it's so clear now that you are all that i have [aaron]

[Deleted]

dear aaron,

Sorry I haven't written sooner - the first couple of weeks of school are always really hectic, and it slipped my mind. You're not going to believe this, but we have another sibling! His name is Elias, and he's a Durmstang student. Too bad we can't communicate with him at all, though, because his cousin is a total psychopath, and I mean that literally. She threatened to hurt our entire family just because I wouldn't roll over like a puppy dog when she asked me to. I'm a wolf, not someone's lapdog. Other than that, things have been kind of weird because of the Triwizard Tournament. I entered, of course. Hope that things are going well for you, and sorry again for not writing sooner!

yours,
jamie

@aaron

[Deleted]

Jamie,

Why am I not surprised that there are more of us popping out of the woodwork? There's probably a sibling on every continent. Father dearest certainly got around. Perhaps I can talk some sense into this cousin of his. After all, we have a claim to him just as much as she does. Don't let her get to you, though. You're better than that.

As far as the Triwizard Tournament, I've only heard stories about it. We didn't really have anything like that back in Brazil, but I know you'll do wonderfully. If anyone can win it, it's you. No one else has as much drive or passion. You'll have to tell me more about this tournament when you write again.

Don't worry so much about writing. I've moved into a small cottage in Hogsmeade to be closer to work, so once your Hogsmeade weekends start, you'll be able to visit whenever you want. I do hope to to hear from you again soon, though. Don't let this tournament interfere too much with your school work. Graduating is much more important in the long run.

How are things with that girlfriend of yours? She seemed really nice, and you two looked really happy. Any wedding bells in the near future? Just kidding. But I hope all is well.

Much love,
Aaron

@jamie

[Deleted]

dear aaron,

I doubt that we have a sibling in Antarctica. Even werewolves can't survive that kind of cold, I don't think. And, as far as I know, you're the only one who hasn't come from Europe. Please don't try to talk to Maria - Max and I tried to be nice to her, and that didn't work. I tried to be mean to her, and that worked even less. Besides, she wants to hurt anyone who cares about me, and you're near the top of that list (number two, in case you care). I know that you're like the big bad wolf or whatever but she scares me, Aaron, and I don't want you to get hurt.

The Triwizard Tournament is a competition between the three Wizarding schools in Europe - Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstang. Each school chooses a champion, and they compete in three challenges to earn points and try to win The Triwizard Cup. It stopped for a while because a lot of people were dying in challenges, but it started again in 1995, I think. That year Hogwarts had two champions, Harry Potter and a Hufflepuff named Cedric Diggory. Cedric died. It's kind of a point of pride for me that a Hufflepuff is chosen as the Triwizard champion this time, and wins.

Yay for moving! I'm sorry that I couldn't help you move or anything, because I bet some of that stuff was mine that I forgot. I'm really excited to get to visit you! Though I suppose that even if you are working on Hogsmeade weekends I'll be able to see you, since I normally go to The Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer or something, especially if it's cold out.

I promise that I'm keeping up with my schoolwork. You know studying is my top priority - I really want to get good N.E.W.T.s in case my plan of playing Quidditch professionally falls through.

Harper and I broke up. She seems to think it's okay that Gryffindors are all ignorant assholes who want to be the center of attention, but it's not okay that Hufflepuffs actually want to be recognized for working hard every once in a while. We haven't seen each other, but she never responded to my owl, so I'm assuming that's a breakup.

love,
jamie

@aaron

[Deleted]

Jamie,

I'll take your word that this Maria character is going to be a hassle, but if we have another sibling out there, I think I have a right to meet him. Maybe I'll go out and do it during the full moon. She may be crazy, but she's not two hundred plus pounds of teeth and claws crazy. Horrible as that sounds, family is family and she'll either respect that or she'll be made to respect it.

I really hope you don't die in this tournament. Then I would have to find someone else to live in the attic your new bedroom. Everything you left behind is there, and I took the liberty of getting you a bed and dresser as well. It's not much - can't get the fancy stuff on a bartender's salary - but I think you'll be happy with it. And, of course, it's yours to use whenever you want. I'll give you the spare key when you come visit. Just no wild parties, true?

