Dear Mr. Andrew,
Although I would love to argue that my failure to write until the fourth day after school began was due to unavoidable circumstances, considering that lying isn't a virtuous habit, I'll simply confess the truth.
I genuinely got so absorbed in magical studies that I completely forgot to write. However, you didn't write to me either, so I'd say we're perfectly even.
I've enjoyed some of those wonderful candies you made for me, and I've shared several with my new friends. I think you could make them slightly sweeter next time, but they're definitely superior to Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. I should have trusted your judgement from the beginning.
I've made two genuine friends, plus several classmates I get along with well, though I'm still deciding whether to classify them as true "friends".
My two close friends are Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom. Hermione comes from a Muggle family, while Neville hails from an established wizarding family. The other students prefer calling him a pure-blood.
Honestly, I see absolutely no meaningful difference between them. Neither Neville nor Hermione behaves particularly differently because of their family background. Take academic performance, for example. Hermione's magical abilities currently far exceed Neville's progress.
Of course, I'm not diminishing Neville's potential. I believe he possesses tremendous capability, but he simply hasn't discovered his own path yet... You know how accurate my intuition tends to be. I'm planning to find an opportunity to let him try sword training.
Hermione and I are both sorted into Ravenclaw, while Neville belongs to Gryffindor. According to our History of Magic studies, Godric Gryffindor himself fought with a sword in one hand and a wand in the other, so I doubt Neville would object to the concept.
... I remember you specifically requested that I avoid discussing my magical studies, so I'll skip over classroom details entirely.
Life in Ravenclaw suits me remarkably well. How should I put this... everyone maintains wonderful independence. On my very first morning, I encountered two senior girls who embodied quintessential Ravenclaw traits. They focused exclusively on subjects that genuinely interested them.
The entire House operates this way. Everyone pursues their individual interests, rarely interacting with younger students unless they're teaching something specific.
It's absolutely perfect. I don't need to worry about excessive socialising. In that regard, Ravenclaw represents an ideal environment for my personality.
I hear that Hufflepuff and Gryffindor can be quite lively and noisy during evening hours. If I had to live in that kind of constantly stimulating environment, I probably would have suffered a complete breakdown already.
By the way, I've developed an idea for a completely new story. You can look forward to reading it. I plan to finish the manuscript by Halloween... actually, by Christmas, so I can present it to you then. Hogwarts will be on winter break, and I can return home for dinner with you.
Also, you'll never guess this development. Hermione is actually an enthusiastic fan of my published works! I'm planning to give her a limited edition Andersen collectible for Christmas, so please make sure to contact the dealer and reserve one for me.
It creates a bit of pressure, though. I'll need to write my new story in complete secrecy since Hermione possesses remarkably sharp observational skills. I'll probably compose it privately in my dormitory room.
Speaking of which, I have my own private room. The living accommodations here are excellent, and the food is absolutely wonderful. I'm already growing concerned about gaining too much weight.
Has "The Dragon Witch" been published yet? I don't believe the regular Muggle newspapers I subscribe to can be delivered to Hogwarts. Once it's released, please send me two copies. One for myself and one for Hermione.
Have you heard of Harry Potter?
He's quite an extraordinary individual. According to widespread accounts, he defeated "You-Know-Who", the terrifying dark wizard who terrorised all of Britain, when he was merely a baby. Amazing, isn't it? I think this could serve as the perfect opening for a fairy tale.
Just imagine how I could structure it:
A child defeats the dark lord's reign of terror, but the dark lord isn't truly destroyed. One day, he will inevitably return, and the child who once defeated him will have matured into a true hero, rising again to permanently shatter his evil schemes...
The more I consider this concept, the more convinced I become that it could work brilliantly. However, I'd need to consider the feelings of the person whose life would serve as story material.
Of course, I suspect the rumours are significantly exaggerated. Harry Potter hasn't demonstrated anything approaching that legendary level of magical talent... I believe it was probably his parents who actually defeated the dark lord.
