitas and Jack's rapid ageing have made things a bit austere for our liking. Arachne is unlike our first two in nearly every way. Enthused about all creatures—great and small—and their many feet (even her own), I have not known her to settle for more than a moment unless sleeping. She is a force of curiosity and greatly enjoys our trips to Bordeaux. If there is ever an encroaching wild creature in the vast vineyards, she will surely frighten it away with her thundering hellos.
Despite our marvellous adventures, we look forward to our time with you immensely and hope to introduce you to our youngest soon.
We hope this owl finds you in good health and good spirits. Bellatrix and I were "lucky" enough to have our seasonal malaise early this year, and look forward to a holiday free of elderflower tea. Please enjoy the included sachets from our herbalist if you have not had quite the same fortune.
All is well at home and work. I recently hired an employee at the library, hopefully the first of several. He concerns himself with most of its clientele, leaving me free to pursue acquisition (with the assistance of several national businesses), restoration, research and, of course, paperwork. Ministry regulations seem to be multiplying despite the best efforts of our colleagues in the legal profession. With little basis in reality, leftist politicians continue to do what they do best: politicise magic. Still, we make progress. Our inflow of texts remains constant, translations proceed at a steady clip, and I have recently restored our hundredth book—a lone copy of Morgana, of Merlinian Legend.
In addition to her work at the Genealogy Project, Bellatrix has devoted herself to a new interest: winged horses. Our travels this year have therefore been largely academic in nature. I am far more literate on the subject of winged horses than at the start of the year, but Bellatrix prefers a hands-on approach, resulting in several whirlwind trips to those areas of the continent where disillusionment regulations remain lax. The races were incredible. In Turkey, one course was built from crystal and cloud, so that when the horses leapt over the hedges, their wings beat back the mist to reveal sunbursts of colour. The jockeys are so small as to be forgotten, and if I also forgot myself I could almost believe I was bearing witness to a wild and thundering herd.
What began as a curious appreciation for Aethonan horses quickly evolved into a passion for Abraxans and Tulpars. So we found ourselves at an auction house in Marrakech, staring at some of the most prized specimens in the world. I enclose a photo of Bella looking (understandably) pleased with herself after securing the offspring of two race champions.
I precede Bellatrix and the dogs by several days here in England. While I attend to some tedious details of property ownership, she is arranging the transport of our new beasts. Where she'll put them I've no idea but as I have learned so many times over—where Bellatrix has a will, there is almost certainly a way.
We should be most pleased if you would enjoy a visit to see our horses. Until then we wish you a Happy Christmas and a bright new year,
With our letter we send you many warm wishes on this unseasonably cold December.
We are recently returned from Gibraltar which contributes to our poor adjustment to the weather. Winter there is exceptionally mild, and—as we found out from our horse handler—racing season. So, Bella and I packed up the steeds to fly south for a week, oblivious to the cold front besieging England in our absence.
Gibraltar is a curious place. We couldn't go far without an interpreter nearby though everyone speaks English; really, what they speak is Llanito, a blend of English and Spanish so fluid they move from one to the other without noticing—often mid sentence. (My spoken Spanish is mediocre at best, and I would have been mortified had the stable hands mistaken a request for herraduras for errar-duras.)
We heard the races were popular here but couldn't fathom how they'd remained hidden in so small a town. But as we handed off our horses to the locals, we were whisked away to a magnificent sky box far above the Peninsula and the small minds inhabiting it. The view of the city and strait were astonishing. Then they brought out the horses. Bella, having thrown herself into the sport, was bemused by my interest in these sky races; in our travels together last year I had seen only ground races. But given the opportunity one can see where these magical beasts are truly exceptional. We were pleasantly surprised to see our two beauties come in third and fifth in their respective heats.
