Only Three Years

Written by Vega Potter

Chapter 1

Ripping the wax seal

She opened her mouth in awe, and some cereal spilt out of it. An owl had just flown into the window. She looked away for one second, and the owl was gone. She faced forward, to watch the television, and the owl was sitting on top of it. He was rather pretty, feathered black and blue in the eyes. When he saw her looking, he flew onto her lap. In his beak, he had a letter, written on yellowing parchment, in green ink. She took it from him. She ripped the wax seal, and opened it. It contained one letter, written in cursive. She read it out loud to herself to be sure she was not imagining things.

Dear Valentine Porter,

I am so sorry that you had to wait until you were 14 to get your letter. I can explain. You have been accepted into Hogwarts School for witchcraft and wizardry. The reason for this being so late was a very stupid mix-up by the minister of magic. (He even admits it) You should send your response by Owl as soon as possible. We hope to see you as a first year at our school when September comes.

-Professor M. McGonagall

Valentine read the letter over three times. The owl was still staring at her.

"MOM!"

"What Val?" called her mother from upstairs.

"You might want to come down here."

Marianne Porter was a short, brown haired woman and when she got downstairs she shrieked at the sight of the owl.

"Get it out of my house! NOW!"

"He won't leave. I've tried. He's waiting for a response to this." Valentine handed her mother the letter. She watched as her face turned from being surprised, to being angry.

"What practical jokers! Hah! Everyone knows there's no such thing as magic! You'll do fine at the public school honey."

She set it down on the table. Both of the women stared at it for a moment. Valentine spoke first.

" Mom," she said apprehensively, " if it is real, can I go? I don't have any real friends here, we just moved. I won't miss anything, I'm already the best in my class."

Before she had time to answer, another owl flew through the window. Valentine ripped the letter out of its beak and tore it open. The same handwriting as before was on this one too.

Dear Valentine,

I will be intruding upon your household at 5:00 sharp.

-Professor M. McGonagall

Valentine looked at the clock. 4:59. Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one. The doorbell rang out through the silence that had now filled the house. Her mother motioned for her to go and get the door. Valentine walked over to the door, her long, wavy, blonde hair bouncing after her. She opened the door and standing there straightening her robes was a very cross-looking woman with a pointed hat.

The woman held out her hand. " Hello. You must be Valentine. I am Professor McGonagall, the Headmistress at Hogwarts. I believe I have some explaining to do."

"Please sit down." Said Ms. Porter.