Q. I am a lifelong fan of J.K. Rowling’s work. I have read and watched everything she’s written and am so looking forward to December when the forthcoming new Harry Potter TV series drops. My problem is that I’ve moved into a flat with a close friend who disagrees strongly with J.K.’s views on gender and has pleaded with me to commit to not watching the new series on ethical grounds. I can neither lie to my flatmate nor bear to forfeit something that will bring me so much happiness that it would be no exaggeration to say that it will give me a reason to live.

– P.R., Edinburgh

A. You can resolve this by taking a tip from guilty Greens, who buy carbon credits from bodies such as the non-profit Atmosfair to offset the eco damage of flights they have taken. Atmosfair funds and develops certified climate protection projects to help reduce global emissions. For example, you might pay €14 to cover the CO2 you would generate on a return economy flight to Barcelona from London. Negotiate with your flatmate that she will allow you to ‘offset’ your watching of the TV series through your paying her an agreed sum per episode. This she can channel towards a perceived ethical charity of her choice.

Q. A few months ago I lent a nicely bound book on the history of Wales to a friend. Unfortunately, this friend has now unexpectedly died. I am keen to retrieve the book before it gets redistributed among his chattels but think it would strike the wrong note were I to send his wife a message so soon after his death. Can you help me?

– M.N., London SW7

A. Contact the wife saying it’s on your conscience to return a book he had lent YOU because you knew he wanted it back. Bring along any old paperback. When you get to the house you can suddenly remember you have a book to collect from him.

Q. I was interested to read the letter from someone who received an empty Fortnum’s hamper. When I was a student back in the 1970s I bought my parents a Christmas present in the form of a ceramic jar labelled ‘Fortnum & Mason finest caviar’, pleasantly surprised it cost under £10. Their amusement matched my embarrassment when they opened it and gently explained that had I included the labelled contents it would have cost at least ten times more.

– P.F., Barrow Street, Wilts

A. You should rest assured that this present was ‘worth’ more than you realise, since vintage Fortnum’s jars now command high prices on reselling outlets such as eBay. If it’s still in the family’s possession you might get as much as £75 for it.