a letter to my 11-year old self

Dear Alison,

I know you're currently feeling like the whole world is against you. It won't be the last time you feel that way, but you will discover that there will always be people on your side. You will have a bigger family than you could have ever hoped for and they will love you and care for you even when you make it hard for them to do so. Your roommate will turn out to not be so bad. You will end up becoming head girl and dating the quidditch captain, although it's not exactly like you imagined it would be. It's better.

I know that what's happening to grandma sucks and I know that seeing your nanny get fired and replaced with a muggle sucks and I know that locking up your wand sucks but it will make you so much stronger. The whole pretending thing won't last forever anyway.

You will have boys fall at your feet everywhere you walk. You will get to choose everything for yourself but sometimes they don't agree and you find out that they are in fact a lot stronger than you are. Luckily you will have your own knights in shining armour who will always protect you and if they're not around you can do it yourself. You've never been one to stay quiet anyway.

You will learn that not everyone is how you think they are. Please put the effort in getting to know others better before deciding whether you like it or not. I know it's hard, you've been told since you were born that you simply shouldn't talk to certain people but please try. I promise it will pay off.

Don't forget what grandma always tells you. Elegance is nothing more than arrogance when kindness is absent.

With love,
Future Ali