Someone to Talk To (Nik)

[Deleted]

Hey Nik,

So it's been a while, huh? Sorry about that, it was a crazy summer. That's beside the point. How are you doing? Do you like being a seeker? I noticed you're doing really well at it. Also, Irina likes to brag about your wins, so I always stay up to date on that thanks to her. I hope you're enjoying yourself.

I know school just barely started, but things here are crazy. I'm sure you know about the Triwizard Tournament by now. Well, you probably knew about it before the rest of us did. I have pretty mixed feelings, to tell you the truth. I know it's dangerous, but it also seems quite exciting and I know I'd beat myself up if I didn't at least put my name in the Goblet of Fire, so I did. I just don't know if I want my name to come out of it. Does that make any sense?

We also have a lot more people at the school than normal. Lots of students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are here and I don't know how I feel about that. Actually, I just want them to leave. I ran into one of them the other day and he was a complete snob. He was going on and on about how Hogwarts has enough glory and we need to share it because his school needs some. Um, news flash! The Triwizard Tournament is about everyone trying to win to get honor for your school. It's not about taking turns so that everyone feels good because their school got a chance to win. He was a jerk and I really hope I don't have to talk to him again. I wouldn't mind at all if he went home ... sorry. Guess I rambled a bit there. Am I overreacting, do you think?

I'd love to hear from you, when you're not busy I mean. You probably have a lot more going on than I do. Still, write back when you have a chance!

            ~Anna

@jill9

[Deleted]

Dear Anna,

I'm doing great, thanks! Work is work, but Seeker is pretty much the same as it was when I was at Hogwarts. Other than the fact that it is a lot more stressful. And good! I'm glad she's bragging about me, I'm the best brother she's got.

Yes I have heard. Irina owl'd me the other day to tell me she had also put her name into the Goblet. You girls are quite insane, you know that? You've got to focus on school! Your careers! Save the fun for later, would you?

Well, you could be overreacting, but if I said that I'd just be a bad friend, now wouldn't I? Don't let them get to you, especially the guys. They're all snobs. Just focus on you, Li. That's what matters. Show them how great your school is, and ignore anything else they have to say about it, yeah?

Sincerely,

@annelise

[Deleted]

Nik!

What makes it more stressful? Is it just more pressure to win and do well at practice? Or is it pressure from all your adoring fans. Either way, you're doing great at it and I'm proud of you, like always. By the way, just in case you forgot, you're the only brother Rina has, so that means you have to be the best one! Ha ha

Awe, come on Niko! Are you really saying that if you were here this year, you wouldn't be entering your name into the Goblet of Fire? I mean, I know it can be dangerous and that it's challenging, but I think it's exciting too. A chance to show what you've learned, what your strengths are. And I know they're constantly looking for ways to make it safer. Besides, I'm doing great in school, as always. I don't have problems with my marks, except for potions, that is. Ugh, I hate that class. Wish you were here to tutor me with it. 

Whatever Niko, you're a great friend, no matter what you say. But it's hard to not let it get to me. You don't know all the stuff he said. He was a jerk, I promise. If I overreacted, then so did he. Still, thanks for the advice. I know you're right, that I should just do my best and prove him wrong, but what he said still grates on me. And what if it's my fault? I've never really been good at talking to most guys, you know? What if I said something that put him in a bad mood and made him hate Hogwarts?

And that's another thing! What about this stupid ball they're going to have? Everyone's going to go and I will too, but I'm going to end up going alone, which will be completely embarrassing. Why did they have to go along and make this year all sorts of complicated. Like last year wasn't hard enough on all of us, now we have to worry about impressing people.

Sorry. I don't mean to complain to you all the time. Thanks for listening though. I don't know who else I would tell about all this stuff otherwise.

                ~Anna


@jill9

[Deleted]

Dear Li,

Neither! It's from our captain. However, I suppose trying to play well for my fans is also a good excuse. They are looking for a good game! And yes I'm aware, that still makes me the best brother... Ever.

Well, I may have. But I was a different kid last year. And I don't like being the center of attention, which this tournament runs around. It would've been fun, but I'd rather be figuring my life out. And what's wrong with Potions? That's my favorite course!

Oh, Anna stop it. You're doing great, I'm sure school is going great as well. Don't let some petty boy ruin your mood, yeah? It's not worth it. You've got your whole life to worry about boys. And trust me, if I know what it's like to be a guy, you'll get asked to go to the ball in a jiffy.

Keep your head up, kiddo.

