Exchanges

    "While she was visiting Hogwarts this year for the Triwizard Tournament this year, Madame Maxime overhead me say that I would be overjoyed to have an exchange program for the upcoming year. While she had several reservations, she too was rather thrilled with the idea, and mentioned it to several other Heads of Schools with whom she had correspondence. While we were all rather dismayed at the unfortunate ending to that tournament, we agreed that it would be lovely to keep the idea of an exchange program going.

    "A list of students has been submitted to me by the Heads of Houses as candidates for the exchange program. Your name was on that list.

    "You are being sent a packet of information on each school in the program, and your acceptance owl is requested no later than July 31st. Please include in that owl which school you would be interested in attending."

Seamus looked up at his mother. "Sounds like fun! And I'd be happy to get out of Hogwarts, most threatened school in Europe, for a bit. Can I go?"

    "Miss Chang, while I am aware of your qualifications as a student and representative of Britain, I admit I have an ulterior motive for this. At the end of last year, you suffered a terrible shock and tragedy with the death Cedric Diggory. I am aware that the two of you were a bit closer than friends, and while I would be the last to suggest that you should never deal with this grief, I think it might be best for you to stay away from Hogwarts for a bit. Please, do not feel pressured to accept this opportunity; however, should you do so, you have my full support."

How true, thought Cho. She looked at the grinning picture of Cedric beside her bed. It had been taken the night of the Yule Ball, and he looked ecstatic. She looked back at the letter, and said, "Sure. Why not?"

    "If you apply for financial aid in this matter, Hogwarts will be very pleased to send it to you. You are a brilliant student, and quite a talented Quidditch player; please agree to represent Hogwarts and England in this program."

    Ginny leapt to her feet and pounded downstairs.

    "MUM!"

Beauxbatons Academie

Headmistress: Olympe Maxime

This school focuses on the agility and facility of the mind; illusion, glamouries, charms and enchantments are much more important here than potions, flying, or the Dark Arts. Although the grounds are both beautiful and extensive, the majority of ones time is spent inside. That is not to say, however, that the other areas are neglected; however, the true Beauxbatons alumnus knows that the mind of their enemy is their best weapon.

Language requirement: French.

Durmstrang Academy

Headmistress: Irenka Vladivostoc

This school is a highly focused on power, and preparing students to survive through whatever a dark wizard might throw at them. As a result, Durmstrang is considered the best school in the world for Dark Arts. Though there are extensive grounds here, very little time spent there, due to winter temperatures. However, during the spring months the grounds are highly populated, and the Durmstrang Academy Quidditch Teams are often considered the training teams for the Bulgarian National.

Language Requirements: English, Bulgarian

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

This school is a very general preparation for the world. Although it is extremely competent in most areas, this school is widely known to have the best Potions curriculum in Europe, as well as the second-best Charms (after Beauxbatons.) Hogwarts is also a highly competitive school due to an ingenious system of House Rivalry; however, the Dark Arts is considered a weak subject here. The school grounds are dangerous, but beautiful and often frequented by the students.

Language Requirement: English

Catskill Academy of Wizardry*

Principal: George Stanton

This school is widely renowned as the best school for complex enchantments. Abilities in Arithmancy, Magical Theory, Ancient Runes, and Ancient Laws of Magic are all necessary to success here; also, a good grasp of Charms and Potions. The grounds at this school are rugged, but charming, and the majority of time studying is actually spent outside. Open to boys ages 14-18. The Catskill Quodpotters are routinely the champions in the All-Americas Quodpot School League.

Language Requirement: English

*This is an all-boys school; however, there are frequent collaborations with the Mississippi Bay Institute of Witchcraft.

D'Eau Academie Arcane

Headmaster: Anne Bellefontaine

This school is the premiere Canadian school of magic. Focusing on a broad preparation of the Witch or Wizard for life, D'Eau Academie's high level of learning in all subjects prepares students for the world ahead. The highly-discriminating Canadian Parliament of Magic is in the future for 83% of D'Eau graduates. D'Eau Academie's only weakness is in Astronomy; due to its location, an unobstructed view of the stars is extremely difficult to obtain.

