[Ficlet] The Letter

[shimotsuki]

(excerpt from a WIP tentatively called Support Group)

Summary: A young mother is shocked to discover that someone has found her name through the Werewolf Registry.

This snippet began life as a rather awkward drabble on the Sugar Quill's drabble thread, but 300 words was not enough for this idea, so I'm posting a ficlet version here (581 words).

The Letter

"Mummy, look! I drew a dragon!"

"Nicely done, Callie." Elspeth ruffled her small daughter's hair before turning back to the bills and correspondence spread across her desk. A heavy envelope that she hadn't noticed earlier lay on top of the pile — an owl must have brought it that day. Picking it up, she caught her breath in sudden recognition. She hadn't seen a letter with the Ministry seal since her Auror husband had been killed the year before.

But the contents of this letter had nothing to do with the Auror Division whatsoever.

Dear Mrs. Kimball,

I hope that you will forgive this intrusion into your family's privacy. I found your information on the Werewolf Registry, which the Minister for Magic has given me special authorization to view.

"No." Elspeth clutched the letter convulsively, wrinkling the parchment. What was this? Who knew her secret?

"Mummy? What's wrong?" Callie came and leaned against her arm, peering up at her.

"It's all right, love, I'm just reading a letter, and it surprised me." Elspeth smiled reassuringly, but she waited until Callie lost interest and wandered back to her coloured pencils before picking up the letter again.

I know only too well that living with lycanthropy is difficult, both for those afflicted and for their families. For centuries, isolation and social stigma have made the condition even more difficult to bear than it needs to be. However, since the end of the war, things have begun to change. Several current Ministry officials support werewolf rights. Even the public is aware that werewolves played a role in the capture of Fenrir Greyback and the fight against the Death Eaters, and anti-werewolf sentiment seems to be waning somewhat.

Elspeth gazed thoughtfully into the fire. She'd had a feeling that things were getting a little better, but she had been afraid to believe it. Maybe it was true after all.

In my opinion, the time is right for werewolves to become a bit more visible in wizarding society, both to work for better treatment and increased opportunities, and also to develop a sense of community. As a first step, the Office of Werewolf Support Services at the Ministry has agreed to let me establish a support group —

A support group? That meant public meetings; that meant risking exposure. Elspeth's stomach clenched. But the words of the letter echoed in her mind — isolation and social stigma. What if bringing this out into the open really did make it better?

— for the dozen children who were attacked by Greyback in the last two years. I believe that the best thing we can do for children with lycanthropy is to introduce them to other children with the condition. Their families may also benefit from sharing information and support.

"Love? Come and sit with me for a minute. I have a question for you."

Callie trotted over and crawled up into her lap. Elspeth hugged her daughter close. "Would you like to meet other children who are werewolves?"

Callie thought about this, and nodded slowly. "Maybe they'll be friends with me."

Cuddling her own small werewolf, Elspeth looked at the letter one last time.

I sincerely hope that you will consider bringing your daughter Caroline to join the group. The first meeting is planned for Tuesday week at 7:00, in room 4035A of the Ministry building in London. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.

With warmest regards,
Remus J. Lupin

. * . * .