Will the Real Tonks Please Stand Up (was: OT...don't send Howler)

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 85035

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, nymphadoraotonks at a... wrote:
>  
> Today, a little boy began emailing me and Im-ming me  He thinks I am
> the *real* Tonks, and his imagination is so vivid, I cannot destroy 
> it for him. ...edited...
> 
> After talking with him at great length, he gave me messages for
> everyone in the WW, and was very understanding that Harry cannot use 
> a computer at Hogwarts.
> 
> In fact, it all made me feel like I was a part of the WW, and it was
> too much fun inventing answers to questions like 'Have you seen 
> Lupin lately?' and the like.
> 
> -Tonks who is nutters.


bboy_mn:

Hummm... to OT or not to OT, that is the question?

I think this is wonderful and can certainly see the thrill of being in
this position, but I have to wonder if I'm the only person who sees a
potential for disaster here?

What will this kid's parents think when they find out you have been
luring their innocent child into long conversations by pretending to
be his favorite fictional storybook character? Yes... *I* know it's
all innocent fun, but will they.

Although, it may look suspicious, I would ask the kid for his parent
email address and write them and let them know what is going on. Or
ask him to have his parents contact you by email. Either way get them
in on it. Personally, I would ask that they respond to you, before
they say anything to the kids so you can get you stories coordinated.
That might help cut this off with a minimum of trama to the kid, if
that's the direction his parents want it to go. 

If they see it as a fun safe diversion, then you could continue. 
However, the longer you perpetuate the persona, the father it spreads.

What about when the kid's friends start emailing you? 

What about when reality and fiction become even more blurred, and they
want you to talk to Dan Radcliffe for them? 

What do you say when they want Ron's email address? 

What do you say when the kids older brother or sister tell him you are
a fake? 

What do you do when you find out that the kids is a fat old man with a
hairy back and an un-natural interest in children?

Sad, that the world has come to this; sad, that innocences is no
longer allowed to exist unchecked.

I can see the great fun in it, but I can't help worrying about it too.

Sorry to be such a downer.

bboy_mn