Chapter 1: A letter

The morning sun was just peeking over the hill-tops and waking a certain person up, she pulled her pillow over her head. She grumbled. "Rise and shine sunshine! You have to get ready for school," her mother said a little loud while she grabbed her wand and made a movement with it. The blanket started to float in the air and she dropped in the corner of the room. The girl curled up from the cold temperature, "Dun wanna.." she moaned. "Ugh, seriously, Saphire. What to do with you. I just hope your brother won't become like this in the future," said her mother irritated when Saphire sat up and rubbed in her eye. She turned around and walked away. "Just hurry up! Alyssa's mother will be here in 10 minutes to pick you up!"
"WHAT? 10 MINUTES?!" she shouted panicked as she put her clothes on as fast as she could.
Saphire walked down the stairs, "Just grab an apple and go. Don't forget to smile, it's the last day before summer break starts!" called her mother happily, "Where's Keith?" she asked tired, "He went with a friend of him today," answered her mother. That same moment there was a loud honking car outside. Before her mother could turn around, Saphire grabbed her coat and bag and all but sprinted out of the door. "Bye mom!" She called before slamming the door behind her. Alyssa was leaning against the door, grinning as she saw her friend rushing towards her. "Lost track of time again Saph?" Saphire simply shrugged, "You know me too well Ally. I couldn't leave my mister cuddles all alone!" Alyssa giggled, "I know."
"Did you forget we had P.E. today?" she asked at Saphire looking at her dark blond glanced into the car, seeing two bags tucked neatly on the back seat. "Damnit," she cursed, dropped her bag and ran back inside. Her mother was enjoying her morning soap opera with a cup of tea, and spilled everything on her morning blouse when her eldest stormed into the hallway. "MOM! where are my P.E clothes?!" Her eyes blinked bewildered, staring at her daughter before she answered in a shaky but calm voice, "You forgot them, again?" Saphire sighed relieved but irritated, suddenly her PE clothes flew towards her in a bag. But it was so fast she hardly caught it and thus she fell on her back. "Ouch..." she said irritated, she was used to it after all. "Hurry up Saph!" said Alyssa, "Yeah, coming!" she shouted back. She stood up and walked out of the door. "Thanks mom!" she shouted and then ran towards Alyssa, who was waiting for her with the car door open. Saphire dived into the back seat. "Good morning Mrs. Gridley, you look nice today," Saphire said with a shy smile. Alyssa snorted as she closed the door before sitting in the front seat. "Thanks Saph," she said and glanced at her. "Wish I could say that about you.. Such tomboyish clothes... Not fitting for a young lady like you." Alyssa groaned annoyed. Her mother seriously couldn't help herself again. Saphire grumbled.
"Well then, it's clearly it'll be hard to get a boyfriend for you," she said while she looked at Saphire in the interior. "MOTHER!" Alyssa yelled. "Stop harassing Saph and drive." Saphire looked at Alyssa "Ally, it's oke.," said Saphire easy going as she looked out of the window. Miss Gridley parked the car and Alyssa and Saphire stepped out of the car. "Thanks for the ride miss Gradley," said Saphire thankful and closed the door, "Argh, why won't my mom ever stop about your clothes?" asked Alyssa irritated.
Saphire grinned as she shouldered her bag, "Because she's jealous she wasn't as pretty as me back in her prehistory time." Alyssa chuckled, gave her a friendly soft shove as she walked up the front steps.
As they walked into class, they saw a girl asleep on her desk. Saphire gave her friend the 'look' and walked over to the girl, She had her Roman History paper clinged to her right hand. "Hayhay, I didn't know you didn't do the assignment?" Saphire told her friend. As two sleepy eyes lifted from the desk she answered. "I couldn't sleep last night, so I wrote a new and better one.. And don't call me that."
"We could've expected that," said Alyssa with a smile. The bell rang and the classroom slowly filled itself with students. The last day of this year finally began. Saphire sighed, "I want my warm bed..." she mumbled after she yawned. "Me too..." said Hayley sleepy. Hayley tugged her 2 braids under her nose and whispered: "Guys look! I'm a Mustache Dragon!" Saphire chuckled as she slowly dozed off. While she started to doze off even more, her teacher walked inside. "Good morning kids," she said after she closed the door and grabbed a piece of paper, "I'm going to fill in the attendance list." She started to call out names and the person would reply. "Dallons?" she said after six more people, but Saphire didn't reply. "Dallons?" The teacher asked again. Hayley kicked Saphires chair. "Wake up!" she whispered angrily. "Come on!" she whispered angry and kicked the chair again.. "Dallons is not here?" asked the teacher when she looked up, Hayley grinded her teeth. "Morgana!" she whispered a little louder, Saphire shot up. "Who called me that?" she said angry and out loud, the teacher looked at her. The teacher sighed and said: "Dallons. Here." Saphire looked around and saw that the whole class was staring at her. She shyly scratched the back of head, "Oops...," she mumbled softly. Alyssa passed on a small note towards Saphire, "You really should stop doing that!" it said. Saphire looked up and looked behind her, she looked at Alyssa who was sitting on the other side of the room. You could read from her face she didn't understand. "Doing what?" she said without any sound. Alyssa sighed irritated and rolled her eyes. Saphire shrugged in a way to make clear she didn't understand. "Sleeping," mumbled Hayley irritated without even knowing what the note said, she had a feeling though.
But before they knew it, Saphire laid down her head and started to sleep again. Alyssa groaned, "She never listens," she mumbled.
Half an hour has passed and Saphire was still sleeping. Hayley looked at her, "Ew, Saph. You're drooling." Saphire opened her eyes groggily. "What?" "Sleepyhead," whispered Hayley irritated. "Hayhay," countered Saphire. "Morgana." Saphire gave her a deadly glance, "I can't believe you said that!"
Alyssa whacked both girls on the back of the head. "C'mon, class ended five minutes ago. I'm ready to leave." She shouldered her bag and crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. "What about PE?" "The class wills start about ten minutes, minus the five minutes you guys already wasted on your childish behaviour here. Means we only have five more minutes to get dressed before we are expected in the fields."
Hayley sighed, picked up her stuff and stood. "Better get going then." "I wanna sleep," nagged Saphire. The two started to walk off, leaving Saphire behind. Only when they reached the door and Saphire knew they weren't bluffing, did she jump up and ran after them. "Hey, wait up!" She grabbed her stuff and followed them.

