Hey Sophie!

It’s so weird that I didn’t really have time to unpack properly before I had to pack again – but I definitely can’t complain! We arrived in Cambodia today, and it’s so lovely. Hotter than England, of course, but that’s not a bad thing. And the place we are staying in is super nice, way nicer than anywhere I’ve stayed before. The food is really good too, although some of the fourth years were complaining about it being spicy. It might even be better than Hogwarts, although I’m not sure that the others would agree with me. It depends on what sort of thing you like to eat.

We haven’t done much, because it’s only the first day, but we already went shopping and I brought some really nice stuff! Is there anything you want? We’re going to the night market later in the trip (it’s all floating in mid-air! How cool is that?) so there will definitely be a chance to get something, and I think I owe you a birthday present.

I hope you’re having an awesome summer! Everyone sends their love, and we all wish you were here.

<3 Ji-Hyun

Dear Ji-Hyun

I was so excited to get your letter today! We're stopped over in Spain on the Summer Festival tour. We've been here a day and a half and I'm absolutely in love with the hotel. It certainly beats "traveling in style" with the rest of the band on the bus! It's been a very long almost-two-weeks of that shite. At first it was really fun, it reminded me of when I was little and we'd ALL go on these trips with Da and the band. Plus, how can you not love staying up all night listening to some of the greatest musicians associated with Wrock jam? However, by day four I was acutely aware of how little space we had and everyone's hygiene issues.

Part of me wishes I'd decided to go on the trip with all of you, exploring Cambodia and the night market sound amazing! Still, I've enjoyed my time with Johnny and Da.

Have you been tempted to throw anyone overboard yet? If I were a betting woman I'd put my money on Eli being the first heaved off.

Tell me all the gossip I'm missing. Grown men are not good at gossip, at least not interesting gossip.

Can't wait to hear from you!

Love, Soph

Dear Sophie,

Spain?!? That’s amazing, I’ve never been. Where in Spain are you? Will you get to visit Barcelona or Madrid? Or the beach? I’m glad you’re in a hotel now. Going on tour sounds so exciting! I’ve always lived in Bristol, and when we go away, we usually go to visit family, so I’ve not been to many places. I don’t listen to much wizard music, just the really well known stuff, but I’d like to know more.

We’re still on dry land, but I’m sure when we are on the boat, someone will get thrown over! I think Gracie might be the one to throw them. Eli would probably jump rather than wait to be thrown. I know I’d like to go swimming, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to, or if the water is nice enough for it.

It’s only been a few days, so not much has happened – the fourth years are very loud, but I think that’s just because they’re always loud. I’m not sure if anything’s happening. I think everyone is a little distracted, but I’m sure that won’t last. Maybe when we’re on the boat, something will?

Oh, we got to see Angkor Wat!! I didn’t realise how big it would be, or how different it would be seeing it in real life compared to seeing it in a photo. Sort of how the sea isn’t like the pictures of it? Maybe not quite so dramatic, but you know what I mean!

xxx Ji-Hyun

p.s. Aren't there any cute boys?

Dear Ji-Hyun

Oh my Gosh! So much to tell you and I don't even know where to begin. We were in Madrid when I wrote you, it was absolutely perfect! It was the first time in a very long time that I felt like Da was actually being a Da. He wore these hilariously ugly walking shorts and sandals with socks. We went on a walking tour and sight seeing. The first night we were there I met a very very handsome boy named Nasari. I was absolutely smitten (and possibly a little drunk on very cheap wine). We leave today and I'm a little sad, but mostly just excited for the next part of the adventure. It's my first real summer time fling! I've decided it would be best if we don't drag it out, I made that mistake with Deus. Sometimes things are better if you just leave them in the moment I've decided, better to not try to make it into something it isn't meant to be. See how very Zen I've become?!

