The Clockwork Locket || SIRIUS BLACK

The Lone Wolf

My dearest daughter,

How are you, my darling? I hope my gift got to you safely. We had a spat of bad weather this last week and I'm afraid Osbourne was trapped in the manor for some time before he could get out and fly again. Hopefully you weren't gifted too many boxes of chocolate on Valentine's so you still have room for mine (though I highly doubt any boy would be clever enough to get gourmet from Belgium—only the best for my lovely Cassie!).

Speaking of boys, how are those dashing ones you've been spending time with recently? Any progression with Walburga's boy? (Sorry! I can't help myself—he's so handsome, and seems to have a keen eye for you, if you will allow this one small intrusion from your mother...). Or I reckon Euphemia's boy is also rather nice...

Sorry!

Your father has been kept busy at the Ministry these last months. After clearing Will, he's been working extra hard to appease his constituents, and with the Wizengamot preparing to pass this new legislation (keep an eye on the Prophet in the coming weeks...), I've hardly seen him. Witch Weekly has been in an uproar; half our models for the spring catalog cancelled out of the blue! They wouldn't say why, but it's clear from the tense climate here in Britain that they're worried something might happen. The Prophet has been tight-lipped about a lot of what's going on, but your father has been keeping me up to date on what isn't being shared. Why, just this last week there was an awful attack on a Muggle family; said all their hearts had been missing from their bodies! Can you believe it?

It worries me, Cassie. I just want you to be safe here with me, but I know Hogwarts is the best place for you right now. I even got a letter a few days ago from Professor Carlisle—she says you've been a model student in her class. I'm so proud of you!

I haven't heard from your brother since Christmas. I do hope he's all right. The Wizarding community is becoming more and more divided each day, and forgive me, but I wish he would come to his senses and stay out of such needless conflict. I fear it is only going to get worse before it becomes better.

I love you, my darling Cassie. Study hard, and stay out of trouble with those boys!

Much love,

Mother

P.S. Your father sends his love as well.

Cassie finished reading her letter and shoved it underneath the exquisite box of chocolates Ozzy had just delivered to her with that morning's post, her stomach churning. Eleanor may be privy to things the Daily Prophet didn't report, but Cassie seemed to be the only one in her family who was aware of what exactly had happened with that Muggle family. It was probably for the best, she thought; having Will splayed across every editorial Britain had to offer as the instigator behind such another brutal attack would put a decided wrench in her plans, and she didn't wish to see her mother experience that sort of heartache. Still, that didn't keep her from feeling nauseous at the reminder of what You-Know-Who had forced her brother to do.

"Your mum has such delightful taste," Marlene said wistfully, eyeing Cassie's chocolates with a dreamy gaze. "Like those robes she wore to the Minister's Gala last month? So chic."

Cassie gave her a strange look. "You saw her?"

"Page twenty-eight of the February issue of Witch Weekly," she said, sighing. "Said she was the best-dressed of the night."

"That seems biased, though, right?" Alice said, looking up from her own post quizzically. "I mean, not saying she doesn't deserve it, but she is the editor for that same magazine..."