Ned,

To say that I am proud of you is something of an understatement. Have faith in the fact that you would not have been selected if the powers at Hogwarts did not see in you what I have long known to be true: you are a fine young man, and if your peers make it only half way to living up to your example, they shall do very well indeed.

Please never fret that your academic pursuits are a burden to our family. The scholarships you have earned along the way have been welcome, but first and foremost because they are a reward for your hard work. This is no different than those that have come before.

I look forward to seeing you once more before you depart for Hogwarts.

With affection,