I've had that feeling you know, about how different places are from the static images we associate with them. Places have pulses and vibrancy that just can't translate to film, no matter how good the photographer. This does not mean you should not take a million snapshots while you're away because I want to see everything. I can't imagine being on a boat with all those 4th years and not murdering someone. I can hardly stand to share my space with eight other people I've known my whole life!

Accio Ladies made an appearance last night. I know everyone is super in love with them, but having met them they're just so... normal? I mean listening to them sit around backstage was like watching our housemates - which probably makes sense because they're only about nineteen. Very cute, but they definitely reminded me of Figaro's big mouth when he gets going.

Have you scoped out a summer romance yet? I want all the gooey details!

xoxox
Soph

Dear Sophie,

That sounds lovely! Socks and sandals are definitely a dad thing, I’ve never seen anyone who isn’t a dad wear them. Maybe it’s a sign to the other dads? Or possibly handsome men named Nasari? That’s a lovely name, by the way! I’m glad that you had fun while it lasted, but maybe long distance is more trouble than it’s worth? And there will be other boys!

I’ve been taking photographs, but there are so many! I got a new camera for my birthday and it’s definitely a difficult start for it. It’s doing really well though, I had a little trouble at the beginning getting used to it, and I’m terrified I’ll accidentally delete everything, but it’s so much better than the last one. The fourth years mostly stick together, but they’re still very shouty. Some people think that the captain is going to throw someone overboard before any of the students do, but I’m not sure.

Oh! The captain is really handsome. He’s Professor Donovan’s brother, and he frowns a lot. The other ship worker (is it a ship hand? Cabin boy doesn’t seem right, and I think first mate is a pirate thing) is good looking too! He smiles more.

And that sounds incredible, it’s so weird to think that famous people are normal too. Especially if the famous people are like Figaro. It’s so impressive that they’re already famous, though, they’re so talented! I’m so jealous.

There’s no summer romance, because I’m dating Theo. I guess it’s a romance in summer, but I don’t want to call it that because I’m hopeful it will last longer than that. Is it silly? It’s like not saying that it’s going to be sunny, just in case it rains. But even if I weren’t, I haven’t spoken to many people who aren’t from Hogwarts. It’s nice going on holiday with friends, but it would be nice to meet new people too.

We’re going to the floating market today, so expect a present next time I write!

xxx Ji-Hyun

Dear Ji-Hyun
I hope you enjoy your surprise[1]! I remembered after I sent off my last letter how much you liked them and they were super sweet - the guitarist even asked if you were cute; so I showed him that picture of us from the Valentine's Day dance 5th year. He seemed kind of disapointed when I told him you had a very cute boyfriend. So, you know, on the off chance it rains you have backup options!

I'm just kidding of course, I totally understand what you mean, it's why I never wanted to call things with Deus...anything. Saying it makes it real, it puts things out into the universe and then you can get hurt. I am all about not getting hurt this year. I just want to have fun and be hot. Well, technically my goal is to be tall and hot, but I have been unceremoniously informed by basically everyone I missed the boat on being tall. So rude!

Tell me absolutely everything about the floating market. It sounds so wonderful. We're in Paris, I did get an owl from Nasri, I'm not sure I'm going to write back yet or not. Being here is so... magical seems like a cliche, because everything we do is magical, we're Witches, but it's so much bigger than I ever imagined, more alive than any picture could ever capture. There is this light summer drizzle, and I'm gorging myself on delectable sweets. I don't even care if I get fat! I want to find you the perfect gift from Paris, but not something gaudy and touristy like a keychain or something. I'll know it when I see it I suppose!

Write soon!
xoxox
Soph

1.	a butter cream yellow hoodie with the Accio Ladies' band emblem, and set list from their show in Madrid, signed by the band

Sophie

OH MY GOD REALLY?!!?!!??! I had to get someone else to read it because I was sure I was imagining things (sorry Micah). I had the biggest crush on him. I still can’t really believe it. Are you sure?

