Summer complaining (Ursus)

[FRANCIS CROMWELL]

To Ursus,

Hey Ursa, how are you doing?

My brothers and sister are driving me mad. It's only a week since summer break started and they already annoy me to no end. Alexis kept on making fun of my new glasses. And my sister, she joined him the last time, saying I look like Luna Lovegood with her Spectrespecs on. I swear I would release my dad's Monster Book at their face the next time.

Anyway, my dad may come over to your house for a visit, he's arranging his schedules. Alexis and I would be coming along as usual.

From Francis

[Ursus Black]

Wotcher France,

So you have glasses now? Sorry Alexis is giving you a rough time, he only does it teasingly though you know? He does love you, he's told me so. (And sworn my very painful death if I should ever tell you. So mum's the word eh?)

And Alexis mentioned you might be coming over! That's great! Al and Lydia have been fighting since we got home... I'm still not entirely sure of the actual query, as the subject matter seems to be fluctuating from hour to hour. Mum got so fed up with hearing them squabble that she threatened Al that if he didn't stop antagonizing Lydia that she'd send him over to Uncle Regulus' for the rest of the summer. So now, not only is Al still mad at Lydia, but he's not speaking to mum either.

Da and I have been tying to stay out of it. We've been playing chess for most of the time. Score is currently 9 to 2, Da's not happy that he keeps loosing, but at the same time, he gets mad at me if it looks like I'm letting him win... So in retrospect, I think I'm the one whose actually loosing there. (Maybe I should offer to play Exploding Snap, I never win at that...)

When you get here, maybe we can go camping out back. Mum said no last time we asked, but she might feel differently once you guys come. Is Sissy coming too? I'm sure Lydia would enjoy the company.

Other than the teasing, how has your summer been so far? Have you started any of the Summer homework yet? I just started my essay for Professor Snape. Its so long! six feet of parchment on Werewolves... I mean, sure, I know several Werewolves, subject matter isn't hard. But still! Its just so much writing! And I still have two feet of Transfiguration Homework, one and a quarter feet in Herbology. (Which is sad, cause I'd much rather have six feet of homework there.) another two feet in Potions, two feet in Astronomy, and Care of Magical Creatures, and four feet and a half feet due for History of Magic (I'm saving that one for last, and dreading it.) Muggle Studies was the only one not to assign summer homework. I love Professor Burbage, she's the best!

Anyways, got to go. Mum's calling me down for lunch, I'll send this out with Jinx later. Hope to hear from you (or better yet see you.) very soon.

Love your friend,

Ursus S. Black

P.s.- Tell Alexis that I'm still waiting for him to write me back! (I think he must have forgotten me again.)

[FRANCIS CROMWELL]

Hey Ursa,

So, about the summer. Mum dragged me to get a pair of glasses. I kept telling her I can still see very well but, you know my mum, got it anyway. Aside from that, and what I told you in the previous letter, my summer's really not that bad. Dad is still busy as usual, but as Alexis and I told you, he's finding time for us. And Fel owled me yesderday, always the story of that dramatic love-life of his. He wrote about this girl to whom he wants to introduce me. I'm considering 'accidentally' let my mum see that letter. I'd love to hear him get a Howler. Though I'm afraid she will ban Fel from coming over this year.

Camping sounds good. I want to do something outside a house for once. About my sister, she probably would be coming. I don't think she wants to stay alone at home.

Thanks to my siblings I was able to concentrate on my homework in order to ignore them. I'm half finished with my eesay about Devil Snare. I may make it longer than how it supposed to, Herbology is my favorite. For Astronomy, I'll have to fill a little star chart. I had to do that homework at night when its absolutely quiet, so I'm done with it already. Snape wanted a summary essay about all the spells we learned, not to mention (I don't know if this is a coincidence) an essay about treating werewolf bites to be handed in after summer. And both must be three feet at least. I guess he has no sympathize for young students. The other Profs only wanted one or one and a half feet essay from first-years. Good thing I like writting, and not Gryffindor (if you know what I mean). I'm saving Transfiguration and History for last. I don't feel like reading about a weird wizard whose hat was a jellyfish (or anything as ridiculous) again.

I told Alexis to reply to your letter, he said he didn't forget, he was just busy laughing at my new look. I believe there are many other ways to express 'love'. I don't find his way very effective...

So, I'm going to bed now. Hope to see you soon.

Francis

P/s: I happened to read a The Quibbler issue while on my way shopping new robes with mum. They said a singer of the Hob Goblins band (whatever it is) was spotted in your area. Through the description, I couldn't help but think it was your dad. I know 98% of the magazine is definitely fake. But is there anything you want to tell me?

[Ursus Black]

Wotcher France,

You caught me, My father is in fact the one, and only Stubby Boardman, however, in order to avoid the press we use the cover name Black. Haha!

No but seriously, I love the Quibbler, I find it fascinating. I saw that artical too, and showed it to Da (Who now has it posted on his wall in my parents room.) He thinks its great!

The Hobgoblins are an older band, Da says they used to have a lot of hits, guess they're still really popular.

Lydia is in a bad mood today, surprise, surprise. Her and Al are still fighting, but they've gone under the radar ever since the whole bit with mum at the table.

What's it like to have siblings that get along? I'm really very envious of you. Lex and Sissy never seem to fight one another do they? But then, they're like me and Al, only a year apart.

I got an Owl from Abby Fallon the other day, (You know Pat's sister from Gryffindor.) She was complaining quiet passionately about her sister and summer homework. I never knew, but her big sis, the one she fights with, is Lavinia Snape! (I wonder if Lavinia is anything like Professor Snape? If she is, I can't say I can really blame poor Abby for not liking her.)

