Summer's only just begun and already I've a near-disastrous tale to share. (Is it possible for a single uneventful summer in Hogsmeade? There's always something I feel, you would think the ministry would be better prepared for the various disasters.)

Anyway, a few days ago Sloane invited me to visit with her family and as were walking through the park a hedge maze suddenly appeared around us! Her mother was only a few feet behind us but we were unable to find the path leading back to her for what felt like hours. I don't believe it was in fact hours, but it felt that way regardless. Were you there as well? Or Anne? I'd hate for either of you to have gotten injured in the maze.

As much as I loathe being so far from my friends in the summer, it is times like these where I'm relieved to reside in Ireland. The worst that happens at home is the vegetables not growing as they ought to. However, that is completely predictable and not at all news. My father is hopeful that this will be the year our luck turns, my mother, of course, knows better. She sometimes mentions following her family to America, and perhaps that would be where we find success. Perhaps there's still gold to find somewhere. Naturally, this will never come to pass as such a move would end not only my but Bridget and Callum's educations. The younger ones would be able to attend Ilvermony though...

Forgive me, I'm rambling. It's far easier to put my thoughts to paper than it is to discuss this with any of my siblings. Bridget becomes furious anytime this is mentioned (Father too).

How has your summer progressed so far? I know you must be nervous as you await your OWL scores, but you shouldn't be. I have faith that you did excellently, very few studied for it more than you. Have you picked up any odd jobs? It's so odd not to see you and the rest every day in the dorms. Has Miss Moony badgered you into brewing potions beyond her skillset yet? She was quite determined this past year, though hopefully she'll head my warnings about potenial catastrophes.

On that note, I'd like to extend an invitation for you (and her, if you'd like) to come visit the farm this summer. There's a pond nearby that my siblings all enjoy running off to, and it's a rather freeing place to be. Some of the fields extend to the horizon with limitless room to run (or fly). I hope to see you soon!

Yes! Both Sloane and I survived unscathed, I'm sorry to have not clarified that in my previous letter. It took a decent amount of time, but we were out well before dark. Is the child alright? I heard of some gruesome injuries to have come from the maze.

Ireland is certainly peaceful, if not too peaceful at times. The days can drag on at times, especially when isolated from friends. My days are mostly consumed by tending to the farm and watching over the younger ones. My father has been venturing into London more often as of late and I am permitted to go with him when he does. Those days are an interesting and fun change of pace at least.

You may eventually have to become accustomed to Hogwarts without m America would be a significant change, one I hope we never have to confront. I would hope my Grandmother would take the three of us in should our education be in jeopardy. She is usually indulgent of us.

Anne is certainly a handful, and you may want to hide her cauldron if you wish to deter her from brewing independently. There isn't much that will stop her from investigating her interests, even when it risks her own safety at times. In that regard, I would eagerly agree with your assessment. However, there is most certainly a hidden ambition behind her brazen nature. A willingness to explore and succeed in life. She is a wonderful girl.

I'm sure she'll be appreciative of the money you've secured for her future. Anyone would be lucky to have a brother as thoughtful as you. What sort of jobs have you found? They're safe positions, right? I would hate for you to be endangering yourself for tuition. Your safety is the utmost priority always.

Early July would be excellent timing. Would Anne be accompanying you? I'm looking forward to the visit either way.

What a terrible tragedy! Has there been any news regarding how the maze suddenly came up like that? The family deserves some kind of justice, it's such a shame.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to visit much in London outside of the shops on Diagon Alley. I hope to visit the library before summer's end, it all depends upon whether or not we can get back there. We shall have to see how the rest of the summer goes.

Edison, if Sisse or Meta makes prefect -

Our friends would surely learn to manage as would you. They would have to, we all have to grow up sometime. Sloane and Cameron's antics would have to come to an end at some point. I would most certainly ask my grandmother to intervene should it ever become necessary.

I will always be a friend to Anne. Not only due to our friendship but because she's a delightful young lady. I came to care for her greatly this past school year and shall strive to keep her more dangerous experiments at bay.

A travelling healer? I've never heard of such thing. Did she attend Hogwarts? What are her qualifications? Their shop is also a terribly interesting thought, would you pass along my info when you next see her? I would love to ask her these questions directly.

