Chapter 1 – The Letter
Luke Brown was not a normal kid! He had three older brothers, Mathew Mark and John (all triplets) and two younger sisters, Sarah and Eve (identical twins!). They were also part of a magical land. Luke's dad Adam worked at the Ministry of Magic in the 'Word development and expansion department'. Luke had no idea what he did and never wanted to find out!
Luke often felt left out as Mathew, Mark and John would always go outside and play Quidditch or something and Sarah and Eve would play Baby dolls (a variation of what muggles call Barbie dolls but they're actually living babies!). As Luke loved quidditch (but, unfortunatley didn't know how to play) and didn't like the idea of playing Baby dolls he normally sat down and read 'Quidditch Through the Ages.
He knew things were soon going to change though as tomorrow on the 11th of July he was turning 11, which meant he would finally get a letter inviting him to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry. A school that Mathew, Mark and John wouldn't stop bragging about. They would also not let him forget that Mathew was prefect of Gryffindor, Mark was the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and they were all the three seekers. The best seekers at Hogwarts they would call themselves (modest, I know).
Luke new all about Quidditch and wanted to try out for the seeker. A roll he thought he would be quite good at as he was small, with brown eyes, he had short blond hair that would never look right and had great reflexes. He planned to try out for seeker as soon as he could (even though he had no chance with Mark picking).
Luke went to bed early that night knowing he wouldn't sleep for hours. He was so excited! He couldn't believe that in three and a half hours he would be eleven! At 11:17 his thoughts finally drifted to sleep and that's where he went, dreaming of waking up and reading the letter, then opening all his birthday presents and having a big breakfast!
He woke the next morning happy and excited. He went down stairs to where his dad was waiting. "Happy Birthday to you" he sang. Once he was finished Luke asked "Where are all the others?"
"They're just in the living room, they've got a surprise for you!" he said it with an excited tone in his voice like when he was counting down for the fireworks on New Year's Eve.
Luke walked into the living room and was greeted by a "Surprise!" and then another round of Happy Birthday to you. Mum then handed him a letter. "This came for you this morning" She said handing him a letter. Written on the front in green ink with cursive writing was –
Luke Adam Brown
The Den
Luke quickly opened it. Inside, in the same green ink and cursive writing was a letter. It read-
Dear Mr. Brown,
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,
Thomas Turnter
Deputy Headmaster
Luke quickly looked at the other sheet. It read-
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
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,
Thomas Turnter
Deputy Headmaster
Luke's Mum looked over his shoulder at the long list of things he required. "Looks like tomorrow we'll be heading for Diagon Alley." she said.