I'm Not Throwing Away My Shot (Odette)

[Irina Rose Krum]

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Irina Krum and I’ve applied to enter the Cursebreaking program for the Fall 2024 start point. I realize we will not hear back for several months, but I’m hoping someone would be willing to respond to this letter with any pointers, or even a day in the life of a Cursebreaker. I’ve read so much about the position but getting to correspond with someone who has first hand experience I think would be educational and beneficial.

Thank you in advance.

Cordially,
Irina R. Krum

@odette

[Deleted]

Irina R. Krum,

I regret to inform you they have stuck the youngest and unfortunately least experienced Curse Breaker with responding to your letter. But, yeah, maybe that means I can level with you a bit more. Let me just tell ya, they are thrilled to see so many of your classmates interested in entering the field this upcoming fall. Krum... Are you of any relation to Viktor Krum, then? Tell me a bit about why you decided to become a Curse Breaker.

Odette W. Greyback

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Odette

Nice to...sort of meet you via owl. Viktor Krum is my father; I’m the second of four and the only Krum not planning on following the family into the Quidditch field. I don’t even play for my house team; I get a little too competitive for organized sport I guess you could say. My first and main love is History; I actually enjoy History of Magic and our former professor was a Cursebreaker as well. It was she that got me interested into Cursebreaking. It’s everything that interests me combined into one; adrenaline, history and extensive traveling. So I guess that’s why. I have the necessary OWLs and NEWTs of course but I think I have the passion to do it too.

Have you been on many adventures yet? If you can, can you tell me about one of them? I’d love to hear about a new cursebreakers experience in the field.

Cordially,
Irina Krum

@odette

[Deleted]

Irina R. Krum,

Well, I certainly admire your determination to be different from the rest of your family! I imagine coming from a family of such well known fame in the Quidditch community can be daunting. An interest in history is, of course, crucial to making it as a Curse Breaker but how are you at Arithmancy and Ancient Runes? I would say those two come in handy the most as far as academic courses.

Ha, I get asked this a lot and until recently I never really experienced any serious dangers. Though recently, a first year Curse Breaker himself, a half giant, took a curse in a rune that could have killed all of us but since it hit his tough skin it sort of absorbed and the worst thing it did was shrink the poor bloke to the size of a house elf. While it can be dangerous, it's never boring that's for sure.

Odette W. Greyback

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Odette,

I'm not bad with Ancient Runes & Arithmancy; I got Es in both subjects though really I should have gotten an O for Arithmancy, but I don't want to go into that! My best subject is Potions, and while I'm not sure how required that is for Cursebreaking, it definitely would help anyone who needs an antidote. Or so I'd hope.  I just helped cure a fellow classmate of mine from a love potion; it was a little funny but mostly a little obsessive on his part so I was happy to help.  

Thank you, for the family comment.  I know your last name and I'm friends with your sister Jamie actually!  We can't let ourselves be defined by our surname, we should be doing the defining ourselves.  If it's not on the Quidditch Pitch (at least for me) then it can be deep within the pyramids of Egypt, or somewhere like that.  Speaking of, you would not happen to be talking of Carcer Hagrid?  I know he's also a Cursebreaker and hes half giant; trying to imagine him as small as a house elf is...well, actually impossible if I'm honest.  I am friends with his brother Rubeus; I'll have to ask him about it!

I've never been the one to want to lead a boring life - I dated an empath for awhile.  He sensed emotions FAR more than any regular sort of person would.  It wasn't borning, to say the least.


Do you ever regret going into Cursebreaking?  Did you ever want to do anything else?  I only ask because since I started my second year here, all I've ever wanted to be is a Cursebreaker, and I don't know anyone else like that.

Respectfully Yours,
Irina Krum

@odette

[Deleted]

Irina R. Krum,

Oh, very interesting. I was alright at Potions myself (didn't care for the professor when I was there so it really killed my interest for it.) But I don't think we have anyone on the team with a particular skill for Potions so that would be something to mention when you apply for sure.

Oh, really? She's something else; my sister. But I couldn't agree more about defining our names ourselves. I'll be damned if I let anyone judge me just because I changed my last name to that of my biological father. And yes, indeed, I am speaking of the Hagrid boy. It was certainly a sight to see. We took pictures, so maybe we can show you one day. We hung them up at the office.

