Poppy tells me that things are getting worse and worse at Hogwarts. She writes every day, sometimes twice (it’s the only way to ease the pain of being apart for so long) and you, my boy, crop up in nearly every letter. I’ve heard that you are at the forefront of it (and taking the worst of the blows from the wretched Carrows.)
I’ve been proud of you since the first Herbology class you made it all the way through, in October of your first year, and I am so proud of you now.
It’s so hard to be away from my wife, from my home, from my job, from my students, from this war. I spend my days safe and removed from the action - they would have killed me for my blood if I had stayed. But the pain of it - and the anxiety in waiting - is eased by what I know you’re doing.
Trust in yourself, Neville, and in your fellow students. If what you’re doing is Dumbledore’s Army, then trust in his memory, too. Trust McGonagall, trust Poppy, and trust in Harry Potter. I believe in you endlessly. You’re going to win this war for us all and show those Slytherins what you’re really made of.
Yours in spirit,
Professor Sprout
PS - If Poppy knew I wrote you a letter and didn’t tell you to use your Essense of Murlap, she’d be furious, so…..use your Murlap, Neville. Don’t be a hero in that regard.
PPS - Not to say “I told you so” but do you remember me telling you all the reasons why you belonged in Gryffindor rather than Hufflepuff?
PPPS - I’ve attached some roaring dandelion bulbs from my sister’s garden. I thought they might look nice in your headquarters, if you’ve got the right light.
