Molly Hooper had always lived a rather ordinary life. She didn't have particularly striking features, nor was she very outspoken. Her mother was a primary school teacher that spent most of her time grading papers, or reading romance novels. Her father was a surgeon and never seemed to be home. Molly practically lived alone, with very few acquaintances and little to no social interaction at all. Hence, the eleven year-old was a bit more than shocked when a strange woman who called herself Professor McGonagall showed up at the door.

"Is Molly in trouble?" asked her mother, very concerned that something had happened at school.

"No no no, of course not," replied McGonagall soothingly, "I merely want to talk to you and her about an opportunity she has to attend a very prestigious school."

Molly's mother blinked.

"Oh! That's wonderful! I'll just go fetch her for you," she said, turning and running up the stairs to Molly's little room. The little girl was lying on her bed, clutching her stuffed bear to her chest as she pored over her favourite novel, the Hobbit.

"Molly?" her mother called, peering into the room.

"Not now Mother! I've just gotten to the part where Bilbo meets Smaug!"

"Molly, it's very important. A very nice lady has come to talk to you about attending a very nice school."

Molly looked up at her mother, big brown eyes glittering with curiosity. Why was someone here to talk to her about school? She didn't do particularly amazing in school, except in science and English. She wasn't in the band or the choir or anything, so why was she suddenly so special? Molly slid her bookmark back into her beloved book and gently placed it on her nightstand. She followed her mother back downstairs and was a bit thrown off by McGonagall's intimidating stare.

"Hello Molly, I'm Professor McGonagall. I've come to discuss a school that you've been invited to attend," the professor said, smiling.

"What, m-me?"

"Yes Molly, now is there somewhere we can talk? Preferably sitting down."

Molly's mother nodded and led Professor McGonagall toward the living room. She gestured towards the armchair and McGonagall thanked her before sitting down. Molly and her mother followed suit, choosing to sit on the sofa.

"So what's this school you were talking about?" Molly asked, cocking her head slightly to one side.

"You've been invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," McGonagall replied, handing Molly a wax-sealed letter.

"Wait, did you say witchcraft and wizardry?" asked Molly's mother sceptically.

"Yes I did. Was I not clear?" replied McGonagall.

"No, no. You were crystal clear."

Molly opened the letter carefully and read over its contents, her eyes growing wider as they progressed down the page.

"What?!" she exclaimed disbelievingly, "B-but I can't be magic! I-I'm just Molly! The girl who doesn't do well in maths and reads all day! I'm not special at all!"

"Molly, has anything ever happened to you, when you were angry or frightened? Something you can't explain?" asked McGonagall softly.

"W-well one time, I was really upset because I failed a test in school, so I was crying on my bed, when suddenly my teddy bear just came to life and gave me a hug."

"That was the magic in you reacting to your emotions. You are indeed a witch Molly. And if you'd like, you can come to Hogwarts and learn to control and utilize your powers."

Molly was speechless. It all felt like a dream. She was going to go to a school of magic, far away from her boring, lonely life. She read the letter again and frowned.

"I-I'd love to go more than anything, but I don't know where to get any of the stuff on this packing list."

"Hang on," interjected her mother, narrowing her eyes at McGonagall, "How do I know you aren't just pulling one over on me to drain my accounts of their money?"

McGonagall rolled her eyes and pulled out her wand. She gave it a flick and the books on the table rose and levitated in mid-air. Molly's mouth dropped open.

"Do you believe me now?" asked McGonagall, raising an eyebrow. Molly's mother nodded, still in shock, "All right Molly. I will give your mother directions to the Leaky Cauldron and I will arrange for Hagrid to pick you up there and take you shopping for your school supplies. Be there no later than nine o'clock, Saturday morning."

McGonagall pulled a quill out from her robe and scribbled down an address on a piece of parchment before handing it to Mrs Hooper.

"It was nice meeting you Miss Hooper. I look forward to seeing you in September."

"It was nice meeting you too," Molly replied, shaking her hand, "Goodbye."

"Goodbye. Remember, no later than nine o'clock. Do not worry about money, the school has given you an allowance of 200 galleons. Hagrid will have the key to your vault in Gringott's."

And with that, she was gone. Molly sat on the sofa, stunned. She read through her letter again, just to make sure that what happened wasn't some bizarre dream. A smile spread across her face as she did so. It was real. She was really a witch and she was going to a school that taught such people and it was happening to her. Plain little Molly. She couldn't wait.