A letter home

[Artemis Tuuri]

Artemis scratched her nose as she ascended up the stairs of the owlery. The smell of feathers and droppings got stronger the higher she walked, but she barely noticed as she was intent on re-reading her letter.

Dear sister,

I've missed you dreadfully over these past months at Hogwarts. Con, Bess and Simon have too, but you know how they never bother to write. I do believe they haven't forgiven you quite for choosing to stay with father. Bess and Con are as two peas in a pod with each other as usual, but Simon feels your loss more keenly. Although I do expect that he misses Greg more (you know how they are).
I, on the other hand, have been perfectly happy here, but I find myself missing your company all the more. Have you got that Saw-whet yet? Be sure to send him along with your reply, if you have! You promised I could name him, and believe me I would have already if I could be sure that papa said yes. I can't imagine why he wouldn't.
Well, things at Hogwarts are fine, but I'm a bit worried about my school marks. Potions is wonderful, but Transfig, urgh! I would pay every galleon I had if I could drop the damn subject altogether. But of course, they would absolutely refuse. It's an "imperative branch of magic" they always say. Well I hope they turn their nose into a carrot, and see how much good Transfig has done any of us! In the meantime, I shall have to content myself with turning my own nose into a carrot, for all the good I am at it.
On a more somber note, I would like to point out that you missed my birthday. In fact, you've missed everything. I'm starting to think that papa's keeping you in the attic! Really, though, it was over six months ago. Now, I'm not a greedy one, I never expect a present (although I have to congratulate you on last year's...where on Earth did you find that miniature musical locket?) but I do wish you would have sent me an owl. A howler would have sufficed, even. I suppose you must be very busy studying for wand maker's apprenticeship, but do write to me, Dierdre. I miss getting your letters.
Well, this letter has taken me a long time to write, and I am inclined to think that it will be Easter by the time I get this to you! Anyway, take care darling. I'll be waiting for your reply.

- Arty

Artemis gave the letter a sad look as she read the last line. It was quite true...Dierdre had not written to her for over six months. Now, Artemis was patient, but she was beginning to believe that something was wrong. Simon seemed anxious himself (although the twins were always the same), and it occurred to Artemis that if her brother was worried, then she ought to be worried as well.
In the meantime, she could scarcely wait until the holidays began again. Nothing was better than a turn at Obsidian Harbour, and now that she had gotten all of her books she could finally purchase the owl that she was after.
Artemis scanned the rows of school owls, looking for a particularly healthy one. It was a long way to London from New Zealand. She supposed that she would have to change owls, but what a lot of money that would cost. Artemis furrowed her brow with worry, but felt resolved to choose and get it over and done with.
Taking a last look at her handiwork, Artemis folded the parchment into a neat little origami package and tied it with a coil of string. Almost immediately, ten pairs of beady eyes focused on her, and she bit her lip.
Well, poop. How the hell do I chose?
Artemis looked around with a critical eye before addressing the owls.
"Pardon me sirs and madams. This package is up for a long journey, so would any of you like to take the plunge?"
Instantly, nine beady eyes looked away. One ruffled-looking school owl was left giving her an eager look.
"I admire your courage, sir." said Artemis.
Beckoning to the owl, she tied the package securely to his leg and watched him take off into the distance.

 

[Sern Summers]

Sern was making his way up to the owlery to check up on the owls and see the view. He had been in the owlery many times but he had never written received or sent a message in it which most people just found weird. He made his way in to see Artemis talking to the birds, "And I thought I was the only one" He said quietly with a slight empty chuckle before he moved over to the large window, looking out past it. "Who's the letter for may I ask?" He looked over to Artemis while stroking a nearby owl, much to its pleasure.

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

Artemis turned around and saw Sern enter the room. Immediately her mood lifted, and she beamed across at him.
"Hello," she said pleasantly. "The letter was for my sister, Deidre."