The three dragged themselves back into the changing rooms, all muddy and sweaty. "Ugh, why do I always feel like Mrs. Driller hates us." Hayley looked at Saphire, petting her comfortably on the head. "Be glad this was the last lesson we have from her. She won't terrorize us again."
Alyssa shrugged. "It wasn't that bad exactly, really nice workout. The only thing that I disliked was that even when it started pouring she kept us on the field. Bloody wench. If I have a cold tomorrow, she's going to get it."
Hayley narrowed her eyes and shook her head at her other friend. "Tsk, Alyssa. This is why you don't make new friends." "I don't need new friends. I have plenty." Without another word Alyssa grabbed her showering supplies and walked into one of the shower cabins. Hayley wanted to call after her but Saphire shook her head. "Don't, she won't be in the mood right now for an apology."
" Apology from me?" Hayley said indignantly, "she walked off with her bloody temper!" Saphire sighed and crossed her arms, "You do remember her first elementary school where she got bullied a lot? Even her best friends back then let her down and didn't stand up to defend her. That's the reason she changed school. I thought she told you that."
Hayley slapped her palm against her forehead. "Ugh! I totally forgot about that. No wonder she reacted so violently." Now she felt slightly guilty. Saphire grabbed her backpack and walked towards Hayley who sadly looked at the ground, she reached out and patted her head. " Don't worry Hayhay, it'll be alright tomorrow. She just has to cool down a bit."