Sincerely,

@annelise

[Deleted]

Niko,

Isn't it a captain's job to put pressure on you though? I feel like that just comes with the game, but I wouldn't know. Ha ha! You know I'd argue about you being the best brother ever ... except I don't have one. Can I just adopt you as my older brother?

I don't know what to do with my life, so I'm kind of hoping something this year will help me decide what I want. Who knows, maybe the Tournament will help me do that somehow? And don't even try to give me that. You, of all people, know how much I hate potions. Don't you remember trying to help me with it all those times? I think I've gotten worse at it, but I really am trying, promise! Studying potions more than I study everything else. You'd be proud of my effort, I think. And I'm doing enough to get by on it, so I'm pleased with myself.

Ha ha, all right, fine. I won't worry about it, about boys or about going to the ball. You're probably right about both anyway. I really am having a good time this year, just in case you were worried. Next time, I'll come up with something positive to tell you. That way you'll know everything's not as bad as I make it sound. 

You're the best. I hope everything's going well with you.

            ~Anna

[Deleted]

Dear Li,

Yes, it is their job. But when you go from Hogwarts to the real thing, as your career, every single day, the captain's get a hell of a lot worse. But, I can deal with it. No worries. If you're up for having me as a brother, go right ahead. I have no issue with it! But, then you get everything else that comes along with it...so those boys better just watch out.

I'm sure you'll figure out what you want to do. But in some of your free time I'd recommend reading up on different things, and even speaking with your Head of House about what they'd recommend for you based on your grades and attitude and such. It does help. And trust me, I'm sure you're doing fine, Li. Potions isn't too difficult, just pay attention when you're reading.

And good! They aren't worth your time. I hope the next time you do have something great to tell me, you deserve great things.

Sincerely,

@annelise

[Deleted]

Niko,

I guess it would be more intense playing Quidditch out of school, there's not schoolwork and things to distract you, huh? What do you do with your time when you're not at practice? Wait ... you do have time when you're not practicing, right? And I know you can handle your job and everything that comes with it, I'm just curious. Sweet! You are now semi-officially my older brother! (I'm not going to announce it to anyone but you, ha ha) And don't worry, you're not gonna have to worry about threatening boys on my account for a while. 

Well, to be honest I have it down to two things I'd like to do, I'm just not sure which one I really want. I'll tell you, but don't make fun of me for it, alright? I kind of want to be a professor. Except, there aren't any openings so I'm not really sure if that'd work. Especially since if I were to teach, I'd want to do charms. So my backup (and probably more likely choice) is being an Auror. Yes, I know that's typical and that everyone wants to do it ... and to be honest, I don't know why I've been thinking about it. But I have. Don't tell anyone, ok? I haven't even told my parents yet. I don't think they'd like it.

So, as per promise, I have good news for you this time, but not just one thing, two! First, I'm doing way better at potions at the moment!!! Yes, I know that's probably not a big achievement for most, but it is for me. I'm getting good marks for the first time ever. Guess all my studying is finally paying off. 

Next, Cecilia is planning a game called beanboozled. I'm not really sure what it is, but I'm going to play it with a bunch of people from the house at the end of the month and I'm pretty excited. It should be a bunch of fun! I'll let you know how it goes.

What about you? Anything fun or exciting happening in your life?

            ~Anna

[Deleted]

Dear Li,

Yes, I do have free time but it's also a rare occasion. I tend to either read or sleep. Quidditch takes a lot out of you, and sleeping is quite enjoyable. And ah, no worries, little sis!

Hey there's nothing wrong with either of those. Props to you for going after what you believe, Li. I know you'll do great in whichever you choose. Just don't give it up.

Congratulations! I'm sure potions professor is proud of you, I know I am! Keep up the good work. And beanboozled? Care to explain?

Hope all is well./blockquote]

Sincerely,

@annelise

[Deleted]

Niko,

I guess that makes sense. I mean, I can see how much energy the Quidditch players here put into it, I can only imagine how much you do. Also, one can never get enough sleep, am I right?

Thanks Niko! I guess ... I'm nervous that my Dad is going to want me to go into the ministry or something, which really isn't me, even though technically Aurors work for the ministry .... you know what I mean! Paperwork and all that nitpicky stuff just isn't for me. I want to be doing something, feeling like I'm making a difference. Especially with all the junk that's been happening lately. I want to help people. But don't worry, I won't give it up, no matter what he says. 