I actually fell in love with Ancient Runes in my first or second year. It was an odd interest for a twelve year old to take up, but I loved it. I went through a lot my younger years that ended up really shifting my focus to Curse Breaking in the middle of my schooling. So it really became my dream job by the end of it all. And lucky for us, there always seems to be a shortage of Curse Breakers. But that just tells you how dangerous the job can be.

Odette W. Greyback

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Dear Odette,

A good or bad professor absolutely makes or breaks a class. We have a professor now named Professor Constantine who was an Auror for many years before heading back to the school to teach.  He's incredibly knowledgeable, not only in Potions but...I suppose in what's really out there.  He doesn't sugarcoat anything; he knows what its' like to face Dark wizards and live to tell the tale.  His talks have only encouraged me going into Cursebreaking; the Auror life isn't for me I'm afraid, though I do know several people who are going through the training right now.

You're writing to someone who actually studies History as a side hobby; not just magical but English history as well.  In more recent years, I've moved on to Greek, Spanish, Egyptian and Roman histories as well.  Just another box to add why I am choosing to apply to be a Cursebreaker I suppose.  I know the job is dangerous, but what's life without a little danger?  I'm not the type of person who would wake up every morning to a dull and predictable day; I like the unpredictability.  Well, most of the time at least, there are some things that are predictable that I prefer to keep that way, and vice versa.  Sorry if that's confusing, but I suppose life at seventeen can be confusing.

Cordially,
Irina R. Krum

@odette

[Deleted]

Irina R. Krum,

It's better to have a professor who has actually seen stuff if you ask me. Being in school, how are you supposed to see the real stuff out there? I believe capable and experienced teachers are the ones who should be teaching. So, I think it's lovely that he doesn't sugar coat things. Especially with all that is currently going on in our world right now.

The Auror business never really caught my attention. I certainly respect those that enter the force; they are the ones who protect us, after all, but I never found it appealing myself.

Brilliant! English history is the most fascinating. I was raised in a muggle household, so I think my grandparents wanted to make sure I got a "proper" education along with my magical one. And knowing all that will most certainly come in handy in the field you are choosing to enter. The Egyptian tombs are very fascinating. And I am just hoping to one day get to go down and explore the magical properties of the French Catacombs!

I was seventeen myself not too long ago. So don't worry, it makes perfect sense.

Odette W. Greyback

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Dear Odette,

I quite agree!  It's difficult I think to teach subjects sometimes without that real world experience is very difficult.  Particularly subjects like Defense Against the Dark Arts.  I know that sometimes Aurors that are retired have taught the subject in the past, though I know Alastor Moody was impersonated by that man who attacked my father, Crouch or something of the like.  I suppose that's always a challenge though of being famous for catching Dark wizards; someone is already out to get you.

My parents weren't much for a proper education before I went to Hogwarts; when we all started showing signs of magic around the age of seven they helped rein us in so we didn't get into too much mischief.  I discovered it all on myself when I was in London with my mother; we went to the National Portrait Gallery and I found myself fascinated by all the monarchs of English past.  What were their stories, what did they do for fun, why did Henry VIII marry six times?  It all started from there and sort of...snowballed.  This past summer I went with a friend and her mother to Wales to try and find evidence of the legendary King Arthur and his court wizard,  Merlin.  We found a tablet that had an ancient poem on it detailing Lancelot and Guinevere, so perhaps it's a sign.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the first week on the job like?  I've obviously wondered many times before, but I'd like to see how close (or far off) I was.

Respectfully Yours,
Irina Krum


@odette

[Deleted]

Irina R. Krum,

That would be another perk of teaching at Hogwarts, though, if you ask me. Someone out to get you? Best teach at the safest place in the wizarding world!

Oh, that's wonderful. Muggle musueums are one of my favorite things. There's so much more history out there than just what the wizarding world holds. I think it's important for everyone to learn it, or at least be aware. Ultimately, that is what my goal as a Curse Breaker is; to raise awareness of such relics and entice more younger people like yourself to join our team. The more Curse Breakers there are, the more our profession will be taken seriously and when that happens we can begin educating young wizards more properly.

I don't mind your asking at all. However, I will say the first week is a bit boring. Once you qualify, you will be tested a few more times. Quizzes or physcal tests. Then by the end of the week, if they feel you are ready they may take you out on a small expedition to shadow the veterans. Ultimately within two weeks, they want you out in the field.

