Dear Neville,

Hello, it's me! Well, actually it's you. I am you, 26 years from now. I'm sending this letter back in time for you. I'm… well, actually you, alright, we're 36 years old right now. Before you think that this letter is a prank or filled with dark magic and toss it into the fire, let me prove that this really is from you.

You are about to leave for Hogwarts for your very first year. Two days ago your grandmother took out a long black box and handed it to you. When you opened it up, it contained a wand.

"This was your father's wand," she said in that sharp voice of hers. "It is yours now. Take good care of it. My son was a great wizard and I expect you to live up to his reputation, talent and make us proud of you." Trembling, you took the wand, terrified that you would let your grandmother down.

I know right now that you are petrified to go to Hogwarts. I remember the days leading up to September the first like it was yesterday. You are afraid that the other kids will think that you're stupid, that you won't be able to do the spells. You're afraid that you will disappoint your grandmother and your parents.

Right now, all I can tell you is that there is more to you than anyone –even yourself- realizes. Our parents were a great witch and wizard. You can be proud to be their son, but that doesn't mean that you have to be them. Don't ever be afraid to be yourself.

There will be good times at school and hard times, trials and new discoveries. You will meet great friends. But, there will still be times when you want to forget it all, quit, and leave because you feel that you aren't good enough. When those times comes, stand strong, all of this will make you into the man that I… that we are now.

You'll survive your first year at Hogwarts, and when it feels like you won't, just remember that in 36 years you'll still be around to write this letter to you.

Hang on tight to Trevor on the train. Best of luck!

NEVILLE