A Single Rose

Chapter Six

"Are you going to open it?" George asks me again, but I'm staring at the cover of the envelope in shock. In fancy writing, there states my name. Rose. And under that is says 'The Leaky Cauldron'. But it's less so about the writer of this letter somehow knowing my precise location, as it is about the name that follows my first. "Rose Howell... is that you?"

"I- I suppose it is... could that be my real surname? That could- I could-"

"You could find your parents," Charlie says quietly.

"Yeah... What is this letter for anyway?"

"Maybe you should open it and find out," the older boy says. I flip it over and notice a large red wax seal. Hogwarts, it says, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I slowly open the envelope and pull out the letter. When I open it, George gasps from beside me.

"It's your Hogwarts letter! But... you're fourteen... why are you just getting it now?"

"I- I don't know..." I read through the letter aloud. "'Dear Miss Rose Howell, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find an enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment. We are aware of your situation where you'll be starting as a fourth year student, but with no prior learning in a school of magic. We will provide you with extra time to watch up to the level your age should be at, that is, if you accept our offer. Term begins on September 1st. Sincerely, Minerva McGonagall. Deputy Headmistress' That's all it says." I look to Charlie. "What does this mean for me?"

"It means you'll be attending Hogwarts. That is, if you accept. But if they are aware of your circumstances then... We ought to let my mother know. She'll know what to do." I nod in understanding and he stands up, leaving me and George at the booth as he goes off to look for his mum.

"Well, it sure has been an interesting day eh?" George asks me grinning.

"Yeah... there is just one slight problem. For all the books needed... I don't have any money..."

"Hmm... well I wonder if there's a vault at Gringotts for you, that's the Wizarding Bank here in Diagon Alley. But then again, we don't have your key, so that wouldn't work... I really don't know. But my mum is truly great, you'll love her." I smile softly, I hope I do. A few minutes later, Charlie comes back with a woman way shorter than him, but with the same flaming red hair.

"Hello deary, Charlie here tells me that your name is Rose." I nod, not knowing how else to respond. "He gave me a little summary of what's been going on. May I see your letter?"

"Yes, here." I hand it over and she reads through it carefully.

"Well... the school should be able to provide you with books, since Minerva does say that they're aware of your situation... Gringotts wise, I'm not sure where your vault would be, or which one it would be... I suppose everything will be sorted once you get to Hogwarts. There's just one problem I see, and that's your lack of belongings. Charlie says you live at an orphanage, is that correct?" I nod. "Hm, well I suppose I could apparate there with-" There's a crashing sound from above us and a red haired girl comes limping down the stairs.

"Mum?"

"-you... but it may be better that I stay here. Charlie, would you take her?"

"Of course," he says, grinning at me.

"Thank you. Rose, it was nice meeting you but I really should go see if Ginny is alright. Hopefully you two will be back shortly? The train leaves the day after tomorrow, and it would be less of a hassle if you stay with us for the time being. Charlie," she says, turning to her son. "Just... good luck." She gives me a kind smile and hurries off to the staircase.