Sulw
Slytherin House
Hogwarts School
Scotland

Raine Almasy
Flat 5E Hiraeth Gardens
London

To: Ms. Raine Almasy.

Hello. This is Sulwen, Abby's niece. I'm in my first year at Hogwarts. I hear that you are Abby's flatmate and closest friend. It's nice to m- write to you.

You may know that Abby's birthday is coming up on October 15th. I missed it last year because of-...

Abby asked me for doodles and a card specifically, but my drawing skills are unexceptional. I decided to order her one of those animated coloring books from a catalog[1]. It's meant for adults and/or 'children at heart'. It even has space for Abby to add her own doodles. It has unicorns. I ordered a set of glitter quills as well.

The unfortunate issue is, the store won't gift wrap. They have no gift wrap. So I have an idea. I apologize in advance if it's presumptuous.

My idea: If I send you Abby's gift, would you mind putting a bow on it or something that sparkles, and giving it to her for me? Or, perhaps you could hide it in her desk at work?

Thank you,
Sulwen Reid

1.	Looks similar to this

Miss Raine Almasy,

Thank you for your help. I like your idea for the surprise. I know she likes pink, but perhaps green/silver gift wrap, if you see it. I will make the attempt at a doodle on a card. Then Abby can play the game of 'what is that doodle' (joke).

We do cause Professor Storm trouble, how did you guess? A few of my peers in class ask him an inordinate number of questions and act silly. He doesn't like it when students ignore his instructions or cry. I've not cried. Yet.

I made the mistake of announcing to my friend that I was writing to you, and one of the boys overheard[1], and he's now asking an inordinate number of questions. I'm only including them because he won't go away, otherwise:

Are you wearing a badge yet?
Do you get a red cloak yet?
Is your hair really really red?
What's your favorite hex?
Do you know why the forest is so forbidden and have you ever been in it I bet you have.

Apologies,
Sulwen Reid

1.	Likley Wesley, but can be anyone!

Dear Sulwen,

I was able to find some very nice green and silver paper, it is just the thing. I'm sure Abby will know at first sight that it is Slytherin in nature.

There is always trouble in Storm's lessons. I think he brings it out in us, but of course some pupils (especially boys) are naturally sillier than others. Has he started hanging people off the beams, as punishment? If you ever get into detention with him, you must tell me all about it so that I can entertain the other aurors-in-training.

To answer your friend's questions:

1. I wear a trainee badge.
2. No, we wear black trainee uniforms.
3. It is very very red.
4. My favourite hex is unsafe, ask again in five years time please.
5. It's forbidden because it's dangerous. If you're going to go, never go alone.

If you see anyone trying to venture into the forest by themselves, Sulwen, do stop them. It really isn't a good place for harmless romps and adventures. Also, please, you can call me Raine.


Sincerely,

Raine Almasy

Dear Raine,

Thank you for finding the perfect gift wrap and for answering so many questions.

Slytherins are only good Slytherins if they avoid detention and put others in it. However, the chances of me avoiding it for seven years are low. I wonder if I will hear about your hex first, or if you'll hear about my detention. Must you tell the trainees, when the time comes? They'll laugh at me. Only you and Abby can laugh (half-joke).

In class, I did notice a tie hanging from the rafters the other day. I thought it might be Professor Storm's way of decorating for Halloween, like a red striped bat glaring down at all of us, and then I realized it was a tie.

I understand about the forest. I will stop them. I've gotten quite good at I'm learning Petrificus Totalus. The boys don't like it.

Sincerely,
Sulwen Reid

P.S. My friend, Feliks, says hello.
P.P.S. We were wondering, if I may impose - does Professor Storm ever have favorite students, and how do you tell?

Dear Sulwen,

I promise nobody will laugh at any stories you have to tell. Detentions with Storm are a mark of courage, not foolishness! At least that is what we tell ourselves, those of us who have gone down that road. If you're as good as petrifying people as you sound I am sure you'll survive it all.

Say hello to Feliks for me as well. Let him know I look forward to meeting him over Christmas break.

Now, as for Professor Storm playing favourites... don't think too much about it. I could never tell. Just remember that if he is giving you a hard time, it's because he expects more out of some students and that can be a good thing. I will warn you that his 'look of disappointment' is most deadly indeed.


Yours,

Raine Almasy

Dear Raine,

Thank you, that's exactly what I thought - it's impossible to tell if Professor Storm likes you, but it's quite possible to tell when he's vexed, judging by his Medusa glare. I let Feliks know, and also said hello for you. He seems excited about break. He talks a lot about his fathers and the huskies at home.

I'm glad you're Abby's friend and flatmate. Thanks again for all of your assistance.

Sincerely,
Sulwen Reid