Language Requirements: French, English

Mississippi Bay Institute of Witchcraft*

Principal: Joline Durnst

This is the best school for teenaged witches in North America, and debatably, in the world. Although there are several extremely strong points to this school, its undeniable strength is in Muggle Integration. Located in the middle of New Orleans, this school is surpassing in Muggle Undetection, which many feel is why its graduates often lead the way in Wizarding research. Dark Arts is also a strong point; 35% of Mississippi Bay graduates become Aurors. Open to ages 14-18

Language Requirement: English

*This school is an all-girls school; however, collaboration with Catskill Academy of Wizardry is common.

Tahoe Caverns Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Principal: Peter Gates

Tahoe Caverns Academy is widely considered the most beautiful Witchcraft and Wizardry school in the world. Located somewhere in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this school focuses on environmental magic, and is the only school in North America to offer Magical Spelunking. Their Herbology and Magical Creatures classes are also considered very enlightening, and their graduates are some of the best flyers in the world, frequently being chosen for the American Quidditch and Quodpot teams. Open to ages 14-18

Language Requirement: English

Dear Miss Black,

    You and several other students have been chosen to be part of an exchange program. There's a list of the other schools here-and honey, don't even try to go to Catskills; I'm on to that one. Have fun, don't let us down, and let me know by the 30th what you're thinking of doing.

    Sincerely,

        Joline Durnst

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

    I would be delighted to take this opportunity to visit other schools. Your quite right about not wanting to be in Hogwarts for a while: my last few weeks there were extremely painful. I'm very grateful, both for the opportunity and for the care you have expressed.

    I have to admit curiosity as to how I'll be traveling; surely floo is not strong enough for this? Please owl me instructions as soon as all details are worked out.

    The school I have chosen is Tahoe Caverns Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I'm not clear what the class options are, but I would love to take both the spelunking course and whatever flying courses they have.

    Sincerely,

        Cho Chang

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

    My son is both willing and eager to take part in this program. If there's any way I can assist those who choose to come to Hogwarts this year, please let me know. In the meantime, what should I do to get Seamus there? Also, please let me know what clothing he should have for school, and how to select courses. The school he chose was Catskill Academy of Wizardry; given what was said of the "Ancient Magical Laws," should he pick up any books for summer reading?

    Yours,

        Ria Finnigan

Dear Albus,

    Thank you so much for your kind invitation! Ginny is so excited about this... and you know how lack-luster she's been lately. This is exactly what she needed, I think.

    You know perfectly well that we don't have enough money to do this on our own; however, if you are in fact willing to provide for her to do this... I can't really think of any reason why not. Are you sure?

    Lastly, when can we take Harry? I don't like the thought of him staying with those Muggles; they are horrible to him, and I don't think they are adequate protection with You-Know-Who rising again.

    Your friend,

        Molly Weasley

Dear Miss Black,

    You are requested to become a part of what is fast becoming the most powerful group of Wizards and Witches in the world: the Death Eaters. If you are willing to join, hold the portkey, the locket included in this letter, at midnight, August 12th. If not, you will die.

    (Unsigned)

Dear Molly,

    Rest assured that Hogwarts is very willing to pay for all of the students that we requested to do this program.

    And now, Molly, I must ask a dreadfully large favor of you: could you possibly host Sirius Black for a time? He would not be leaving his dog form, but I think it might be best for him to stay with you for a bit. If you are willing to do this, send a letter to Dedalus for me and tell him to send you the dog. DO NOT tell anyone who this dog is. Arthur already knows, and so does Ron; no one else needs to. I am sorry that I must put this burden on you.

    And lastly, about Harry: he won't be staying with you at all this summer. I will be arranging for adequate protection for him on the way to the Hogwarts Express, and as things stand, I believe I will instruct Sirius to be on the train; you need not worry about that. And although I, too, dislike the necessity of sending him to live with the Dursleys, there are wards on that house stronger than Voldemort currently has the power to pass.

    Yours,

        Albus Dumbledore

Dear Fox,

    While I am extremely disappointed that the measures we have taken for the safety of young Snapdragon have not been as effective as we hoped, I am delighted to know that you will be returning to England. I have long thought that running away from your life here has not been what you needed. You should know that I am planning on reuniting you with your fiancéat some point; I am communicating with him regularly. I also would like you to take your Godson into your care-not this summer, but the coming summer.

