﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
~10:20 pm, delivered by a barn owl
straight to the 7th-year Gryffindor girls' dormitory,
a light tap against the glass ~
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
Saturday, 01 September 1923
Hello Flower,
How are you? How was your train ride and the Opening Feast? Did you have a good time with your friends? I’m sure they are glad to have you back to themselves instead of having to share you with me. The greenhouses too, probably. And the library.
Don’t miss me too much; I know you will.
But you’ll see. Time until October will fly by. I will visit you in Hogsmeade, and afterwards you’ll be glad to be rid of me again. Until then, I will keep you occupied with my letters as often as I can. Monday will be my first day at the Ministry Academy, and I don’t know how much time classes and studying will take, but I’m sure it will be more than NEWTs did.
But I will do my best to write. I am sure your own studies will keep you busy, too.
I miss you, and I am looking forward to hearing from you. Tell me about everything, okay?
With love,
Drago
P.S. If you see Benji, tell him I’m waiting for him. I'll beat his ass here, too, as I did playing Beater against him.
2 Sept 1923
Hogwarts
Drago,
Things are good. Quiet.
The feast was fine. Same old feast, different year. Rae and Benji got Head Girl and Boy. No shock there. They both deserve it.
The train was long. I met a few new kids, I swear the first years are smaller than ever. It’s truly shocking how tiny they are. Even to me… and I’m pocket size.
I spent the morning in the Greenhouse. No shock there. Every time the door opened I looked for you. It’s going to take some getting used to, not seeing your face around every corner.
I don’t like it.
Alice is gone. I thought this might be the case, but didn’t know for sure until she wasn't on the train. I just….
I don’t know what to do without you here. Knowing that you won’t be walking into the common room after practicing Quidditch or finding me in the library…
Well… Anyway…
Classes start on Monday, so that will keep me busy. I imagine my grades will be great, since I have nothing else to do, but study. I can’t wait for Hogsmeade, it can’t come soon enough.
Xoxoxox,
Matilda
small water droplets on the page
I was not made to be
SUBTLE
Wednesday, 5 September 1923
Hello Flower,
I hope you are doing well? How have classes been?
They should have given you Head Girl, but I’m happy you made Prefect again. You deserve it. Hopefully Serik won’t give you too much trouble. Let me know if he does. I’ll set him straight again.
I’m sorry I can’t be there to find you. Perhaps try to relish the peace you knew before me. It won’t be long until next summer, and then you’ll have to work hard to get rid of me again. You might look back and wish for those days at Hogwarts.
It’s your last term. Try to enjoy it, okay? I’ll be here waiting for you.
Auror Training started well. The courses so far have been easy enough to understand and follow; they’re interesting. I should do well, in my own humble opinion, but I already told you you’ll have the best Auror Husband one day.
Don’t forget about that, Carrot.
Tell me how the start of term has been.
Thinking of you.
Love,
Drago
8 September 1923
Hogwarts
42 days
My Russian,
Yes, I'm counting. 42 days until Hogsmeade.
Not that it matters, I’ve decided that six years is enough.
I won’t be going to university, or college for St Mungo’s. I feel like I’m good.
I swear to all that’s holy, if one more little snotty first year touches my plants I am going to lose it. I prevented a mass casualty event today. I’m talking about the mass extinction of the entire Hospital Wing plant life. It would have been catastrophic.
Yes, I am being a little dramatic, but the threat was real.
I told the rodent first year to spray the plants with a solution of diluted anti-mite potion. DILUTED. I assumed you know what that means. Unfortunately, I also assumed he did. He did not.
He filled a spray bottle with full strength potion and started spraying. We lost a third of the lavender and all of the chamomile. Thankfully, I have more stock in the castle greenhouse, but it could have been so much worse.
You talk about being my husband one day, this will only happen if I don’t go to Azkaban for murdering plant killers. The odds are not in our favour.
Does that explain my first week back? I feel like it gives a good idea of life here.
You will be happy to know that Serik is doing fine. We talked. I promised to supply him with Russian desserts if he keeps all idiot behavior to a minimum.
Just kidding… Kinda…
I’m glad that Auror training is going well. I never doubted it. If you get random letters from Benji asking about torture sessions, 32 km runs and having to shave off all your hair, please just play along. Feel free to add your own flare to any replies.
Thankfully, I have found a few good methods to help the days go by faster.
I have mastered two new Russian recipes. Your brother and sister will be the lucky recipients of my restlessness. Ptichye Moloco and syrniki were both big hits. At this rate, I will have a recipe book ready for being your wife, and probably 11kg heavier.
My second method is patrolling the castle. Being a prefect helps, gets me out of the common room, which… Lets be honest, it is hard to be in. You are everywhere there. My patrol partner is annoying, but I typically just ditch him and go on my own
I'm sorry this letter turned into mostly complaining. I'll try to have something more exciting to report next time.
Do you have any recipe requests? Feel free to make it difficult, the more steps the better. And if it’s a dish Serik hates, it would be mildly enjoyable. He promised to try everything I make.
