Unforeseen Consequences ☞︎ A James Potter Fan Fic

{10} Welcome to "How to Lie to Your Crush 101"

Dear mother,

It was a pleasure to hear from you and be reminded to keep my studies up. As always, the fire was purely an accident. If it'll help you sleep at night, you might be interested to know that I have procured a tutor. Of course they agreed to not speak of such things to others as I know a descendant of your name needing a tutor would be a great travesty to our reputation.

To explain what happened, I would first need to explain to you that your daughter accidentally set fire to the Gryffindor locker room-

Holly groaned, scribbling out the whole letter. She slammed the quill on the table and looked over to the crackling fire in the common room. It was very late and Holly still hadn't managed to get the letter perfectly. She sighed as she crumpled up the letter and threw it in the fire along with the others.

She started again, deciding she liked the first paragraph. She took out another sheet of parchment and started again.

I know you don't care much for excuses. Nor, do I. But I thought I'd be in your best interest to know that the incident in question was caused by the reactions I regretfully gave from a boy in my class. He has been dealt with by the fine professors of the school. Your old head of house, Professor McGonagall. She took responsibility for his discipline herself.

Holly had to hope that her mother wouldn't contact McGonagall herself and asked who dare do this to her child's education. But she knew she had to explain how it happened and that it was rightfully taken care of or else she would get into even more trouble.

But this incident was also clearly my fault. I know this. I had lost concentration and let my emotions get the better of me. You taught me better and I know no greater shame. I only wish to do right by you and our family now. That is why I have added- alongside this letter- a new schedule of my study times. All free periods are a given. Plus, outside school time, weekends, and even a meal or two. Then, you will find a list of all my current scores and signatures from each teacher to prove that they were witnessed and correct.

Holly had, had to do something while James wasn't talking to her. Holly rubbed her eyes, the tiredness getting to her. She had to finish up.

Once again, I am dearly sorry mother. I take pride in our reputation within Hogwarts and I want nothing more than to withhold it. I hope this new schedule makes you proud. You will not be receiving another letter from this fine institution again. I swear.

Love,
Your daughter, H.G.H.

Holly woke up to loud chattering. Scrunching up her face, she opened her eyes to see she had fallen asleep at the table. Panicking, she scrambled, sitting upright in her chair and looked down at her letter. The papers across the table were all neat and perfect looking. Holly sighed a breath of relief.

"Holly?" Mary-Anne mumbled tiredly. Holly sluggishly turned to look at Mary-Anne come through the door. "Did you fall asleep out here?" She asked as she trudged, still in her pajamas, over to the table. She plopped right down next to Holly. Holly nodded, feeling exhausted.

"Yeah. I was just finishing the letter to my mum. I have to go send it now, actually." Holly said. She slowly stood up and folded all the papers accordingly. Once she had slipped it into the envelope, Mary-Anne's muddy and tired mind finally caught up.

"Wait a minute! Don't we have classes?" She asked, her accent slurring a bit. Holly shook her head, eyes half-open.

"It's Saturday, Mary-Anne." Holly responded, slipping on her robe and slippers.

Holly trudged all the way through the castle. Once she was outside, the cold morning air whipping around her had woken her up some. She was grateful it hadn't rained as she didn't wish for soggy slippers.