22 May 2025, 07:14
Letters from Home
Place : The Owlery
Time : After Breakfast
The fresh morning air in the Owlery was still, emitting only the faint odor of breakfast from the Great Hall below, blended with the familiar earthy sound of straw and owls. Within an hour of the lively meal, the tower, a stone structure from the past, was heard with delicate hoops, soft noises, and wings that clanged occasionally as owls gracefully nestled in and out of its arches. Bright morning sunlight flooded through these openings, lighting up the dancing dust motes.
Aurette, with her black hair parted into a simple, functional braid, carefully placed herself on the rocks while her Doc Martens provided traction for the faded stone. A letter had been a familiar longing for news from home, and she was hoping for it after attending classes for ten days. The green eye of her gaze watched as numerous owls lined the tower, some sleeping and others grooming their feathers.
A small, fluffy Tawny Owl, whom she identified as a regular supporter of her family, suddenly appeared and calmly swooped down on her outstretched arm. It gave her a soft, gentle nudge with its usual greeting before gently holding up rolled parchment and tied it to the leg. The warmth swept across Aurette. It was from Aster!
Untying the letter with care, she then gently patted on the owl's back and let it lunge softly before flying to a nearby perch. The parchment was unrolled as Aurette moved towards a wide, arched window, leaning against the cool stone frame. With a familiar scrawn of her little brother, the page was filled with joyous letters and enthusiastic passes.
Dearest Aury,
Guess what?! The repot of the Fanged Geranium seedling was assisted by mother! Despite the difficulty of its teeth trying to bite me, we were able to finish the task. It's growing much more rapidly, as per her statement. The new pot seems to be well-received by it. It took me almost the entire afternoon to watch it. It now appears to be slightly happier.
Last weekend, dad accompanied me to the magical plant nursery situated near Diagon Alley. It was amazing! A Venus Flytrap was in their possession, which would emit a low hum when it caught flies. And an entire bunch of gleaming mushrooms. Mother suggested getting a picture of me in my room, but I was too afraid to ask until later. Why is that? However, I did receive some excellent fertilizer.
How is Hogwarts? Has drawing persisted as a constant practice in your life? Can you tell me when you first saw the Giant Squid? Dad stated that the first years have been exhibited. I believe you have the ability to draw it perfectly.
I'm trying to speed up the growth of my Moonlace, but it's a bit fickle. It's been extremely cloudy here, and I think I need to get more sunlight.... Maybe you know a charm? I am not willing to disclose to mum and dad that you had a spell during your school years. Please keep this in mind!
Father says that the Ministry is busy. Even so, he comes back home feeling joyful, often sharing his latest enchanted Quidditch ball. I am always being asked about my plants by him.
I miss you. It's a bit more peaceful in this place without you being present. Write back soon! Lots of love,
Aster
Aurette's reading finished with a soft, beaming smile. With a whispered voice, Aster's tales of encountering the Fanged Geranium and the singing Venus Flytrap were almost audible to her. She grew very fond of her little brother. It was similar to his experience of watching a plant for an entire afternoon, and his excitement about glowing mushrooms. The mention of the Moonlace caused a thoughtful frown on her forehead – could it have been advisable to encourage more sprouting? She would need to think about it and perhaps review her Herbology notes at a later time.
Leaning against the cool stone, the owls' gentle call and morning sunrise gave Aurette a sense of connection to her family. The distance between Hogwarts and home made moments like these feel very close. Her writing was so precise that she could write a response to Aster right away, possibly including narrated sketches of the Giant Squid he would inquire about.