Trying out my wings a little bit, any comments are appreciated. I've always loved Harry Potter and have often thought about how a place like Hogwarts would play out in a place like the US. I decided on a transfer student so that the reader could start on familiar ground and then branch out to a whole new place. Enjoy!
Henry sat at his desk, quill in hand, ready to start on the homework Professor Flitwick had assigned for the summer ("Discuss the practical application of the charm used during your examination. Amusement from a tap dancing pineapple will not be accepted."). Only a few weeks had passed since the end of term, and yet he was eager to prepare for his second year at Hogwarts. The first year had been full new experiences and he loved everything about the school with the minor exception of the construction that was still going on in the castle. The wizarding war had been over for three years but the castle had sustained heavy damage that would take time to repair, even with magic. Headmistress McGonagall was also implementing new protection never seen before at Hogwarts. Admittedly, Peeves did not help the process much, though he did provide an excellent test to the new protective spells created just for the castle.
A soft knock at the door interrupted Henry from his thoughts of the castle. He looked over to see his father in the door frame. "May I come in?" He asked, tentatively. There was a look on his face that Henry couldn't place.
"Henry, there's something we need to talk about. I've been promoted at the Ministry and given a special assignment."
Henry's face lit up. His father was currently working in the Muggle Relations department, the most boring office in the mind of a twelve year old.
"Now that the war has been over for a few years, Minister Shacklebolt wants to strengthen our relations with other countries and has decided to adopt a model similar to Muggle governments. It's called an ambassador program, where one individual goes and represents their home country while living in another country."
Henry's excitement was fading into trepidation. He didn't understand why his father was explaining this to him, but a nagging feeling in his stomach led him to believe it wasn't good news.
"The minister wants me to be one of those ambassadors. I'll be serving as the British ambassador to the United States Federal Government of Magic"
Henry sat there, confused. After a bit of a pause from his father, he realized it was his turn to ask questions. "So, will the family have to move to the U.S.?"
"Yes, we'll be leaving at the end of the month."
"So, I guess that means I won't get as many owls when I'm Hogwarts. I bet it'd be really hard for Circe to fly over the ocean every week. And I guess I'll get to see you and mum at holidays and over break since we can just set up a Floo Powder connection. Are you excited to leave?"
His dad gave a sad smile. "There's more to it. The minister asked that we do all we can to show good faith in the American government, including its education system, and I agreed it was the right thing to do. Starting in the fall you'll be transferring to Sweetwater Wizards Institute. You'll be in the second year just like you would be at Hogwarts. From what I hear, there aren't houses like at Hogwarts since the boys and girls are in separate locations for the first few years."
Henry's mind reeled with the news. How could he not return to Hogwarts? It was his dream his entire childhood, the school embodied everything he loved about being a wizard. How could his father take this away from him? Shock turned to anger, and tears began falling on his face.
"How could you do this to me? What makes you think I would say yes to this? Hogwarts is my home, you can't take me away from the best education in the world. You have to change your mind on this."
His dad gave Henry a look of pity. "I'm sorry, son, but everything is finalized. We all are leaving for the US in three weeks. I'll do everything I can to make this as easy as possible for you." He moved towards his son, who turned away to hide his tears. With a heavy pause, he walked out the door, giving his son the space he thought he needed.