Eleanor dreamed she was flying again. She saw her house in the distance again, but she didn't see the black wing-tips to either side that she usually saw. This time, they were small and gray. She grew more aware of her surroundings, then she woke up. She heard a dull thud, and saw a small gray owl flying into her window. She slid it open and it flew inside. She took the letter from it's beak and read it.

Dear Ella,

Have you gotten your Hogwarts letter yet? I just did yesterday. I'm so excited that I'm going to be with you all winter! What house do you think you'll be in? I think I'd die of embarrassment if I was in Slytherin, wouldn't you? Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff don't sound too bad, but I think Gryffindor would be the best. I wish first years could play quidditch! Lily said her dad did when he was a first year, but he was really good so I kind of doubt I'll be on the team. At least not in the first year. I'm so embarrassed that I have to use this old owl. His name's Pig. That's his nickname anyway. I don't know how to spell his real name. My dad says that he got him in his fourth year. He's so old! I don't even know if he'll make the journey. I don't have my own owl yet though, so I'll have to use him for now. When I get one, I'm going to name it Noctua. Silly, isn't it? It means owl in Latin, and I've always loved how your owl's name means darkness in Latin, so yes, I'm a bit of a copycat. I'll see you September first!

Rose

PS. I seriously don't think that Pig can carry the letter back. You might want to send Skotinos.

Eleanor grinned. She stroked Pig's feathers and gave him a small dish of water. He hooted gratefully and drank. While he was drinking, Ella wrote her letter back.

Dear Rose,

I got my letter yesterday too! I hope that I'll be in Gryffindor. My mum was too, and so was my dad. Albus told me that you can pick what house you want to be in. But of course he didn't tell me how, so we'll just have to guess. I think playing quidditch would be fun, and I'm definitely going to try out next year. I really like Pig, even though he's a bit old. I gave him some water. I sent Skotinos with the letter, so can you give him some water too? He's always thirsty after carrying a letter to your house. I think Noctua is a great name! It sounds a bit like nocturnal, witch I think is what muggles call asleep during the day but awake at night. I'm going to Diagon ally this morning, to get all my books and whatnot. I'll see you 1 September!

Ella