A Personal Letter from VirgoBushin
by Elena Black
Hello, everyone. So, in case no one has yet figured this out, my real name isn't Elena Black. No, no. This is VirgoBushin or, as some may know me better as, Natalie. I thought long and hard on what I wanted to do with this freelance article and finally .. it hit me. I remembered what I used to apply for SOUP in the first place and decided to make a more official version of this. Some of you may be fairly wondering how it fits with the theme.
Simple, honestly. You'll see, don't worry.
I originally joined HEX almost four years ago and concentrated solely on the classes. I never went into the Common Room or even the Girls' Dorm. I just .. kind of kept to myself. I existed and yet I didn't at the same time. I suppose what made me even get into this funk state was the mere fact I got into Slytherin. Truthfully, I didn't expect to be sorted into Slytherin. In fact, it was the very last house I imagined myself in. I had always been a goody-goody, academic-loving student kind of like Hermione Granger. So, when I applied for HEX, I was 95% certain I'd be put into Ravenclaw with Gryffindor as a close second. Needless to say, my original reaction of being put into Slytherin instead was nothing short of pure shock and, for a bit, disappointment honestly.
So what made me change?
Shortly after I got accepted as a teacher for 5th-7th year History of Magic, I saw a few other Slytherins who were both teachers and even substitutes like myself. I was a bit amazed and astounded to see that there were others whom, even though I hadn't spoken with them, hinted they had similar enough interests like I did.
Gradually, but surely enough, I started to lurk in the Common Room more often. Finally, I mustered up the courage to actually start posting and participating in the chats and contests/activities of the week.
It finally hit me that this was HEX. While yes, the site is based heavily off of the books, nothing canon-related is immediately copied here. That being said, Slytherins don't have to be the "bad guys" here like they were in the books.
In fact, I've been making more and more friends, both in this House and all over the site in general. I'd like to believe that, eventually, I can be thought of as a good friend to some of you if not family. I know I see quite a few of you in that same light.
That being said, I want to give some personal shout-outs to some Slytherins. Do note that I'm not purposely leaving anyone out by doing this. In fact, if you want to get to know me better, you can always drop me an owl just saying hey or something along those lines. These shout-outs, however, are for Slytherins who have made some of the most immediate, biggest impacts in my HEX life thus far.
Samantha Bradley: I suppose I should start with one of the first people who began to help me realize Slytherin can be an amazing house to be in. Although she is now in Hufflepuff, I first met her as a Prefect and in the Magical Educational Department. I regret not having been able to thank her properly for inspiring me to become more bold and aim to achieve many great things, both for myself and my house. She is a good reason I even tried running for Prefect at all. From the bottom of my heart, I thank her for this.
Nicole2013: You're not just the Head of House but I have come to view you as a friend, almost a sister even. I appreciate being able to know I can talk to you freely - be it over HEX or Skype - when needed. You seemed like you struggled with your role as Head at first. Truthfully, that worried me. But you stepped up and really improved. You have earned my eternal respect and admiration for being able to get better as opposed to giving up.
Erikkagrey: I still find it almost ironic, especially since we're going into elections, that I ended up going against one of my other partners in crime. Much like Nicole, I've been able to talk to you, on and off HEX. I'll never forget what first grabbed my attention about you; your old L avatar. I still envy your skills (and anyone else who can use it, in fact) with Photoshop. You're an amazing artist/graphic user and an equally good friend. Good luck with your new job as AHOH and thanks again for giving me a great competition during the elections. I know you'll do a damn good job!
Chen Lee: Even during the process of running for Prefect last term, I can't tell you how uncertain I was about the idea of being partnered up with someone. I was .. very hesitant. But every time I think back on it, I realize that I no doubt ended up with the best possible assistant. You helped me with how to sticky the threads in the forums. You've been so helpful and willing to help should I abruptly vanish. It never really came down to that, even when I took a personal vacation and had limited internet access. But the fact you were more than willing to step up and do my tasks for me truly touched me. Thank you.
Harry_fun: I will never forget our first 'talk', which consisted of me owling you and asking the dumbest question ever; "What's a restock?". I felt so pathetic and scared. But your reply made me honestly feel relieved. Although we haven't spoken much, I would like to think that I've made a good - or at least decent - impression of myself to you.
Deidra: You have probably given me more praise than I deserve, whether it's as a staff member or as a debate team member. All the same ... I appreciate it. I also (still) wish you the best of luck with all your successes, both on HEX and behind your screen. As a mother, I know how excited and happy you must be to have your own child. Enjoy those days and what sleep you can get. Because, trust me, they truly do grow up fast.
Alisyn Malfoy: Even though I had to apply twice to the Dueling team, you still accepted me. I know you didn't technically have to .. but you did anyway. I'm not only glad for that but thankful for all the teaching and tips you've given me. This holds true to Quidditch. I hope to get to know you better, in and out of character, and improve myself for you and the teams.
Sophia Oceanborn: Much like Alisyn, you have been helping me by giving out excellent advice and training exercises. Seriously, I like them all. Truth be told, I'm a bit more astounded that I got accepted into the Quidditch, simply because I messed up horribly with my first application. I know that and will never forget it. Still, you allowed me this chance. Make no mistake; I have embraced it and will continue to do so.
So the theme ... is, as I (tried) to hint earlier, family. I hope to become something to others within this house, be it as a sisterly figure or otherwise. I don't often write personal revelations like this either so I hope the fact I'm doing this is proof enough that I'm quite sincere in everything I've typed up.
Again, feel free to owl me if you so desire. If you want my Skype, I can tell you in an owl also.
While I admit that at first, I wasn't sure about being put in Slytherin, I'm glad I wound up here. Even with all the friends I have here, serpents or not, there's no other house I would rather be in. I've known and realized this for a good amount of time now.
Until next time,
Elena Black/VirgoBushin/Natalie (whichever you wish to know me as)