The Letter

Snape was not happy. He was stalking through the dungeons, unhappy at this turn of events. McGonagall was taking too long with some student, and so he needed to go and see this one. It was ridiculous. Why McGonagall needed to talk to multiple students each day was confusing to him, but he had no time to waste. He might as well get it over with. As he read the address that was on the task list, he could only hope that it was not the home of Harry Potter. He walked into his office, grabbed his travelling cloak, and walked to his floo. "Diagon Alley." He said, and was transported to London.

As this was happening, in Winfield House, two people were eating breakfast in the dining room. Damien was reading the paper as the mail was delivered. He stood, and went to collect it. He walked back in, carrying a single letter. "For you, Edward." He said, before handing it over. Edward opened it and slowly read the letter. "May I ask what it says?" Damien asked, and Edward looked up, beaming at him.

"Read for yourself father." He said, handing it over to him. Damien took it, and started to read.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Thorn,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A member of staff will visit you to take you shopping for necessary books and equipment, a list of which is enclosed.

Term begins on September First.

Yours Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

As Damien read this, he saw his son with the equipment list. "Come on Edward, get ready for company."

"Yes father." Edward said, placing the list on the table before leaving and heading up the stairs. As Damien waited for him to come back down, the doorbell rang. He walked into the corridor, and opened the door.

"Hello Mr Thorn, I am Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School. The man next to me is Severus Snape, our resident Potion Master. May we come in?"

"Of course, please come in." Damien said, moving aside for them. "Please follow me." He said, as they stepped in. Closing the front door, Damien led them towards the library.

McGonagall was uncomfortable as they sat inside the library. She couldn't quite understand why, but she had been feeling nervous ever since she had stepped inside. Snape however, seemed to be unaffected. Of course, this may be his occlumency in effect. After five minutes of silence, the library door opened, and a boy, the splitting image of the man across from them entered. "Sorry father, but I did not know you had moved here." He said, walking in, and sitting down.

"Excellent, now to business." Damien said. "I assume you are the professors mentioned in the letter."

"Yes Mr Thorn."

"Okay. I ask one thing. Show us that you are magical, and then you can be on your way." Damien said. McGonagall was shocked. Usually muggles were a lot more suspicious.

"Of course Mr Thorn." She said, drawing her wand, and simply lifting the table in the air. At this point, the phone rang, and Damien went to answer it.

"Hello." He said, then his face looked worried. "I'll be right there." He put the phone down. "Edward, I've got to be somewhere, something has come up. Professors, if you will follow me and Edward get your things, I have to leave, and you can take him shopping. Bring him back here," He stopped, looked at the clock, then turned back to them. "in two hours. I'll be back then."

"What can happen at your job which is so urgent Mr Thorn?" Snape asked, sneering.

"Being the ambassador to the Court of Saint James happens to bring its problems." Damien said, walking out. Snape gawped, before leading McGonagall and Edward out.

When they were all outside, Damien locked the door. Giving Edward a quick hug, he stepped into the back seat of his car, and left immediately. That was when McGonagall spoke up. "Severus, I need to be somewhere with another muggleborn if I am to keep my appointment schedule. I need you to take Edward to get his money, and supplies, whilst getting him home at the correct moment, goodbye." McGonagall said, disapperating as she finished. Severus sighed, then blanked his face to look at Edward.

"Ground rules Mr Thorn. You will not run off, you will not speak out of turn, and you will do as told. I have no qualms with leaving you to find your own way back." He said. As he finished his sentence, he thought he saw Edward scowl at him, but dismissed it. "Grab my arm Mr Thorn. Hold your breath, and close your eyes." As he finished, Edward grabbed his arm, and he apperated to the Leaky Cauldron.