A letter written to Phoebe ( @phxxbepyrite ) from Holden.
Dear Phoebe,
I would like to wish you a happy new year, and I hope that you are doing well.
I must be brief with this letter. I am writing to inform you that I will not be returning to Hogwarts the coming year. As you know of my sister’s condition, we have decided that it is in her best interest that we leave to the east. There is news of some information we could find there that we did not have here.
I would like to thank you for a couple of things before I leave. The first is the book you gave me, I’m sure it will be very useful for our journey as well. Thank you for all your help in the hospital wing, as well as caring for my sister. Since I am leaving, I have asked Eleonora to care for the hospital wing, but I am also leaving it in your capable hands. I hope that you do continue to study and learn, as I believe that you have the potential to be a great healer.
Should you ever need my help, please write to me and I will do my best to offer my assistance. I hope to one day return to Hogwarts with good news. Until then, take care of yourself, Phoebe.
A letter written to Leila ( @shatteredwitch ) from Holden.
Dear Leila,
I would like to wish you a happy new year, and I hope that you are doing well. I’m afraid I must be brief with this letter, as there is a lot to be done. I am writing to inform you that I will not be returning to Hogwarts the coming year. I will be traveling east, to continue my research on my sister’s illness.
Thank you for all your help while I was at Hogwarts. You were the first person I had persuaded to help me out in the hospital wing, and you clearly did not have to accept. I appreciate it. Though I know there was the incident where we have disagreed, still I believe that you have a lot of potential to be a great healer. So do continue to learn and study with everyone. I have asked Eleonora to care for the hospital wing, but I am also leaving it in your capable hands.
Look out for those who frequent the hospital wing, as you know that the students’ care and safety are very important. I wish you the all the best, and should you ever need any help, do not hesitate to write to me. I will try my best to help you in any way I could.
A letter written to Eleonora ( @eleonoraxaltieri ) from Holden.
Dear Eleonora,
First of all, let me wish you a happy new year. I hope that you are doing well.
I am writing to inform you that I will not be returning to Hogwarts the coming year. I have met with an old mentor of mine who offered to help advance my research and cure for Henrietta. I have known him for a long time, and he is very reliable. As such, we will be traveling with him due east, in hopes that we will return someday soon with good news.
I leave the care of the hospital wing in your hands, please take good care of it. Do continue to teach Leila and Phoebe, as well as learn from each other. They have a lot of potential that I hope to see them reach someday. I’m sure that Mr. Kanuri will also be of help, you do know him better than I do. Between the four of you, I trust that the hospital wing and the students of Hogwarts will be in good hands.
Also, do look out for those who frequent the hospital wing. Miss Weasley, for one, tends to not consider the consequence of her getting hurt before she jumps off a cliff or chases after a cat. Miss Haxon and Miss Ashworth, too, should be looked after. They are both good friends of my sister’s and I have seen them get into all sorts of troubles. While they did take care of Henrietta then, I worry that they do not consider themselves getting hurt. Mr. Horsfall is another one you should keep an eye on. He tends to be rather flammable, to put it lightly. I do not think Henrietta would appreciate it much if he was found in ashes before she could return.
I realize that this must be quite a lot to put on your shoulders, and I apologize for that. Still I am confident that you are more than capable. You will not be alone. You have everyone in the hospital wing to help you, as well as the founders and other students. Should you ever need my help, you are also welcome to write to me anytime. I will try to get back to you as soon as I could.
I would like to thank you for all your help, in the hospital wing, as well as with my sister, and everything else. It has been a pleasure to work with you. Not only that, but I do consider you a friend of mine. I have to ask that you do not repeat of my misbehavior that night in the pub. Still, I must admit that it had been some kind of fun. So, thank you.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
Holden had been waiting for his sister to return for the past few days. Not only because he missed her, but he also had something very important to discuss with her. He stood outside the doors with his hands clasped together, and went over all that he wanted to say in his head. He was startled out of his thoughts when Helga arrived. "Helga," he greeted with a smile. "It's good to see you again."
