Dear Dad,

I can't believe I've at Hogwarts for two months already! It's been AMAZING!! I've already got a reputation as a trouble maker. Isn't that great?! In fact yesterday Professor Flitwick said Fred and I could be even worse than The Marauders! When he said that some old bat in oversized specs (I think her names Professor Trelawney) looked like she was going to cry. Tears of joy I expect. Oh, before I forget, Professor McGonagall told me to tell you that I had another detention last night. Apparently colouring the rim of people's telescopes so they get a big black circle round one eye is now an offence. How Professor Sinestra knew it was me and Fred is a mystery. Uncle George is proud though. Twelve detentions and we've only been at Hogwarts two months. I bet Mum and Aunt Angelina aren't though. Also, why didn't you tell me how amazing the Gryffindor Common Room is? My dorms right at the top of the tower so the view is fantastic. I share with Fred, Ben, Louie Finnegan (he was depressed on the first night because his twin Sam was in Slytherin but we soon cheered him up) and Jake MacMillan. I spend most of my time with Fred, Ben, Mol and Nina Wood. There's also a very pretty Hufflepuff girl called Zoe Leon who I like. Apparently she likes me too. Which is very good for me.

The lessons are Ok. Herbology's boring but I like Uncle Neville so I sort of try. Uncle Neville reckons I'll never have a strong Herbology talent though which is fine by me. Transfiguration, Charms and Potions are good and apparently I'm 'a natural' at them. Defence against the Dark Arts is really fun and I think I'm good at it. It's the only lesson I'm sure I'll get an A in. Well if you don't count flying. But I know I'll get an A in that. Coz guess what Dad? I'm on the team! Ricky Mason who's the team captain saw me in the lesson and told me to come with him. I didn't know what was happening but he took me to Uncle Neville and said "With your permission sir, I'd like to make James my new seeker. He's definitely got potential." I have to say I must agree. This was quite a while ago and I've got a game coming up soon. I'm the only first year on the team so all the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs said they will be cheering for me. Ben, Fred, Mol and Nina have made a HUGE banner but won't tell me what it says on it and Zoe Leon and her friends are going to dye their hair scarlet like a lion. Evan Acombie and the rest of the Ravenclaw first and second years are each going to wear a top with a different word on. Then they're going to stand in a special order and you should be able to read "Snakes do not have hands and therefore cannot catch the snitch. Lions have paws and obviously can! GO JAMES!" which is very, very nice of them all. Too bad it makes me feel even more nervous.

I'll tell you how the match goes and here's hoping we win! Oh and to make Mum feel better I'll try and not get another detention (pffft). Fred says hi too. And Ben and Mol and Nina. Say hi to Lily for me. And Al to I suppose. I expect the house is quiet with me gone. Al and Lily never make that much noise. How boring it must be for you. I expect your counting down the day until I come back for Christmas (19th December just to let you know in case you want to mark it down on the calendar). Oh and please will you send me my broom? I'm going to need it very soon and the school brooms are rubbish. I told Ricky I had a Firebolt Extreme and he nearly fainted. Oh and please don't let Al on it anymore. I heard he crashed into a bush last time. How the second son of two Quidditch Superstars and the younger brother of me can't fly I have no idea.

Anyways, bye for now!

Love James

PS. Please send my broom and reply with Sephy. Errol 2 accidently knocked Louie out last time by dropping the Birthday parcel you sent me on his head. And O.J likes Sephy more. I had to explain to Nina that O.J stood for Owl James and she thought it was hilarious. I honestly don't know why everybody thinks I look like O.J. I mean he's an owl for Merlin's sake.

P.P.S. Sorry for cursing just then Mum. How are the other pets by the way? Sephy and Errol 2 killed Al's owl yet? What's her name again? Elspeth or something right. And Lily's cats Adam and Eve. How are they? I still can't believe she called them that.

P.P.P.S. Thanks for my Birthday present by the way. The Broom Kit was amazing. Lily's painting was good too and Grandma's jumper and fudge. The binding of Al's book broke. But it's the thought that counts.

Dear James,

I'm glad to hear your having a good and we've got the 19th December marked down on the calendar. Your right the house is very quiet without you. Mum's happy but it feels like something's missing. Lily and Al say hi back and Hugo wants to know why you didn't mention him in your letter. The pets are fine and yes I'm sending the reply and your broom with Sephy. Congratulations on making the team! We are all really proud of you and hope your game goes well. If Ben is anything like his Dad the banner will say 'Potter for President' with the picture of a lion. That's what Dean drew for me anyway. Don't worry I haven't let Al on your broom since the incident. We have all admitted that he can't fly. Uncle Percy says Happy Birthday even though I told him it was on the 12th September and this is November. But better late than never. We are all fine and missing you loads. Hogwarts has its work cut out for it then if Flitwick says you and your friends could be the New Marauders. Oh and the bat with big specs is Professor Trelawney. She teaches Divination. Don't take Divination when you get your options. It's a waste of time. Al says I hope things work out for you and Zoe. Now he's sniggering into a sofa cushion. Lily wants you home and only half heartedly came trick or treating with Al and I round Godrics Hollow. Please write more as well as we love getting your letters.

Lots of Love

Dad

PS. We think you look like O.J because you both have messy black hair, brown eyes and are very scruffy but full of character. The only difference is O.J's an owl and your not.