When I woke up this morning, I had expected it to be another normal day. A walk in the garden, a chat with Teddy, and then some jam and toast with tea for breakfast. I'd then spend the rest of the day reading and studying. This is not what happened...
The minute I walked back through the door of the kitchen I knew something was up. A new smell had entered the house. Interrupting the wonderful scent of cinnamon, parchment, and pumpkin that I had gotten used to. It smelt of the perfume used by an elderly woman and peppermint. I made my way further into the house, into the lounge area. There I was greeted by Aunt Jo, Edgar, and a new face. A well-worn, aged woman. Her, I assume long, gray hair was pulled tightly under a pointed green hat. The robes she wore matched that hat in color, but were worn at the hem. That was none compared to the hat which she held in her folded hands. The poor thing was a beaten up old mess of brown rubbish. And I don't know if it was just me, but the wrinkles it wore almost looked like a scraggly old face. What mystified me the most though, were her periwinkle eyes. They seemed to study my every movement. As if she was trying to figure me out without even uttering a word. Reading my mind almost. I shook my head and scattered my thoughts just in case. The voice of Aunt Jo tore me from the gaze.
"Erin, this is Headmistress McGonagall of Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry."
I looked to this mysterious woman and nodded extending my hand as I did so.
"I'm Erindale Howl. It's a pleasure to meet you."
She took my hand a surprisingly gave me a warm smile, contradicting her icy exterior. Maybe she was one of those people you had to warm up to. But what was she doing here? I looked to my Aunt with a questioning look. She gave me a knowing nod.
"Erin dear, sit down."
She said gesturing to a cushion. My Aunt and the Headmistress followed suit. Aunt Jo was seated beside me and McGonagall sat across from us.
"Erin, as you know I'm not what I used to be. My present health is failing me and my mind grows weak. And Edgar can only teach you so much."
Edgar jumped up to sit next to us.
"I want the very best for you, dear, and you know that. So I've decided to enroll you into a wizarding school, Hogwarts."
I looked to the Headmistress and she nodded.
"I know it's a bit late, but Minerva has agreed to let you enroll just the same."
The Headmistress then chimed in; she sounded to be well versed and highly educated.
"You'll be entering as a fourth year transfer student. Seeing as you completed the first three in your studies already. Edgar will also be accompanying you as your animal companion."
It was Edgars turn to speak.
"I will NOT be known as your pet, however. I. Am. Your. Tutor."
I shook my head, smiling and petting his head.
"All that's left is to sort you into a house."
I cocked my head at her.
"A house. There are four: Gryffindor, the house of the brave and daring. Hufflepuff, the house of the patient and loyal. Ravenclaw, the house of the intelligent and witty. And Slytherin, the house of the cunning and ambitious."
I stared in awe.
"The house you are placed in will be your family of sorts."
A family?
"Now, come over here."
She said patting a stool in the middle of the room. I got up, looking nervously at Aunt Jo and Edgar. As I sat down I looked up at the Headmistress. She had a powerful aura about her, making me even more nervous. I quickly tore my gaze from hers and concentrated hard on my bare feet. They were slightly dirtied and scarred, but this wasn't noticeable unless you really took a good look at them. I was startled by the placement of an object on my head. I gazed up and saw the rim of the old tattered hat that the woman was holding. The one that looked like it had a face.
