If I were in Ravenclaw...
by Elementary98
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. All the characters in my story that are recognizable as the ones that can be found in the Harry Potter books are created and owned by J.K. Rowling, and I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Harry Potter. The story I publish here is my own invention, and it is not purported or believed to be part of J.K. Rowling's story canon. This story is for entertainment only and is not part of the official story line. I do not earn any money by writing and publishing this story, and it's only thanks to you, Ms. Rowling, that we are able to work with the beautiful universe you gave us to dream and write of.
Another note, for the readers: I would like to expressly convey to you (the reader) that, were I to accidentally defame, purge, humiliate and or hurt someone's person or feelings as a result of them reading and or acting upon any or all of the text's contents, it is entirely unintentional of me to do so. Please state your opinions of this story so I can improve it :)
Chapter 1 - An Introduction To Magic
"Mum?", my big brother cried through the whole house. "there's a bird in front of my window, and I'm quite certain it has rabies! Dad, where's my crossbow?!"
Until now, I had sat in my room, reading one of my favourite books. But when Robert mentioned his crossbow, I jumped down the bed and ran towards his room.
"Don't you dare! It's an animal, I won't let you hurt it!" Staring up at him, I gave a scowl, then gazed towards the window. And really, there it sat. An owl.
My head went through all the books I had ever read that featured owls... A great horned owl, what a suprise! I had always liked these the most! Its big yellowish eyes focused on me and it gave a hoot, again tapping the window with its beak and claws. Did it want to come inside? Weird. Maybe it did have rabies? "Open up!", I commanded, watching as my brother reluctantly stepped forward and did as I said. "It's you who's catching rabies, Julia, have fun!" He quickly disappeared into the living room and I could hear soft murmuring coming from there. Oh well, it didn't matter. The owl landed on the table next to me and hooted again. "What's wrong?" The owl seemed to roll its eyes and held out its leg. Wait a minute, is that... No. It can't be. Who would do something like that?, I pondered, staring at the letter that was fastened to it.
I've heard of messenger pigeons before, but... messenger owls? No, that can't be right. Some maniac caught the poor thing and put a funny letter to its leg. Maybe his or her name is mentioned in the letter? Then I can call the Animal Welfare. I softly took the letter from the bird, and before I could catch it it was off again. Oh no. Shaking my head, I watched as the owl grew smaller and smaller at the horizon until I couldn't see it anymore. Then, I looked at the letter that was still clutched tightly in my left hand. Let's see, who's responsible for all this? Frowning, I stared at the address and opened the envelope.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Ms. Brandtstetter,
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 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
I gaped, then turned to the second page. I really had no idea who played this kind of joke with me.
Maybe my best friend tried to fool me? She had done something like this before, so I wouldn't be too surprised about it...
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One 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, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions
What was this? And what were I'm going to do about this? I didn't have an owl, and the one that brought me the letter had flown away already. I had no idea.
I knew none of the people mentioned. And I didn't know anything about magic, for heaven's sake!