The rest of our year was a typical melange of work, philanthropy and academic pursuits. Like many of our friends, we are under the Ministry's scrutinising lens for the simple act of being. But we bear it with good humour. We know the aurors must be subject to tremendous pressure as justice continues to buckle under political agendas. We hope you have not been unduly inconvenienced.
One unexpected moment of joy: we found ourselves, despite all intentions to hold off at three, in possession of a new dog. Rook is a beautiful tawny Staffordshire. We adopted him this summer after his owner passed away unexpectedly. He is a bright little thing, expressive and curious and eager to train. Despite his age, he is already loyal enough to wait for his treats until given a word—a feat Arachne has never aspired to in our years of ownership. It is refreshing and I am quite pleased for his company in the library.
Thank you as always for agreeing to host Christmas. Despite our work and the holidays it is always a pleasure to be with family for the season.
We are so thankful the holidays allow us time to reach out to our families and express how grateful we are to share our lives with you.
This year was a painful one for all of us. Cygnus, Orion and Regulus were stalwart examples of living life, no matter its length, to the fullest. Loss can be a magnifier, and we especially miss Cygnus's warmth, Orion's charm and Regulus's gentleness. As we recall each man's strength of character this season, we resolve over the new year to be warmer, kinder and gentler to one another and to you—who mean so much to us.
Bellatrix and I are spending some time in deep reflection in Northern Scotland. The weather is alternately tumultuous and calm, allowing for long periods together undisturbed as storms beat against our small village. Here, 'bad' weather reminds us of the majesty of nature and our place as stewards of it. While muggles hide in their homes, we have enjoyed some breathtaking walks through blizzards and gales, reminiscing over our work and looking forward to what still must be done. When the weather calms, we let the dogs out to enjoy it with us.
We thought you might like a snap of our snow adventures, this year with Arachne and Rook. They get along famously, though Arachne remains the more enthusiastic of the two. We worried briefly that she might feel displaced and jealous of our new addition, but forever oblivious to the concept of enemy, she is delighted to have a new best friend. She looks a bit wild in the photograph, but rest assured it is a loving wildness, despite Rook's scepticism.
Jack used to love the snow, but he and Proserpina have spent most of the trip curled in front of the fireplace together, he sleeping and she puzzling over a rawhide toy. We are grateful to have had another year with them.
If you are not too tired of our company, we shall be trekking south to join you for Christmas again. Best wishes and we will see you soon,
Rodolphus, Bellatrix and family 18 December, 1979
LESTRANGE
Dear Druella,
We hope this letter finds you in high spirits. Bellatrix and I have had a contemplative year of work and service that does not lend itself spectacularly to letters, but given your usual tolerance for their caliber we suspect you will be forgiving.
Bellatrix is immersed in her philanthropic work and has three separate fundraising efforts running in tandem. Her unrelenting energy for such matters is inspiring, not only to her husband but to several of our youngest relatives. It has been deeply gratifying to see the mantels of selflessness and public service taken up by such young and agile minds, and though Bella is too humble to say so, she has proven an adept mentor.
Work in the library putters along with the hiring of an assistant translator. I have been immensely grateful for a second pair of hands and began apprenticing her in restoration so that we are prepared to receive a large delivery mid-next-year. With the help of the Burkes we have saved a three hundred volume Category IV journal series slated for disposal. They will require careful handling and likely a great deal of babysitting from our friends in Misuse of Magic, but I am pleased with the acquisition and anticipate a deeply engaging project.
With so much to occupy us, we have to remember to carve out time for the small things. This year we were determined to do our holiday decorating ourselves. Thankfully Jack is a patient subject and spends most of his time napping as we decorate around him, occasionally waking to prepare for a lengthier snooze. He's quite old now, and has gone very white. We discourage him from slipping out to explore the front garden with muggles about, but are considering taking him north to have what may be his last holiday in the snow. Thankfully we can get far enough away from the muggle machines that he can explore free of danger.
We hope you do not mind us coming for Christmas three times in as many years, but we have missed your company and look forward to spending it with you.