Equilibrium

The day my world began anew

The fact that I was unable to respond to the man didn't seem to bother him. From the couch, my mother began to regain her senses to some degree, and mumbled an incomprehensible "come in" to the man.
He flashed her a quaint smile, and stepped into our small, dirty home.
I stand beside him, awkwardly holding the door open and ignoring the furtive glances my parents send me. Though the man has barely spoken a word, we all know he's here because of the letter.
The man shoots a kind glance at me an I start, coming out of my stupor, and snap the door shut behind him.

"I imagine you already know why I'm here, don't you?"
I nod, subtly, still unable to force the frog from my throat.
"well, then, I'm sure you have questions?"
Only silence met him.
"Hogwarts is a school, albeit an unusual one. It was founded long, long ago, by four of the greatest witches and wizards ever to live." He chuckles, seeing the look on my parents faces at his use of the words "witches and wizards."
"Yes, you heard that correctly - wizards. It may come as a shock, but there is a thriving community of magical folks just like young chase here. This school is a refuge for young men and women to learn and hone their skills in a safe environment."
"Chase is already enrolled in the public school a few blocks down, and there's no way we can afford to send him to a private school, especially not..."
"All will be taken care of," the man said calmly in his warm, low voice. I will be taking chase to buy his school supplies, and seeing that he arrives safely and on time. He has been awarded a scholarship to attend, funded completely by a particularly wealthy young wizard who wishes to remain anonymous. "
My parents sat silently, unsure how to respond.
"When does term start?" I ask, opening my mouth for the first time. He turns to me with a smile, his eyes catching mine, and answers "within the month. We must leave in the morning if we wish to buy your supplies before you go. "
He stands up, dusting cat fur of his legs, and turns to leave. With his hand on the door he stops, and says "I'll return in the morning to collect you. Pack anything you wish to bring with you in this." he pulls something out of his pocket and waves it lightly, a chest appearing on the ground before them with a slight pop.
Both of my parents gasp softly, eyes fixed on the chest. The man opens the door and steps outside.
"Wait!" I call out at the last second.
He turns around and assumes a quizzical look.
"What's your name?" I ask, softly.
"My name is Albus Dumbledore, headmaster if hogwarts." And without another word, the door closes behind him.