Merry Christmas from Across the Pond

[Felix Parkinson I]

December 25th 1884

Dear, @Annette Fontaine

Merry Christmas! I hope this find's you in time for the holidays. I write from the United States of America and though the postmaster has reassured me on many accounts that this will find you in reasonable time I am hesitant to believe that a journey across the Atlantic can be anything but time consuming, even with the aid of magic. So I imagine all I can do is simply hope for the best, and that this find you well and hopefully before the start of the new year.

America is beautiful in a strange and very unEnglish way. Though I imagine you might the say the same about us compared to France. Americans for instances are louder and much rougher around the edges than we British. There seems to be a raw energy about them which can be noted in everything from the way they talk, walk and act. They are a much more forward and direct people, who have a fascinating pride of being "Free".

It is a fascinating place to explore, though I have to admit that I do miss the old architecture of London, the history that seeps from the cobble stoned roads and the brick foundations. Even the oldest cities here hardly hold a flame to what exist in Britain. And I doubt there is a good cup of tea to be found in all of New England. I've heard of Coffee and even tried the bitter dark stuff in the past but these Americans seem to drink it like water, boasting of its superiority to anything as "weak" as tea. Though I can't deny with a few lumps and a bit of sugar the drink is almost tolerable.... almost.

I bought you a fan that I found while walking the streets of New York. Sister Andromeda has assured me that it is of the latest fashion here in America, having been done in an ornate style influenced by Japan. I know not whether it is any different than what you might find in Britain but I thought that it might at the very least, math you eyes.

I hope that the holiday season continues to treat you well and that the weather in Britian isn't too unforgiving at the moment, if you did decided to stay in Britain in the first place that is.


Merry Christmas
Felix Parkinson

  

[Annette Fontaine]

Dear Felix,

Merry Christmas to you too! Though I daresay by the time this reaches you it shall be New Year, for English post is probably just as unreliable as it’s American cousin and I do not think my owl could fly the Atlantic. Still, know the sentiment is there, even if it may be belated!

I thank you for the fan- it is truly beautiful- and hope you will like this book as much. It’s on advanced human transfiguration, so should make an interesting read if nothing else- far more interesting than cufflinks, which I confess was my other option.

I also thank you for being so kind as to not mention the end of last term, though I regret to say I must do so. I apologise for how I responded, though I am sure you will understand how confused I was, and still am in all honesty, and hope I did not upset you or cause you any undue pain.

The lack of decent tea in America sounds dreadful- I suppose at least you shall be able to have some when you return to Britain, as I for one am not a fan of coffee.

Yours,
Annette Fontaine

[Felix Parkinson I]

Dear Annette

Thank you for the book! It was the perfect gift and much more suited to my temperament than a pair of cuff links. I must admit I am a little surprised you remembered that Transfiguration is such a passion of mine. I imagine I will be able to make great use of it in the coming months with the pan magical games starting soon after we return to Hogwarts. I don't really know what to expect for the competition but I imagine that I will need all the help and preparation I can get.

As to the end of term, I feel I must apologies as well. I am afraid I might have over stepped the boundaries of our relationship, and thought I believe at the time I acted with all genuine honesty of my feelings perhaps it was ill done. With that said please do no apologies as I can understand the surprise of the situation as I was rather surprised as well. I just how that I did not offend you.

As for the tea, I am actually starting to develop a taste for this Coffee, thought I still cannot imagine why any one would waste good English tea by throwing it into a harbor I might have to bring some coffee back with me. Perhaps Ill bring some to Hogwarts for you to try.

Happy New Years
Felix


*Charmed so as can only be read by Annette

  

[Annette Fontaine]

Dear Felix,

I take it you have been selected as a champion then? Congratulations! I must confess myself rather relieved I was not chosen, for with the stress of NEWTS and preparation for my season already seeming rather overwhelming, though I am sure you will manage admirably.

I assure you that you did not offend me in the slightest, though I think perhaps we might both have been too… honest about our feelings, especially given the situation. I think it may be for the best and easier on both of us if we agree to put it from our minds.

Does coffee not make you enormously energetic? I can scarcely imagine what I would do with more energy! And I certainly cannot condone the wasting of tea, but perhaps the Americans are so embarrassed over the incident their pride means they will not admit that they really prefer British tea!

Yours,
Annette Fontaine

[Felix Parkinson I]

A champion I am indeed! I do worry that the competitions might effect my performance on the NEWTS but if after seven years of Hogwarts I am not ready for them then I doubt I ever will be. In truth I hope that competing in the pan magical games will expand my knowledge of magic outside of the normal confines of the class room and force me to broaden my abilities.

Coffee does indeed give you a burst of energy in comparison to our black tea. Though I have discovered that too much of it makes one jittery, its a rather odd thing really. Many American drink it black, but ive found that with a bit of cream and a few lumps it is fairly decent as far as anything in America goes.

I'll be returning in a few days to Britain so I doubt that another letter from you will reach me awhile abroad but I hope to see you soon once the new term begins.

Sincerely, your overly caffeinated friend
Felix Parkinson