A letter to a stranger
I smile as I send off my letter. Hopefully the guy replies back if not then I’d be very very disappointed and upset. I might even send him a angry letter.
@Mikey Forville
Dear StrangerDate: July 3 2025
Hi! It’s nice to meet you I guess? Whatever. Well I’m Hazel! From Ilvmorny. I live in America but right now I’m visiting my cousin. I think you might know her. Her name is Bree Grey. She mentioned you. A happy bubbly thing she is. I meet her for the first time last week and this is my last week in London. London is a very nice place! I like it here! It’s awesome! She took me to Diagon Alley and showed me the places there.
Enough about me! Let’s talk about you. So what’s your name? Something with a m but honestly I don’t remember. How are you? Hopefully your good. Or at least okay. And how do you know my cousin? Are you guys good friends or like is she your worst enemy? I have lots of questions so beware.
Maybe I could list them out? Would that be weird? Ima list them out.
Question 4? I asked you three questions already so four it is!
What’s you favorite color?
Question 5) Favorite book?
Question 6) WHO ARE YOU?!
Question 7) could we be pen pals if we get along?
I think that’s it. If it’s not I’ll ask you more if you respond. Please respond!
𝐻𝒶𝓏𝑒𝓁 𝒩𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑜𝓃
@Mikey Forville
A letter to a stranger
Date: July 7th, 2025
Dear Hazel (…Stranger?),
First off wow. Definitely didn’t expect a surprise letter this morning, but I can say it made breakfast significantly more interesting. My dad asked why I was grinning at a piece of parchment like I’d lost the plot. I told him it was a letter from an American. He told me to ask if you like “proper tea yet.” I didn’t. But now I sort of am.
Anyway. Hi. I’m Mikey. You were right my name does start with M, so points to you already. And yes, I do know Bree Grey. She’s hard not to know, honestly. She kind of enters a room like someone set off glitter in a wind tunnel. But in a nice way. She talks fast, smiles faster, and somehow always knows what’s going on before you do. I like her a lot. She’s helped me out more than she probably realizes.
I’m glad you liked London! It’s grey a lot, but it grows on you. Diagon Alley’s great too, especially if you got a chance to try the ice cream there. They’ve got this Earl Grey & lavender flavor that’s oddly good and makes you feel like you should be holding a teacup.
Now for your questions, because I get the feeling you’ll haunt me via owl if I don’t
Question 4: Favorite color — Green
Question 5: Favourite book, I like Muggle books, especially mysteries and fantasy.
Question 6: WHO AM I?! Just a second-year Ravenclaw at Hogwarts, currently dodging house chores and writing back to someone who clearly has a lot of energy and possibly too much access to stationery.
Question 7: Pen pals? Honestly? Yeah, I’d like that. I’ve never had a pen pal across the world before. Could be fun, long as you promise not to send angry letters if I write slow (or only semi angry ones at least). I guess that’s all for now, but feel free to fire away more questions. I’ll answer as best I can. And hey, thanks for writing. This was a nice surprise.
Cheers,
Mikey Forville
Dear Hazel (…Stranger?),
First off wow. Definitely didn’t expect a surprise letter this morning, but I can say it made breakfast significantly more interesting. My dad asked why I was grinning at a piece of parchment like I’d lost the plot. I told him it was a letter from an American. He told me to ask if you like “proper tea yet.” I didn’t. But now I sort of am.
Anyway. Hi. I’m Mikey. You were right my name does start with M, so points to you already. And yes, I do know Bree Grey. She’s hard not to know, honestly. She kind of enters a room like someone set off glitter in a wind tunnel. But in a nice way. She talks fast, smiles faster, and somehow always knows what’s going on before you do. I like her a lot. She’s helped me out more than she probably realizes.
I’m glad you liked London! It’s grey a lot, but it grows on you. Diagon Alley’s great too, especially if you got a chance to try the ice cream there. They’ve got this Earl Grey & lavender flavor that’s oddly good and makes you feel like you should be holding a teacup.
