A Hogwarts Life

The Letter

 I woke up excitedly. It's my birthday! I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs.

"Happy birthday Alex!" my mother exclaimed happily. On the table was a still-steaming Traditional English Breakfast.

"Gee, thanks mom! You really know what I want!" I said. It smelled great. I finished and my mother asked me to fetch the mail. I walked up to the front door and picked up the pile of letters and magazines. The majority of it was a bunch of junk mail and bills. I flipped through the pile until I reached the bottom. I froze and dropped the letters. I quickly picked up the last letter. It had a red seal with an "H" on it. I flipped it over and it read:

"To: Miss Alexandra Sharpe

The Kitchen, 77 Mayfair Place

Mayfair, London"

"What's taking so long?" my mother asked. I ignore my mother and open the letter. I unfolded it and it said:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed of Wizards)

Dear Ms Sharpe,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl no later than 31 July.

Witchcraft and Wizardry? I was so confused. Am I magical? I've never been able to use magic before, and my parents don't have any magical abilities.

"Alex? What's taking so long?" asked my mother curiously. I quickly gathered all the mail and headed back to the kitchen.

"Sorry, mum. I got a letter and I'm a little confused about it," I said uncomfortably.

"What is it, dear?" asked my mother concernedly. She walked up to me and I handed her the letter. As she read it, her eyes widened in shock.

"Hogwarts?" she asked, looking up at me. I nod silently. She finished reading the letter and rubbed her temples.

"What is it, mum?" I asked curiously.

"It's.... Complicated," said my mother.

"C'mon, mum, what is it?" I urged on.

"Fine, fine. I think I may know why you got this letter," explained my mother.

"Why then?" I asked.

"My sister, Adriana, went to Hogwarts-"

"Did you go?" I interrupted.

"Well, no. Your grandparents weren't magical but my sister was. She went to the school. She died there. Adriana fell off the - um - Grand Staircase or something," said my mother sadly.

"Oh."

Disappointment struck me instantly. I wasn't going. My mom would probably not let me go after what happened to my dead aunt.

"I guess I'm not going then," I said glumly.

"Wait! Your aunt died because she wasn't being careful. I know you, Alex. You will be careful and smart there. I will let you go," said my mother.

"Really?! Mum, you don't know how much this means to me! It will be great!" I said excitedly, all in one breath. I jumped up and down joyfully. My mother laughed.

'So, can I see the list of supplies?" my mother asked.

"Here you go," I say as I hand her the list.

"Diagon Alley? I remember that place," said my mother thoughtfully. "When do you want to go?"

"Now!" I shout gleefully.

We hop in the car and off we go to The Leaky Cauldron.