I hopped down the steps off the bright yellow school bus and wave good-bye to the driver, Darlene. I skipped down the driveway to our large, tan house, thrilled for the summer vacation to finally be here. The garage is cool and refreshing as I entered the darkness. I paused to check on the family cat, Summer, and her new born kittens, which she insists on keeping in a spare flower pot in the corner. She purred at my arrival as I stroke her head. The kittens pounce on her tail while she is distracted. I stood and pushed open the door to the mud room.
"Cat? Honey is that you?" My mother called. She sounded off.
"Yes! What's wrong?" I asked and turned the corner. Stopping short when I spy the strange man.
"What's going on...?" I said slowly.
"Sit down Cat." She replied and pushed a letter over to me. Across the top in fancy print is a funky title and weird emblem.
"What's Hogwarts?" I asked and begin to read the letter addressed to me, Miss Caterina Keith. My mouth hung open and I glanced from my mother and the man.
"Is this a joke? Witches and wizards don't exist. And even if the do, I'm definitely not a witch."
"Don't be so sure, Caterina. I am Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts." The man in silk robes drawled and continued, "Have strange things ever happened when you were mad? Or sad? Or happy?" He said, a knowing glint in his eyes
"Um, no..." I said but I thought back to all the strange occurrences. "Okay, maybe" I admitted.
Professor Dumbleore went on to explain that wizards and witches do indeed exist, and I, I was one. A "muggle-born" as he said. Which he told me means I am a witch born of muggles, or normal people like my mum, step-dad, and brother. The letter was an acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in England. I was of age to attend, about to begin my sixth year of schooling at age eleven. He patiently answered all our questions. Then, he told me that I will be going to this school. All the way in England! He said that only kids from Europe are supposed to go, but since my birth father was European I was on the list even though I lived in the east coast of America. He gave us plans tickets to London and said he will meet us at the airport when we land, in one month. He gave me an encouraging smile and walked out. A loud crack emitted from the garage, which mum explained is how he came. She and I sat there got awhile, staring at the letter. Neither of us could believe this is real.
