Homeward Log Closed

Dear Mum and Dad,

I missed you a great deal when the train left the station. I'd felt really ready for the trip, but then I didn't. I was so unsure of everything all at once that I couldn't even answer the Trolly Lady when she asked if I wanted sweets. I was lucky though. A really helpful girl named Halston joined my cart, and she asked for two of everything! It made me realize I was worrying too much.

I was worried all over again when I got to the Hat though. It mentioned both of you, but I didn't want to be sorted into either of your houses just because we are family. I wanted to be sorted into mine- the one meant for me, if that makes sense. When I told the Hat that, it made me a Ravenclaw! I remembered Mum saying their dormitories have the best view of the grounds out of them all and could hardly wait to see it for myself. I saw the girl from the train get sorted into Gryffidor, but I am sure that doesn't mean we can't still spend time together someday.

There are more students here than I'd imagined. I didn't know how to find someone specific, so instead, I decided to sign up for Quill Pals. Was that a program back when you attended? You submit your name and are paired with a student based on your interests. I was paired with another Ravenclaw named August Auggie. He's brilliant. I told him I wanted to be an Auror someday, and he didn't know what he wanted to be, but that he likes animals. I said that instead of working at a muggle zoo, he should join the Ministry too and be in the Beasts department. I asked if he would want to be an animagi like I'm going to be. Auggie said that he would become a frog if he could, and if I do become a bird, I can tell him about the sky and he'll tell me all about the water. He's incredibly kind and our letters make me feel less homesick. I hope to find other people who want to work in the Ministry. Maybe someday, we'll all work together.

The first class I attended was Charms. It was INCREDIBLE. We learned how to cast Tarantellegra and Reparo! I felt really grand when I could finally cast magic, but flying class did not go so well. I wanted to be an excellent flyer like Dad, though I'm not so sure I'm up to it. I would like to be better at the broom. If I'm ever going to become a bird animagi with wings, I should at least be able to fly a stick. Later I will ask for help in my House. I didn't understand the point of the Houses before. Not entirely. I thought it was all just organization. But this month, I did an errand for a professor- picking and drying herbs just like back home!- and was awarded House points. I took on the errand for chocolate frogs, but the points made me feel fantastic. I'm not sure why. All I'm certain of is that I do want to get more for Ravenclaw.

My first month here has gone very well overall. Please don't worry. I miss home, but Hogwarts is everything I'd dreamed of and then some. Soon, I will visit the library and go to my first Quidditch match. I will write again then!

Love,
Pericles

My dear boy,

As you are sick for home, home is sick for you. I cannot quite say it has become "hushed" here, as you were never necessarily a "boisterous tenant", but your absence has manifested as a tangible emptiness. Know that we miss you just as much, but we are perfectly proud, and it hardly matters to us whether or not you were sorted into either of our Houses. I can say, however, that your mother is especially pleased. I wish we could have been by you for your introduction to the Hat, but consider these monumental events- your ride upon the Express, your sorting, your first spells- as cobblestones on your path towards true wizardry (and independence).

Hogwarts is a fine school. Your years there will shape the mage you become, thus I encourage you to continue establishing connections, but perhaps try to make more friends in person. "Quill Pals" sounds like a charming program, though you would do well to consider communicating with those around you. I believe the sensation you described is called comradery. Do not shirk it: take pride in your House. Consider investing yourself in a club, or continuing to take on errands, only start seeking those which involve groups. Your mother means to send you something to take with you to Quidditch.

Again, she and I are proud of you, Pericles. We will look forward to what we hope will be monthly accounts, yes?

We are with you always.
-Father