Saphire yawned for the last time before she lifted her tired but from the bench, "Guys, I'll be heading home now.." Long desperate sigh "Too bad I have to walk all the way back to my house, alone... By myself..." Alyssa nudged Hayley as Saphire desperately continued her own pity ".. But I don't mind being alone for a walk home." "Would you like to come home with me instead?" Said Hayley suddenly. Saphire smiled. She finally got it. "I'd love to, thank you." "Alysa, how about you? Tea at my place?" Said Hayley. "Sure, I could use the warm tea. And my mom won't be home till 8. So yes." As Alyssa finished her sentence a black Mercedes stopped before them. "Right on time, as always" said Hayley with a smile. As Hayley held the doors for her friends the driver spoke politely. "Good afternoon ladies, where are we heading?" Saphire smiled, she always liked Ralph, Ralph was Hayleys driver. he is always very polite and caring. "Good Afternoon Ralph, Home will be all today" Hayley answered. Ralph continued his daily concerns "I hope the rainy weather didn't disturb you all today." "Not at all, I like rain in my face" said Alyssa a little grumpy.
The black Mercedes stopped in front of a mansion, and the girls got out as soon as they could. Running as fast as they can, then ran through the huge front garden. Greeted the gardener, who was hiding from the rain in his little shed. And got in. Hayley threw her coat and bags in the coat closet. And ran through the hallways to the kitchen. Saphire casually kicked her shoes in a corner while Alyssa folded her stuff neatly. Alyssa sighed. "I hate it when she's hungry." Saphire grinned. She was quite hungry herself. A tall figure walked his way through the hallway. "Oh! Hello!" Said the blue haired man. "I didn't know you guys were here? Where did my little hayball go?" "It's okay, Benjamin. She's in the kitchen. Eating everything she can" said Saphire. "Well, then it won't take long till she turns into a big hayball" Benjamin winked at the 2 ladies. Saphire chuckled. Alyssa pulled at saphire arm. "Big Brothers. Urgh." And rolled her eyes. "Why did you dye your hair?" asked Saphire curious. "To get the ladies, Saph" Said Benjamin happy. "With blue hair?" Asked Saphire thoughtless but nonchalant, she raised one eyebrow. "Ladies dig the blue hair these days," Benjamin said while smiling. "Don't you like it?" "It doesn't suit you," she answered bluntly. Benjamin backed off a little and looked as if he wanted to say something, but before he could Alyssa spoke. "Saphire, stop wasting your time on stupid brothersl." Saphire looked confused at her. "Guys... Look at this..." Hayley said from the kitchen. Alyssa and Saphire made eye contact, lifted their shoulders and walked towards the kitchen. "I'M NOT STUPID!" shouted Benjamin angry towards them. "Yes you are..." mumbled Alyssa irritated. "I didn't think I would get one of these.." Said Hayley when Saphire and Alyssa entered the kitchen. "Get what?" said Alyssa. "One of these!" Said Hayley, while she lifted her hand. She was holding a letter with a red stamp. "Is that a-" Started Alyssa. Saphire cut her off. "HOGWARTS?! … HOGWARTS!" Saphire couldn't remember the last time she was this excited to read. "What does it say?" Hayley gave her friend a smile. "Relax. I will read it in a minute. First. I'll make something to drink." "We don't have time for drinks, Hay!" Said Saphire Excited. Hayley giggled, opened her letter and read.

"HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Harry James Potter

Dear Mrs Guillotin,

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 necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress"

"How exciting!" Said Saphire. "But there is more" Said Hayley with a Game-host voice

"UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
sets of plain work robes (black)
plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.

COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales

Students may also bring and owl OR a cat OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS"