I'm sorry about you and Harper. I probably shouldn't have said anything. Break ups are tough. Not that I would know. Forever pure and all that jazz. Of course, the Hufflepuffs deserved to be recognized, especially if their last champion died, and no one deserves it more than you. But you two made a cute couple. Maybe you should try writing to her again. In fact, you won't get the key until you do. Even if you don't get back together, I know how much you cared for her and animosity will make you lose your focus both in your school work and in the tournament. So get to writing.

See you soon,
Aaron

@jamie

[Deleted]

dear aaron,

You have every right to meet him, but just so you know, he hates me. I told him that unless he could control his cousin be wasn't allowed to talk to our siblings. I know that it's not fair, but I can't have any of you getting hurt because of me, or because of him. Maria made it clear that we're not his family and we're not to speak to him, otherwise there will be hell to pay. Please be careful. She's not afraid of werewolves, so I'm pretty sure Elias is one, too. I wanted to smell him, but that felt a little...impersonal, I guess, and like I was invading his personal life or something. It's stupid. I'm being stupid. Sorry.

I will try my very best not to die. For one thing, I probably won't be chosen as the Champion anyways. So many people entered, and I'm beginning to doubt that they would choose a werewolf, let alone one who's barely able to keep the relationships in her life from imploding. But anyways, I don't care if it's much, or if it's the attic. It's with you, so it's home. I promise I won't throw any wild parties - at least none that you're not invited to.

I don't really care about being a cute couple. Some people weren't really supportive of us, anyways, because we're not, you know, heterosexual. But I just want to be happy, I guess, and Harper did make me happy. I'll write to her. I miss you, Aaron.

sincerely,
jamie

@aaron

[Deleted]

Jamie

Regardless, maybe I can get through to both of them. You know I'm a pacifist, but I know when to put my foot down, and I know when to run. I very seriously doubt some seventh years are going to try to push my buttons, but if they do, I think I can handle myself. I did survive both the Brazilian jungle and our father, you know. It'll take a lot more than a little girl's jealousy to put me out. You have every right to worry, but try not to worry too much. I'll be alright.

I very seriously doubt that's the way a tournament competitor should be speaking, er, writing. You will be chosen, and you will win. Our father was a deadbeat but he didn't help birth quitters. You'll do fine.

I know she made you happy. That's why you're going to write to her. And I'll know if you didn't. You can't fool me. It'll be better for both of you, irmã. And you won't get the key until you do~

Vos amo,
Aaron

[Deleted]

dear aaron,

Maria wants to push everyone's buttons, I'm pretty sure. From what I've heard from the Durmstang students, that's not the only thing she likes to do with everyone, if you know what I mean. I'm not sure if she's scarier than the jungle, but I'm pretty sure she could give dad a run for his money, if only because she's deluded herself into thinking she's actually in the right. I'm sure that you can show her not to mess with Greybacks, though. I tried to do that, but I failed.

Your confidence in me is inspiring, but while our father didn't birth quitters, he also didn't birth idiots, and I know too much about statistics to believe that it is likely, let alone imminent, that I will be chosen.

I wrote to Harper. She wrote back pretty quickly, and we've both apologized, so I think that things are getting better. It might delay those wedding bells you were talking about, though. Just delay, though - if soulmates exist, I think Harper is mine. I couldn't imagine my life without her. (Don't worry, I couldn't imagine my life without you, either.)

love,
jamie

@aaron

[Deleted]

Jamie,

I think if this Maria girl will listen to anyone, it will be me. No offense, irmã, but you can be a little rough around the edges when it comes to confrontation. She's probably just concerned about her family. I know if I thought someone tried to take you or any of the others away from me, I'd raise hell. I'm sure it's something along those lines. Or maybe she's crazy. We'll see.

