Lucy Jones 1: The beginning of a tale (HP fanfiction)

2 A Visit from Professor Dumbledore

The following summer: Lucy lies on her bed, reading one of her favourite books. Her shoulder-length hair is still brown but a darker shade. She turns a page. She enjoys reading, primarily fantasy or books with a unique magic feel.

The room has three pieces of furniture, a bed, a desk and a closet for most of her stuff. They're all made of the same dark wood.

There is a knock on the door; Lucy looks up and lays her book aside. The door opens: 'There is someone here to see you.' Charlotte tells her with an encouraging smile. It gives Lucy hope. She doesn't get many visitors. If Charlotte is happy about it's a good thing, or she thinks so. Charlotte is the one that gives her a cookie or helps with her homework. She hopes Charlotte is right. It always looks like the light is on Lucy's side, but she never gets the right kind of good news.

A man walks in; he looks old with his long white beard. He also seems a bit strange because of the cloak he is wearing. It's like he wears a costume. 'Lucy?' he asks.

The girl nods, and then he continues to speak: 'I'm Professor Dumbledore, and I came to offer you a place in my school.'

At first, she is confused, but after a few minutes, she answers his question: 'And I would qualify for your school?' She asks and crosses her ankles, hanging over the side of the bed.

'Yes, you're a child with a special gift', professor Dumbledore says: 'You have the gift to perform magic.' He takes the chair from behind the desk and sits down.

She stares at him; this man is crazy. Lucy couldn't come up with another explanation. She stays silent. He speaks up. 'You don't believe me?'

'I don't want to offend you, but magic is something from fairytales and other stories.' Lucy says: 'And I'm not in one of those.'

Professor Dumbledore seems to be thinking when suddenly he takes some kind of stick out of his sleeve. He waves it and mumbles something under his breath. A letter comes flying and lands in her hands.

She doesn't believe what she has just witnessed. Maybe there is something like magic. She knows it sounds crazy but wants to consider it: 'And I can learn how to do that?' She wants to believe.

He nods: 'There is much more, but read your letter.'

Dear Ms Jones,

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

The term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

'Is this real?' She asks him, not sure that this is happening.

He looks at her: 'You're not dreaming. Have you ever felt like there were just things that happened without you meaning for it?'

'Yes.' She says. 'Uhm, yes, Professor. It's why everyone is scared of me. Is that going to happen at this school?'

'No.' He says: 'Maybe things will happen, but in this school, we'll know what to do, and the other students are not going to fear something that flies around or changes colour.' He looks at her: 'There is a list of supplies at the end of the letter.'

She looks at it. Where would she find this, and how will she pay for it.

'Do you know a boy called Harry Potter?' He asks.

She nods: 'There is a boy my age at school. Do you mean him? Is he a wizard as well?'

'Why would you think that?'

She blushes. She shouldn't have said anything: 'Because I heard they've found him on the school's roof, and there is no way to get up there.' They had to call the fireman to get him on the ground again: 'But maybe with magic, it's possible.'

'You're a smart young lady. I'm sure you'll get excellent grades.' Dumbledore answers: 'Hagrid is one of my most trusted friends.' He says: 'He'll pick you up tomorrow to ensure you have everything you need to start school. Harry will be with him.'