It all started that warm Summer day so many years ago. It was the day after my eleventh birthday, June 15, 2003, when someone knocked on the door. I can still remember the sound of it... two soft knocks, then a pause, and two harder ones.
"Coming." I said, closing the book I was reading and slowly pulling myself out of the comfy recliner. Three more knocks, even harder this time, made me get up faster. "Coming!" I said again, slamming my book down on the little coffee table in front of me.
I opened the door a little, leaving the chain closed and poking my eye in the crack. What I saw there surprised me so much I instantly slammed the door. "Mom!" I yelled, a little scared. She quickly walked up to me, a look of concern on her face.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"There's someone at the door... I don't know them, and they're dressed funny."
My mom opened the door to see a short old man, only a few inches taller than me, in a purple cloak, a pointed hat, and big round glasses. Her eyes widened to the size of plates as the man took out a piece of paper and started reading from it.
"Ms. Hermew," He began, glancing down at me. "I am pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. You will find enclosed," He paused and held out an envelope for me to take. "a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st." He handed me the letter as well, smiling at me like I had just been informed that I had won a million dollars.
I just stood there, stunned, as my mom's face lit up and she beamed at me. "Is this some sort of joke?" I asked, looking at my mom, then the old man, then my mom again.
Fifteen minutes later, after the old man had explained everything, my mom and I were sitting next to each other on the couch, talking and reading the letter over.
"You're a what?" I asked again.
"A Squib." My mom said. "My mother was a pure blood witch and my father had no magic. Since I turned out without any powers, I didn't expect you to have any. But I guess it just skipped a generation."
"Is this why when I throw a temper tantrum sometimes a mug breaks?" I asked. "I always thought that was from all the stomping."
"Me too." My mom said, then she suddenly started cracking up.
"What? This a joke, isn't it? You think it's funny you had me fooled!"
"No, no honey. It's just, when your father gets home..." She broke into hysterical giggles.
"Oh, yeah." I said, and started laughing too.
After we finally stopped laughing, my mom said, "Okay, but we really need a plan for when your dad gets home." She said.
"Explain everything at once and watch his brain explode?" I asked, and we laughed again.
"No. I'll handle that. But we have to call grandma and get you to Diagon alley."
"Dragon what?"
"No, not dragon. Diagon alley. It's where we can get all your stuff."
"Like a magic wand?" I yelled, bouncing up and down.
"Yeah." She said, picking up the phone and starting to dial. "Hey, mom! Guess what? Vanessa's going to hog-" My mom stopped abruptly and held the phone farther from her ear. I heard screaming coming from the speaker. "Mom, mom, calm down!" she said, then turned to me. "Okay, she's right here." she handed the phone to me and I put it up to my ear.
"Hey grandma!" I said.
"Hi sweetie, I'm so excited!"
"Me too!"
"Want to go to Diagon Alley?"
"Yeah!?"
"Sure? Want to go now? I'll get you an owl?"
"What do I need an owl for?"
"They deliver your mail. Also, they're good pets. Very loyal."
Let me ask mom!" I said, and put my hand over the speaker. "Mom, can I go to Diagon Alley right now? Grandma will take me!"
"Let me talk to her." She said, grabbing the phone from me. "Mom, did you tell Vanessa that you're taking her to Diagon Alley now? Mm-hm. Mm-hm. What? I was hoping she wouldn't get an owl!" My mom looked a little frustrated now. " Fine, if you'll buy everything for Hogwarts. And take her tomorrow. Okay. Bye mom, love you." She hung up the phone and looked at me.
"So..." I said. "Am I getting an owl or not?
"I guess so."
"YAY!" I screamed, bouncing up and down again.
Then the door swung open and my dad yelled, "I'm home!
Gosh. I though. This is going to be interesting.