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
After spending a few days at Hogwarts finishing things up, Helga was finally home. She had missed the old house, but most of all, she missed her siblings. "Hello." closing the distance between them, she hugged her brother tightly, smiling as she pulled back. "I missed you. And Henrietta. Where is she?"
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
"Helga! You're back!" Henrietta was out the door in a flurry and she threw her arms tightly around her sister. "I've missed you. I know, it's only been a few days. Home is never the same without you, though." She gave Helga one more squeeze before she pulled away. "How have you been? How is Hogwarts?”
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
"Oof," giggling, she embraced Henrietta, still wobbling from the force of the hug. "Careful there." cupping her sister's cheek, she grinned, her eyes darting between her two siblings. Hogwarts is home. Their old house is home. But, really, home is where she is surrounded by them. "It's really good, you did a wonderful job with the decoration." turning to Holden, she extended her hand towards him. "What have the two of you been doing?"
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
Holden took his sister's hand and smiled. "We should head inside first. It's quite nippy out here." He moved to open the door for them. "There is also something else that we must discuss, but I fear Henrietta would burst soon if we did not have your cookies and a cup of tea with it."
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
“I have missed your cooking, Helga. He has too, despite how he tries to put the blame on me,” she pouted. “We have been having fun here, though. We went ice-skating the day before. Holden is not the best teacher when he’s mostly yelling at you to get off the ice. It would have been better for you to teach me.”
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
They really were too much, entering the house, Helga breathed in the familiar smell, letting the memories only linger for a few happy seconds, before turning to her siblings. "Mary thought me everything I know in the kitchen. I am sure she has been feeding you very well." still, she glowed at the compliment, glad to still be their favorite cook. "Come, you can help me make a match while Holden talks."
"I will teach you tomorrow. I promise."
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
For some reason, Holden was getting quite nervous. What his sister has to say about the matter was very important to him, and to the whole idea. “We met Joseph Berengier on our way back. Do you remember him? The healer in our area, my old mentor.” He paused to remind himself not to ramble. “He did a check up on Henrietta, and it went well. He also mentioned that he had learned of someone with a similar condition to her in the east. He is traveling there to visit some friends. This is a good opportunity to learn more about her illness, and he offered to help.”
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
Henrietta had nodded eagerly and followed Helga to help her. She let her brother start off the conversation, but got impatient with his meandering. For someone usually so straightforward, he could go into a babble when his sister’s opinion was involved. “Holden thinks we should go with him.”
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
When they got to the kitchen, Helga warmly embraced Mary, telling her to leave for the day that they would take care of everything. After showing her mistress the new changes in the kitchen, she left, and Helga started working on the cookies.
Her hand stilled, the flour she had been holding flowing out of her hand. "Go with him? To the east? Both of you?" she knows learning more about Henrietta's illness is important, that Holden wants to do everything in his power to help. But she had always hoped that everything would be by her side.
Looking at the counter top, Helga began cleaning she mess she had made, apologizing and saying she would start over again. "And do you want to go?"
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
"I... feel that it would be worthwhile to go." He cleared his throat. "It's just that Henrietta is not getting better. If we could learn more about her illness, it might help. While my research is progressing on its own, there is still much more out there that I could take a look at. There are many other methods that I have not learned from the east. They could have valuable information for us.”
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
This time, Henrietta kept her mouth shut in a grim line. She fiddled with the bowl of butter in her hands. Normally, she had a lot to say, but this seemed serious for both of her siblings. When it came to her health, she knew how it saddened them. If she stayed, she could worsen. If she left, there might be a chance to cure her. Still, at the cost of leaving her siblings?
