She stared at the letter, eyes widened and heart racing.
Dear Ms. Granger, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…
Her fingers lingered on the parchment as if she was somehow afraid the ink would vanish if she didn't concentrate hard enough.
The strange messenger that had delivered the letter sat on the windowsill, watching curiously with its luminous, amber eyes. The tawny owl waited a moment before flying off, as Hermione attempted to absorb the information she had just received.
Hermione wasn't sure what to make of such a school if it even existed. The very idea seemed to border on insanity and all realistic thought. Common sense reminded her that it was an impossible notion. Suddenly, a thought struck her. The book!
Glancing at her clock, the bushy-haired twelve-year-old slipped on a pair of beat up shoes. Grabbing her bag and a flashlight she swiftly climbed out the window. Her room was only a few feet above the ground and it sat parallel to the woods.
The light chirping of crickets filled the summer air as she made her way towards the trees. She knew the way well and traveled almost upon instinct. Finally, Hermione found herself standing just outside the fort. It was put together with rough pieces of scrap wood and metal. Despite being made of scraps, the structure was fairly well built.
Inhaling deeply, she stepped inside. Within the tiny house were makeshift shelves, all filled with books. Without a second thought, she reached for one book in particular. It was entitled, Extreme Incantations by Violeta Stitch.
An impish grin formed on her face as she clutched the thick textbook. All the fantasies she had dismissed as impossible now seemed impossibly real. Perhaps Hogwarts was real.
Turning around, she noticed an unfamiliar shadow. She could make out the slight curvature of a cat. Slowly the cat began transforming into a human. Stepping out of the darkness and into the entrance to the fort, Hermione was able to get a better look at her. The woman wore a black and emerald colored robe and a tall, pointed hat. Although she appeared rather stern, Hermione noticed a softness in her eyes right away. The woman brushed herself off and then turned to speak to her.
"Good evening, Ms. Granger."