Margaret Groust
London

Dexter Pratt
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Staff Table

September 15


Dear Mr. Pratt,

Since I hear you’re Head of Gryffindor, I’m writing to you about one of the students under your care: Mairead ó Fearghail. Don’t worry. I’m not one of those overbearing mother types (think of me more like an overbearing big sister type). I met Mairead over the summer and helped tutor her in reading and writing. Of course, this means I’ve grown attached to the little scamp. So, when Maisie wrote to me and said she was having a hard time adjusting, I thought I’d get the full story from you, because honestly, her letters are still a bit hard to understand.

Could you give me a clearer picture of what’s going on? She told me about pushing some girl in the lake, setting the greenhouse on fire, and skipping out on her Defense class. I’m sure this doesn’t give you the best first impression of her, but she’s not a bad kid. I think she’s acting out because she feels overwhelmed. It could also be that she needs someone to explain why some rules are in place, not just that she has to follow them.

Onto bombarding you with questions- is Ophelia Grimlish (Mairead’s mentor from the summer), or another professor helping her with her assignments outside of class? As excellent as my tutoring skills are (ha!), one summer won’t cut it. She needs a lot of extra attention. I just want to make sure she’s getting it.

One last thing! Mairead asked if she could see me sometime soon. I’m not family or anything so I wasn’t sure what to tell her. There is a Hogsmeade weekend coming up in October, but that seems like a long time to wait. Is there a way I could meet with her earlier?

Thanks for reading and I hope to hear back soon.

-Margaret Groust

Professor Pratt
Care of Magical Creatures Professor Study
Hogwarts

Margaret Groust
London

September 17th

Dear Ms. Groust,

I am writing you to inform that I did get your letter and to rest assured she is in good hands. Miss Fearghail has already made her presence more than known in the house, so in the interest in assisting her with the transition form Muggleborn to the Wizarding world, I have offered her my assistance as mentor. She is a spirited little first year, the dog she brought however was a nice touch, I have to say that is a new one.

As for how others are interacting with her I cannot be certain, I only know what she has informed me. I am keeping my eyes peeled for her progress, and hoping to foster a desire to learn and enjoy her new environment though she is rather skilled in her fight or flight exercises.

Unfortunately the rule stands that students of a certain age are not allowed to enter Hogsmeade until they grow a bit more. Given her youth, I sincerely doubt the Headmistress would think it prudent to allow a First Year into Hogsmeade unattended or giving her an exception others are not entitled to. You are welcome to write her, and I am keeping my eye on her, but as for allowing you to see her on a Hogsmeade weekend my hands are tied. Though I am truly sorry to inform you as such, I am just one man.

-Professor Dexter Pratt