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
Lifting her head, Helga pressed a hand against her stomach, ignoring the stain that was already forming, trying to keep her head clear. "I know." looking at Henrietta, she sees two girls, the girl she could be, filled with joy and energy, and the girl she is becoming, the disease slowly stripping away her brightness. "And you two would need to leave? For you to learn, for her to get... better?" could they really find an answer to this disease? The only thing they would need to give up is being together, but for Henrietta's life... "Did he say how long it would take?"
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
“I would like to go with them, yes. I would continue my research, as well as keep an eye on Henrietta.” He shook his head. Now that they were discussing it, it felt worse knowing that they would be away from each other. Holden had followed Helga to Hogwarts because he wanted to be there for his family, but now he was the one breaking them apart. “There was no discussion of time. We are not sure how long this would take. We might be away until we find something, or she gets better."
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
Relief and pain filled her in equal measures. Henrietta would have someone, Holden would take care of her. But she would lose them both; she wouldn't be alone, she had Godric, the other founders and all of the friends she had made. But these were her siblings, her children, and they would be gone. "You should. She is a troublemaker, someone needs to keep an eye on her," she teased in an attempt to lighten the mood, but her heart wasn't really into it. "Do you think they are onto something?"
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
“I am willing to hope for the best. Perhaps it is risky, but I believe this is a risk we must take. I worry that Henrietta’s condition is worsening. If there was even a slight chance, we should take it.” He sighed as he glanced at his younger sister. So much like their older sister, like their mother, and he wanted to make sure she would be well enough to be there with all of them for as long as he could. “What do you think about it? Will you be alright with us.. leaving?”
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
Blinking away tears, she smiles and breaks her own heart. "Of course. Both of you need to go, Mr. Berengier is a wonderful healer, and Henrietta deserves the best. And you should be with her. I will try to visit, don't think you are getting rid of me!" turning her little girl, she pressed her lips together, breathing deeply, already missing her. "It's unlike you to be this silent. What do you think?"
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
Henrietta finally looked up from the bowl that she had been fiddling with. The smile on her face was soft, if melancholic. She didn't want to leave, of course, but.. she also wanted to be well, to be able to have more time with this life. "I will miss you dearly if I leave. Though I was hoping that you could convince Holden to stay here with you. I didn't want him to miss out a chance to study at Hogwarts." She did feel better that she wasn't going to be alone on this journey, but she didn't want to be responsible for holding anyone back either. "I trust Mr. Berengier, and I trust you. Both of you."
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
"I will miss you more." smiling sadly at her brother, she leaned forward to cover his hand with hers, "Holden should go where he is most needed. Where he thinks he will flourish more."
"It's decided then! You are both traveling! I will of course talk to Mr. Berengier, see if there is a floo connection in the place you are going so we can visit each other as much as possible." determined, she took a deep breath and decided that if this was going to be their last days together at home as a family for a while, she was going to make this special. Blinking the tears away, she smiled at them both. "I believe I promised cookies?"
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
"Thank you, Helga." There was a relief when his sister agreed with his plan. Somehow he was always looking for a sense of approval from her, but it did not feel as satisfying as it should have, knowing that they were leaving. Actually leaving. "I will miss you." He tried to smile as well, but it faltered when he saw Henrietta's eyes water.
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
As for Henrietta, the ‘thank you’ from Holden sealed the deal, and she knew that they were leaving. Not bothering to wipe the tears that were starting to pour down her face, she just threw her arms around Helga and buried her face in her shoulder. She didn’t want to cry, but this was going to be the first time she was to be so far away from Helga. Her sister, her mother. “I am going to miss you very much."
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
Wrapping her arms around Henrietta, Helga tried to steel herself, maintain her composure until they were gone, she had to be strong for them, it had always been her job, ever since her father had put the baby into her arms at eight years old, she always acted like the grown up, the parent, the pillar of strength that everyone could lean on in times of crisis.
But as she held Henrietta closer and looked at Holden, she felt it all slipping away, great sobs shook her body as tears spilled down her face. The sobs punched through every layer she had built.