Didn't you say one of the last champions of the tournament was a Hufflepuff? I'm sure you did. I'll have to dig around for the letter. The house is an absolute mess. It's hard to keep the place clean when you're a bachelor who works all the time. Anyway, by your statistical logic, you have a good chance of being chosen just for being a Hufflpuff. Either way, I think you have a pretty good shot. And if you don't get chosen, you'll still have Quidditch to look forward to. It's really a win-win.

I'm glad you and Harper are making up. The world is bleak enough without fighting with the people you love. And I know you love her. I want updates, of course, and I'll go ahead and reserve the venue. Just kidding, but I think you two will make it if she's put up with you for this long. =)

Write back soon,
Aaron

P.S. I guess my life would suck a little more without you, too. ;P

@jamie

[Deleted]

dear aaron,

I hope that this is a soon enough response for you! I had to work on some Potions homework, but I wrote you back as soon as I was finished with that assignment. As for confrontation...well, I'm not much good at it, as you can probably tell, and I don't particularly like all the practice I've been getting lately. Life was so much easier when I just got along with everyone. To be fair, life was also slightly easier when I didn't have a near Quidditch team of siblings, but it's a lot more fun this way, I can't complain. As for Elias, he's my family too, so why shouldn't I raise hell when she threatens me (and you, and Odette, and Max, and Adrian) unless I stay away from him?

Yeah, I did. His name was Cedric Diggory. Maybe I can get permission to leave the school on the weekend to see you, since I am of age and such. I could help you clean the house a little. I plan to keep playing Quidditch even if I am chosen as champion - I can't let my skills slack if I want to do it professionally, you know.

Harper and marriage won't belong in the same sentence for a long time. I don't know if she even thinks of me in that way. But we're moving on from our argument, and that's all that really matters. Are you implying that I'm difficult, Aaron Castro? I am the least difficult person ever, I'll have you know. Love you, irmão. (Is that right?)

your sister,
jamie

@aaron

[Deleted]

Jamie,

I'm glad you're putting your homework before your letters. I was never good at potions, so it probably would've taken me much longer to respond if I was in your situation. I just don't see why something has to be stirred an exact number of times, or it completely changes the potion. It's silly to me. Then again, I guess if the witches at St. Mungo's didn't stick to that strictness when making my wolfsbane potion, I wouldn't be quite so friendly during the full moon. They're probably tired of seeing me every month.

Speaking of siblings, how is Max? Haven't hear from her lately. I hope you're keeping an eye on her, especially after everything that happened earlier this year. I'm nearby, but I can only get so close to Hogwarts. I would love it if you could bring her along on one of your visits.

Your Portugese is getting better. Next, I'll teach you how to call me devilishly handsome. But I'm glad things are working out between you and Harper.

Love always,
Aaron

P.S. You've always been difficult.

@jamie

[Deleted]

dear aaron,

You know Potions is one of my best subjects. It's the only other thing I'd consider doing for the rest of my life, other than Quidditch. I'm still not sure what I should do about that, by the way. I might have to have an adult talk with you later. (Don't worry, I already know about the birds and the bees - this is a different kind of adult talk.) I'm sure that the witches at St. Mungo's will never get sick of seeing your handsome face. I look forward to getting to see it every so often, too.

Max has been better. She and her best friend have had a fight. I don't know what's been going on with that lately, but she's been having a hard time. I worry about her, but of course you know I'm always worrying. I haven't talked to Adrian much, while we're on the subject of siblings. I can ask her if she'd like to come with me - I think she would, especially if she hasn't made up with her friend by then.

