Defense Against the Dark Arts is unfortunately terrible. Professor Quirrell has a bad stutter and reads directly from the textbook without adding any practical demonstrations or useful information. The classes are excruciatingly boring. I've been reading ahead in the textbook on my own, and I don't believe Professor Quirrell will be of any help this year. It will be entirely self-study.
History of Magic is even worse. Professor Binns is a ghost who literally died while teaching and apparently didn't notice. He drones on in the most monotonous voice imaginable, reading directly from the textbook without any engagement or enthusiasm. Half the class falls asleep within the first ten minutes. I've taken to reading other books during his lessons because paying attention is actually painful. Yes, really. I actually had to get a headache potion from the Hogwarts healer.
It was a potion and I am taking it according to the dose Madame Pomfrey has prescribed, she's the school nurse. So far I've only needed it after taking DADA classes.
Those two subjects will definitely be self-study. The other professors seem to be masters of their craft and can help me advance if I prove myself responsible and capable enough. But Quirrell and Binns are completely useless.
Potions is... complicated. Professor Snape has a horrible reputation throughout Hogwarts. He's absolutely vicious to Gryffindors, taking points for the smallest infractions and insulting them constantly. He's tolerable toward Ravenclaws, he doesn't actively target us, but he doesn't offer much help either. He's extremely favorable to Slytherins, praising even mediocre work if it comes from his own house.
Despite his terrible personality, he is genuinely skilled at Potions. I've been doing well in his class because I prepare carefully and follow instructions precisely. He hasn't praised me, but he hasn't criticized me either, which counts as approval from him.
I should mention something about the wizarding world that's becoming increasingly apparent: there's significant prejudice against Muggleborns like me. Some pure-blood families consider anyone without magical ancestry to be inferior. It's not overt in most cases, more like subtle condescension or exclusion. But it's definitely present, especially among the Slytherins.
Don't worry, I'm handling it fine, I've yet to have any interaction with the local bigots, you know I like to keep to myself. All of my Ravenclaw housemates are friendly and accepting and so are the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Actually, the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors are even more supportive and accepting of muggleborn than Revenclaw.
Most Ravenclaws like to mind their own business but on the other hand Hufflepuffs will defend anyone if they saw them being bullied, especially a first year by older kids and Gryffindors will pretty much attack anyone making blood prejudiced remarks (although I am sure their eternal rivalry with Slytherin also plays a part). It's really only certain Slytherins who have a problem, and I don't interact with them much anyway.
I've developed a casual friendship with a boy named Terry Boot. We sit together in Potions and often share meals. He's kind and intelligent, though not as academically driven as I am. We're friendly acquaintances rather than close friends, which suits me fine. I can't really connect with eleven-year-olds on a deeper level given my circumstances, but Terry is pleasant company.
Professor McGonagall showed us her Animagus form in our most recent class! She transformed into a tabby cat right in front of us. It was incredible to watch. She explained that becoming an Animagus requires years of study and practice, plus Ministry registration. The animal form reflects something essential about the wizard's personality. I find the whole concept fascinating and would love to pursue it eventually, though not for several years.
Flying class was this week with the Hufflepuffs. Madam Hooch is strict but fair. She taught us the basics of broomstick control and had us practice hovering and simple maneuvers. I enjoyed it more than I expected. Flying feels instinctive once you get past the initial fear of heights. Madam Hooch said I was capable enough, which I think is her version of praise.
One of the first-year Gryffindors, Harry Potter (yes, the dark wizard vanisher from the modern history book), turned out to be naturally brilliant at flying. He's been recruited as Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, which is apparently unprecedented for a first-year. The other students are amazed. I'm just glad to stay out of the spotlight.
There's so much more I could tell you. About the moving staircases and talking portraits. About the ghosts that drift through walls and the suits of armor that sometimes move on their own. About the Great Hall's enchanted ceiling and how the food just appears on golden plates.
But this letter is already quite long, and more importantly I want to tell you something else.
Tonight, I'm planning to sneak out after curfew to explore the castle. I know that probably worries you, but I want you to understand why I'm doing it. I am very curious. The castle is enormous and full of secrets. There are restricted areas, hidden passages, mysterious rooms that most students never discover. I want to understand this place thoroughly, to know its layout and its secrets. Imagine a thousand years of magical history is hidden within these walls.
I'll be completely safe. I've learned some very advanced concealment spells from the foreign language sections of the library, spells well above seventh-year level that make me essentially undetectable. I've been practicing them extensively and I'm confident in my ability to avoid being caught.
I know you're probably torn between being worried and being happy that I'm finally acting my apparent age by breaking some rules. Don't worry too much. I'm being careful and smart about it. I won't take unnecessary risks. I'll share if I find anything interesting.
I love you both so much. Thank you for your support, for believing in me, for accepting this strange magical world I'm now part of. I miss Mum's cooking desperately, the school food really is quite bland. I'd love if you could send some proper spicy food and those chocolate biscuits you make, mum. I'll have to figuire something out so I can send and receive larger and heavier parcels, I've seen other students receiving shrunk down packages and treats.
I'll write again next week.
Love,
James
He read through the letter carefully, making sure he hadn't revealed too much or worried them unnecessarily. Satisfied, he folded it, sealed it with wax, and addressed it clearly. He'd give it to one of the school owls tomorrow morning.
James checked his watch. Nearly eleven-thirty. Time to prepare.