The life of Serenity

Chapter 1

It's the usual routine; dad wakes me up, I eat breakfast under a twenty minute timer, get ready for school, mom drops me and my siblings off, before I head for a long day of learning. My dad had been in the military for years and was currently stationed in the UK, our current home. It's weird, I've lived in two different countries but have only seen a small amount of each.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. It was the middle of July, dad was at work, and my siblings, Jay and Annabella, were arguing through the floorboards below me. It was a typical Tuesday in the Shappen household.

I'm in my room hiding for reality, something I've been known for since I was young. I like to think it stems from my divorced parents, the constant moving, and verbal abuse. For being only ten years old, I was rather bright, even if I didn't show it often, or at all.

"Serenity! You got a letter!" Moms voice called through the floor.

"Coming!" I shouted, turning off my radio-that was currently playing the latest Poison album-and went down stairs. "Where is it?" I asked, entering the kitchen and ignoring the sibling fight not to far away from me. From the sounds of it, Jay was winning and Anna was getting frustrated. Again, typically normal Tuesday.

"Counter. How's the new album?" Mom asked, knowing I was playing music to drawn out the constant yelling and bickering in the household.

"Not bad. I do have to say Unskinny Bop is my favorite because it's a little comical. Ultimately, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, is still number one." I shrugged, picking up the weird looking paper envelope.

Miss. Serenity Shappen

2228 South Lane Perkins Street.

Curiosity fueled my body as I turned the paper over, and saw the wax seal with the title: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

What the heck?

"Mom, do you know who sent this?" I asked softly, not taking my eyes off the words Witchcraft and wizardry.

"No. Why?" She asked, moving to read the words I had. "Open it, let's see what it is." She urged once she read the front and back.

Wedging my thumb beneath the seal, I broke the wax in two and opened the envelope. Inside was two different sets of papers, one with the title, School Supplies; while the other was an actual letter.

Dear Miss. Shappen,

We are happy to congratulate you on your acceptance into Hogwarts. Term will begin on September 1st. Let me reassure you this is no joke, and absolutely real. A representative (a professor for our staff) will be by in a few days time to help you gather your supplies and help you onto the platform.

We look forward to seeing you there,

-Professor Minerva McGonagall.

I read the letter again, before hanging it to mom. There is no way this is real. I've always wanted to be a witch, but I'm not a witch. Being a witch is a dream, and fantasy. I can't be something that doesn't exist. I looked down at the supply list in my hands and read it off out loud.

"Mom, is this real?" I whispered, trying not to let any emotion slip through the hope that was building in my chest. I never did feel like I belonged here. I was always in Lala Land, as my parents so happily dubbed it, dreaming of being a witch, or a fairy, or a mermaid, in books and movies I would escape reality to a world of fiction and get lost in the characters. This letter, could be the beginning of my own adventure, but if this was what I was thinking, my parents wouldn't be thrilled about this.