Ignoring the ignorance

Dear Luna Lovegood,

I was just wondering how you aren’t bothered by the people who are always putting you down? I’ve tried to ignore the people who put me down, but I can’t. I also can’t figure out why they put me down but I suspect the Nargles are behind it. I wish I could act more like myself in front of others but it’s not so easy. I was hoping you could bring this to light. Anyway, watch out for the Blibbering Humdingers.

Lot’s of love, Curious Little Hufflepuff

Curious Little Hufflepuff,

I’m lucky to have been raised by parents who valued individuality and instilled in me the importance of being confident in myself, even if what I was was unpopular.

But just because my Mum and Dad made a good start of it doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt to be excluded or made fun of. It certainly did hurt, and I had plenty of solitary cries in my dormitory during my first few years of Hogwarts, especially since my mother had died, which made me feel even more alone. I’m thankful that my dad was still around to strengthen my resolve and remind me that, no matter what anyone else thought, I was his special, talented daughter.

It might be hard to do sometimes, but try to remember–even in the face of unpleasant people–that you are a unique and worthy individual who has something singular to offer the world. Imagine if Greta Catchlove–a curious little Hufflepuff like yourself–had listened when people made fun of her for experimenting with “spoilt milk”! She would never have written Charm Your Own Cheese, and then where would we be?

Surround yourself with people who can remind you of that every day and you’ll find how much easier it is to let that special self shine.

Lots of love in return, and good luck!
Luna