James Potter (the first) POV
Chapter One
I wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside and the aroma of cinnamon floating through the air. I yawn and stretch making my ears pop. I had just had the weirdest but best dream. I had been flying. Not by myself of course, there had been something underneath me but I hadn't thought to look. It was the best feeling in the whole world. The wind was blowing through my always-untidy jet-black hair and I felt… free.
I hop out of bed and see the stack of presents at the foot of my bed. I had almost forgotten it was my birthday! I was officially a man! 11 years old is quite an age! This is the day I should get my letter! I grab my robe and race downstairs. I throw open the kitchen doors and see Lucia, our cook and nanny, grinning standing with a strawberry cake in her hands. I run to her and hug her, "Thank you Lu!" That's what I call her, Lu. When I was little and I felt sick I would always go to Lucia for help. I would never go to Mum; she wouldn't even know what to do with me. Lucia's always good with healing spells anyway. One day when I felt really sick I opened the doors and just had time to say "Lu-" when I threw up right there on the kitchen floor. After that, we joked about it and I just started calling her Lu so I could have time to say her name when I'm throwing up.
I look around the kitchen expecting to see more faces but all I see are some more presents and two notes. Of course they wouldn't be here. They're never here. "I'm sorry O.J." that's what Lu always calls me since I'm always drinking it. "They had to leave straight to the Ministry this morning." Dad's gone all the time. He's the advisor for the Minister of Magic. He does a very good job and he gets paid a LOT but he never has time for me. And Mum's an Auror so she's pretty high up there too. She's home more but whenever she's gone I worry… a lot. I always suck it up and look like I'm not. I have to be brave for her.
I go over to read the notes. The first one is from Mum:
Dear James,
I'm really sorry buddy… Work sent me a letter that I had to deal with immediately. I got you something you might like. Happy Birthday love!
Love you so much,
Mum
Then I read Dads:
James,
Sorry I can't be there for your birthday. The Minister calls! I got you something that I hope you'll enjoy.
Dad
Not even a love you. I walk over to the presents and pick the biggest thing I can find. I don't do this to be self-centered, but because usually- at least for me- the biggest presents are the worst. Lu starts cutting the cake and brings a slice over to me. "Who is it from?" she asks.
"Papa Potter" I respond. Papa Potter is my dad's dad. He comes around for important ministry information every once in a while. I like him he's always makes me laugh and even can make my dad laugh. I open the gift and I see a broomstick keeping kit. That's weird… I think I don't even have a broomstick. I go through the rest of my presents hoping for a broomstick. No such luck. I got a wizard chess set from mum. Not the best present but I still appreciate it. From dad I got a cool watch where I can always see where mum and him are. Instead of telling time it has different places set into it and it points to where each person is. I got some pumpkin pasties and other cakes from Grandmum Potter and some cool books from my mum's parents.
I am happy about my presents but I was just wishing I would get a broomstick. I've seen some games and they are brilliant! I thank Lu for the cake and go up to my room to get ready for the day. I walk into my room and just start laughing. I have presents up here too! I grab the first one and start opening it. It's a treacle tart. Next about 10 chocolate frogs. I love those! I've been saving the cards ever since I can remember! I save them for later. The last present is a bit longer but box-like. I open it and I can't believe my eyes. A broomstick. I stare at it for a long time just letting it sink in that I have a broom. I look at the note from Mum,
Hey Love,
This is the real present I got you. You might notice that you don't know what kind it is. That's because it's from a private maker. You are the only person who will have this broom. It's called an Eaglestream. Have fun and don't let the neighbors see!
Happy Birthday!
Mum
I can't believe it! My own broom! I go down stairs to show Lu. I run down the stairs past the front door, not realizing a letter with emerald writing is sitting there. I sprint to the kitchen chanting "POTTER FOR CAPTIN!" Lu looks at what's in my arms and hugs me! "Fantastic O.J.!" she says. "I'll tell you what, after you get dressed I'll take you to the forest preserve and you can fly around to your hearts desire." I run upstairs, quickly brush my hair and throw some clothes on, and then hop in the car cradling my Eaglestream.