Hello Mother, Hello Father
Reducio
Just a letter home....
As he climbed up the stairs, Rhys breathed a sigh of relief. The owlery had windows that were open to the air to let the birds come and go, and that made this one spot in the Castle that had truly fresh air. It was high up in the tower, too, so the air was crisp. Sure, there was a bit of a smell sometimes, but it was still nice.
Sitting down next to the wall, he took out a quill and parchment, and began to write.
He folded the letter into an envelope, sealed it, and then handed it to one of the school owls. He was grateful that these birds were an option for students who didn't have their own birds. Maybe he'd get an owl when he was allowed to have a pet. Maybe a cat. He had a couple of years to think about that... but would having his own mail service be important enough to outweigh all the other options?15th September -
Hello Mother - I know you'll read this first. Please hand it to Father when you're done.
I've been here two weeks, and I think I like it. I've been sorted into Slytherin House, just like Father. I'm still getting used to sleeping in a literal dungeon. I'm used to the cellar at home, for full moons, but this is every night. I've got a big, comfy bed and there are windows that show under the lake. So, it's not horrible, but I'm still getting used to it.
You took Herbology when you were here, right? I've only gone to that class a couple of times yet, and so far, it's been all reading and lectures. They don't let us get too far from the school, and that means I haven't been able to explore very much. The hills on the Grounds are very tame, but they do have some of the same mosses and plants as we have on our hills. I hope I get to learn something interesting soon.
They had a wolfsbane potion waiting for me when I arrived, and then one before breakfast every day of my first week. The full moon was on my first Saturday here, and I was worried. No. I was scared about how they'd handle those nights. I needn't have worried. There is a whole building they've set aside for us. Us. There are other werewolves here. Kids like me. The house they took us to is set up for transformation nights. They have snacks and cushions and things to shred. You know the ceiling in the Great Hall? With the spell that causes it to show the skies above the school? Someone copied that spell into the attic of the house, and I got to spend the night of the full moon under the stars. It was so nice to not be locked into a windowless room. I'm not complaining about the cellar at home... just so happy about what's here.
I miss you. I miss Father. I miss the house and the hills and I miss Cardiff. I miss hearing cymraeg. I've met a couple of other Cymry students, some Scots and some Irish, but most of the students are English.
Father - The History of Magic courses are very interesting, but don't go into all the depth you do about our history. The Defense Against the Dark Arts class is exciting. The other day, there was a talk about what kinds of careers I can expect to take after I graduate, and I think I might want to be a curse breaker. The kind that goes out and finds ruins and explores them, breaking old defenses and bringing the relics out.
Your Son
-R
Rhys Gwyn