So beanboozled. I'm not quite sure if I understand the game right, but I'll try to explain it to you. Basically, a group of people gets together and we all have to try some Every Flavor Beans that look the same. Some people get good ones, others get nasty ones. I guess you're trying to pick the good ones? You know, I'm not really sure how it works, but I think it's something along those lines. And I'm not really sure if anyone wins or not. I'll tell you about it once I find out! Haha, Irina's doing it too, so I'll let you know how she does with it.

Ooh, I've gotta go! Write back soon!

            ~Anna

@jill9

[Deleted]

Dear Li,

You are very right!

You should follow your heart, Anna. Don't let your dad or anyone else tell you what to do. Trust me, I followed that route. I did exactly as my mother and father told me, and it's not a great feeling all the time. Do what makes you happy, yeah?

That game seems quite interesting...not something enjoyable, though. That could get quite nasty! But, if you all find it amusing and fun, then go right ahead! Be careful of those vomit flavored ones!

Sincerely,

@annelise

[Deleted]

Niko,

Don't worry, I'll follow my heart. Just in case you didn't notice during your time here at Hogwarts, I can be pretty stubborn when I want to be. I have no intention of letting someone make me do something I don't want to. Even someone I love and respect as much as I do my parents. After all, I have my "big brother" to support me no matter what, right? 

Hmmm ... I don't mean to pry, but what do you mean you followed that route? Did someone make you do something you didn't want to once? I hope not, because just like I should do what makes me happy, so should you Niko. You're such a good friend and you deserve happiness. So don't let someone else tell you what to do ... if they even are in the first place. Ha ha, guess I might have gotten a little bit carried away there. Sorry about that. Forget about my ramblings. But really though.

Yeah, I'm not exactly sure how much fun that game is going to be. I suppose it depends a lot on what flavors I get, you know? Hopefully I won't get too many terrible ones. Just expect me to give you a low-down on what happened once we've played. After this I may never eat an every flavored bean again. I guess we'll see!

            ~Anna

@jill9

[Deleted]

Dear Li,

I think everyone knows how stubborn you are, Anna! That should come as no surprise to a single soul who meets you. But yes, no matter what, you've got me around, honest.

Unfortunately, I've been made to do things without my consent quite a bit in this lifetime. But no need to worry about me, Anna. I'm living my life and I'm trying to enjoy it. I've got a nice job, a great family, and a beautiful puppy. It's all good.

I'll be looking forward to that! Hopefully you don't make yourself sick! Let me know if Irina gets a nasty one!

Sincerely,

@annelise

[Deleted]

Niko,

I'm not sure if that was meant as a compliment or not ... I'm not that stubborn, am I? Then again, I guess I would be kind of prejudiced about it. At least I'm not the only one. I think it might be a tendency for Gryffindors to be stubborn and when it comes to everyone in the house, I'm definitely not the most extreme case. I think I'm going to assume you meant that as a compliment.

I'm sorry, Niko. I hope you really are enjoying life and doing the things that bring you happiness. You deserve the best, as I said in my last letter, but I do have a bone to pick with you. HOW DID YOU NOT TELL ME YOU HAVE A PUPPY!!??!? When did you get it? What kind is it? What is its name? Has it done anything cute lately? As you can see, I have lots of questions now that you finally told me about it. Maybe you'll regret telling me you got a puppy, but since you did I can't hold back my curiosity.

Don't worry! I'll definitely let you know what happens to both myself and Irina, especially since I know she'll probably keep the gruesome bits from everyone. Ha ha!

Hope your day was great!

            ~Anna

@jill9

[Deleted]

Dear Li,

Well, you are pretty stubborn. But honest that's not a bad thing! I'm stubborn as well. It just gets us what we want. Definitely a compliment.

And woah there steed! Relax yourself. I only got the puppy a few weeks ago. Her name is Jessie, and she's about twelve weeks old now. She's a bluetick coonhound. Here, I'll add in a photo of her! And yes, she is pretty adorable. She's a good pup, listens well, easy to train.

Yes, make sure I get all the details! Don't hold back for silly old me.

Sincerely,

@annelise

Wittle Puppy!

[Deleted]

Niko,

Well then, thanks for the compliment ... I think.

Steed? Ha ha you've never called me that before. I have to say, you're puppy is adorable!!! I love the picture, thanks for that. She looks like so much fun, I might have to visit you sometime during a break so I can see her in person. Or we could meet in a park somewhere or something. We'll figure it out, I'm sure. 

Dont worry, I won't hold back. Is anything new going on with you??

                  ~Anna

@jill9