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
Now both his sisters were crying, and he felt like he'd caused this. He felt like he was going to cry. While Helga left to work on the school and so on, she always came back. He knew she did. This time it was him and Henrietta that were leaving, and they don't even know when they will return. He tried to discreetly wipe his tears away as he stepped closer to his sisters. His family. They were all each other had left, and it hit him even harder than before.
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
Every time she took a deep breath in an attempt to regain control of herself, the more it slipped. This is her family, and they are leaving. "Henrietta, Holden." once again they were in the same position, she was holding Henrietta but extending her hand towards Holden. Her little brother, so strong, so mature for his age. "I..."
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
Henrietta didn't lift her head, nor did she step away from Helga. If anything, she squeezed in a little closer, almost not wanting to let go. She felt Holden step closer, and this was supposed to be them, wasn't it? The three of them, together. Not apart. She told herself that she needed to be strong for both of her siblings, but for now she just wanted to be the little one again.
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
Holden took Helga’s hand and placed his other hand on Henrietta’s shoulder. He bit his lip to keep further tears from falling, though it did not work so well. He had to take in a deep breath to make sure that his voice wasn’t shaky, before replying, “Yes?”
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
His hand steadied her, tears still ran down her face, but her body was no longer shaking. "You will take care of her. It's going to be the two of you, you are going to need to be the big brother. All the time. But you have to promise me that you won't let is consume you. You are so incredible, you can do so much."
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
He made sure to remember every word that she said, but with each one, he wanted to take it all back. "I..." His voice this waver this time, so he settled with a nod. Yes, he had to take care of Henrietta. He had to be strong, and he.. he was so glad that Helga believed in him. So, he had to do this right. "I will. You have my word."
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
Henrietta finally looked up from Helga’s shoulder, but still did not pull away. Instead, she used the position to fiercely look into her sister’s eyes. “You have to promise that you will take care of yourself too. You have always done so much for the both of us. Now you have Hogwarts, and we’re so proud of you for that. It's time for you to live for yourself as well.”
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
Helga nodded back, the weight on her back remained, but at least now she didn’t feel like she would drown under it’s pressure. “I know you will. There is no one in this world I trust better.” pulling back from Henrietta slightly, she pulled him into the hug, creating a weird, but perfectly fitted three person hug. “I love you so much.”
“And you too.” breathing deeply, she blinked clearing her vision, her chest heaving as she looked at the precious sight in front of her. “I will take care of myself. And I’ve been living for myself!” she protested, “I traveled, I saw things and I built a school And I helped raise the two most wonderful people in the world, I have lived enough for three lifetimes.”
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
"Helga... Thank you." There really wasn't anything else he could say. The words that he thought he had were just that. It was all in how he said it, as joined in and wrapped his arms around both his sisters. "I love you too. Very much."
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
Henrietta nodded with a small blubber of laughter. “Yes, you have travelled and done so much. Now it is our turn.” Her smile turned brighter, and she was always much better in expressing herself with words than her brother. “We wouldn’t be the person we are if it weren’t for you Helga. Thank you for everything, and for more to come, I’m sure. We’re not leaving forever, and you will come visit. I will be sure to always write to you every week as well!”
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
Only her darling Henrietta could put a positive spin on going away for treatment. No one would be able to see it in such a positive way. “Yes, the two of you will see the world now. And a lot more then I ever did!” shaking her head, she cradled Henrietta’s face in her hands. “It’s the opposite. Being your sister, watching the two of you grow up into such excellent beautiful people, you are the ones who inspired me.”Helga’s eyes flickered to Holden as she spoke, she might be the founder hufflepuff, but no one represents its traits better then her brother. He is the person she hopes her students can become.