And I’m so jealous! You’re going all around Europe, it sounds so sophisticated. I’m sure Paris is extra lovely in the summer, I definitely like it more when the trees are green and it’s sunny. Rain is good too – it sounds so romantic! Have you visited the Eiffel Tower? I’m sure there are other things to do, too – not that gorging on sweets is a bad thing, obviously.

I think you should write back. He’s writing, right? And even if it doesn’t come to anything, at least you’ve tried. It’s still summer! You have 2 whole months of summer romance left before you need to decide anything seriously. Maybe that’s a bit selfish, but maybe he’s looking for something similar? I don’t know. Do what makes you happy!

Also, you are a perfect height! There’s nothing wrong with being small. I was teeny tiny when I was in primary school.

The floating market was really fun! It’s got all these hanging walkways and they were so crowded. I was a little nervous at first, because there are so many people and you could see between the boards sometimes when you looked down, but it held! There were loads of interesting things, everyone bought something cool. Virgil bought a buffalo! And I got you a present, of course.

xxx Ji Hyun

p.s. I’m sorry this letter is late, it’s been raining really heavily and I didn’t want the ink to run, or the owl to get ill. Well, maybe not ill, but I’m sure that it wouldn’t be good for her, and it’s a long way to travel anyway. And she looked tired, so I’m sending you the present next time. I don’t think it’s as good as a signed hoodie, though

My Lovely JH,

OMG Virgil bought a buffalo? Like, a living one? That boy is a laugh riot. Super adorable, don't tell him I said that though because I can already see him rolling his eyes at me.

And yes, I am sure. I'm pretty sure I can get you an introduction, if you wanted it of course. I don't know why you're surprised, you are basically one of the most gorgeous people I've ever known in my life so why wouldn't he have been totally smitten?

Paris was amazing. I'm kind of sad we left, but there is a certain charm to the country as well. The band is actually on a week long break and we're staying in this little farm house on a vineyard! Yesterday we went riding and my dad on a horse might be the most hilarious thing I've ever seen. The house cook is amazing, I'm no foodie - let's face it I'd live on fish n chips if I could, but everything is so fresh and yummy!

So, I took your advice and wrote Nasari and he came to see me last night. It was after Da and Johnny had already gone to bed and all of a sudden I hear this tap tap tap against my bedroom window and there he was, tossing pebbles to get my attention. It was like something out of a Dolly St. James novel. I hate to admit how smitten with him I am, but I mean come on - wine and cuddling under the stars. I'm not taking it particularly serious but it's kind of nice to have the butterflies you know?

I can't wait to hear from you!
xoxox
Soph

Sophie,

A real live one! It’s huge. I don’t know how he convinced Professor Donovan to let him keep it – I was sure it would get banned or something. And he is kind of sweet, I guess? He looks sweet, at least. I don’t know him very well, so your secret is safe with me!
I guess it just doesn’t seem real? I would probably freak out if I actually met him. I can’t decide if it would be worse if I didn’t say anything or if I couldn’t stop talking. I hope you’re having fun meeting all the cool band people, though!

I’ve never been riding! I would be like your dad, I think, although they’re not as scary as Hippogriffs or Thestrals I’ve never ridden a Thestral or a Hippogriff. The important thing is that you’re having fun and enjoying the food. Even if you aren’t a foodie, you can still enjoy the taste, right? And fish and chips are amazing anyway. I miss eating them.

That is so romantic, Sophie! He sounds super perfect, I would totally be jealous but you deserve it. And you’re right, I am super sure that there is a romance novel where someone meets a handsome stranger and later he travels to meet her and they stargaze together. And if there isn’t, you can write one based on your own experience!

I haven’t got anything as exciting to relate, although I guess that depends what you think is exciting. We’re having a party tomorrow, which I’m looking forward to, and there was a ghost tour. That was cool! It was weird, though, and a little bit spooky. But what kind of ghost tour isn’t? I would have been disappointed if it wasn’t spooky.

xxxxxx
Ji Hyun