I have had a very varied education. Like many magical families I was “home-schooled” by my uncle. Much of what I learnt came from unexpected places, such as trips to Paris or collecting plants on the common by our house. I do not have any siblings and very few friends, but I would like to think that the ones I do have are strong friendships. When I was 9, I was living close to a Forest and met a much older boy. He was interested in dragons and different sorts of creatures. We shared our very different knowledge and he wasn’t scared that I could speak to snakes or transfigure. He said it was “cool”. He and his professor introduced me to his friend. She was in the same class and could transfigure too. I didn’t know why my uncle hadn’t told me about her before. I thought that maybe I was strange. I knew most people can’t speak to snakes so I thought maybe this was the same. I was unsure about what she would be like but my friend said she was really nice. I met her and she was nice and really funny which I found a little strange to start with but quickly wanted to know more.
Even before I started school, I tried to spend lots of time with her, maybe she thought I was annoying but she did show me how to calm down my emotions. Plus, I saw that transfiguring could be creative. Nobody had shown me that before. I don’t even think she realised it. I think we see the world in the same way. That is, that we see it differently to other people. Until I met her, I had only had my uncle in my life as a role model and maybe you can count our house-elf.
Last year, when I started, I was lucky that she was still at school. I found it hard to fit in anywhere. I wanted to do well but I didn’t understand the theory to transfiguration. I felt at home but lonely. She showed me how to express feelings. A skill at which I confess I am not very good at. It is not something we talk about. My grandfather says feelings are for the weak so I have always kept them locked away so nobody can see them. She saw the life I had at home like her mother’s life and she didn’t like the idea.
Over the summer I drew, sang, and did anything I could to be creative. This year has been hard because she was not around and I miss her. I send her messages but I don’t want to annoy her. She is amazing and everyone should have a big sister like her. Every time I see her, she reminds me that I can do something great. I can’t wait to see her again. I have so much to tell her and I hope she will be proud.