Chapter 17: Letters of Change

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The stillness of the night at **Howler Manor** was peaceful, with the only sounds coming from the soft crackle of the fire and the occasional hoot from **Noctis**, who perched high in one of the great windows overlooking the garden. **Obsidian**, the two-headed **Serpens Atrum**, lay coiled loosely around the arm of Saber's chair, one head resting while the other lazily flicked its tongue in the air.

Saber sat at his desk, staring at a blank sheet of parchment. **Draco's letter** lay beside him, its words still swirling in his mind. There was sincerity in Draco's words—something genuine that made Saber feel as though perhaps, just perhaps, he wasn't as alone as he had felt all these years.

He sighed and dipped his quill into the inkpot. It had taken him some time to decide what to say, but now he was ready. **Draco** deserved to know what had been happening in his life, and if they were going to rebuild their relationship, honesty was the first step.

---

#### **Saber's Letter to Draco**

**Draco,**

It was good to hear from you, and I appreciate your honesty. Things have been changing rapidly for me, and I think it's only fair to let you know what I've been up to. Since we're both trying to move past our shared history, I figure I'll start with the basics.

I'm living in the United States now, as you know, in a place called **Howler Manor**. It's been in my family for generations, though it had been left in a state of disrepair for years. I've been working on **renovating the place**—and let me tell you, it's no easy task. The manor is enormous, and there's still much to do, but it's starting to feel like a home. The main hall has been restored, the tapestries have been cleaned, and I'm working on the east wing now.

I've also made a few new friends. You'd be surprised how much this place has changed me.

I've acquired two magical companions. The first is a **two-headed snake**—a **Serpens Atrum**, rare even by wizarding standards. I've named him **Obsidian**. Both heads have their own personalities, which makes him a fascinating creature to be around. He's intelligent, powerful, and deeply connected to magic. He's already proven to be a loyal companion.

The second is a **giant Cuban owl** I found in Salem. She's an incredible creature, fiercely intelligent and much stronger than any owl I've ever seen. I've named her **Noctis**. She's been helping me with long-distance communication, switching off with **Hedwig** because the distance between here and Britain is... well, you can imagine. Hedwig just returned from your place, so Noctis will be delivering this letter to you. Don't worry—she's reliable.

I've been homeschooling myself, since going back to Hogwarts isn't really an option. I've found quite a few magical texts in the library here, most of them related to the **Pendragon lineage**. It turns out there's a lot about my family that I still don't know. I'm determined to uncover every secret they kept from me, and this place has the answers.

But I haven't forgotten about Britain, or about the war. I'm still watching from a distance. I know you said things are complicated there, and I believe you. I can only imagine the pressure you're under, especially with Voldemort still working in the shadows.

For now, I'm focusing on building a new life here—one that isn't defined by the lies I've been fed my entire life. But don't think for a second that I've cut myself off from you or from the world. If you need me, I'll be there. We're family, after all.

Take care, Draco.

**Saber**

---

Saber read the letter over once before nodding to himself, satisfied with the tone. It wasn't too personal, but it wasn't distant either. Draco had reached out, and now Saber was doing the same. Slowly, they were building something new—something better than the rivalry they had once shared.

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