𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐝 {𝐇. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫}

2

At ten o'clock in the morning on September 19th, Johnny sat at the living room window where he had a clear view of anyone walking up the front garden to his house.

While he didn't show it, Johnny was very nervous to be meeting someone new. He had a hard time making friends in Primary School, most of the kids mocked his accent and pushed him around because Johnny was small for his age. Yet, Johnny remained hopeful that Hogwarts might be different.

At ten thirty, Johnny's head perked up from where it rested on his elbows. Professor McGonagall was walking up his front garden, a girl with bushy hair trailing behind her.

The girl looked around, and noticed Johnny staring at her, making both of them blush and look away.

Johnny quickly ran to put his leather jacket on and meet the Professor at the door.

"Mr. Scaletta," Professor McGonagall smiled. "This is Hermione Granger, you are a few days older than her so I thought I will take you both at the same time."

Johnny nodded, offering Hermione a small smile in greeting.

"Hello," Johnny waved. "Johnny Scaletta."

Hermione, who was taken off guard slightly by his accent, smiled shyly, what once was her confident demeanour crumbling around her. Hermione and Johnny followed Professor McGonagall throughout London, chatting quietly to themselves.

"I didn't have any friends in school," Johnny said, placing his hands in his leather jacket. "They mocked my accent and pushed me around."

"Everyone thought I was too much to handle and way to bossy," Hermione explained, her mind telling her that Johnny thought the same, that Johnny was just too nice to tell her, he was sympathetic for her and would leave her alone when they got to Hogwarts. Hermione even started to tear up at the thought, until,Johnny placed a hand on her shoulder.

Johnny clearly wasn't used to physical contact with a person who wasn't his father or sister, as shown by the awkward look on his face as he patted Hermione's shoulder as they walked, his free hand holding out a handkerchief he pulled out of the breast pocket of his jacket, holding it out to her.

"Well, you've been pretty shy so far," Johnny smiled. "And I'm not intimidating, so it must be my good looks."

That brought a giggle from the girl, who embarrassedly wiped her eyes with the handkerchief. The two followed Professor McGonagall to a shabby looking pub.

"This must be where they're going to kill us," Johnny whispered, looking down at Hermione who was just shorter than him. Hermione giggled once again, nudging Johnny in the ribs lightly. "What? You can never be sure."

"Have you got your letters?" McGonagall asked, turning to face the two kids.

Hermione took the parchment envelope out of her pocket, while Johnny patted his inside pocket.

"Good," said McGonagall. "There is the list there of everything you will need."

Hermione unfolded the piece of paper, and read to Johnny:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL o f WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)

2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)