As always, I hope you're well and look forward to seeing you in two weeks!

That always seems to be the case, doesn't it? The poorest citizens suffer with nothing to show for it? Why is life so unfair?

Nevermind that. Are the streets of London decorated for the holidays the way Hogsmeade does? It would be worth a visit to the library just to see that. My family doesn't often get to town for the holidays. Either way, whenever we might arrange it I would be happy to visit with you.

Growing apart is a natural consequence of becoming adults, I fear. I, too, will always endeavor to remain in touch with you, but realize that my friendships with Sisse or Sloane might disintegrate over time. Relating to one another is easy right now that we're all attending school together, but once we graduate it'll be more difficult to find commonalities. I do so hope you and I will find them wherever we might end up.

Thank you for passing along my information. I am truly looking forward to discussing that path with her.

Only a few more days now. Have you told Anne of the visit yet?

First and foremost, I fear I must apologize for how rowdy my brothers were yesterday. It isn't often we visit at home with school friends, so they are horribly inexperienced with how to behave. Did Anne enjoy herself? It was a relief great to see you both.

In continuing of our last letter, I understand your fears of drifting apart from Cameron. I will say though that after nearly a year of his and my friendship changing the sting of it has mostly lessened. Obviously, no two friendships are the same and this might not be true for you as well. All I mean to say is there is hope for recovery and the future. Even if the said future features less familiar faces.

I'm thrilled to say my mother has already agreed to our holiday trip, as well. Despite my brothers' recklessness, she was quite impressed with how well you handled them. My father even agreed with the school's decision to name you prefect last year. They were really quite impressed.

Thank you for being so understanding. The boys were thrilled to not be so horribly outnumbered for once - at least in terms of age. They tend to think I 'mother' them too much, but what else is an eldest daughter to do? Anne was a delight as always. I enjoyed hearing of her summer experiments and relieved to know she hasn't yet burnt your home to the ground. And you, of course. I mostly enjoyed being near you once more.

Whatever happens this year and beyond, you and I shall always remain friends. I promise.

They thought you a most responsible and respectable young man. Not that they would have reason to suspecf anything else, you are a person of great sense and humility. Kind, generous, the works. I daresay you haven't a flaw to your name, Edison.

Only one and a half months until school starts. Have you given any thought to what classes you hope to keep?

Not always, I fear. There were several instances this last school year where I didn't act in the best interests of our friends. I suppose that in itself is a noticable flaw.

I have lied to you, too. Another devastating flaw.

See, no one is flawless. We're all biased by our close connections. What would you say one of your flaws are if you have many?

I could think of no one else I would hope to have as a study partner, and I will most certainly still require your assistance in Defense if you are available. Should I make prefect, I will have to drop some of my tutoring hours. But outside of that my main focus are passing my OWLs this upcoming spring. Will you miss either class? Adjusting your course load for the training program is a wise decision, but you shouldn't forget to enjoy your lessons too.

Sometimes omitting details is a necessary fact of life, especially if the full truth would only harm a friend. I wouldn't say that's a flaw. If anything, it's a kindness to spare someone further hurt and frustration. Sometimes, I've found, finding out details belatedly makes a situation easier to move beyond. It's such a morally grey area, though, so I can understand how it might eat at you.

Of course. Although I will admit it might be in your best interests to seek Calla's help rather than my own. Naturally, she has a far deeper understanding of the subject that I. But, should she be unable to assist of course I'll help you. I will always help you.

I'm unsure of which classes I would drop. The obvious decision would be to drop Defense, since achieving a high score on my OWLs in that subject might be impossible. But, there's a part of me that refuses to give in so easily. It would also give me less reason to spend time with you. Arthimancy would be my second choice, as would Magical Creatures. I don't plan to go into creature related incidents for healing, so that would be a rather useless class to continue on with. Truthfully, I only took it because so many of our friends had made the same decision.

This summer is certainly moving at a snail's pace. I think it's due in part to the lack of rain here. Everything feels so stale and stagnant. We've been visiting the pond daily to help stay cool in this heat. Father says it's not likely to be a good year for the crops again.

I hope August moves a bit faster for us both. I miss you.