Matilda (You’re highly frustrated sunflower)
P.S. Kindly pretend you didn't notice I wrote 'being your wife.' I'd appreciate the courtesy, even though we both know you won't.
P.P.S Serik says hello. I suspect he only said it because there was food involved.
P.P.P.S. I accidentally made enough syrniki to feed a small village. Your siblings were alarmingly enthusiastic about fixing that problem.
I was not made to be
SUBTLE
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
~ sent twenty minutes later ~
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
Saturday, 8 September 1923
Dear Flower,
That sounds like an eventful first week. More than mine, certainly. Hex the first years. It will teach them to stay away from you and the plants—it is better than killing them, but also very effective. Trust me. If you need recommendations, let me know.
I still intend to marry you, Sunflower; you’re not getting out of this.
Don’t feed Serik too many desserts. He will get even lazier. You should make him work for it. Carry your books and bag—without magic. I will write to him too, to make sure he understands properly. And don’t forget to make some ptichye moloko for me in 42 days.
If you want to make something new, try sharlotka. I don’t think it is very complicated, but it is one of Wiosna’s favourites. Natalya likes vatrushka with berries. I believe Serik eats everything. Good luck finding something he won’t like, especially if you made it.
Which patrol partner is annoying you? Is he in your house? What is he doing? What is his name? Have you spoken to a professor? I will tell Serik to keep an eye out. He is Russian; he can beat up older students if that Prefect won’t step back. Those British boys are soft. Serik can handle him.
Or I will next month.
Tell Benji he also has to fast for seven days and nights: no food, only water.
Love,
Drago
P.S. Make Serik show you how to punch.
16 September 1923
Hogwarts
37 days
Drago… My Persistent Russian…
I’ve called you persistent in the past. That seems to still be true.
You can stop pestering your brother. Here I am, writing to you again. I didn’t mean to make you wait, it’s been a busy few days. Seventh year is going to be a lot it seems.
I am absolutely not hexing first years. They are tiny. Idiotic, yes. Murderous toward plants, definitely. But tiny. But .. I reserve the right to threaten them dramatically first. A little light poison never hurt anyone.
The recipes continue. Sharlotka was a success. I made two. Serik ate one before it cooled. Your brother is essentially a bear in human form. Natalya approved. Wionsa didn’t say one way or the other, but she ate it so we’re going to say that she enjoyed it. I suspect they would approve eating parchment if I baked enough butter into it.
Your confidence in this “marriage” is becoming alarming. I haven't even accepted a proposal that you haven’t given me yet. There are steps. Many of them. We are around #3 right now.
Now…
I know you want to know about my patrol partner. First, you don’t need to freak out. It's handled. I don’t have to patrol with him daily, we rotate or patrol solo, so it’s not as bad as you’re thinking.
That being said, I was talking about Robert… Yes, that Robert…No, you aren’t allowed to kill him.
I have made it VERY CLEAR that I am not interested. I am with you. He knows this. I’m pretty sure Serik has also made this very clear. He’s just annoying. He says stupid things, makes comments to get a rise out of me.
I promise, if it escalates I will let you know. As well as Professor Blackwood and Serik.
Until then, please don’t encourage Serik into violence. He's difficult enough without believing he has official authorization from his older brother. And for the record, I know how to throw a punch. Benji taught me in first year. I’ve done it once and didn’t even break, but that is a story for another day.
Thirty-seven days, can’t come fast enough.
Yours,
Matilda
P.S. No, Serik can’t murder him either. I have been assured murder is generally frowned upon. NO MURDER.
P.S.S. I refuse to become known as "the girl whose terrifying Russian boyfriend keeps threatening people." It would be embarrassing.
P.S.S.S. This is me being responsible. Please appreciate how much personal growth that required.
P.S.S.S.S. I miss you. There. I said it first this time. Don't get used to it.
I was not made to be
SUBTLE
17 September 1923
Carrot,
I will pester my brother as long as it takes to make you write back. He seems to not be very convincing, though, or maybe you are already starting to forget about me. I admit, I thought it would take a little longer than this, but perhaps I can convince you of me again in 37 days. I know a way.
Tiny first years can be hexed, too. Size doesn’t determine the necessity for punishment or its required severity. Hex them the next time. Mildly, if you have to.
Thank you for making Russian food for my siblings, Flower. It's a piece of home. Although you are making me jealous. I miss your baking. But I’m sure Wiosna liked it. You will know if she doesn’t.
Matilda, the last time I checked, you didn’t want a proposal. You were quite insistent about that. Has that changed then? I told you, you will have it once you admit you want it. I already know you do, but you know the rules. But we are getting closer, it seems. And my confidence isn’t alarming; it is attractive, irresistible and unshakable. I know you secretly agree.
Robert will die.
Some people do not understand words, Matilda. Don’t trust him; I know men like him. I will tell Serik to stick around until I can handle him myself. And don’t worry. Serik has authorisation for violence in only this instance—no murder, I get it. That’s for me. If Serik doesn’t behave, he knows the consequences. I trust he remembers.
And if it was Benji who taught you how to punch, then please ask Serik again. Do tell Benji I said that.