Now for your questions, because I get the feeling you’ll haunt me via owl if I don’t
Question 4: Favorite color — Green
Question 5: Favourite book, I like Muggle books, especially mysteries and fantasy.
Question 6: WHO AM I?! Just a second-year Ravenclaw at Hogwarts, currently dodging house chores and writing back to someone who clearly has a lot of energy and possibly too much access to stationery.
Question 7: Pen pals? Honestly? Yeah, I’d like that. I’ve never had a pen pal across the world before. Could be fun, long as you promise not to send angry letters if I write slow (or only semi angry ones at least). I guess that’s all for now, but feel free to fire away more questions. I’ll answer as best I can. And hey, thanks for writing. This was a nice surprise.
Cheers,
Mikey Forville
Reducio
@Bree Grey
A letter to a stranger
Dear Mikey (don't think we aren't strangers anymore)Date: July 9th 2025
I surprised you! Ha well you didn't surprise me! Ask your father what he meant by proper tea and tell him I said hi!
So another question how did you meet Bree? And I understand what you mean with that glitter bomb thingy. She does like to smile a lot. And she has a really comfy bed! Maybe I could take her back to America with me. Let me ask her!
So I asked her and she said I'm gonna quote her, "I d love too! Maybe I could stay forever!" I put an exclamation mark because that's what she sounds like. Always happy and excited.
Although sadly I'm going back to America in 2 days. And you said you like muggle books? I could send you some! I'm a muggle! Well technically I'm not but I've been raised by my father who's a muggle. You know what's weird? I'm a muggle born and Bree told me she's a pureblood.
How bout you? Are you a muggle born or pure. Or mixed? Don't have to answer that just wondering. And what muggle books do you like? I have a bunch of them in my room! May have some copies so give me titles!
And yay! You wanna be pen pals! I promise I won't send any angry letters to you as long as you promise the same thing. You better promise!
Have you seen a movie before? What's your favorite if you have seen a movie. Mines beauty and the beast. It's soooo romantic! I have to go now! Byeeeeee!
P.s whos the person that has too much access to stationary you better not say me! I'm warning you!
𝐻𝒶𝓏𝑒𝓁 𝒩𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑜𝓃
Reducio
@Mikey forville
A letter to a stranger
Date: 10th July 2025
Dear Hazel (who obviously has a stationery issue, and I am standing firm on that),
My dad did have a laugh when I told him you'd said hello and asked about the tea thingamajig. To him, "proper tea" is actual tea. Not the sweet, iced sort Americans obviously down out of flowerpot-sized bottles. His description, not mine. I've had it only once and, well. It was kind of like drinking syrup and regrets.
I met Bree in one of the first chaotic messes of last year. But I will let her tell you more about that. Also, wait a minute, you're leaving in TWO DAYS? Not fair. I received your first letter and now you're sending yourself home across the ocean! I would have sent mine off on an owl with rockets.
And to the question, I’m muggle born I suppose. My parents are just normal people in the muggle world. so I've got one foot in each. Sometimes it's confusing, but sometimes it's sort of wonderful. Like, I can enjoy electricity and floating a chair when I'm too lazy to carry it myself.
You mentioned you have spare books? Dark things to say to a Ravenclaw, I just wanted to give you fair warning. If you really do want to send one, I prefer something with witty characters or plot turns detective stories, fantasy, or anything weird enough to have me guessing what's real for a few chapters. I’ve been reading through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books lately.
Movies: Sure. I've watched a handful. My dad is a spy film addict, so I've endured far too many men leaping out of helicopters in suits. But I'll admit Beauty and the Beast as a good choice. The library is what makes it last. I'd probably choose The Secret Garden — the original, with the creepy house and hidden keys. Low-key and dramatic. A lot like some folks I've met.
Okay, I'll stop here before going on and on. Thanks for writing again.
Mikey
Dear Hazel (who obviously has a stationery issue, and I am standing firm on that),
My dad did have a laugh when I told him you'd said hello and asked about the tea thingamajig. To him, "proper tea" is actual tea. Not the sweet, iced sort Americans obviously down out of flowerpot-sized bottles. His description, not mine. I've had it only once and, well. It was kind of like drinking syrup and regrets.
