"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling took the time to reach out to one really special fan. You likely remember Cassidy Stay.
Her former uncle is charged with killing her family in their Houston home in July. Cassidy was the lone survivor and lived only because she pretended to be dead while he was allegedly in the house. She spoke at a memorial for her family. (Video via KPRC)
CBS: "Cassidy quoted a passage from Harry Potter."
CASSIDY: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
That quote was from Harry's longtime headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. And 15-year-old Cassidy just heard from Dumbledore himself.
After Cassidy's speech, a Facebookcampaign started for Rowling to meet with Cassidy.
And Aug. 4, this update on the page: "I talked to a friend of Cassidy's who confirmed that JK Rowling did, in fact, write her a personalized letter from 'Dumbledore' (hand-written with purple ink). She was also sent a wand, an acceptance letter to Hogwarts with a school supply list, along with the 3rd book with JK's autograph."
The third story in the series, "The Prisoner of Azkaban," is the home of that Dumbledore quote — it was written for the movie version. The "Today" show got confirmation from Rowling's rep that the letter was sent, although the rep also said:
"The contents of the letter and how it came about are private and between her and Cassidy."
Knowing Rowling wrote a letter to Cassidy is enough. Privacy is a trademark of Rowling's — she's never relished fame, writing her new books under a pen name and even working for celebrity rights against paparazzi.
Themes of humbleness and secrecy were present throughout the Potter books. And the series has continued to provide a special, magical inspiration.
Earlier this summer, a fan told his story to the Call Me Ishmael project. He described being raised by a mother who was addicted to drugs and said reading the "Harry Potter" books gave him hope.
Cassidy has not spoken out about the care package from Rowling. But, as Harry Potter often had special moments with the wise Dumbledore, now she has, too.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
