Keep an Eye Out (Neville)

[Deleted]

Hey dad,

Can you believe I am coming home in 3 weeks and 4 days? I keep telling Andy it is 4 weeks, so I can surprise her at the Yule ball. I have so much to tell you, but my hand keeps cramping up. I keep finding new things I want to remember and so I have to write them down and... I got you a surprise, but we have to share it. And don't ask mom what it is, she won't tell you.

How is the tournament going? Andy doesn't tell me much about it. Has the first task happened yet? Any attacks this year? After I told mom I nearly burned down my room (total accident) I have to reassure her. Did you know they haven't had any killings/murders/deaths here in years? That made her feel better, the only danger is just random flammable seeds. I should have recognized it, but I will next time!

I miss you, dad. I miss walking up to your office to talk to you. It is hard being here without that. Oh well, soon!

I love you, dad.

@superluigi64

[Deleted]

Phil,

A surprise, is it? I wouldn’t even attempt to guess. Castelobruxo has pretty much everything, after all.

The tournament’s going well so far. The first task has already happened, it was a maze that we designed as a sort of obstacle course. I got to put a few tricks of my own in it, as well. We found out later that the Beauxbatons champion actually climbed a Wandeater Willow, which as far as foolishness goes might rate the top ten of all time. If the kid hadn’t managed it with no delays, he’d have been stuck in the tree, unable to even fire red sparks to call for help. I do hope the champions don’t intend to all rely on luck like that moving forward.

Castelobruxo is relatively safe due to its size and isolation. It’s much harder to attack that castle than it is to attack Hogwarts thanks to the jungle surrounding them. Do they still utilize the Blood Doors? I remember when I was there, you had to cut your hand open with a small knife and use the knife like a key while the blood was fresh. If your blood wasn’t attuned to the door, it wouldn’t open. I believe it was passed down from centuries ago, when blood-based magic was much more prominent over there—although I think the blood magic was from farther north. It’s been awhile since I studied any of that.

Speaking of, their magic also revolved around the use of fire and sunlight in ancient times. A lot of the native plants are incendiary, and many of their potions must be brewed under specific angles of sunlight.

I remember when I was there, they tried to trick me into getting too close to some blindweed. It was disguised within some native flowers, I think it was some kind of initiation to make sure I was serious about Herbology. Luckily, I saw the blindweed instantly. The idea of not being able to see for five or six hours, in a strange place, is disconcerting.

I miss you too, Phil, and I’m looking forward to seeing you come home.

Love,
Dad