I met Bree in one of the first chaotic messes of last year. But I will let her tell you more about that. Also, wait a minute, you're leaving in TWO DAYS? Not fair. I received your first letter and now you're sending yourself home across the ocean! I would have sent mine off on an owl with rockets.
And to the question, I’m muggle born I suppose. My parents are just normal people in the muggle world. so I've got one foot in each. Sometimes it's confusing, but sometimes it's sort of wonderful. Like, I can enjoy electricity and floating a chair when I'm too lazy to carry it myself.
You mentioned you have spare books? Dark things to say to a Ravenclaw, I just wanted to give you fair warning. If you really do want to send one, I prefer something with witty characters or plot turns detective stories, fantasy, or anything weird enough to have me guessing what's real for a few chapters. I’ve been reading through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books lately.
Movies: Sure. I've watched a handful. My dad is a spy film addict, so I've endured far too many men leaping out of helicopters in suits. But I'll admit Beauty and the Beast as a good choice. The library is what makes it last. I'd probably choose The Secret Garden — the original, with the creepy house and hidden keys. Low-key and dramatic. A lot like some folks I've met.
Okay, I'll stop here before going on and on. Thanks for writing again.
Mikey
Reducio
@Hazel Nelson
A letter to a stranger
Dear Mr judgey! (I do not! You have to much of I don’t know EVERYTHING?)Date: July 10th 2025
Tell your father that yes I have actually had “proper tea.” I drink that when I’m sick for some reason. My dad says it’s good for you but I have no idea why. It tastes like I blended up some leaves from the tree in the backyard and drank that. Tell you dad that! I prefer my iced tea thank you very much. It’s delicious. Especially in a flowerpot!
I asked her!!!!! She said in detention! And you like fighting with ghosts so don’t go saying I have a stationary issue. My stationary is beautiful! And yes well now tomorrow I’m so glad I’m sending this out on the same day. And you could use my Daddy’s owl if you want. He wouldn’t mind. His owl, name is actually rocket, is young and strong.
*A very loud and dramatic gasp* YOURE A MUGGLEBORN! YAY! My mother died when I was born so I’ve been raised by my father. Who apparently knew about this magical world we’re living in. I found this out about 2 years ago. I don’t remember when. I’ll tell you next owl!
And yes I do have spare books! I checked and I have lots! More of three and they are old. I have ummmm, the Grimms fairytale volume one or something like that. I have like a book totally not for you! And the secret garden!
Ohhh spy addicted father? I need to meet! I love my spy movies too! And I know beauty and the beast is a good choice. I’m full of good choices. And I’ll totally send the secret garden to you! Glad it’s your favorite! Personally I like the book more.
I’ll always reply to your owls! Thanks for actually responding to mine.
𝐻𝒶𝓏𝑒𝓁 𝒩𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑜𝓃
Reducio
@Mikey Forville
A letter to a stranger
Banner made by Robin Marie
Date: July 11th, 2025
Dear Hazel (Defender of Flowerpot-Sized Iced Tea),
Right, first things first. I re-read your letter this morning over breakfast, and now my dad is absolutely convinced that you're actually a stand-up comedian in disguise. He says you've got "a wicked sense of humor" and he says "Anyone with the nerve to belittle British tea with such panache is someone I would like to know."
Second battling ghosts? Not on your life. I was defending myself from an argumentative jerk That isn't battling. That is being a good citizen of Hogwarts. You, however, obviously have an army of magical pens and are in the midst of a plot of world domination through glitter and stamps. (Still holding on to my stationery theory, sorry.)
And sorry about your mum, for real. But it sounds like your dad's a good guy and he's brought up someone with a huge personality and an even bigger heart. So that's something. I'm happy you found magic, even though it was unexpected. To be honest, I think that magic happens to people at the most unexpected times. When it happened to me I thought it was a joke. It became just. my new existence.
