Roots [Luna]

[Deleted]

12.21.2024

Dear Professor LUNA LACHESIS TRELAWNEY

Even though the winter break just started, I couldn’t help but write immediately. I’ll be honest, I’m writing this on the train as we speak.

Anyways, I had a few questions regarding yetis. You see, my family is taking their annual trip to the Alps, and I could have sworn I saw one the last time I was there and wanted to know whether or not they were the sort of creature that could be approached. My brother faced off against one during the Triwizard Tournament last year but I never got to ask him much about it, obviously.

If it’s too much of an inconvenience to respond, we can always converse about this matter when the new term begins.

Yours Truly,

Madeleine L. Chevalier

[Deleted]

Miss Madeleine,

Ah! Writing on the train is quite a thrill. I often feel I have my most interesting thoughts while on the move. I hope it was a relatively smooth ride, though judging by your penmanship, I'd say it was very smooth indeed! I am very pleased you thought to come to me before approaching any Yeti's, as I have a fair few thoughts I'd be very flattered to share... I saw a very lovely Yeti on my travels once with a very interesting case of melanism... his coat was black as night, so they didn't fair very well up in the snowy mountains and seemed very irritable from afar - I did not have the opportunity to approach them myself.

Though you are free to exercise your curiosity however you may like, quite a few wizards have done just that and been eaten by the magnificent Yeti - what a way to go! They are not the type of creature easily swayed by kindness and curiosity. Some interesting impressions of those large footprints you said you saw last time would do very well for some upcoming projects. I'd love to see one for myself, maybe even a few hair and scat samples, if you're brave enough! I read extensively about your brother and his bravery during the Tournament, I imagine you are quite proud of him. Though I am sorry for your loss, he seemed an impressive young man.

Not an inconvenience at all! I was halfway through a slice of burnt bundt cake when this letter flew in to my lap. Feel free to send me further questions should you decide to pursue this matter further!

Gratefully,
Professor Luna.

@madeleine

[The parchment is littered with cake crumbs and a few errant ink splotches. The edges of the paper appearing tattered and nibbled. I imagine it smells of freshly turned soil and lavender. The owl that delivers it is missing an eye and a few feathers, too!]

[Deleted]

12.23.2024

Dear Professor LUNA LACHESIS TRELAWNEY

Smooth ride indeed. It beats the bumpiness of the flying carriages that Beauxbatons likes to send us around in. It’s very similar to the planes that the non-magique use, and the turbulence is quite a bit more volatile while seated in a carriage than it is a plane cabin.

A black coated yeti? Wouldn’t that just be a Bigfoot? Though I suppose geographically speaking, it would be a yeti, as you say. I’ve always been intrigued by them because non-magique talk as if they know they exist too. Obviously this is in the same boat as the Loch Ness Monster, which I’ve heard is a kelpie that likes playing tricks on them.

I promise to keep my distance should I come across one in the wild. There’s too much to learn still, from both class and the club. Should I find any samples, I’ll try to bring them back to school with me.

I passed the condolences on to my parents. They were quite proud of Émile. Such a disappointment it was when he lost the tournament…at least he made a lasting impression!

Yours Truly,

Madeleine L. Chevalier

[Deleted]

Miss Madeleine,

Flying carriages! If I remember correct, Beauxbaton had the very same preferences during my own Triwizard Tournament. Though perhaps not as practical, as you've said. I've never flown on a Muggle plane myself, though you've certainly intrigued me to try it someday. But, I must say, nothing beats a good walk to stretch my legs. They are, perhaps, the most reliable mode of transport of all time! And something we share both with Muggles and Wizards alike.

I believe the Bigfoot and the Yeti share a few common ancestors, but this particular Yeti was something else entirely! I've never seen a coat so stark against fresh fallen snow. Like an inkblot with glowing eyes. But yes, they are quite elusive for a creature recognised in both cultures. It's funny how information spreads and takes root in different places. I've heard of Muggles treating both like a sort of benevolent God. And good old Nessie never fails. The Kelpies are not to be underestimated either either, they are quite a bit more intelligent than people tend to believe. And mischievous too...

As smart a choice as any, remind me to show you a few photographs I've gathered in my travels. For instance, there was a lovely old Muggle named Trevor, if I remember correctly, from Washington, who'd made something of a living traipsing around National Forests in his very own handmade Sasquatch outfit! He maintained, of course, that it was modelled off the real thing. His feet were a trifle small, though, I'd say.

Personally, I think you don't have to win anything to leave a lasting impression. The idea of trying is something of a victory, in and of itself! His legacy will live on with you and your family's pride, I'll bet.

Gratefully,
Professor Luna.

@madeleine

[Deleted]

12.24.2024

Dear Professor LUNA LACHESIS TRELAWNEY

They are a completely impractical mode of transportation and I’m not sure why the school continues to enforce them as the only way to arrive at the school, but I digress.

Interesting…I guess I never really thought about the fact that magical creatures could have the same anomalies and characteristics that non-magical ones do, such as albinism. Would you say that these sorts of things could also be exhibited in their magical qualities? For example, if a yeti’s hair had magical potency for say, a wand core, would it be feasible for this black coated one’s hair to be either superior or lesser in quality to the average one? I know that gets into a whole different field of study and from what I do know of wandmaking those sorts of things can be quite finicky. I feel like the most obvious answer would be that this is just a genetic mutation causing the different coloration. If there are creatures out there like that, I think studying them would be well worth it, especially with those that have things useful to us.

Oh, how disappointing it would be if this was simply a muggle hoax or a bear. The place my family stays at is quite off the beaten track though, so anything is possible.

Yours Truly,

Madeleine L. Chevalier

[Deleted]

Miss Madeleine,

That seems quite harsh, if I'm terribly honest, but I respect your personal experience above my own lack of.

I believe, if I remember correctly, there are a few exotic wand carvers across Europe and the America's that would say it was somewhat superior. See, it is quite rare, and they can be something of a collector, in my experience. Alas, as you say, it is quite tricky. I can name just as many who would call it a dud right out of the mountain! There are as many curating wand-makers as there are traditionalists. Personally, I like to think that our differences are that which make us unique! I'd say the same goes for any Yeti or Sasquatch, respectively. Whether that makes us more magical I cannot say, of course. But, if you find anything definitive in time, I'd love to hear all about it.

Oh! Well, if you do run in to one of your own, do say hello for me! Trevor was an absolute delight. I hope the remainder of your holiday is fruitful and merry! I shall see you after the New Year! Be well, Madeleine. And your family, as well. 

Gratefully,
Professor Luna.

@madeleine

[Deleted]

12.27.2024

Dear Professor LUNA LACHESIS TRELAWNEY

If the route to Beauxbatons was walk-able, I would have appreciated the trip to and from much more. Like you said Professor, our legs are the most reliable mode of transportation.

Well I know what I’m spending the remainder of my break researching now. I’ll see if I can dig up anything in the magical libraries in Paris before I return. I think looking through them in person once the new term begins would be much more fruitful.

Until then, happy holidays to you as well, Professor.

Yours Truly,

Madeleine L. Chevalier