    I would be happy to have Snapdragon here for the year, and I am unsurprised that she was chosen for the exchange program. I think it would be best, however, to have her come here before the other students of the same school-perhaps we could send her out on the train September 1st, early in the morning, and have her just come back with all the other students.

    In answer to the sorting question, yes, all students transferring into Hogwarts will be sorted into the four housed, and Poppy and Severus are both willing to place bets on which house. May I congratulate you in advance on the money you will be making through this?

    And lastly, we seem to be short a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher-could you possibly be persuaded to fill this roll? If you have questions, Remus took the position two years ago, and was excellent in it. I'm sure he would be perfectly willing to help, although he might be a bit surprised to get a letter from you about it.

    Yours,

        Albus Dumbledore.

Dear Albus,

    Yes, I'm taking Sirius. Poor thing, he's skin and bones! Ron is having a wonderful time romping with him, and has nicknamed him "Padfoot," although I'm sure I don't know where he got that. Fred and George goggle at him every time he says it, though, so I suppose it must be something just to annoy them.

    Ginny has finally decided which school she will be attending: Mississippi Bay Institute of Witchcraft. I worry about it being far away, but I suppose you have dealt with that? Please owl us the details in a separate letter; I don't want Ginny to know about all the other things we discuss in our letters.

    Yours,

        Molly

Dear Principal Durnst,

    I'm happy to be a part of this program, and chose (of course) Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I would like to leave soon; Mom is arranging it with the Headmaster there, I think they're friends or something from when she lived over there. I think he's probably going to talk to you about it, but I've got some weird stuff going on in my life right now, and I think they're going to try to accommodate that. Anyway, that's what I plan to do, so that you know.

    Your student,

        Snapdragon Black

Dear Albus,

    I am delighted that you feel I am competent for the role of teacher. While I do not share this confidence, I am willing to trust your judgement: if you want me to teach, I will teach.

    I would like to know how you were planning to resurrect me. The measures we used to throw Death Eaters off my track were not intended to be temporary; should I suddenly show up alive again, I would most definitely have some explaining to do. My other concern is, as always, for the safety of my daughter. I do not believe that Voldemort knows that she is a Lumiosi; she's at the head of her class, very clever, and very powerful; he doesn't need any other reasons than that. I also do not think he has connected her to her father, and I don't want him to. All I ask is that you keep her safe.

    One of my main sources of unhappiness over here is that I can keep in touch with neither my fiancénor my Godson. I would very much like to contact both, although I have no illusions about the amount of emotion inherent in that. While I admit I am terrified, I am also eager. Please let me know details as soon as possible.

    And lastly, I would like to come over, with Snapdragon, before the end of July. Her date with the Death Eaters is August 12th, so that should give you plenty of time to go over her for enchantments and such. The reasons I want to come early are that I need to get the run of the castle again, having not even been in the country for thirteen years, and that I want to go over what my predecessors have done-I get the impression that there have been a number of them. Again, please owl me the details.

    Yours,

        Foxfire Lumiosi

PS-thank you for the subtle reminder about Remus not knowing I'm not dead.

Dear Remus,

    I don't know quite how to begin this letter. To start off, I suppose I should tell you that I never was dead. I faked that. There are a number of things I need to talk to you about, but I think that that's the most important of them.

    Why did I do it? Let me take you through what happened when Lily and James died, and I think you'll see why.

    At about eight o'clock on the 31st, Sirius left the house where we were living-the one on the edge of Glasgow? He said that he'd convinced Lily and James to switch secret keepers over to Peter, and I believed him. He said that he wanted to go check, to make sure that Peter was all right. At about eight o'clock on the first, I found out about Lily and James' death, and Harry's survival. Sirius had not come home. Stunned, I left a not saying that I was going to go visit my sister and left. On the way to Star's I found out about the incident in which twelve Muggles died. Needless to say, I was stunned. I sat there in the Leaky Cauldron for half an hour, not doing anything, just sitting with my mouth open. Finally, I just went on to Star's... nothing else to really do, was there?

