Dear Mum & Dad—

I was sorted into Gryffindor, so I know you can both be proud of me. James was really happy, too—he didn't even hit me. The castle is tremendous! You told us how wonderful it was, but it's even better really being here.

I have a lot of classes. Thanks for taking me to Diagon Alley to find all my books. I'm really glad I was able to read some in most of them before coming to Hogwarts. All of our teachers asked lots of questions and I earned five points for Gryffindor already. Cousin Rose went to Ravenclaw, and says she'll beat my grades, but I'm going to try to do better than her.

I'm in a room with a couple of the Weasley boys, Terry Longbottom, and Scapegrace Wood. I know you don't recognize the last two names, but there's a good reason for that.

See, Professor Scrimgeour told us right after we'd been Sorted, that there were fifteen boys here with the first name of Albus, and half of those were in Gryffindor alone. And with so many Weasleys and two Potters so far, there's a bit of a problem.

So, anyway, we're all going by our middle names now, at least all the Albuses are. Dad, you said I was named for the bravest man you ever knew, so I hope you don't mind. I'll go back to my real name at home, of course. James was upset and called me a Snake, but our House Head told him to lay off. I've had some funny looks from the Slytherins when they hear me being called that, but not mean ones. Score says his dad talks about the old Headmaster all the time at home, and that I should feel honored. He's not a bad sort, and doesn't know any Dark magic. He says his sister will be coming to school next year—maybe she can be friends with Lily.

I promise to work hard and to stay out of trouble.

Your loving son,

Severus