Private message to Mummy

[alt_hydra]

Mummy,

I don't know if you saw, but in my weekly owl to you I mentioned that the applications for the CCF programme are due on Monday.

And I know that you said you might want me to do something different from CCF this summer, like perhaps spend time with Aunt Narcissa, and learn things from her about marriage, hostessing, and fashion and such.

But I was thinking maybe I could still apply for CCF, only I would write my letter to Aunt Narcissa about how I aspire to be like her one day. I know that Aunt Narcissa isn't an Auror or on the Council, but if CCF had been around when she was at school, she would have probably been involved, wouldn't she? That's the essence of who she is, really - she's always sure to be involved in everything important and everything that matters. So if I'm to be like her, then maybe I should do the same?

From,
Hydra

Comments

[alt_bellatrix]

Now Hydra, you know I read ever single letter of your weekly reports. I saw your mention of CCF, but you did not indicate anywhere that you haboured an intent to apply and were seeking advice on the matter. You really must learn to speak up more directly about those subjects you find pressing.

As for the matter at hand - recent developments have me less hasty to steer you away from CCF than before. As I indicated to you some weeks ago, natural occlumens are rare. It does not do to waste such a talent, even if it does handsomely raise your worth as a potential partner to our Lord's son. Do not abandon the latter aspiration, but also put your sights on using your gifts to benefit our Protectorate as a whole in ways other than throwing card parties and appearing in the newspapers.

I have been thinking on how you might best do this. Your gift, combined with your inquisitive, yet quiescent, nature, may make you a good candidate for work in the Department of Mysteries as an Unspeakable. They are, as you know, not permitted to speak of their work in any capacity. Not even under the most severe of duress. Occlumency is an absolute necessity, and all the better if it's innate rather than learned.

[alt_hydra]

The Department of Mysteries, really? But no one knows much about what they do, do they. We've never had one come in and speak about their work to the YPL, because none of them are allowed to do that. I've always Some people seem certain that what they do must be terribly frightening, and maybe even dangerous.

But I am good at keeping secrets intrigued by the sound of it. Who should I write to about it? For my application, I mean.

From,
Hydra

[alt_bellatrix]

The overly erudite are apt to perceive it as more dangerous than working for MLE. For them, nothing can be more frightening or more challenging than studying how magic works its way into the very fabric of all existence - death, time, love, thought.

But I'm afraid that there's little else that even I can tell you about what they do. Though it does bear stressing that good marks in Arithmancy are absolutely essential to one in that field, so you'd best keep up your studies. I suggest writing to Erasmus Croaker's father, who has a high-ranking position within the Department of Mysteries. As the father of a son who is in YPL, he is also more likely to familiar with our goals and aspirations than the rest of them.

As a final note, I would like to say that I am pleased that you are open to this idea. Let it serve as a lesson that I do have some capacity in judging what's best for you, and that I do have a deeper understanding of your character - of your strengths and your weaknesses - than you or your Father or your sister give me credit for. I know you feel that they can be more understanding, more kind, but they would only help you to cling to your weaknesses all the more.

I'm sure you've learnt by now that there's no place for that here.

[alt_hydra]

Yes, I will write to Mr Croaker. I don't think anyone else is writing to someone in the Department of Mysteries, and I don't think anyone wrote to them last year, either. I suppose that a lot of people would be put off by the fact that they don't know much about what they'd be getting into, with a job like that, but I don't think I would mind it so much.

And yes, Mummy, you're right. And I know, and I've learnt it.

Thank you for your advice.

From,
Hydra