Frank Sellaphix Hogwarts School of Witchraft & Wizardry Scotland
	Mr and Mrs Sellaphix Department of Magical Law Enforcement 34 Upper Montague Street Marylebone London

Dear mum and dad,

So guess what? I officially have Praecantatio Deliquus aka Magical Measles. We didn't catch it earlier because I wasn't allowed to use my wand at home, so just keep that in mind in future. You probably read in the Daily Prophet that there's no cure yet, but that people are eventually recovering. I just hope I don't fall too behind in classes. Actually, because I'm third year, I have more classes than last year.

Also, Mrs. Early may owl you. You may already be wondering how I got to Hogwarts in the first place, actually, because how could I have gotten through the barrier? It's a long story and before I tell it to you, prepare yourself. The thing to remember is I survived. If we could have contacted you, we would have.

So here it goes.

When I tried to get through the barrier to the platform, it didn't give way and I ran straight into it face-first. All these well-meaning muggles swarmed me, but luckily Eirene Antonopoulos was there and we both escaped to the ladies' bathroom. I had a bloody nose, but Healer Mordent says its not broken. We found out in the bathroom that neither of us could do magic.

Since we weren't sure we could walk to Diagon or even get in, and we didn't have any muggle money to telephone anyone, we decided to walk to a floo that Eirene knew. I would say the Floo technically worked but it spat us out halfway between London in Scotland in a town we eventually found out was Slandermouth, if you've ever heard of it.

Many of our belongings were destroyed in the sea. Eirene's cat was okay. We found a tea shop and sat down to rest where Cosima Early's mom found us. She insisted we wash up and eat a proper meal before she Apparated us up to Hogwarts.

See? Safe and sound. No need to worry or punish me.

If you want to send me a care package we're all isolated in the Hospital wing. (I didn't say quarantine because, actually, a quarantine is different from isolation. Isolation separates ill people from healthy people whereas quarantine can include well people who might have the illness.)

Sincerely,
Frank

A small parcel arrives the next day. Inside are a few bits and bobs, including a few pairs of fluffy socks of various colours and a couple of vials of gloopy potion.

Mr and Mrs Sellaphix
Department of Magical Law Enforcement
34 Upper Montague Street
Marylebone
London                                   

Frank Sellaphix
Hogwarts School of Witchraft & Wizardry
Scotland

Francis,

Your mother and I are pleased to hear that you finally arrived at Hogwarts.
We are displeased to hear that you didn’t contact us before.
We are pleased to hear that you have a decent initiative and a brain in your noggin.
We are displeased to hear that you are still unwell.

Please find attached some woolly socks. Cosy feet means a quicker recovery. Trust me, I’m an apothecary. Not to mention, fluffy socks helped me through my time in Azkaban.

Just remember: Toasty toes, no more runny nose.

Repeat it, get it in your head. Toasty toes, no more runny nose.

Don’t just bin the potion. Drink it. You won’t like the taste. That means it’s good for you.

Mum says your lack of magic is punishment enough. You will be pleased to know that I have stopped her from owling your headmaster in anger at not having noticed your missing. I am not inclined to irk Mr Greyfriar as I hear he is a rather splendid fellow.

Take care, son.

Dad

P.S. Mum says you can still do your homework without a wand. No excuses.