    That was where I got the biggest shock of all, though. Do you know where the Lumiosi's get their name? It's a condition that no one has ever been adequately able to explain. You know how women are said to glow when they're pregnant? Under certain conditions, Lumiosi women do that literally. Star woke up in the middle of the night and saw me glowing-not brightly, but glowing I was. We did the little tests that witches can do, and sure enough my situation had worsened: I now was pregnant, with my best friends (except you) dead and my fiancéin jail. Finally, lacking anything else to do, we went to Dumbledore for advice.

    Dumbledore, perhaps alone of all the great wizards of our time, thought that Voldemort was going to return. He was certainly one of the only ones thinking it then: if you'll remember, everyone was convinced at the time the Voldemort was dead. You know what happened to my family in the war; I didn't want my child to die like the rest of us did. So we worked out a plan.

    Dumbledore created a simulacra, a facsimile of me. And we killed it. I wrote that suicide note, and left it with the body. And then I left England, thinking it was forever. I settled in large city in the United States of America, with one of the best schools for witches in the world in it, and stayed there. I got employed by the USA MoM as an Auror, too. So I'm not out of practice.

    And then, two weeks ago, my darling girl, my baby, Snapdragon Black, got a recruitment letter from the Death Eaters. So I'm running again. I'm running to the only person I know of who can protect me from Voldemort, and to the only place where I won't have to hide what I am: I'm running to Hogwarts.

    Albus has, rather desperately, offered me a job there. Defense Against the Dark Arts professor; oh goody. I have no doubts about my competence in the field, but help me, Remus: I've never taught in my life.

    Snapper will be attending Hogwarts in the fall. I wonder how she'll like it?

    Remus, what is going on? How was Voldemort revived, and when? How long do think we have until he gains power? And, most important to me, what the hell was going on with Sirius and Peter?! I know that I haven't heard the full story, and while I would rather believe that Sirius was in the right, I know him well enough to know he might not have been. Help me, Remus. Please.

    Your old friend,

        Foxfire Lumiosi

Dear Fox,

    You're ALIVE??!! That's more than I had ever hoped to believe. That was a rotten trick, and you deserve every censure you get for it.

    Snapdragon? Where on earth do you get the names in your family?

    I'll send you a second letter about all the Voldemort stuff if you have any questions after you talk to Dumbledore. All I'm going to talk about in this one is how to get through a year of teaching.

    My first piece of advice for you is the hardest: do not have house biases. I realize that you are a true Gryffindor, through and through, but for goodness' sake, don't show it! (Although you can probably have a tendency to be slightly more lenient towards them; just be subtle about it.)

    My second piece of advice is, never lose your temper. Be calm and rational, all the notable teachers are; even Snape is usually pretty good about that, poisonous as he is.

    My third piece of advice is, you won't have their respect if you don't do something showy, and a little bit childish. You know the sort of thing I mean: sending the spitballs back in the faces of those who blew them in the first place, editing the notes they're passing to say "Please don't pass notes in my class." I sent a wad of gum up Peeves' nose at one point. That sort of thing.

    My fourth piece of advice is, be intense. Minerva is an expert at this sort of thing, so if you need help, watch her.

    My fifth piece of advice is remember when you were a student. It shouldn't be too hard, I know you have an excellent memory. Work from the basis of what you did and did not like about your professors, and you should be fine.

    Oh, and you MUST follow my last piece of advice: be wary of the Weasley twins. Trust me on this, you'll see why.

    Again, owl me if you have any questions after you talk to Dumbledore.

    Your friend,

        Remus Lupin

Dear Remus,

    You're a saint. I feel much more prepared now, and it's all thanks to you. Oh, and thank you for the warning about Snape being a teacher-most timely.

    I did talk to Dumbledore (we got to Hogwarts yesterday, and Snapper says she's in love with the place), and I do not in fact have any questions, or at least not any that I think I want the answers to.

    Can I visit you during Christmas break? I've missed you dreadfully, and I've heard you didn't really want to come to the castle while the children are around. Let me know!

    Yours,

        Fox