1 July, 2022
Dear Student of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,
Due to recent studies by the Beaubatton's school of Magic, the Hogwarts staff has decided to include a 'study abroad' option for the coming term. This opportunity will apply to all students age fourteen and over. Any student wishing to take part in this semester abroad will be required to submit an application no later than August the first. Applications will be reviewed by myself and Hogwarts' most esteemed professors, and two students will be selected from each house to attend the Manhattan University of the Magical Arts for one term, beginning in September.
I look forward to your decision! Have a wonderful summer holiday!
Hogwarts Headmistress,
Minerva McGonagall
20 August, 2022
Dear Rose Weasley,
Your application to join the 'study abroad' program for this year has been accepted! The staff and faculty of Hogwarts School bids you the most esteemed congratulations!
We ask that you report to platform nine and three quarters at Kings Cross station on September the first, promptly by eleven o'clock in the morning. A port key will be prepared to take you and your fellow students to Grand Central station in New York City where you will be received by attendants from the New York Academy of Magic. No robes will be required, as the Academy does not require that students wear a uniform. However, we ask that students from Hogwarts traveling to America wear their school uniform upon arrival at Grand Central station, as you will be an ambassador of our esteemed school.
Best of luck on your journey! Congratulations again!
Hogwarts Headmistress,
Minerva McGonagall
The night of August 31 was always spent at the Burrow. And this year, the occasion was especially festive. "A toast! To Rosie, Dom, Lucy, Lily, Fred, and Al, for being a part of Hogwarts very first 'study abroad' program!" Uncle Harry raised his glass, and everyone else followed in suit, even Louis and Hugo, who were still sour about not being quite old enough to apply. "Can you believe that?" said Ron in amazement "eight kids selected, and six of them are Potters and Weasleys!" "It's just 'cause we practically own the school" said Hugo bitterly, and Louis nodded. This got them both a sharp knock on the head from James, who had ditched his quidditch team in order to continue his tradition of sneaking a flask of firewhiskey into all of his cousins bags before they left for school. "Well we all know Rosie and Lucy would've got it anyway, even if that wasn't true" said Roxy, giggling to herself. Ever since she and Molly had started interning at St. Mungos, everything had been giggles and hot doctors for them. They would've applied to study abroad, if not for the new potions teacher at Hogwarts being one of their hot doctors.
"Now Fred" said Uncle George "I know I've been easing up on you the past few years, but this new school has never experienced a Weasley twin before! Give 'em a run for their American money! I want no less than five detention slips from you by Christmas, and all of them unattended. Remember, if I would do it and your mother would laugh at it- "It's probably brilliant" finished Fred jr. "I've taught you so well" said Uncle George, feigning tears.
"Come on then" said Hermione, sliding on her sweater. "Tomorrow's a big day, and it's getting late" "But Mum!" said Hugo, trying to whine his way into staying a little longer. "Yeah, Mum!" said Ron, imitating his sons tone. Hermione and Rose pulled them up from the table, made them say their goodbyes, and dragged them out the door. "You used to be fun" said Ron, tugging on Hermione's frizzed up pony tail. "I am fun!" said Hermione, laughing as she grabbed Rose's hand and turned on the spot. Rose always liked side along apparation with her mum best. It was quick and easy, whereas her father didn't ever seem to know what he was doing!
Rose slid her tiny hand under her pillow and fingered the acceptance letter that had been there ever since she received it. No doubt it would soon end up in a box under her bed, along with her Hogwarts acceptance letter, her class schedules and report cards, her "Slug Club" party invitations from before Professor Slughorn retired, and her OWL scores. But for now, it was the only thing that mattered. She was going to study in New York. She was one of eight students selected out of hundreds of applicants. In twenty four hours, she would be across the pond, falling asleep in New York City. She tried to imagine it while she fell asleep.