“And I do expect letters! Not just from her Holden! And we will be talking about that floo connection, and portkeys. Holden, I have taught you how to create one, right? I should teach Henrietta as well, make sure the two of you can come back whenever you need.” a small smile found it’s way to her face, tear stained as it was, her eyes burning with pain, but the familiar scene of her ordering her siblings around couldn’t help but bring her some semblance of joy and calm. “So when you come back, it will be like I never left your side.”
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
Her smile grew even more as Helga started to return to herself. She would miss this, sure, but it was not the end of the world. Henrietta grabbed her sister's hands before she could move and start doing everything else. She needed to say this, "I love you, Helga. So, very much."
HOLDEN HUFFLEPUFF:
Holden patiently waited for Henrietta to let go of Helga, before he replied. He knew that this was important to the both of them. “Yes, of course. I will write to you to keep you updated on our progress. We will prepare the floo connection, and portkeys. We also have the next few days. We won’t be leaving until the second day of the new year. If you can stay and perhaps help us pack, will you, Helga?”
HELGA HUFFLEPUFF:
"Yes, you will." looking at the two of them now, her siblings, her children, Helga is reminded of when her father put Henrietta in her arms. Her responsibility. She always took the promise she made to him so seriously, putting it above all her other worries. And she focused on that so much, she didn't notice when they became adults.
"Exactly, we won't cry anymore because we know we will be together again soon. And, we should make a list! of everything we want to do before we part!" a lifetime of memories in one week, to keep them warm while they are apart.
HENRIETTA HUFFLEPUFF:
“We can start with the cookies!” Henrietta exclaimed as she gestured to the forgotten activity. “Then we could skate, and read, and oh! We should visit the town. I saw the loveliest ribbon the other day, Helga, that I think would look wonderful...”
[Wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon, set in the infirmary with a note that simply says Holden. It’s a book on Eastern magical potions and healing charms, though written in a foreign language when the page is tapped with a wand it changes to English.]
Dear Holden,
Thank you so much for allowing me into the infirmary and tutelage with the other Healers. You are a good man, and I have a small gift for you, I couldn’t unfortunately translate the whole thing, but I found a spell that will verbally speak to you what is says, simply tap the page with your wand and say ‘English’ and it will speak. I hope it aides you and you enjoy it.
A school owl dropped off a package at Holden’s desk in the hospital wing sometime that afternoon, and it smelled faintly of fire. Inside was a miniature staff with a serpent coiled around its length, carved from a single piece of wood. The snake had been charmed to emit a tiny puff of smoke, seemingly at random.
“As you can see, my aim is getting better. Thank you for giving me a second chance.
Phoebe let out a shaky anxious breath she had no idea was being held in her lungs and gave Holden a bright brilliant smile. The very reason she came to Hogwarts– Healing. To become the best and save more lives than she lost, to help make all her travels and pain worth it. “Yes,I attended the battefield as a Healer of both magical and muggle wounds during a blood fued. I’m afraid much of what I know has been learned and practiced on real bodies.” she let out a quaking sigh that made her very body tremble. “I followed an army across leagues, and I will do it again, but this time after I learn as much as I can here.” she squared her shoulders. “I know quite a bit as well,” she patted her satchel, in it were journals on what she knew. All she knew, all she could offer.
“We all have our past. It’s good that we can learn from it.” He smiled and offered her a seat. “If you don’t mind, will you share some knowledge with me? I will do the same for you. I specialize in medicinal herbology, dealing with potions and the likes.” He grabbed a book, and then remembered the other thing he wanted to say. “If you are interested in learning, would you be interested in helping out in the hospital wing as well? We have some healers helping out as well, and I’m sure you can learn from them too. I don’t know if you have met them yet, perhaps you have.”
“I’ll keep Henrietta out of harm’s way, that much I can give you,” but as for herself, there was no way that was going to happen. She was going to rise to any occasion. “But I won’t make that promise for me,” the young Slytherin kicked her feet, her leather boots scuffing, “it’d be too hard, and I don’t know why it matters. I’ve managed to seventeen without dying,” people cared here, and it was weird, they didn’t even know her, “I hardly think anyone at Hogwarts is trying to kill me, not like at home.”
