For Our Dancing Papa Badger Finished

Dear Caradoc,

When someone leaves your life, have you ever had that feeling of desire come over you? Desire because you wish that you spent more time with them, and got to know them better. I feel that right now. I wish that I could roll back time and spend just one more hour with you. Just one more hour where we’d bond, tell jokes, and maybe sing a little. We’d become better friends, not work friends, but real friends. I’d tell you about the secret tiny crush I have on Iwasaki, and you’d share with me your favorite dance moves. It would be the hour to remember.

But alas, I’m only dreaming about what could have been. The truth of the matter is that you’re gone from this school, and I’m left here with regretful thoughts of how I wasted my time. This is getting too depressing, let me start with another topic.

On the day I arrived, you welcomed me to not only the school, but Hufflepuff as well. You made me so excited to be here on many levels other than just the disco parties. And I’ve had the honor of working with you even if it was for a short amount of time. You are an incredible person to be around, and I always see a room light up when you walk in. The energy you have, is a force that contributes greatly to everyone else’s happiness. Your positivity, your charisma, your whole personality is admirable and I strive to be like you in that way.

This is supposed to be a thank you note, so thank you for the disco parties. Those were so much fun. I might have fallen asleep midway during a few of them, but I was so glad that I got to experience part of them. They are probably the thing that I will miss the most, besides you of course. I’m a Huffing disco’er for life. Also, thank you for letting me sit at the cool kids table for lunch, bullying that bald guy always made my day.

Thank you for your welcoming spirit, and good vibes. In these few months, you’ve helped me see the positive in every scenario, and for that I thank you. You were the best head of house an upbeat flying Professor could dream of having, and you’ve made my time here amazing. I’ll give the new head of house a chance, but I don’t have high hopes for them. If they continue the disco parties, I doubt the parties will be nearly as fun.

Thank you for it all. You’ve changed my life for the better.

I hope that you continue to be yourself wherever life take you next, and always know that I’m here cheering you on.

,
Mira

P.S. Try not to get struck by lightning an 8th time

Dear Mr. Browne,
Very sad to know that you will no longer be our head of house. You have been an extremely patient and kind head of house, and you always offer kind advice when any badger have any issues in their lives and come to your office for help. Even though I have only interact with you once, the time when I asked you for my lovely cat Peanut, I still remember your kind "have fun with your little friend!". Every small things count, and I am grateful for everything you have done for all of us huffs. Unfortunately, you left before I can get to know you better, and I am very reluctant to say goodbye to you. Anyway, life have to go on. Thank you for all you have done for our big Hufflepuff family, hope everything goes well for you after you left, and a warm welcome for our new head of house! My tears run down my face when I am writing this letter so maybe the paper is a bit wet. They are tears out of love, and although words cannot describe all of my feelings, I still want to say once again, thank you for all you have done, we will miss you and always love you deep inside our hearts.
you deeply,
Rita Su
Second-year, Hufflepuff

Dear Professor Browne,

It was with a deep sadness that I learned of your leaving us. House Hufflepuff, no matter how resilient and wonderful its members may be, will be less because of your absence as Head of House.

While we never interacted directly, one memory in particular will forever be emblazoned in my mind. Students had returned back to school from the winter break this year. The new term had been in session little over a week when the prefects decided to hold a Hufflepuff Slumber party. It was hilarious as they were all in onesies, and they encouraged each of us to show up to the party in a onesie as well. And, well, Hufflepuffs being Hufflepuffs... many did just that.

Anyway, the party had been going for long enough that a large tent fort was well in progress to being completed, crafts were being crafted, hot cocoa by the gallon was being imbibed, and new and old friendships were being made and strengthened and memorialized. All of that was remarkable enough, but then.... THEN....you, our loveably eccentric and hilarious Head of House, made an entrance as only you could! Your office door burst open with such a force it was literally hanging on by a single hinge (maybe two), but the point being... it was literally hanging at an odd angle. As if that were not enough to get our attention, you came rolling into the room, standing on your office chair while playing Smash Mouth's 'All Star'....on a lute! It was flipping epic and set the mood and tone for the rest of the night. Most brilliant entrance I have ever witnessed.

So, all that to say you will be missed, and I can say that most sincerely even having not known you well at all.

Thank you for your service to the best House at Hogwarts and for your efforts in making it such.

With admiration,
AngelFyre McCubbin

Browne,

What has it been? Three years or more since you walked into your new office as Hufflepuff Head of House? How and why they picked you, I was uncertain at the time, but after all this time, I see now why you were the perfect man for the job.

Your ability to connect with others in different ways was brilliant. You were able to make an old pastime of mine smile throughout her time as Slytherin Head. You were able to connect with every professor and student that needed you. Even more-so, you were able to take yourself away from the world, allow your guard down, and spend time with your Muggle Studies Professor when able with a drink or two.

You are by far one of the most personable and connectable people that I know. Don't let a role in Hogwarts change that about you. Still connect with others around you and don't forget to always remember who you are-- a statement I fully live by since I was 18.