"No broomsticks for first years?" Said Saphire, as her excitement turned into shock. "urgh. typical." Said Alyssa while she rolled her eyes. Benjamin came into a kitchen. "I smell excitement. whats up?" "I got my acceptance letter to Hogwarts!" Said Hayley. "Really! Mom and Robert will be so proud of you!" Benjamin picked up his little sister and hugged her tightly. "Ben. let my little mon Cherie breath. for god sake." Said the long haired woman standing at the backdoor. She smiled. and her daughter said: "Chère maman, I got into Hogwarts!" Her mother began to smile, "oui mon cherie, tu me rends si fière*," she answered, Alyssa and Saphire made eye contact. "What did she say?" asked Saphire in a whisper. Alyssa smiled, turning her head to Saphire. "Her mother said she was proud of her. Don't you ever pay attention to our French lessons?", "That teacher is so boring...". Alyssa rolled her eyes but grinned. "Yet you get good grades, I wonder how you do that," Alyssa said, turning her head to look at Hayley's mother she bowed briefly as she greeted her. "Good afternoon." Saphire hesitated but said it anyway. "Bonjooor?" "Oh mon dieu! I haven't seen you in a very long time! how ar-" Miss Guillotin started to speak, but Hayley cut her off. "Maman, You see them now. Stop embarrassing yourself.', "I'm not embarrassing myself, apparently I'm embarrassing you!" she said smiling. as she loosened her grip on her only daughter. Hayley's mother swifted her wand, and the drinks started prepared itself. "Go. Ben will bring tea later." Ben looked up "What?" he said. Hayley took her friends to the greenhouse. "Please don't break anything like last time. ok?" Saphire looked guilty, "I never meant to. Your mom just surprised me." "I wonder if my letter has arrived yet," wondered Alyssa, Saphire sat down "That is, if you got accepted." "My parents will kill me if I don't get in or do get in but not in Slytherin." "I think it will be worse for Saph, with her grandpa. Mister Slytherin," Said Hayley. Saphire sighed as Hayley continued. "For generations, Saphs family had been sorted into Slytherin. Gladly her family was never interfered with Lord Voldermort..." "And what does that have to do with sorting?" Asked Saphire. "Well.." Answered Hayley "There is a rumor, that if your family had something to do with the deatheaters. The fate of the whole family changes." Suddenly Alyssa looked concerned. "Famous, Slytherin familys got childeren sorted in different houses. and the whole family broke up.. " Hayley looked sad at Saph. "... out of pride. Isn't that sad?" Saph laughed softly. "Pride huh? Well everyone has it. Some people just have too much pride..." Alyssa looked at her, trying to detect some sadness. "Like your grandpa!" "Hayhay!" said Alyssa angrily. Saphire laughed, "Don't worry, it's ok," she said at the angry Alyssa. Benjamin came in, "tea ladies?". Saphire gently took a cup from the tray. "You really shouldn't believe these rumors, Hayball" Said Benjamin. "But!" objected Hayley, "It's just bull, family is a bond that can never be broken." continued Benjamin. Hayley smiled. "You think it's bull because you're not in such a situation," she said nonchalant while carefully taking a sip from the hot tea. "Benjamin, you didn't put honey in it, did you?", "You and your honey-with-tea habit... You should stop it. It's weird." "You and your dye-your-hair-in-rainbow-colours-when-you're-desperate habit. You should stop it. It won't work." Said Hayley with a whiny voice. Alyssa and Saphire were trying hard to get a hold of their laugh, but it was easily read on their face. The angry look they got from Benjamin made it impossible for them to hold it in and they started to laugh. "Damn... I won't bring tea ever again..." he said angry as he walked away. "You say that every time, yet you'll still bring it to us!" said Hayley laughing. "Wish my other brothers were here, so they could have seen that!" Saphire chuckled. Hayley was the youngest of the family. yet Benjamin was always the victim of all of the pranks in this house. Saphire thought about home. would her letter be there yet? a Barn owl flew into the greenhouse and poked Saphires hand. "Seven!" She said happily. "what are you doing here, sweety?" the owl lifted his little left leg. it had a scroll attached to it. "Oh god... Hope my mom is not angry..." Saphire opened the scroll. It was a small piece.

Saph,

Would you mind picking up Keith when you come home?

I am getting some groceries.

- Mom

"What?" Saphire looked up at the bird, "You stupid bird, you were lost again?!" the animal hopped back and screeched. "Dismissed." Said Saphire as the little bird took off and left through the window. Saphire drank the last bit of tea left in her cup and stood up, "Guess I'll take my leave now." "Ralph will be at the door" Said Hayley. "Nah, I'll walk. It's close by." Hayley smiled. "Owl me, when you get your Hogwarts letter." She said with a wink. Saphire smirked, "It'll come late though, Seven is always lost." "I'm going as well. I can't take it anymore. I have to know if I got my letter as well." Alyssa said. Saphire grinned. Alyssa was so nervous, her cup was shaking. So she could tell. Hayley chuckled. "Don't worry Ally. I would've done the same" she said. Hayley walked to ladies to the door. "I hope you two get in. I wouldn't be the same without you two." said Hayley. before she closed the door behind Saphire and Alyssa.

"Well I see you tommorow then, or do you want me to come with you to pick up your brother?" Alyssa asked as they walked back. She watched Saphire nervously, hoping that she would say that it wasn't needed and she could go home to check. "No, it's alright Ally," Saphire said teasingly as she gave her a friendly push. "You're dying to get back home."