Up and Down

Sent and Received

My dearest Anna,

I hope your journey down to Egypt went well. I understand that the sun can be quite unforgiving there. Please be sure to take care of yourself.

We are settling back in Feldcroft. Things are almost the same way they have been before, though I fear the resentment between Solomon and Sebastian will take some time to fully dissipate. Solomon says Sebastian is too much like his late brother, but you know how Sebastian is. He wears it like a badge of honour.

Anne is back to her old self, and wouldn't stop teasing her brother and myself about you. How we both are utterly wilting without your presence, but I'm afraid she is correct in that regard. I miss you terribly, my dearest love. I know Sebastian feels the same way, though perhaps he wouldn't admit it.

I have been checking on the condition of Highwing and Caligo in your absence. They have been faring well, and I even take to the sky on their backs on occasion. They seem to enjoy it, used as they are to your companionship. Caligo still despises Sebastian for some reason.

Anne and Solomon send their love and gratitude. As we only have two owls in between the four of us, they asked me to pass on their word in their stead.

I know it is selfish to ask, but I would love it if you could spend the last couple of weeks of the summer with us, if possible. But if you would rather spend more time with your father, please do so. We will meet again soon enough, and still have much time ahead.

I miss you with all my heart, my dearly beloved.

Please write back soon.

Always yours,

Ominis

My dear, sweet Anna,

I miss you. I wish you were here with us, with me, every day and night. It's almost like we're back to the time you avoided me like the plague... but at least I know that you aren't mad at me this time. Probably.

I've been practising a new spell, the Patronus Charm. The one that repels Dementors. It's pretty complex, but I've heard it can do all sorts of things once you master it. Like, passing on messages to communicate. Bound to be useful, don't you think?

It's pretty hard going, but nothing I haven't faced before. I'm sure I'll have it down by the beginning of the next year, and then I'll be able to teach you too. I'm very curious as to what our Patronuses would look like. Like Animagus forms, you don't get to choose, it says something about you instead.

Ominis is depressed without you. Like, properly depressed. I try to keep his spirits up, but you know how he can get. I'd make fun of his pining, but... well. A pot shouldn't be calling a cauldron black. I know, I know. A shocking self-awareness, please do contain your disbelief, love. I had a lot of time to think since everything happened.

Anne won't stop asking about you. And me. And Ominis. And how it all works with the three of us. It was pretty funny at first... but I'd rather she stop now. Ugh. I forgot how nosy she can be. But it's really good to have her back. I missed her so much. She'll be going to school with us next year, though she'll have to take the 5th year.

I heard the OWLs results should be coming soon. I hope I scrape by with a passing grade on at least some. Mum would have been furious if I failed Potions.

How is Egypt? Found anything new about your magic? In some of the memories you showed me, Isidora and Rackham were doing some amazing stuff, but he never taught you like he taught her. You should press him for it when you get back.

I've never wanted the summer holidays to pass faster. You should come back a bit early... so we can give you a proper welcome back to the old country before we have to go back to sleeping in our own dorms.

Love,

Sebastian

My love,

Has my previous letter reached you? Perhaps it has gotten lost over the sea, or maybe my dictation quill wasn't clear with the address? Please write back soon to let me know you are well.

Things go on here in Feldcroft much as they were the last time I wrote. Sebastian got it into his head to try and learn the Patronus Charm. I think he's trying to impress you. Not sure how much headway he'll make without you by his side, though. But perhaps I'm being unfair in projecting my own insecurities on him. Most of my happy memories stem from you, after all.

Please write soon, my love.

Always yours,

Ominis

Anna,

Did I say something wrong? Or did the owl simply get lost? I haven't gotten anything from you since my first letter. Is everything alright?

Maybe I'm just too worried. You probably are having fun over in Egypt and getting to know your father. Just spare a moment to write, please? I miss you.

Nights are a lot colder without you in my arms.

Love,

Sebastian

Anna

Please respond. I'm starting to seriously worry. I know you're a powerful witch but... you're not invincible. Please, say something, love.

Sebastian

Anna,

Please, respond to us. Turns out Sebastian and I both haven't heard a word from you. We're worried sick.

Please, my love. Let us know you are safe.

Ominis

To Ominis & Sebastian,

This is Vance Visconti. I apologise for opening and reading the letters you have sent to my daughter, but it seemed unfair to leave your concerns unanswered after so many owls.

My daughter is at the British Imperial compound in Alexandria. She and I were exploring a previously undisturbed tomb of a royal mage from the Twenty-first Dynasty when she interacted with a form of magic I have never seen before. She fainted and is yet to regain consciousness. It has been two weeks since then.

It appears that you two are close to her. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we have no idea what is happening or how to awaken her.

I will keep you posted on developments,

Vance Visconti

P. S. Sebastian seemed to mention 'her magic' in one of the letters. Do you know anything about it? Or perhaps what caused this? Any clue would be helpful.

Mr Visconti,

We are boarding the first steamship available from Britain over to the Khedivate. Expect us shortly.

Ominis Gaunt & Sebastian Sallow