Owl Post

I’m afraid I’ve overstayed

Ophelia has been so sweet to take me in, but

I’ve been staying with Ophelia for a while but can I come stay with you? Her place is so small.

It’d just be for a few days. I’ll bring you some samples from Heaven Scent…

Is that OK?

Frankly I don’t know why you didn’t ask me first. I’m supposed to be your best friend, not stupid Ophelia

I ought to tell you no just for that!

Of course! I’ll tell Gus to stay in London and entertain himself for a few days and we’ll have a lovely long slumber party.

How do you feel about wedding cake samples?

xoxo
S.

You are so sweet! Has Gus been staying with you often? I don’t mean to displace anyone… But oh it will be so much fun, we can braid each other’s hair and I’ll bring this lovely new face mask from work. It makes your skin kind of all nice and tingly.

I’ve got to pack up some things and say goodbye to Ophelia so maybe late tonight or early tomorrow I’ll come by?

Between you and me, I cannot wait to get off this couch. So hopefully tonight!

xo,
Astoria

Oh, he doesn’t stay over much. He’s just around in the evenings a lot for dinner and planning and spending time together. He’s usually really cranky after practice and needs me to order him food so he stops acting like such a beast. But he can do it for himself for a bit while I have some girl time!

I hope you’ll be here soon!

xoxo
S.

Dear Cary,

Would you be offended if I confessed I’m writing you out of sheer boredom? Because I am. But you should be flattered that you’re the person one of the people I chose to relieve my boredom with.

I’m at a tea shop writing letters in an effort to get away from give my flatmate some space. Daphne and I decided we make better sisters than flatmates so I’m staying with a friend for a while, but her flat is just teensy, so I’m trying to be anywhere but there. I can’t believe she used to share it with her fiance. Did you know that, that she shared with her fiance? Not only would I never move in with a man before our wedding, but I would certainly never move in with someone who couldn’t at least offer me my own separate sitting room. And powder room. And closet. There is such a thing of seeing too much of someone, even if you’re meant to be in love.

Anyway, I’m leaving here soon.

How’s Diagon? Perhaps I ought to move there? Only, I don’t think my parents would want me to be anywhere wholly on my own. They only agreed to Helga’s Hill because my sister was here, too…

Write me back something interesting, please. I need it.

Sincerely,
Astoria Greengrass

Astoria,

Don’t see why people would get offended by being written to out of boredom; beats being asked a favour, doesn’t it?

Told you you should have come on a TerrorTour. I’m going to Atlantis tomorrow. Not so terrifying but suitably mysterious. It’s booked out but if you really want to go you can stow away in my trunk. But you better make sure you can do a Bubblehead charm because my waterproof charms haven’t been put under a rigorous test yet.

—Cary

Cary,

I suppose you could say I was asking a favour though, since I asked to be told something interesting, to alleviate my boredom. Re-reading your response I’m not entirely sure you have yet complied with my request. Atlantis sounds intriguing though. Perhaps you could write me after you’ve returned and report something interesting then. I’m afraid I couldn’t possibly come though. I’ve got work. And you can’t be serious about stowing away in your trunk. I’m not a cat.

I hope none of your charges drowns.

Sincerely,
Astoria

Astoria,

Why not? My trunk is very comfortable and is internally expandable. It’s only a three-day trip. You shouldn’t spend too long down there; it mucks with your blood flow. Though the sights are gorgeous.

I am confident no-one will drown, and if they did, I’m not legally liable.

—Cary

Cary,

I’ll have to come another time. When I can travel properly. I’ve been sleeping on Ophelia’s couch for days and after this I’m not settling for anything less than a proper feather bed.

They ought to hold you legally liable, I think. Perhaps then you’d be more careful with your charms. I’ve half a mind to tell your supervisor that you’re taking this tour out unprepared. At least when I make mistakes at my job no one dies. I should tell that to my boss next time she gives me one of those looks that she thinks I don’t notice but I do.

I’ve finished my tea and run out of paper. Have a nice trip.

Astoria

Astoria,

Why should I be legally liable? All guests sign a waiver before they travel. They know the risks. It’s adventure tourism for a reason.

I don’t think my supervisor would do much, considering that if it weren’t for me we wouldn’t even be offering tours to Atlantis. It’s very lucrative too.

Oh, how curt. I think you like me but you are too shy to say.

—Cary

Cary,

I think you are occasionally tolerable at best, and I really am going now. There are only so many things to be said about Atlantis, and I’m I’ve got to pack up my things to move somewhere more comfortable.

—A.G.