Well, snakes, I have a treat for you. As you know this month's theme is Mardi Gras. Wanting to keep it inline with the wizarding world, I thought, "Serenity, who in our world may know about Mardi Gras." Instantly I thought of a person. Some of you, especially those that have traveled to America or have any knowledge of American wizarding history may have heard of her. This month we will be Chatting with one of New Orleans own, Violetta Beauvais.
Serenity Black: Miss Beauvais, thank you so much for answering my letters. For those that are reading this issue that aren't aware of who you are, you are one of only four wandmakers in America in the early 20th century and the only to use swamp mayhaw. What do you think made your swamp mayhaw wands so special?
Violetta Beauvais: Oh child, it's all about that Louisiana magic. There's something magical about Louisiana and the swamp mayhaw is one of those things. It only grows there.
SB: It is even known that someone very famous is an owner of one of your wands.
VB: Ah, you must be talking about Seraphina Picquery, the former president of MACUSA.
SB: That must be an honor to know someone like her is doing such good things using one of your wands?
VB: Well you know, many have said that my wands have a natural affinity for the Dark Arts. But you have to remember, it's about the wand owner. Any wand has the potential to be used for good or bad. I even heard someone once say it could have been the wood I used. A wood that only grows in Louisiana, a place so rich in dark and light history. I'll let people decide what they want.
SB: I can't leave without having asked you about Mardi Gras. You being from New Orleans, the place people think of most when mentioning Mardi Gras. Do you attend celebrations?
VB: Not as much as I did in my youth, but I do try to attend one parade a year. This witch is too old to stay out there all day and night.
SB: You seem like you've still got a lot of celebrating and life in you. I'm curious, I always see the Mardi Gras colors appear to be purple, gold, and green. Is there any significance in that?
VB: There is most definitely is. Purple is a representation of justice, green represents faith, and finally, the gold represents power.
SB: Thank you for sharing that, now before I let you go... I know we're out of time and you have places to be. I have one last question for you. What is your favorite part about Mardi Gras?
VB: For me, it's about the gathering of people just to celebrate. It doesn't matter what type of blood runs through your veins. Everyone just comes together and is as one for a short period of time. Growing up during a time of magical war, No-Maj war, and separation of those with magic and those without, it's wonderful to see such togetherness.
SB: Thank you so much for your time, Miss Beauvais! Happy Mardi Gras!
VB: Anytime, and same to you child.
That my friends is it for this month's Chatting With. This is Serenity Black signing off. See you all next month!