1 May

Mum,

You won't believe what happened in transfig yesterday. Keep in mind that McGonagall is really straight laced, really old, and really serious.

We were trying to turn paper clips into paperweights. (It's harder than you might think. We have to change both shape and mass, if not material. We also get points for how attractive she thinks it is.)

Eddy (Edward Newkirk), he's another muggle born, got really frustrated because he'd just end up with a twisted paperclip. His magic sorta erupted. He managed to increase the mass, but he also increased the temperature, and it kinda exploded. Molten metal went flying through the classroom. Six people, including Orla, got sent to the hospital wing with burns. Dee and I managed to duck under the table in time. (I stand corrected. Lin is good for something. I have lots of practice ducking.)

Now the whole classroom is pocked with little craters from the molten metal. Once McGonagall got the injured students out, she realized one lump went right through her hat. There was a Euro sized hole right through it.

She was not happy.

I think I understand why there are limits on underage magic.

I'm glad Dad enjoyed his trip to the states. I told Orla about it, and she couldn't understand how he could be there and back in a week. After all, muggles can't portkey (It's a type of instantaneous magical transportation; I'm fuzzy kind of on the details, as Orla's description didn't make much sense.) across the ocean, so he would have had to take a boat.

You should have seen her face when Dee and I explained airplanes to her. She is certain there must be a magical component. Could you send me that book Lin has about how airplanes can fly?

I've noticed that a lot of wizards and magic users devalue muggle science. There isn't a standard magical primary education; most—like Orla—wizard kids are home schooled. A few go to muggle primary schools, but usually only muggle borns or half-muggle half-magic students like me and Dee. As a result, people's knowledge tends to be rather erratic. Orla didn't even know about cells or how rainbows are made.

There is a class here—muggle studies—that helps explain various muggle technologies, but it's considered a soft option. Finegas Hamaval (Ravenclaw sixth year) is taking it to boost his average, and he has essays like "Explain electricity and how it's used."

I find it very amusing that wizards can do virtually anything with the wave of a wand, but they are completely flummoxed by muggle technology.

I guess C. Arthur Clarke was right: sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

-Liss


Lin-

I know you read my letter to Mum. Do not try to reproduce the effects of Eddy's accident. It was an accident, not a practical joke. If you want joke ideas, I might be bribed to tell you about the Weasley twins.

Yes, I asked Mum to send me something of yours. This does not mean that I owe you my lifesavings, my soul and/or my firstborn child.

It just means that I will not throttle you when I get home and find half of my possessions in your room.

-Liss