A/N: I read a book once that was written entirely in letters, emails, texts etc. and thought it was really clever so I thought I might give it a go. Originally this was typed with a different font for each person's handwriting but that doesn't work on this website unfortunately. Let me know if you think it is effective cos if not I might go back to just writing the normal way.
Disclaimer: I don't own characters, places etc.
Writing Home
Dear Mum and Dad,
Hogwarts is great. I know you've already told me loads about it, but it's completely different to actually see it for real. It's even more amazing than you've always made it sound. I sat next to Albus Potter on the train, and he was really nice to me. His brother, James, got a bit annoyed when he saw us and said something about Uncle Ron not being happy. Albus just told him to shove off, though. I think they argue quite a lot. Then he started winding Albus up about how he might be in Slytherin, but he got bored when Albus didn't seem worried. Albus had this little smile, like he knew something James didn't. He went into Gryffindor in the end. The Sorting Hat seemed to think about for quite a long time, but not as long as it thought about me. Eventually it put me in Hufflepuff. I'm glad I talked to you about that, Dad, because I didn't really want to be in Slytherin. I know it was your house, and I'm sure lots of Slytherins are really nice, but they scare me a bit. Anyway, I'm glad I'm in Hufflepuff. It's a great house, even if most people don't seem to think so. Please write back soon.
Lots of love,
Scorpius
Dear Mum and Dad,
I'm in Gryffindor. The hat wasn't completely sure, but you were right about it giving me a choice, Dad. Anyway, was Uncle Ron serious about not being friends with Scorpius? I need to know, because I was talking to him on the train, and he seemed really nice. He's in Hufflepuff, though, which is a shame. I wish he was in Gryffindor. Let me know about Uncle Ron. I know he makes jokes a lot, but he did seem quite serious about that. Was Scorpius' dad really that bad?
Love,
Albus
P.S. James says he can't write himself, but to tell you it wasn't his fault. I think you will find out what he means quite soon.
Mr and Mrs Potter,
It is my unpleasant duty to inform you that your son, James Potter, has succeeded in earning himself detention every night for the next month, and I fully intend to ban him from playing Quidditch if he fails to conduct himself flawlessly for the next term at the very least. It appears that James, with the help of his friend, Cameron Jordan, and using a spell apparently taught to him by his uncle, George Weasley, enchanted the Hogwarts Express so that it sprouted wings and completed the rest of the journey to Hogwarts by air, before crashing rather spectacularly into the Whomping Willow. While I admit to being impressed by such an impressive display of magic from a second year, it was a foolish, irresponsible prank, which resulted in the injury of several students. I have been informed that this is not, as I formerly believed, a new record for the earliest in the term a student has earned themselves detention – that title, Professor Dumbledore's portrait tells me, still being held my yourself, Mr Potter – but I believe this far outdoes any previous misdemeanour of yourself and Mr Weasley in regards to recklessness and total disregard for the safety of others. James assures me he is very sorry, though his willing acceptance of, and even delight in, the admiration of his classmates speaks otherwise, I am afraid.
I hope you are both well.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Serena Dabinett
Headmistress
Dear Mum and Dad,
It's wonderful to finally be here at Hogwarts. My first sight of it was incredible, if a little different from the usual view by boat. The clouds parting, the towers rising up through them, the moonlight glancing off the windows . . . and then we crashed. I suppose you've probably heard about that already. James is such an idiot sometimes. And I feel so sorry for Albus. He's only just started, and he's spent the last week referred to as "Brother of James Potter, that legend who flew the train into the Whomping Willow".
Anyway, you'll be glad to know you won't have to disinherit me as I'm in Gryffindor. I've also beaten Scorpius in the one test we've had so far – in Potions – but he's not so bad, really. At least, Albus says he's not. I haven't spoken to him much, but he seems very quiet and polite and well mannered, unlike all your descriptions of his father. And besides, he's in Hufflepuff, so he can't be anything like his father.
I'm very busy with schoolwork, of course, but I'll write again as soon as I have time.
All my love,
Rosie
James,
Your mother and I are very disappointed. I will admit I broke my fair share of rules while I was at Hogwarts, but I never deliberately did anything that would put others in danger. It was very thoughtless of you, and I hope you realise how lucky you are no one was killed. The Whomping Willow is a very dangerous tree, and I would know. I don't, however, blame you for crashing into it. That part was purely bad luck, or perhaps the tree is just a magnet for flying vehicles.
Anyway, now I've got the disapproving parent bit out the way, you certainly gave mum and I a laugh. Flying the Hogwarts Express to Hogwarts! What could possibly have prompted you to do something like that? I suppose it's the sort of thing Grandpa James would have done. I'm sure he'd be very proud of you.
Speaking of Grandpa James, you haven't seen my Marauders Map, have you? I'm sure I left it in my drawer, but it's not there any more.
Love, Dad
Albus,
Congratulations on being sorted into Gryffindor. Dad and I are very proud. I hope you're making lots of friends and enjoying your classes. Don't listen to Uncle Ron. We didn't get on very well with Draco Malfoy in school, as you know, but we shouldn't judge Scorpius by how his father behaved. He could be completely different, for all we know.
Dad sends his love.
Love,
Mum
Scorpius,
I'm glad you're enjoying Hogwarts. How are your lessons going? And what do you think of your teachers? I hope you're making an effort to do well, but remember to have fun at the same time.
It's great that you've made a friend, but it's a shame he's in a different house. That can be hard when it comes to the House Cup and Quidditch matches and so on, so perhaps you should try and make some friends in Huffle your own house too.
Lots of love,
Dad
P.S. Your mum will be in France on a business trip for a month or so, so you will have to write to us separately.