According to Abby, Next year is when my grade begins prep courses for O.W.L.s, I've talked to Al about this, you know this coming semester is his O.W.L.s Year, and Lydia is in her N.E.W.T.s year. I can't believe she's gone after next year... I know I've been complaining about her and Al fighting this summer, but Its going to be lonely next year, when Harry and her leave...

Actually... That's leading to a lot of depressing thoughts... Does your oldest brother still live at home? Or did he move? I hope Lydia won't move...

Anyways, I almost forgot: Second years have to sign up for third year electives come end of the year, so, you should probably start thinking about what you want to take. (I know you can always change courses later, but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead.)

I take Care of Magical Creatures, and Muggle Studies, I've been thinking of adding Ancient Runes (I wonder if they'd let me drop History if I took AR? Probably not. I can't wait for sixth year, Lydia doesn't even take HoM. Sounds Heavenly...

So you've already done your school shopping? Or did you just get your robes early? I've been wanting to get a new set myself, I've out grown mine again! Everyone laughs, but its not funny when you constantly need your clothes lengthened every week or so! I've memorized the spell and wand movements by heart now.

Al got mad at me for complaining... Then Lydia said he only aid it cause he's jealous (He still hasn't really had his growth spurt yet.) And so NOW Al is twice as mad. (Though thankfully it seems its no longer aimed at me. I hate it when people are mad at me, it makes my stomach hurt...)

How are you doing growth wise? I know Lex hasn't started his spurt yet, maybe you'll start yours first, wouldn't that be fun- Oopse... Never let your brother read this, he'd turn me into a Mudpup for sure. Haha!!

Love your friend,

Ursus S. Black

P.s.- Why is it, parents always say that you can tell them anything, and then turn around and tell you not to say things when you're trying to give your honest opinion about something? Mum's been scolding Al all morning because he's complaining about Professor Snape... (Da's been agreeing with him, but mum's mad.)

[FRANCIS CROMWELL]

Hey Ursa,

You're kidding right? Alexis said he was hoping you would tell your dad to prepare a song to perform this time. He said he was a fan of Hobgoblins and would love to hear their lead singer sing (though I bet he's not, that band is old right?).

Yeah, Alexis and my sister get along very well. Because they both enjoy tormenting me. Besides, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor aren't much of rivals. We only fight them over the Quidditch cup anyway. Too bad for Al don't you think? He doesn't seem much of a Slytherin. I mean, he's not a mama-boy who picks on people to hide the fact that they are one. But you should remind him not to get too close to those in the Sly. As they said, who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl. If one see him with those bully, they will think he's just like them.

Lavinia Snape? I only saw her one or two times. So I don't know much. Imagine her talking in her dad's tone, I wouldn't dare talking to her. Lets just hope she's not, because she's better looking than Prof.Snape. Ah, sorry, I think Fel did have an effect on me...

I already have Care For Magical Creature in mind. Divination and Accent Runes sounds attractive. What subject will I need to be a St.Mungo's Healer?

And we were just buying robes (and some potion supplies) in advance. The rest will have to wait when the letters arrive. I grew taller too, but not that much. Are you sure you didn't swallow any bone-growing potion by mistake?

About the parents. I know how you feel, I remember that time I told my mum how much I hated the Muggle clothing she wore. She wasn't happy... It was too colorful for her. Even the Muggles realized that, I saw some staring while we were on our way home from the Muggle platform.

Francis

P/s: How unfortunate. Alexis happened to be in the room while I was reading your letter. He snatched it playfully and read it. So, goodluck.

[Ursus Black]

Wotcher France,

I could ask him to sing... Your Dad just might not like what he hears. Hahaa!

No, my Da can sing pretty well actually, he's always singing around the holidays, or when he's working or bathing. Its funny actually, walking past the privy first thing in the morning and hearing dad in there belting out Weird Sisters, or Earwig lyrics. I've even caught him singing Celestina Warbeck songs a few times! (Speaking of which, I just realized, I haven't heard Leo humming in hours now... Where could she have gotten to I wonder...)

And yeah, Al... He's really not mean at all, he despises bullies... He fights with Lydia mostly because he worries about her... But the fact is that he still needs friends, he can't be expected to be all alone for ten months out of the year. And besides, Phinius Bellerose, and Raynard Bardock are actually really nice once you get to know them... Horatio Padmore is okay too, he's just really quiet I guess, like Phinius...

Hmmm, I wonder what your cousin would think of her... Professor Snape would turn into a Dragon if Felix got too close though, don't you think?

Err Divination is cool, you'd probably like it. The teacher is really nice (I dropped out due to all the Visions of er- doom though. I think I'm happier NOT knowing the future...)

Healer's need Potions, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, maybe Ancient Runes (Never know when someone will stumble in with a curse from ancient Egypt after all.)

I honestly wish I knew. Da says I just take after him, and Uncle Regulus. But if that's true, than who does Al take after? Uncle James? Hahaahaa!

Ah the many misadventures of Wizards and Witches when confronted with Muggle fashion. Mum gets Muggle Magazines to read. So we know what the latest fashions are. (But I honestly don't see the the point, to me, all the stuff looks the same! I say: just throw on a neutral colored t-shirt, some jeans and a pair of trainers and you'll be fine!)

Love your friend,

Ursus S. Black

P.s.- In that case, I fear this may be goodbye dear Francis. Because Mud Pups can't write, and they most certainly do not attend magical schools. So Fare Well!