A collection of letters home solo

Reducio

Sender: Eryn
Recipient: Mila (stepsister)
Time: First week of school.
Attached:
- Brief handwritten guide on how to send owls
- A photo of the castle
- A letter to Eryn and Mila's father
- A letter to Eryn's mother

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// If Mila didn't respond to this owl, Eryn would be furious. She had written it in the common room, which was mostly empty. The only exception was the small group of older student brainstorming the the corner. Their conversation had been interesting, and Eryn had kept zoning out to listen to the discussions. Who planned all their projects in the first week of school?

It was funny, how late night letters had become a trend for her. She liked writing them before she went to sleep- it was surprisingly calming. In the morning she would get up early and drop it at the owlery. But tonight, the crackling of the fire and the scratching of her quill on parchment was enough.//

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Mila,

First of all, I HOPE YOU MISS ME. honestly. You insist I write every week and then don't even respond to the first letter I send you!

I'm going to assume (for your sake, mostly) that this was a simple slip up because you don't know how to use owls. I've attached some instructions. Just in case.

While on the topic of owls, this one has letters for mamá and dad attached as well. Could you pass them on, if ma's still around? An owl delivering a message might make dad freak out, and ma would get so excited and I really can't deal with photos of the school's owls in her next documentary. They're allowed to know that I can do magic, but I'm trying to avoid telling them about magic things. Imagine if mum knew about dragons. Or if dad got his hands on a self-writing quill. The thought alone makes me stressed.

Mila, you would not believe my dorm. It's in a tower. A TOWER. And there are maps all over the walls. The beds are bigger that your one back home. I do miss my plants though. Once I'm done writing this I'm going to head to the library to see if I can get you to owl them to me. Is it ethical to make an owl to carry pot plants? Would they survive the journey? Who knows. In the meantime, make sure to water them. I wrote notes on the side so you'd know how often. You probably saw them when you took my note books- which you totally owe me back after ignoring my owl.

Something I know you'd love- magic paintings move. They say hello to you as you walk past. I've heard from the older students that the headmaster's office has portraits of all the old headmasters. Imagine that. All that history, stored in art.

Now, I know without a doubt you'll find this next part boring. But they have greenhouses here! And stables! (even if we're not allowed inside…) I'll keep this short, but I'm really excited to start classes. I'll be thinking of you suffering away at uni while I get to turn frogs into vases. ♡

I'd talk you through the sorting ceremony and everything that happened on the first day. But I already did. In my first letter. Which you didn't respond too. Honestly, I'm so betrayed. Horrified, even. My sister! My own sister! How could you???!!!!

I'll write again next week (regrettably)

Love, Eryn.

Reducio

The following letters were attached to the previous.
Sender: Eryn
Recipient: Eryn's Father,, Eryn's mother.
Time: First week of school.
Attached:
- N/A

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Two small envelopes are attached to the larger. Eryn ties them together with a knot of string, and passes them off to an owl. It's the screech again-- she's become oddly attached to the majestic bird. Before he goes, she takes a moment to stroke his feathers. "Good luck little guy," she whispers "safe travels."
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Dad,

Before you ask, I haven't started any classes yet. But as soon as I do, I'll be sure to tell you all about it.

The library here is beautiful. Books everywhere, on everything you can think of! I'm yet to get anything out though, as I'm still desperately trying to get through the school's booklist. I am trying though, I swear. I hope the practical lessons will help with keeping all this information in my brain, ha.

Hug Mila for me.

Miss you,
Eryn.

Ma,

Before you go worrying, like you do, yes, i am safe. The school is great, everyone has been really helpful so far. I've only been here a few days, and it already feels like home. If this owl gets there on time, you'll be about to leave London. Please, let me know where you're going in your response. I can't keep sending letters to Mila and hoping you're there.

That being said, travel safe. You know i'll be looking forward to any pictures you take while your away.

I'll send a longer letter (like the first one) soon. Until then, stay safe. I love you.

Best wishes,
Eryn