Dear Bill,
I know you've spent many months, if not years, in Egypt, and as my family and I are headed there for Easter break, I thought maybe you could give me advice on how to avoid the pyramids? You see, I have an awful fear of mummies, and the thought of running into an ancient, cursed tomb has tortured me every night for two weeks straight. However, my mother is adamant about sightseeing the very things that haunt my dreams, so I'm hoping you'll know a way for me to get out of it.
Terrified beyond measure,
Hadley Greengrass
My Dear Hadley,
I can see why Egypt in general might not be the best place for you to visit. I myself spent time there as a Curse-Breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank. There are many frightening things hidden deep within the tombs of the pyramids, but, then again, the very same could be said of the Catacombs of France, or even an ordinary, Muggle graveyard in England. I'd like to believe that any visit to a new place can be both dangerous, or very safe, merely depending on what you seek to gain from the experience. So, should you not wish to experience the dangerous, though I for one consider adventurous, Pyramids of Giza, why not find a local restaurant to try some authentic food in the region instead? There are also many museums to visit should you build up enough courage to read up on the history of the country, sans haunted tombs. Oh, and if your mother is still insistent on you participating with her, I recommend sneaking a Puking Pastille.
Good luck,
Bill Weasley
Dear Bill Weasley,
An older, Gryffindor student told me the Great Sphinx of Giza often comes alive at night to feed on unsuspecting tourists. I told my friends that can't possibly be true, but then I started thinking about how mysterious normal Sphinxes are, what with their constant puzzles and riddles. It's made me consider the possibility that the one in Egypt might just be one playing a trick on us all by lying statuesque near the pyramids. Any insight into the rumor?
A little worried,
Ashlee Parkinson
Dearest Ashlee,
I know the unknown can often play tricks in our minds on what is and is not real or possible. I can assure you that if the Great Sphinx had indeed been a magical creature, the wizarding world would have long since found out. That being said, it is absolutely true that you could very well come upon a real Egyptian Sphinx while visiting the country, though unless you plan to steal the valuables of the family it guards for, you should have no issues. Was the student's name Fred, perhaps? That mischievous nephew of mine has made a bit of a game in tricking young Slytherins into believing all sorts of nonsense lately. If you happen upon him again, be sure to tell him his uncle has asked he please refrain from tricking any more 1st Years, lest I need to involve Angelina in the matter.
Don't worry about it,
Bill Weasley
Dear Bill,
I'm in my Seventh and final year of Hogwarts, and am considering a job as a Curse-Breaker. Would you say Egypt is a good location to get my foot in the door, so to speak? I'm not exactly sure if Gringotts is the place for me, since I'm terrible with Galleons, but I love the techniques and danger of using magic to find your way into previously hidden or blocked places. I am sure to get an 'O' in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts, but I'm worried I may only scrape by with an 'A' for Transfiguration. Do you think I'll still be able to pursue my dreams?
Hogwarts-Graduate-to-be,
Rupert Zabini
Dear Rupert,
Always excited to see up and coming graduates interested in my line of work. Professor McGonagall can certainly be a stickler for perfection, but remember, she wants you to succeed just as badly as you do. Perhaps if you let her know the career you have in mind, she might be willing to give you some extra lessons, too. I have an extra tin of her favourite biscuits. I'll send them your way to aid in your plea for help. And if you can manage the grades needed to go to Egypt, I promise to write you a recommendation letter to my old boss at Gringotts.
I believe in you,
Bill Weasley