“No-” Holden was almost at lost for words, almost. He was getting increasingly worried, and not for Freddy’s friendship with his sister, but for the girl herself. “Hogwarts will not allow anyone to kill you, I can assure you of that. Nevertheless, life is not without accidents if you are not careful. Should trouble finds you, then, please come find me. I will do my best to help, that is all.”
“Yes, I’ve only just arrived.” Felicity said, trying to seem as shy as possible. Of course the Felicity they were all about to know would have to be the perfect mix of passive and charming. “I’m sorry for bothering you.” She offered her hand, “I am Felicity Mallory, I’m joining classes as soon as possible. May I ask your name sir?” Her eyes wandered up to him, as internally she evaluated what worth he might be to her. Everything hinged on his connections and his occupation at the school.
“In that case, welcome,” he greeted her with a smile. He shuffled the basket of plants that he had gathered for a moment, before accepting the hand offered and he shook it. “It’s not a problem. Pleasure to meet you Ms. Mallory. I am Holden Hufflepuff.” A strong wind blew pass and he had to make sure the items he was carrying didn’t drop. “It’s a bit cold out here. Shall we head inside?”
“I think she knows the castle better than I do.” Henrietta would talk about places in the castle Helga hadn’t even heard of. “I am so sorry I worried you. I just have so many things to do. I moved my garden to the greenhouse inside, it’s hard to find space for so many plants.”
Examining his expression more closely, she squeezes his arm, guilt still making her insides twist. “I annoyed you, I am sorry I did that.”
“I understand, of course. You’re busy. You are running the whole school and everything. You’re not alone though. I suppose I was just hoping that you would rely on them as well. You know that I’m always here for you, as well.” He shook his head. “I’m not annoyed. I just wish that you’d trust me more, Helga. That’s all.”
Eleonora resisted the urge to shake her head lightly at the silly man, even though she was guilty of many of the traits he displayed when it came to work and the hospital wing and the like. She would have asked about the potion progress, but she poured over the stats rather religiously on a daily basis. “Actually…” she started slowly, trying to form her plan to get Holden out of the castle. “I was hoping you might accompany me down to the Three Broomsticks. I’m meant to meet someone but— I hate walking alone.” Not a single word of the sentence was true.
“The Three Broomsticks? Eleonora, you did not just come here to ask me to accompany you, did you? I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I must refuse. Moreover, there is probably someone else that is much better company that I would be right now. All this work I have to get done..” He turned back to his papers. “I simply don’t have the time.”
“This was the first time!” Moira said emphatically. “Wait…except for that landslide in the forest…and that one time I tripped…and when I thought I saw a unicorn.” The last one made her sigh, “It was only a very strange tree.” Clearly she’d lost focus for a moment, lost in thought. However within a few moments she perked back up again, “But those were accidents! I can’t help accidents!” Somehow, though she seemed to have them very frequently.
“Those were accidents, but when the accidents happen every week, that becomes a habit. I cannot ask you to stop these accidents of course, I am simply asking you to be more aware of your surroundings so as to prevent them from happening in the first place. Could you at least try to be more careful next time?” He finished patching her up. “There you go.”
“Oops!” Emmeline covered her mouth. “Sorry, Holden! I didn’t recognize you.” She frowned as a snowball hit her in the side of the head, “Hey! I was talking to the referee! That can’t possibly be allowed.” She looked back at Holden, “That’s not allowed right?” She may have a bit of a competitive streak.
He shook his head, but couldn’t help smile as Emmeline was also hit with a snowball. Perhaps it was the joyous environment, but this was getting fun. “In all fairness of the game, I have to allow it. No matter who you were talking to, you were distracted. I’m sorry. But while he’s still there, if you hit him now, it’ll be an even point. I suggest you do that before he’s out of sight,” he urged.
