Dear Hogwarts,
As I leave one stage of my life and enter a new one; I leave with a time of reflection. This year wasn’t an easy one. Not for me, not for my slipper collection, and certainly not for all of you. Thinking about it, life is funny. Sometimes it takes you to face so many things when you are not ready. But because of that, you meet new people. You fight, make mistakes, try to understand, learn, and grow. A group of people have helped me grow the most this year, when I didn’t think I would have the support after Zaira, Rora, and Aleah left last year. It’s them who have made me see that I am capable and worth more. First, Linus Delaney, a Slytherin who has more heart, who loves good fun and puts his friends first and foremost. It’s no surprise behind his good personality, there lies a sensitive side. Alasdair Blackwood, a playboy of noble pureblood, and younger brother to two of the most wonderful friends and twins. The more I get to know him, the more I see the delicate side, the sensitive side. No matter how many people see him on the outside, deep down he’s warmer and more committed than anyone would expect. Brianna Malcolm, a Gryffindor whose pride is brighter than anyone I know. An artist who leaves anyone guessing with what is on her mind. It must be fate that has taken us through so much together, but I know she is someone who will certainly discover a journey ahead that will be beautiful. The last person, Cobie, is the girl who turned my life upside down and inside out. And because of her, I’ve learned that the strongest thing isn’t money or power, it’s heart. After all we’ve been through, good or bad, I am sure… that her heart has won me over completely.
Now, I look to what the future holds. I am leaving Hogwarts for the first time without the ability to come back. It is something I didn’t see coming so soon. We all think we have more time, but when the time gets shorter, it seems to speed up. If I could leave any advice behind, it’s this… Have you ever thought about how ordinary teenage witches and wizards like us can make a difference? I do believe that if you fight with all your heart, if we fight together with all our hearts, miracles will happen. And the miracle can be something valuable, something that makes our heart race the fastest, like nothing ever before. So don’t be afraid to try out new things… Be true to yourself and be responsible. Don’t let others get you down. You all are creative and smart in many different ways, so please promise me that – no matter how cliché this sounds – you will never doubt yourselves. I am counting on seeing you conquer life in your own fantastic way. Good Luck.
Dear Creature Hiding in the Dungeon,
Thank you for not petrifying me this year, I know you had many a victim. It may have been a fun game to be had by you, but with so many issues a Head Student must go through this year; I appreciate the care you had for me, to not petrify me. In all sincerity, I do hope you enjoy a wonderful and safe summer break. That no one catches you or tries to stab you in the eye, like the last one. Enjoy the echo of the halls as your “slyther” your way through. Don’t worry, the one boulder hopefully will be gone by September. I am sure the school wouldn’t want to keep that with the incoming new fresh meat first years.
Much Love,
Skylar Hallow
** As the writer wrote the second letter before news got to her of its capture, Skylar still wishes the Basilisk well in its future… outside of the school walls.
I never thought I would be writing this farewell letter. In fact, I do not think I have even read a previous head student’s farewell letter, so cheers to those who read this one, now I wish I had. Seven years ago if you were to tell me I was going to be head boy, I would have laughed and made some immature remark. Up until my fifth year at Hogwarts, I spent my days belittling and pranking, always causing mischief and always looking for a quick snog. Head boy was never anything I considered, especially seeing how brave or smart or inspiring my head students were. That would never be me. So what changed? All it took was someone who saw potential in me and sparked a fire into my soul which made me want to change, want to grow, and want to prove to everyone that I could be great no matter how lost I was. The people who believed in me are why I am here, writing this today. Let me be the first to say I believe in you, too.
I want to take the time to thank a few of the people who played an important role throughout my journey here at Hogwarts. Bobby Billings, Cypress Chalamet, Linus Delaney and Sam McDowell, the boys. I would truly be lost without you all. Aures Truegarden, Jericho Rothenberg and Lottie Holbrook, my mentees and favorite cubs. You taught me more than I was supposed to teach you. Jamie Koslarevic, thank you for not punching me. Brianna Malcolm, my best mate, my soul companion, my voice of reason and beacon of light, thank you. My sisters, Aurora, Aleah, and Lorelei Blackwood- always on my side even when I was wrong. Thank you for letting me shine. Skylar Hallow, we made it. Last but not least, George Vikander. Even though most people considered you just a grumpy old professor, you were truly like a father to me. Thank you for believing in me, pushing me to be the best I could be, and teaching me how to shave.
I suppose this is where I talk about all the things I have been through, all that I have accomplished, and some cliche words of wisdom one would expect from a head student. Unlike the many head students before me, I am not wise. I have little accomplishments, but the one thing I can speak to is what I have been through during my years at Hogwarts. What we have all been through, together. Like me, a lot of you have experienced the kinds of tragedy that leave an incurable scar. As we have all learned, especially during this difficult year, the hard moments – the times that completely wreck you to your core, those challenges will determine who you are. You are not defined by what you do but by how you survive. We are all survivors.
Everyone keeps asking me what I am going to do after I graduate. That question terrifies me. Outside these school walls, I have always felt lost. Then a very good friend reminded me of all the things I have survived within these walls. From haunted pianos and muffin-hating Trolls to werewolf attacks and a roaming basilisk, we survived. We. Faced. Dragons. If we can do that, what is there left to fear? I do not know what the future holds for me, but whatever happens I know that I will get through it. These last seven years have taught me that I am stronger than I realize, and I believe that is true for each and every one of us. Our motto, “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus.” has always meant a great deal to me. As your head boy, my final words are never tickle a sleeping dragon.. unless you have the courage to face it.
So long and thanks for all the snogs,
Alasdair Edward Blackwood