Right, onto books YES to Grimms' Fairytales and an enormous YES to The Secret Garden. Send that one, and I'll owe you big time. Maybe ten times over. I'll trade you something radically British and useless instead. Something like a Crunchie bar. Or a horribly outdated wizarding comic strip.
And if you do make it back to London, take Bree and Rocket along with you and let me know. I'll pull both of you out to Liverpool for ice cream and we can fight over tea in person. Deal?
Mikey Forville
Reducio
@Hazel Nelson
A letter to a stranger
Dear Mikey the JudgerDate: July 13th 2025
Wow. First off wow. Just because I defend things doesn’t mean I’m a comedian! My flower pot sized ice teas are good and the British tea isn’t. And I agree with you father. We must meet one day. Then we could discuss this.
Well I say you battled a deadly battle with that ghost to get you point proven and won. And after that you have a whole army of ghosts that are loyal to you because you fought that jerk.
*GASP* HOW DARE YOU! JUST BECAUSE I LIKE MY STATIONARY A LITTLE COLORFUL DOSENT MEAN YOU SHOULD MAKE FUN IF IT!
It’s alright bout my mom. My dad says she was amazing. And she they use to live in London. I was born there! And my dad is an amazing person! The best ever! You so need to meet him one day. And I’m happy I found magic too! It’s the best!
Ha you’ll definitely owe me! Maybe you could get me a whole set of new glitter gel pens. That would be great. It would be absolutely awesome!
I would like that. Maybe I could convince my dad for us to come back soon! And what ice cream flavor is your favorite? Mines Chocolate Chip. Top it with whip cream and it’s soooooo good.
𝐻𝒶𝓏𝑒𝓁 𝒩𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑜𝓃
P.s. Since I’m sending this from America use Rocket if your owl can’t make it. But feed him before you send him off or he’ll steal your food.
Reducio
@Mikey Forville
A letter to a stranger
Date: July 14th, 2025
Dear Hazel the Indignant Defender of All Things Glittery and Iced,
I would never say colorful stationery is a bad thing. Just that you wield it like a weapon. Like, if there were a duel, you’d show up with glitter bombs and pastel ink and I’d be hopelessly underprepared with a black quill and a crumpled corner. Instant defeat.
Anyway, I didn’t know you were born in London! That’s cool. It means technically you’re half local, so you can’t entirely slander our tea. Maybe just… ninety percent. Also, your dad honestly sounds amazing. I bet he’d get along with my dad.
My favorite ice cream? That’s a cruel question. But I’ll say mint chocolate chip. Because it’s refreshing and chocolatey. But if someone hands me a cone of anything I’ll probably eat it.
And now, a very important question for you.Are you going to summer camp this year? Like the one for magical kids. It’s happening in a few weeks. I’ve never gone before, but I might be this time. Thought I’d ask, in case we end up seeing each other in real life sooner than expected.
Right I think Rocket’s perched outside glaring at me for taking too long. I’ll give him a biscuit or two so he doesn’t mug me mid-flight. Safe travels back to you, and write soon
All the best,
Mikey Forville
Dear Hazel the Indignant Defender of All Things Glittery and Iced,
I would never say colorful stationery is a bad thing. Just that you wield it like a weapon. Like, if there were a duel, you’d show up with glitter bombs and pastel ink and I’d be hopelessly underprepared with a black quill and a crumpled corner. Instant defeat.
Anyway, I didn’t know you were born in London! That’s cool. It means technically you’re half local, so you can’t entirely slander our tea. Maybe just… ninety percent. Also, your dad honestly sounds amazing. I bet he’d get along with my dad.
My favorite ice cream? That’s a cruel question. But I’ll say mint chocolate chip. Because it’s refreshing and chocolatey. But if someone hands me a cone of anything I’ll probably eat it.
And now, a very important question for you.Are you going to summer camp this year? Like the one for magical kids. It’s happening in a few weeks. I’ve never gone before, but I might be this time. Thought I’d ask, in case we end up seeing each other in real life sooner than expected.
