West Springfield High School Newspaper

The Oracle

West Springfield High School Newspaper

The Oracle

West Springfield High School Newspaper

The Oracle

Dear Readers, you’ve been accepted!

“We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry” are the words that almost every child dreams of reading; and for seven lucky students, this dream has become a reality.

They have all received replicas of a letter that was sent to Harry Potter in the first book of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series notifying him of his acceptance to this highly-esteemed wizarding school. The students, chosen randomly by an unidentified dispatcher, were pleased but also taken aback by the sudden news.

“I was very surprised,” said sophomore Callahan Brown, who discovered her letter on her front porch. “I looked all around my street for some wizards.”

Each copy is complete with the Hogwarts seal in the upper right hand corner and is allegedly signed by the deputy headmistress, Minerva McGonagall.

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Attached to a brief outline of rules and expectations is a list of uniforms, books, and other equipment that is necessary for the school year.

“I thought it was pretty hilarious even though I don’t really like Harry Potter,” said senior Caitlin Arneson. “A lot of people were jealous that I got one and they didn’t.”

This harmless joke is an exciting break from the monotony that normally plagues students during the school year. Not knowing who is sending them or who will get one keeps people on their toes as they hope to be next to find a letter in their mailbox.

“Personally, I am outraged that Professor McGonagall forgot to send me my Hogwarts letter,” said junior Isabelle White. “I just don’t understand how someone possessing the amount of magical talent that I do could be overlooked. Regardless, I am still just as committed to becoming a first-rate witch.”

Those who have already received letters were amused by their creativity.

“I couldn’t stop laughing,” said Brown. “It was definitely a clever, original thing to do.”

While students have played random jokes on people in the past, these Hogwarts letters are especially relevant because they were sent so close to the premiere of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” on November 19.

Though there is some speculation on who is sending the letters, most would rather preserve the anonymity of this person because it makes the situation more entertaining.

“I have an idea of who sent it,” said senior Paige Babel, “but I like the mystery behind it all.”

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