Please be careful. I miss you, Sunflower.
Love,
Drago
Spoiler
Walking down the corridor to Ancient Runes, Matilda read as she walked. Not her brightest decision, but she had a test in less than twenty minutes and intended to cram every last rune into her brain before the Professor could ask her to translate one.
Head bent over her notes, wand tucked loosely in one hand, she never saw the figure step into her path.
A hand clamped around her forearm. Her notes slipped. Her wand clattered across the stone floor. "Hey—!"
Before she could react, she was yanked sideways into an alcove hidden between two suits of armor. Her shoulder struck the stone wall hard enough to knock the breath out of her.
Her heart skipped a beat. Robert Greenburg. Of course it was him.
"Robert, what the f—"
His hand slammed over her mouth before the sentence could finish. "Language, sweetheart."
The nickname alone made her stomach turn.
His other hand pinned her wrist against the wall, she twisted, trying to wrench herself free, but he had at least a hundred pounds on her.
Matilda drove an elbow toward his ribs. It landed. Hard. Hurting her more than him. Robert barely grunted.
"There she is, that's the fire I like," he chuckled.
Her eyes flashed with anger. She kicked at his shin. Missed. Tried again. Nothing.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You should really stop avoiding me Red." She glared at him over his hand, hating how he thought it was ok to use nicknames. Those were for friends, not him.
"I've been nothing but patient." His tone was almost offended. "I've asked you nicely for weeks."
His thumb ran over her cheek making her stomach roll at the almost tender caress. "Instead you keep running after that Russian."
His words came out with a growl. "Honestly, I don't see the appeal." His eyes roaming over her face, taking in every detail. She kept struggling, trying to yell but her words were muffled.
"I figure you’d come to your senses eventually. ." He chuckled, pushing his body against her up against the wall. ”Girls always do.” She was going to vomit, he was absolutely disgusting.
Matilda struggled harder, trying to wrench one arm free. Nothing. Robert sighed dramatically. "You know… everyone says you're in love with the guy. I just think you’re playing hard to get. You don’t need to spend your time on him, I’m right here baby.”
His smile widened, while his hand shifted just slightly. But it was enough. Matilda bit down with every ounce of strength she possessed. The metallic taste of blood hitting her tongue.
Robert yelled.
The moment his hand left her mouth… "HELP!! SERIK!" They had Runes together, she just hoped he was near.
As Matilda yelled for help, Robert regained his senses and rounded on her. ”YOU BIT ME YOU BITCH!”
Before he was able to grab her again, Matilda grabbed him by the shoulders and brought her knee up as hard as possible, landing exactly where she wanted, right between his legs. Robert groaned in pain, bending at the waist.
The sound of footsteps caught her attention, looking up she was relieved to see Serik coming to her aid.
With her future brother in law taking care of the trash, Matilda eased around the pair and into the hall. Reaching down to pick up her wand, she realized her hands were shaking terribly. One hand on her stomach, she attempted to control her breathing and keep the tears threatening to escape at bay.
With Robert finally down, Serik turned to look at Matilda, focusing on the blood running down her chin. Spitting the blood out of her mouth, hitting Robert on the side of the face, Matilda wiped it away. ”It’s not mine, I bit his hand. I’m ok. I promise.”
She barely recognized her voice, it coming out whispered and shaky. Looking at Robert, she couldn’t seem to conjure the smallest bit of compassion as he moaned and groaned on the ground, bloodied and bruised.
18 October 1923
Hogwarts 6:00pm
2 days
(Handwriting shaky)
Drago,
I need you to promise me that you won’t kill him. I’m rather fond of you, and would rather not have to visit you in prison.
Please…
Now… Believe me when I say that I am fine. I promise. There was an incident. It has been taken care of. Serik was there in time.
While on my way to Runes, Robert pulled me into an alcove and tried to express his interest. I’m ok. He didn’t hurt me much. I made it very clear that I lo.. like you and plan to keep you around.
I managed to bite his hand, knee him in the… nether regions and then yelled for help. Serik was there in seconds and took care of the issue. He has been given detention for the foreseeable future, Serik was not punished. Sometimes it pays to know a prefect.
On to BETTER things.
I’ve always wanted siblings. It was lonely growing up. I’ve decided to keep yours. Except Lev. I don’t want that one. Even as annoying as they are, constantly reminding me that I’m doing something wrong, or to write to you, or that one dozen is never enough for desserts, I am very happy I have that piece of you here.
Makes me feel closer to you.
I’m not sure what you’re talking about… Proposal? This is a Russian word I will have to research.
I know you probably didn't read half of this letter. You stopped somewhere around Robert and immediately began plotting creative ways to dispose of him.
Please don't.
I don't need revenge. I needed you to know what happened because I promised we wouldn't keep things from each other.
I'm telling you because I trust you. Not because I need you to fix it. This has been a really rough week and only one thing will make it better. I can’t wait to see you. Hug you. I feel safe in your arms.
Less than 48 hours.
Your Apparently Violent Sunflower,
Matilda
I was not made to be
SUBTLE
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