Right I think Rocket’s perched outside glaring at me for taking too long. I’ll give him a biscuit or two so he doesn’t mug me mid-flight. Safe travels back to you, and write soon
All the best,
Mikey Forville
Reducio
@Hazel Nelson
A letter to a stranger
Dear MikeyDate: July 16th 2025
I picked out this awesome pink pen just because. And I totally don’t know who put the glitter bomb in the envelope I sent to you. Although I could totally picture you with glitter on your face even though I have no clue what you look like. I’m so not going to acknowledge the pen duel thingy that you said.
Ha I’m half local! Nice also I could still slander your disgusting gross tea! It’s not good! Ice tea is wayyyyyy better. And yea my dad would totally get along with yours! They should met one day!
So you would eat anything in a cone? That’s crazy! Have you ate a clam before? I puked! It was so gross! They shouldn’t be eaten ever. But you’d probably eat it if it’s in a cone. Image a cone of clams! Or clam flavored ice cream!
I didn’t know there was a camp. What’s the date? Maybe I could ask my dad. He might let me go but I also might not. I’ll let you know! Also where is it?
Omg rocket! He stole my dads sandwich before because he was hungry and like 3 minutes past his lunch. He’s a awesome owl though.
𝐻𝒶𝓏𝑒𝓁 𝒩𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑜𝓃
Reducio
@Mikey Forville
A letter to a stranger
Date: 24th July, 2025
Dear Hazel,
Alright, first of all, you absolutely owe me a warning in the future. I opened your letter and, I promise on all the textbooks that I possess, was sprayed in the face with glitter shrapnel. It's all over. In my hair, and on my sleeves. My dad just looked at me and said, "I presume this is magical stuff." So, congratulations. You've officially lost me some of my dignity.
And I'll never be able to consider ice cream cones the same way again. A clam cone? Hazel. Why in the world did you ever utter those words aloud, let alone put them down on paper? That's from a horror novel. I'll have it haunting me for the rest of my life.
And tea. I'm done arguing with you. Enjoy your iced leaf syrup. I submit. (Though only because I don't believe I can argue and not blow up letters simultaneously.)
Now! Summer camp!
It's a thing, and it's taking place from August 11th to September 1st at the London Quidditch Stadium. They're hosting it as the Magic Without Borders Fair and Farm Expo. Bit of a mouthful, but I suppose it's meant to be enjoyable? Children of all of the various schools everywhere are attending, so you might just be able to make an appearance in person. And if you do? I'm looking forward to glitter pens at the ready and at least one emergency gel ink refill.
I've never attended magical camp in the past, but I believe I am this year. So, if you can get your dad to approve it, promise that you'll locate me, okay? I'll be the one still jittery around glitter and acting like I have a clue.
Write soon
Mikey
Dear Hazel,
Alright, first of all, you absolutely owe me a warning in the future. I opened your letter and, I promise on all the textbooks that I possess, was sprayed in the face with glitter shrapnel. It's all over. In my hair, and on my sleeves. My dad just looked at me and said, "I presume this is magical stuff." So, congratulations. You've officially lost me some of my dignity.
And I'll never be able to consider ice cream cones the same way again. A clam cone? Hazel. Why in the world did you ever utter those words aloud, let alone put them down on paper? That's from a horror novel. I'll have it haunting me for the rest of my life.
And tea. I'm done arguing with you. Enjoy your iced leaf syrup. I submit. (Though only because I don't believe I can argue and not blow up letters simultaneously.)
Now! Summer camp!
It's a thing, and it's taking place from August 11th to September 1st at the London Quidditch Stadium. They're hosting it as the Magic Without Borders Fair and Farm Expo. Bit of a mouthful, but I suppose it's meant to be enjoyable? Children of all of the various schools everywhere are attending, so you might just be able to make an appearance in person. And if you do? I'm looking forward to glitter pens at the ready and at least one emergency gel ink refill.
I've never attended magical camp in the past, but I believe I am this year. So, if you can get your dad to approve it, promise that you'll locate me, okay? I'll be the one still jittery around glitter and acting like I have a clue.
Write soon
Mikey
Reducio
@Hazel Nelson