When your child doesn't get their first choice of secondary school

Our Harry Potter adoring son decided he wanted to go to Hogwarts for secondary school. So we dutifully sent off the application forms and waited. Today the secondary school places have been announced...
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Delivered by owl post

Dear Daniel,

Thank you for your most interesting application to join us at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We have reviewed your application and firmly believe that you would indeed make a most excellent wizard. You clearly already have the skills and the maturity to succeed greatly at this establishment.

However, things over recent years have changed considerably. The world is facing challenges and threats that it has never seen before. The battle between darkness and light is keener and more difficult than ever. In the past, this battle has raged mainly in the wizarding world, and the muggles knew little of the fight. Sadly that has changed. The muggle world is now under threat as the forces of darkness attempt to bring division and hatred between people. The worlds resources are running out, happiness and joy are seeping from the earth as though dementors stalked the planet, and people are beginning to become scared of the future. What the world needs now, more than ever before, are good men and women. Strong leaders. People who can and will make a positive difference. 

The world needs great artists, musicians and writers – people who can create joy and happiness in the darkest moments and enable others to see and hear and read of places where the light still shines, to bring them hope in troubled times.

The world needs engineers, mathematicians and scientists – to find ways to power and fuel the needs of the people without running out the resources of the earth.

The world needs leaders, politicians and powerful people – to show that hope is the only way, and to enable people to live alongside one another without hatred and fear.

The world needs chefs, cooks and bakers – to provide new cooking skills to inspire people, bring them joy and lift their souls.

The world needs many people to work together to make the planet a better place.

You, Daniel, would certainly make a most excellent wizard. However, we believe that you are too valuable to be constrained to the wizarding world. We believe that you can be one of those most important people who can bring light into the darkness. You do not need to attend this most ancient of institutions – Hogwarts – to become the man you are destined to be. You merely need to look inside of yourself, to always choose life and hope and joy, and to do all you can to be the person you were created to become. There is nothing that we can teach you that you do not already know about the wizarding world, and so we have arranged that you attend a school local to you. You will be near to your friends and continue to live with your family. There you can continue to be a person of peace and give life to the people around you.

Never forget, Daniel, that you are destined for great things. Men and women have gone before you, preparing the way ahead of you. So you can be great. You will be known for your courage, your joy, your hope. For you are a bringer of hope. You are a true friend. A loyal companion. Someone others turn to when they need help.

Always look to the light, Daniel, and never stray from the path set before you. I cannot promise that there will not be battles – but I can be sure that you will overcome them. As Professor Dumbledore once said, 

        Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, 

        if one only remembers to turn on the light. 

With very best wishes for your outstanding future.

M McGonagall

Professor Minerva McGonagall