You've learned a lot about me and my ways, and I've learned about you some. I hope that with you taking your leave from a very busy position that you will have more time to open some Fire Whisky and tell me the joys of retirement. It will be these moments I look forward to from you.

Until then,
Maya Galim

Dear Professor Browne,

I hope you're happy and content, wherever you end up. I cannot believe it has been almost three years since I first walked into our common room, fresh-faced with wonder. During my short time here, you have shown time and time again your loyalty and care for your badgers. When I was a mere first year, I came into your office, tentatively seeking reassurance for my home-sickness. You rose above my expectations and talked with me until I felt better, even though it was early in the morning, and you had likely just woken up.

In the past, our common room fell to chaos and destruction, and as we struggled together against the darkness, you appeared every time without fail to save the day. I will always remember the sight of your silhouette striding through the darkness and the dust, immediately taking charge and making sure your students were safe. Other times, we had events organized by our lovely prefects, and you always joined us for those too, singing and dancing and bringing your bright presence wherever you went.

I know I am not the only one that shares this sentiment when I say: you were more than just our Head of House. For many of us, you were like our father and someone we went to for advice and comfort. Each year, new first-years would come in through the door, and I watched as your infectious joy spread from face to face and your pride in our house won them over. I've heard the stories of how you gave light to your students in times of darkness, and I know we will all be forever grateful for your guidance. You were the best Badger Dad we could ever ask for. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Sincerely,
Callista Lovis

Admiral Browne,

It is my sincere hope that this letter reaches you before you leave the front. The everlasting war and revolution will continue to rage here but it is my belief that my fellow comrades and I would never have made it this far without your leadership. In all of the imaginary battles that never happened, you were the crux for keeping us safe and granting us the necessary bravery to push through and survive.

Even if I was momentarily slain by both lava and Shadow Daddy's playhouse, I never forgot the guidance provided by our esteemed leader. Moving forward this will only continue. I will make sure that each new soldier who is assigned to the Hufflepuff Battalion knows of the great hero that you were. Even as you travel to a new battlefield, your teachings will remain to continue to send us forward. There are no words to fully express the admiration and respect I have for you Admiral.

My only hope is that you find similar success and glory no matter what battlefield you find yourself on. As long as you remember the famous Tebo Guerilla Style Combat, I have no doubts that you will. Your Admiral's hat will always be here and I am sure the battalion will always rally to your aid when you need us. Even if you are in distant lands, you will always remain a comrade and Major Emrys will do what he can to make sure the battalion doesn't fall apart in this eternal war. It has been my honor... O7

Major Emrys
21st Huffle Battalion, Tebo Division

Dear Admiral Caradoc Browne,

I was sad to hear the news from the upper chain of command. I truly cannot imagine this home without your presence. You brought so much to our house and time here at Hogwarts. You truly made this house feel like a second home for many of us here in Hufflepuff. So is hard to see you go but we also understand the need for continued growth. If you are able to find more enjoyment and less stress by shifting your command elsewhere, I fully support you!

You will never be forgotten and everything you have done has made this place special. But even I know that great wars can pull people all over. I mean I never expected to save the school from imaginary lava thanks to you commanding the General to assist the Major and I. So many lives were saved by your decision and many may not even know what you sacrificed that day. But that was just the type of leader you were. Always knowing what was best for us and how to keep us safe and moving forward.

Because of you, I know we will have the strength to keep going because of you. I promise that I will keep working to make you proud in everything I do! Maybe one day, even I can become an Admiral. But no matter where this world takes me, I will remember all that I was able to learn from my time with you watching over us. I wish you nothing but the best of luck wherever you find yourself. Just make sure you don't forget about us! O7

Lieutenant Reid

Dear Professor Browne,

I don't know how to write a sentimental letter. Truth be told, I don't want to spend long on this. I'm sad you're leaving, and I hope that makes you happy to hear, since I certainly didn't expect I would ever say it. That's not meant to offend you. When I was sorted into Hufflepuff, I really thought that my entire wizarding career had been ruined forever. Thankfully, now I know that it's only ruined until I graduate.

Just kidding. You wouldn't believe it, but now I actually get excited when I see new students being sorted into our house. It's partially your fault. We might not be proud, or ambitious, or very smart all of the time, but there is still something different about us. We're nice, and we're trying. Sometimes that's enough. I learned that from you, and I won't ever forget it.

Anyway, that's the sappy stuff out of the way. Now onto some bookkeeping.

• I will ensure that Jake survives until graduation and is able to cast basic spells and sleep in the dark. I do not think I will be able to negotiate sleeping without Freddie.
• I will ensure that Jack does not get himself killed while I am around at the very least, but to be honest, I have low hopes for him managing on his own.
• I will not throw any more first-year students into the lake because it is wrong, mean, and not funny.

If any of us die I'll send another letter, unless it's me, because I'll be dead. I wanted to send along a record that you could dance to and think of us, but my dad won't let me give away any of his records, so just be on the lookout for "Always Something There To Remind Me." It's by Sandie Shaw and it's a real hit.

Goodbye,
George

P.S. Do you want your nightlight back or can I throw it off the astronomy tower?