Skeletons in the Closet

America

I jolted off the floor, as I felt the ground jerk beneath my feet. We were there! I could finally escape this self-inflicted prison! With the excitement of this thought in my mind, I retrieved my book. It felt like ages, but eventually, the doors finally opened and I bolted out. Behind me, I heard someone say,
"Did you see that too?" I didn't hear their partners reply, because I was going so fast. Down streets, down alleyways, I ran, past everything, until I could run no longer. I slowed to a halt, and slid down the wall in an alleyway. I had made it. But what now? That stupid book didn't have anything that could help me now. I didn't know where I was, I didn't have any money, and I didn't know my next move. Luckily, I didn't have to make a choice, as I felt the ground open up beneath my feet, and I fell through the floor.

I landed on packed dirt, in a place lit only by a single light source. I looked in confusion. The light source was connected to a thin stick of wood. And the wood was connected to an arm. And the arm, a very angry old man. Lit up by the light, was also an old lady, who looked more pleasant than her male counterpart.
"Who do you think you are, running around like that? You're what, 9? 8?" The grouchy looking old man lectured.
"I'm 10 I'll have you know! I turn 11 in...". With everything that had happened, I lost track of time. " Wait, Mr., what day is it?"
"Never mind that!" He exclaimed.  I was glad when the soft faced old woman finally spoke, "Oh don't be so rude! Today is the 16 of August silly!" I fell silent, as the two started to bicker. About what, I wasn't really paying attention. I was more focused on the fact that I had spent my birthday in a shipping container, halfway across the Atlantic Ocean!
"Dear, you look famished! Follow us at once!" The woman exclaimed as the two of them turned and headed up a flight of stairs. We rose up, into a cozy little house. The windows looked to the street so you could watch all the people walking by. I always found windows creepy. You never know who's looking through them.
"Come, sit down, dear." the kind old lady spoke softly. "We'll have a lunch sorted out for you in just a minute."
"So, little lady. What's your story? What are you doing all out on your own?" The old man inquired. I launched into my tale, starting that night in our cabin. I glossed over a lot of my train ride and boat ride, but I did let them take a look at the book. Risky move, considering that was my only guide, as well as all that remained of my life before.
"So you're a witch, huh? Well, lucky for you, you just so happened to run into the only magical folk in this district." The old man commented. He pulled out the thin stick I'd seen earlier and gave it to me.
"Now, this here's my wand. Every wizard and witch has got to have one. Each one is unique to each person, so don't go trying to steal mine." He winked. I would have never stolen it, and he could tell.
"Hush now, lunch is ready." Commanded the lady from the stove. We ate in silence, until the man asked,
"What's your name, young lady?"
"You first," I retorted. He chortled and said,
"Alright, my names Frank. Frank Ignacio. This is my wife, Barbara" he introduced.
"Excuse you! Barbara exclaimed. "I can introduce myself perfectly well! Anyway, it's your turn." She looked pointedly at me.
"Clair. Clair Silvair." I recited. They chimed in unison,
"Nice to meet you, Clair!" After we had lunch, we talked and talked. They asked about my next move, and when I told them, they stared incredulously.
"Well, obviously, you should make your way to Ilvermorny. You aren't safe here, but the ancient stone walls will protect you." Frank explained
"But, where do I start? I don't even know where I am!" I was on the verge of shouting. I was so nervous, and I knew it would be this way until I reached the school. Possible after too.
"Why honey, you're in Boston! Here, look at this map." Barbara conjured a map out of nowhere. "Now, the city is crawling with Scourers, people who hate magic. They'll be after anything out of the ordinary, so we best use the tunnels." She pointed to several different places with her wand. They glowed a shining gold, in response to the wand. "These here, are safe houses. Homes of wizarding folk like us. Now, if we take you to the old bakery, we should be able to get you out of the city no problem. We'll take you as far as we can, but you must find your way alone."
With a plan and a means to execute, I was satisfied. We worked out that I would leave midday tomorrow, so how to draw suspicion to myself. They prepared a bath for me, and while I cleaned the grime of the past few days off, they prepared a place to sleep.
"I don't know how to thank you!" I said with tears in my eyes. No one had shown me this much kindness except my dad. "One last question." I said as I felt my eyes drooping. "Where do I get one of those?" I asked, pointing at their wands. I heard them laugh, but I didn't hear their response, for I was already deep asleep.