1 September, 1892

Uncle Alfred,

Hi. I know you're very busy, but I thought you should know that I was sorted into Ravenclaw house. I know it's not Gryffindor like you, or Hufflepuff like Uncle Evander or Aunt Zelda, but I think I like it. Everyone seems nice so far, and the common room is pretty. I've never thought I looked good in blue, but it's a very pretty color. Deep and calming. I know the color doesn't really mean anything, but I think I would like Ravenclaw a little less if it was styled in a ghastly pink.

Classes haven't begun yet, but I wish they would. I hate sitting around. I know we're allowed to explore, but I don't have any friends here and the castle is so large. At least if classes would begin I'd have something to do, even if it turns out I'm not very good at it. The only upside is that there is an Art class I can take. Do you think Uncle Evander would send me pastels if I asked nicely? I know he has more important things to worry about, so maybe I'll ask Miss Clearwater if she has extras. I wish she was my matron, but it's nice that she's here with me.

Your niece,
Charity

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J. Alfred Darrow

  

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September 1st
Dear Charity,

So proud of you! You'll outwit us all, then, won't you?

Your mother was a Ravenclaw, you know, so it's a very good house even if you won't have your Great Uncle H or Miss Clearwater in your common room. In fact, maybe it's better that you're not in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff - give you a chance to get out and establish yourself independently, as it were. I'm sure you'll make friends before you can blink. You're very keen and everyone else will see that too.

I'm sure Evander will send pastels - I would, except I'm sure I'd buy the wrong thing. I've never been one for art, but I'm sure you'll do a grand job of it.

Your aunt Zelda stopped working at the Ministry, by the way - in case Evander mentions it, or anything.

love,
Uncle Alfred

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MJ made the most Alfredy of sets and then two years later she made it EVEN BETTER

2 September, 1892

Uncle Alfred,

I didn't know my mother was a Ravenclaw. Was she very smart? Did she have a hard time solving the riddles? We have to answer them to get into our common room, but I spent four whole minutes outside the common room trying to figure out the answer to "what belongs to you, but everyone else uses it?". The answer is my name—a fourth year told me. What if I'm not smart enough for Ravenclaw house and it was all a mistake?

I like my sketching, but I think Hogwarts art is more advanced. I talked to a sixth year in my house who takes it. She says some of the older students are learning to make simple paintings move. How am I ever supposed to learn that? I know it sounds like I'm complaining and I'm sorry.

I hope Aunt Zelda's doing okay. Tell her I'll miss her and Orion.

From your niece with love,
Charity

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J. Alfred Darrow

  

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September 3rd
Charity,

Of course you're smart enough for Ravenclaw. The sorting hat doesn't make mistakes about that sort of thing. That sounds like a very difficult riddle. I wouldn't have been able to tell the answer. But I'll bet when you're a fourth year you'll have the hang of it and you'll be giving out answers to the new students, too.

The thing about school is that no one is born good at anything. It's all down to what you take the time to learn. If you're answering riddles every day you'll be better at it than I'll ever be, probably by Christmas, and at sixteen you'll be making paintings move if you like. You don't have to be good at anything right now. You don't even have to know what you want to be good at, yet. I never knew a thing about sailing until I was seventeen, and even after I started I wasn't any good for years and years. You've got time.

love,
Uncle Alfred

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MJ made the most Alfredy of sets and then two years later she made it EVEN BETTER