Tapendra Trishna
Alexandria, Egypt

Ignan Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

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Dear Ignan,

Everyone arrived safely, though as you might expect the children did everything in their power to mess up and not listen, mostly the Slytherins. The Ministry moved everyone via Portkey and thankfully we didn't all wind upin the ocean, though mine did dump us in the surf.

Egypt is lovely so far - the sun's out constantly, the nights are warm, the ocean is lovely and the food's great. There's people and children everywhere, though, so you'd hate it there's no lack of people to talk to. I do wish I'd remembered to bring books I actually like, however. Travel literature turns out to be the same everywhere.

The children are particularly fond of the beaches, which we'll be hitting tomorrow and the day after. I've convinced a few students to try surfing with me; looking like a complete fool is always better in a group, I find. I almost hope Aileen tries it, but I doubt her pride will let her. She did buy her sister a cell phone (It's a muggle thing), though, which was surprisingly sweet of her. Unfortunately her sister has rather taken to the thing, which means she's using it non-stop. Aileen seems interested in mine after I let her play Angry Birds last night, but won't admit it. Bizarre.

I hope Germany is not too intolerable. From what you've said, your father must be bizarre company. But you're enjoying the solitude, I expect?

So far I haven't run into anything worrying here, but I'll let you know when we arrive in Luxor. The only thing that's off at the moment is the bill my lawyer's sent me. Never inherit from a criminal, Ignan. I'll be lucky if there's anything left of it at this rate.

We're supposed to take a camel trip in Cairo in a few days. Based on their disposition so far I expect one will spit in my eye.

Professor I. Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

Tapendra Trishna
Alexandria, Egypt

June 23rd

Dear Tapendra,

I am glad to hear you arrived safely in Alexandria, and that the Ministry did not manage to miscalculate the tides. I do still believe you are absolutely insane for spending the summer amongst students, but, one hopes you succeed.

Is scientific fiction of Muggles encasing themselves in metal vessels and shooting towards the moon not popular in Egypt amongst the Muggles? You rather gave me the impression the subject was internationally adored? Surely you have no time for reading if you are supervising the trip, so count it as a blessing your nose is not pressed in a book.

Why would you be 'hitting' a beach? I was not aware they required any percussion, or is this a required tradition before 'surfing'. You are probably right that I would not enjoy the trip for the students, and the embrace of Muggle culture.

I presume, a 'cell phone' is a relation to the manner of communication you asked if I had over here. Why does one keep birds inside it? How do Muggles achieve that? On second thoughts, do not explain, the owl might not survive carrying the weight of your letter. I can understand them to be angry though, contained for pleasure.

Solitude is, different. It has taken more adjusting than I thought from a busy castle. I am most certainly not missing the students I'll have you know. The house elf died, I believe a month or more ago, and I have had to confiscate my father's wand with help from Johann's father. Unfortunately there comes a time when that is necessary for everyone's safety.

That said, should you require to send your charges - by that I mean only Georgiana and Cyhirae, not Oliver and Pepper - I am still able to receive them. It is not as if I cannot cook, or find a new elf. Thankfully it sounds as if all is relatively settled in that aspect for you. I am sure they would be more happy to be received by Ishane and her husband.

Do enjoy your 'surfing' and the camel ride. Reminds me of a few trips Georg and I took on them - you get used to them, but they are an acquired taste. Worse than horses in my opinion.

If you are missing your literature, invest time in your journal instead. Travels are far more interesting to read of later in life, I do happen to know.

Regards,

Tapendra Trishna
Alexandria, Egypt

Ignan Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

Dear Ignan,

It would take too long to explain in full; but the short is, 'Travel Literature' is by its very nature not well thought out. Science Fiction requires some amount of, well, scientific knowledge, and that would be far too much work for any writer of travel literature. Think of the cheap 'Robe Ripper' novels with the pictures that you (might have, I make no presumptions) had as a teenage boy, but with all the intrigue, large-bosom-ed ladies and humor cut out...to make room for a plot as slow and meandering as any essay Oliver's ever turned in.

They're dull, that's what I mean. Political thrillers that fail to thrill. Murder mysteries with no likable characters. That kind of thing.

Angry Birds is a game one plays with a cell phone, Ignan - and as you request I will not explain how to works. It's a rather fun game, however; I shall have to show it to you sometime. You may even enjoy it.

I'm sorry to hear about the elf, and about the - well, the cleanup. I'm sure that was a lovely introduction to a summer; hopefully it'll go up from there. As for your father - from what little you have said to me of him, I would assume that that point came a decade or two ago. I'm frankly surprised you delayed as long as you did, especially if you lived with him. But perhaps I'm just projecting and imagining living with Mum with her at that age. It isn't possible, of course, but

The surfing was indeed enjoyable and I was not as bad at it as I assumed I would be. Several students joined me in the early morning, and it seems Fox is finally beginning to crack that ever-serious shell of his, much to my pleasure. Cyhirae has taken to shopping, mostly for books (thankfully). Georgiana - well, let's just say there's more of her mother in her than I'd like. She's been nicking items from the sellers - even made off with a gold and lapis necklace! I don't know what to do with her, Ignan.

Also, it turns out I'm the only one here who speaks the native tongue. At least one of us does, but it means I'm likely to be the translator.

There's supposed to be some fairly exotic alcohol for sale there; if you'd like a sovinier, let me know.

Professor I. Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

Tapendra Trishna
Luxor, Egypt

July 5th

Dear Tapendra,

I hope this letter finds you safe in Luxor, which from the list I have of your trip itinerary, should be your location unless Oliver has caused the boat to sink.

Did the news of Snark reach you all? With Declan gone too, they will almost certainly be calling on the Heads of Houses, if they don't appoint someone as acting head in the meantime. Knowing the staunch traditionalism, there will undoubtedly be no risk of me being at risk of being asked to do more work. Not that I am against it...

Given the Tetra Wizard arrivals are in August, I may arrive back at the castle earlier if possible. I suppose you will be staying as far away from the castle as possible, given you have spent all summer with the students. Let me know, as I undoubtedly owe you a few jars to explain your tales.

Regards,

Tapendra Trishna
Alexandria, Egypt

Ignan Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

Dear Ignan,

Yes, we heard. We had assumed she'd gone off of her own volition - she was acting oddly the entire time she was with us, frankly. But it seems wherever she's gone might be a danger to her, as opposed to her simply leaving, as we'd assumed. Unfortunately we couldn't give the authorities much aid since, quite honestly, none of us had thought to keep an eye on her or note when she disappeared. And, though I'm not sure how to say this, the trip's a lot more relaxing without having to worry about her watching.

Still, we'll see. Perhaps I'm being overly cynical, but part of me expects any temporary or new Headmaster or Mistress to fire half of us just so the staff roll is more presentable next year. Though in the case of you and I, perhaps the students will find some relief in that; I expect any students taking your class to NEWT level will be in for something of a challenge, as usual.

I'll certainly be taking full advantage of the internet television my muggle lifestyle, that's for sure, though given my position I'll likely be in the area of the castle for much of August. I'll be available should you need me, obviously.

Given some of the, shall we say, hijinks that have occurred here so far I can certainly tell you plenty when we return. I hope your summer is proving to be less exciting. The legal details of Mum's will seem to be straightforward, but we shall see.

Let me know if you hear any news of the school - we seem to be at the far end of the grapevine.