[Albus Dumbledore]
Friday, September 5, 1980
Dear Harry,
How are you, my boy? Your parents gave me the honor of writing in your Wizarding Book, and I do hope I will not disappoint. I also look forward to writing more in the future, if fate and your parents permit it. I have been incredibly busy as of late, but I do love to visit Lily and James. I don't know if you still live there, but at the moment the three of you live in a delightful little house in a good neighborhood.
Your parents seem well, if albeit a little tired. But of course that's to be expected, with a newborn. Not that you aren't well behaved, Harry, you certainly are. Or, rather, so you have been today, and so I have been told. I hadn't had much of a chance to see you in the past month, so it was truly a boon to visit today.
You are doing well. I have been informed of all your adventure up to date. James loves to explain all your exploits, and I am a willing audience. Lily as well indulges in gushing about your feats, as any mother would. You parents are exceedingly proud of you, which I approve of whole heartily.
Today, you seemed very active. Oddly enough, you have seemed to have fixated on my nose. I am aware of how it makes itself a target, but I find myself regretting it. But don't worry Harry, I promise not to use stories of your childhood as a source to embarrass you. However, I cannot guaranty the same for anyone else. Sirius, in particular, I would watch out for.
He is also doing well, at least as well as one can be expected to be doing during times like these. He and James, when they are together, retain their child like enthusiasm and mischievousness, and I admit it makes me almost feel as youthful as they.
Unfortunately for poor Remus and Peter, the war seems to hit them harder. But I can't blame anyone for a melancholy outlook. It affects us all in different ways.
On a happier note, the Hogwarts term just started. I love to see the students, who are all excited to learn magic. And the sorting is always interesting to see. I believe of the teachers like to make bets on who will go to which house, though I prefer to keep an open mind to all.
The fist years are the greatest to observe as they enter the Great Hall. It's magnificent to see the wonder in the children's eyes as they gaze upon our old dear school for the first time. I am not ashamed to admit that we pull out all the stops to impress.
I don't yet know what house you will have been sorted into, Harry, so I will try not to make any assumptions. However, if I were to make a hearty guess, and my guesses are usually pretty good, I might think Gryffindor, if only for the fact that it seems to run in families.
However, it wouldn't be too far of a stretch to say Ravenclaw either, for your mother almost ended up there. But it doesn't matter what house you are in, Harry, no matter what you are told. All four are taught the same, and it is your own choices that make you who you are.
And of course, though I highly recommend Hogwarts, there is always a small possibility you may go to another school. They are wonderful, though I admit I am personally biased towards Hogwarts. I am afraid that I am quite partial to it.
I may need to hire some new teachers next year, a few of the current ones are about ready to retire. I will not say any more on the subject, but I do believe I have someone in mind for at least one of the positions. Teaching is so vital Harry, and I feel like I need to impress upon you the importance of teachers. I do hope that you have considered it as a possible career path. Your mother did, and although it is currently almost impossible for her to do so, I hope that she has impressed upon you the same enthusiasm.
But I am getting ahead of myself! As for you at the moment, your eyes have settled a bit, and I think it is clear now that you have your mother's eyes. It wasn't so obvious the last time I visited you, you see, Harry. I believe they will be the same magnificent green as Lily's. You should be proud, Harry, for they are a truly wonderful shade of green.
And of course you'll have your father's hair- yours is already starting to look rather unruly. But I am sure you already hear quite a bit of that, so I shall not linger upon it.
You are in good health, Harry, and, at the risk of sounding biased, I do say that you're rather intelligent for your age. I am sure you will continue to excel so admirably.
I must end it here, but truly, it has been an honor.
Sincerely, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Author's Note: I'd just like to apologize if I use any language that is either time or setting inappropriate. I am not sure that I have, but if I did or do so in the future, please tell me so.