Even so, Harry would represent a hero's heir. That heritage alone justifies the fame he currently enjoys.
Still, Harry Potter is definitely not ordinary. I feel absolutely certain he won't fade into mediocrity. I believe he will accomplish something truly remarkable.
I'm currently learning fascinating new magic that allows distant observation of people. Once I've mastered these techniques, I'll try using them to study him more closely.
You're maintaining good health, aren't you? Tomorrow I have my first Potions class. If anything feels wrong with your condition, please let me know immediately. I can brew you a healing potion!
I haven't attempted potion-making yet, but I'm absolutely confident I'm destined to become a once-in-a-century potioneer!
Alright, Mr. Andrew, please make sure to write back to me soon.
Missing you terribly,
Sterling
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Dear Sterling,
First, I'm not entirely sure how much of a "dear" you actually are. Do you have any idea what it's like for a man approaching old age to wait up every night with his window open for four consecutive days, watching desperately for an owl?
If I owned an owl myself, I would have written to you immediately... but I've decided to visit Diagon Alley soon to purchase one, along with something called a Howler. You probably don't know what that particular item is, but you might find it quite entertaining.
If you completely ignore this poor middle-aged man again, I'll make absolutely certain you discover exactly how "fun" this magical device can be.
Perhaps Hogwarts food is indeed delicious, but I hope you haven't forgotten how notoriously fattening British cuisine tends to be. You'd better control your portions. Otherwise, the person crying while clutching their stomach won't be me.
I'm currently suffering from a slight cold, so please be careful with your own health. I've seen your school robes, and they look anything but warm. Remember to wear a proper sweater underneath. Even if colds aren't particularly troublesome in your magical world, prevention remains the wisest approach.
Harry Potter... I've never heard of him before. I never mentioned this previously, but I left the wizarding world when I was extremely young. During my limited contact with that world, his parents probably weren't even born yet.
However, you're absolutely correct. A baby cannot perform significant magic. Even the legendary Merlin as an infant couldn't have defeated a hunting dog.
I must warn you about something critically important: the wizarding world is not a lawless frontier.
There are established laws there, along with proper law enforcement. Therefore, do not spy on your classmates. I don't know if there's a specific statute, but... do not spy on that Harry Potter boy.
Do NOT spy on your classmates! I cannot emphasise this enough. If you engage in such behaviour, you will deeply regret the consequences.
Regarding your Muggle-born classmate being your fan, that's completely normal. Ask any Muggle-born wizard your age, and I'd wager most have at least heard of your published works.
Don't underestimate your significant value in children's literature. When I submitted "The Dragon Witch" manuscript, the editors didn't even bother reviewing the content. Once they saw your pen name "Andersen", they immediately offered the highest possible payment rate.
The book should officially release on Halloween. I'll send you a copy that very morning.
Ravenclaw... if I remember correctly, that's the House for the intellectually gifted. I'd say it suits your personality perfectly.
Though I had hoped you might share dormitory space to perhaps temper that spoiled streak of yours. Then again, you do possess the right to expect others to adapt to you rather than the reverse. If you're genuinely happy with the arrangement, then so be it.
Finally, regarding your new story idea, I must remind you of something crucial: the most fundamental law in the wizarding world is the International Statute of Secrecy. I remember that regulation clearly, so don't even consider altering details from your magical world experiences and publishing them.
Such actions are completely illegal and will result in extremely severe punishment.
... Beyond that warning, I don't have much additional guidance to offer. I cannot use magic and know precious little about the modern wizarding world.
You've always been a sensible, responsible child. I recognise that you possess genuine talent in magic. Therefore, I cannot really instruct you on magical matters, and most importantly, I cannot protect you in the wizarding world from here in the Muggle world.
So I can only hope that you'll protect yourself and always prioritise safety above everything else while pursuing your magical education.
Love always,
Andrew