Odette W. Greyback

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Odette,

I agree - I wouldn't mind coming back to teach History of Magic once I've retired, but I don't expect that for many years to come.  My old History of Magic Professor was a retired Cursebreaker actually, and I learned a lot from her.  It doesn't seem to be such a bad way to spend my later years at least.  As you said, it is one of the safest places to work!

I think that the only way we can move forward is to understand the past, including the relics.  I am proud to want to join the Cursebreakers to discover more and more of these, no matter the danger that may lie within its' chambers.  I'm excited for the challenge, and am eagerly awaiting graduation so I can go.  I do not have much holding me back here, my family of course, but other than that, nothing really.

Do a lot of Cursebreakers have family?  My professor wasn't married from what I knew, but I know Bill Weasley has his family and managed to still be a cursebreaker.

Regards,
Irina Krum

@odette

[Deleted]

Irina R. Krum,

I wish I had the patience to become a professor. Unfortunately, I'm not the biggest fan of younger kids. But, I'm trying to work on that so I won't completely rule it out for one day.

So, what do your parents think about you wanting to become a Cursebreaker? I'm not sure myself what it's like to come from a family your size. Until recently, it was just me and my grandparents. And they've always supported my wizardly endeavors mainly because they don't understand them.

Yes! There's Bill, of course. He's our head. The eldest Windsor child was also a Cursebreaker. You may know him? And the eldest Hagrid child, as well. I believe his family is in France majority of the year. I've got my new half siblings, my boyfriend, and I'm expecting myself. So it's certainly easy to balance family with the life of a Cursebreaker, if that's what you are worried about.

Odette W. Greyback

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Odette,

Oh wow, congratulations!  I have to say, it's a bit relieving to hear.  I know the dangers and perils of Cursebreaking, but its heartwarming to know that family isn't off the table.  Not that I'm anywhere near that point in my life.  I had a boyfriend, rather serious, but we...we broke up.  He went to Durmstrang so he was here for the Tournament and it was rather a whirlwind of a courtship.  He's my brothers best friend and well...it went from a very high high to a very low low quickly, and he went back to Durmstrang.  Sorry, I know that's a lot of words for something as simple as 'I had a boyfriend but we ended things' but it just sort of came out.

My father has always been supportive of whatever I wanted to do; I was always a Daddys' girl, if you can imagine the great Viktor Krum being a softy.  My mother...well she wanted me to play Quidditch.  I had the raw talent to play but I just don't really fancy playing for a team.  Mostly I don't like how aggressively competitive it makes me.  Competition is a good thing of course, but obsessively so is unhealthy, and I knew that's where that particular path would lead me.  She's finally coming round though; only took her seven years, but I think after not joining the Quidditch team for Gryffindor yet again made her realize it wasn't for me.  Besides, my other siblings all play Quidditch so having one be different isn't the worst thing in the world in my opinion.

I can see why you'd want to work on liking children!  The first years are irritating, but mostly if I ignore them unless I need to speak with them they're alright.  Hopefully by the time I retire that attitude would change a bit.  With Cursebreakers, can't you work out of Gringotts as well?  In case the curse would be likely to harm an unborn child for example?

Regards,
Irina Krum


@odette

[Deleted]

Irina R. Krum,

Oh, that's quite alright. I know how that relationships can be tough, especially in school. And, while I know I'm not too much older than you - I didn't find my "person" until recently too. And, as fate would have it, it had been my best friend all along. The universe works funny like that. But it took me a long time to realize that in the end, everything works out.

Wow. I guess the talent does run in the family then? Well, I for one am glad that you decided to branch out and be different. Too often do young people do what their parents want them to, and never what they want to do themselves. So I think that is very brilliant of you!

Yes... having been surprised with younger siblings in thankfully helping with my patience, luckily. My younger siblings are around your age. Jamie's in your year, Max is a fifth year, and Adrian is... a sixth year I think? If you know him, you're probably not surprised why I am not 100% sure. But yes, luckily I won't be out of work entirely. I've secured a position working within the bank so I don't have to encounter any dangerous curses in the field. Though, I'll admit that I'm already itching to get back out into the field.

Odette W. Greyback

Irina Rose Krum