Before you know it I'll be bilingual! Oh, by the way: Você está diabolicamente belo! Apparently Hogwarts has a Portuguese dictionary in the library. You have no idea how long it took me to figure out the verb conjugation. I hope it's right! Harper and I are okay again, I think. What about you - any special lady (or gent) in the picture?

love you,
jamie

@aaron

[Deleted]

Jamie,

So, I was at work today, minding my own business, and you'll never believe who I met. Elias. He just walked right in. It took a little conversing - I don't even really remember how we got on the subject (I almost choked on my damn drink when he told me who he was). So now I've met Elias. He seems a little quiet for a Greyback, but he'll get over that eventually. I'm sure that the meeting with Maria can't be too far away now. I honestly didn't think I'd be meeting him this soon, and I have to admit I'm a little worried about meeting that cousin of his now. It's hard to believe that our family all somehow ended up in this little area. It kinda makes you wonder if there are any more of us out there. Scary thought, true?

I have to get back to work, but I had to write to you to tell you about my experience. I'm glad you're keeping up with your school work, and Max is free to come visit with you whenever she likes. I think the house will still be a bachelor pad for awhile, so now worries there. You won't have to compete for my attention for awhile yet.

Amor sempre,
Aaron

@jamie

[Deleted]

dear aaron,

Oh. Wonderful. He’s not going to have any time to get over that, because I’m not going to speak with him for the rest of the school year, and if I don’t talk to him, no one will. His cousin makes him a social pariah, and he lets it happen, so it’s not even like I can help it. He’s digging his own grave, Aaron, and I’m not going to be the one to dig him out of it. I’m done with spending all of my time on people who aren’t willing to spend time on me.

I don’t know what had us all ending up here. It helps that we’re all magical, thanks to daddy dearest – since three of us ended up at Hogwarts at the same time (four, if you count Odette) it was slightly less strange. The strange ones are really you and Elias. I don’t know if I’d call it scary to think of more siblings, unless they’re all like Elias, in which case: yes, scary.

Thanks for telling me about Elias. By the way, I was wondering if I could bring Harper to the house to visit sometime, on one of the Hogsmeade weekends. She met Max at our birthday party, I think, and she used to be in the same Hogwarts house as Adrian, so she already knows a lot of the Greyback family. I don’t want to push things with Odette, and Elias…yeah, no. Write soon!

love you,
jamie

@aaron

[Deleted]

Jamie,

Maria is being taken care of. Do try to get along with Elias. Sibling spats happen in every family (I assume, seeing as I just met mine last year) but we're dysfunctional enough without fighting. Not saying it's your fault or his or anyone. But try to keep the peace. The last thing I need is to have to sneak into Hogwarts to mediate. And since I can already feel your blood pressure rising just reading this, keep in mind that I'm not chastising you. You just need to be the bigger person, regardless of the situation.

Of course Harper can come visit. I would prefer she not spend the night (Can Hogwarts students even do that?) for obvious reasons. I trust you two, but I enjoy sleep too much for your shenanigans.

I can't wait to see you again. When is your first Hogsmeade visit? We'll have to go to Madame Puddifoot's or something to celebrate. Maybe you can invite Harper. I kinda wish they had a real restaurant here in Hogsmeade. Everything is too casual for special occasions. I'd open one myself but I don't have the patience to run a business. I could barely make it through classes when I was in school. Anything without magic is just boring. Anyway, I'm rambling and work calls. I hope this owl reaches you well.

See you soon,
Aaron

[Deleted]

dear aaron,

Maybe I haven’t told you, or maybe you forgot, but Elias is not a part of our family. He doesn’t want to be, and I’m not going to force him. He doesn’t deserve people who are good if he’s not willing to stand up for them. I’m tired of always having to be the bigger person. I’m tired, Aaron. I’m really tired.

Hogwarts students can’t spend the night – we have to be back in before curfew. Harper and I wouldn’t have any shenanigans going on, anyways. The worst thing that could happen would be that we sneak down in the middle of the night to make some tooth-rotting concoction.

There was a Hogsmeade visit earlier in September, but I was too busy to want to leave the castle. The next one is October 14th. Shame about the whole restaurant thing – I never really thought of it. Since I’m of age I’m not sure if anything can really stop me from Apparating away once we get to the village, and then Apparating back again when we’re done eating, if a fancy restaurant is really that important to you. The owl reached me just fine. Hope you’re not working yourself into the ground!

love,
jamie

@aaron