Chapter One: The Letter

A small Brown Owl hooted happily, as it soared towards a narrow, dimly-lit seemed like a normal owl, except for the fact that a small, yellowing piece of paper, glittering with green ink, was clasped between it's sharp beak. It continued to hoot happily, as a small, shabby two story building came into sight. Even in the dim light, the peeling letters slapped on the front door of the house seemed to shine as it bore the words, Willow's Residence. The bird gave another hoot, as it dropped the small piece of paper into the mail slot. It gave one last look at the house, then soared off. It's figure grew smaller and smaller, and it was gone.

"Mom! Mom! My letter!". The shouts echoed throughout the whole house, as a small girl clasped the small envelope in her hands, admiring the smallest details of the letter. The old, yellowing parchment. It's smell. And the green, glittering ink, telling her whom the letter was addressed to. Jane Willows. Her name shone with the glittering green ink. She beamed happily and made her way towards the kitchen.

The Willow's kitchen, just like the rest of the house, looked worn-out. The only source of light in the room was coming from a small, stone fireplace, which cast, aside form the light, warmth, to the people who occupied the room. A black, soot-coated cauldron, which was beginning to boil, hung by a delicate wire in the fireplace. A long counter with a sink stood on it's right side, there were several knives, spoons and forks stationed across it. A tall, dusty shelf stood on the left side of the fireplace, which was filled to the brim with spices in jars, meat and fishes, which were protected by a cooling-charm, to prevent them from spoiling. In the middle of the room was a long rectangular table, which was surrounded by four rickety chairs. The walls were plastered with many frames, all the people in it were moving, smiling, and even sleeping. There was a large window which stretched from one side of the room to the other, though it was covered by a dusty piece of cloth at the moment. Aside from Jane, there was a tall woman in the kitchen who seemed to be chopping potatoes.

The woman resembled Jane so much. She had the same dark blue eyes which seemed to twinkle, even in the dim lighting of the room. The only thing which made her differ from her daughter is her hair, which, instead of being dark brown, was blonde, and like her daughter's, it trailed towards her shoulder in waves, though at the moment, it was tied into a messy bun. She lifted her head and smiled at her daughter.

She looked at her daughter, and immediately saw the envelope which she clutched so dearly in her hands. The woman's kind, yet exhausted face, broke into a smile. "Jane! Y-Your letter's here!" she laughed. She pulled her daughter into a rib-breaking hug. She withdrew from the hug and got up, approaching the fireplace, where the small cauldron now boiled steadily. She rummaged her apron for something, which she found almost instantly. It seemed like a normal stick, but when Mrs. Willows gave it a faint flick, the cauldron rose steadily into the air, onto the table, along with three other dishes. "I had to remove that... Your father will be arriving soon... Poor thing, had to work all night you know." she said, wiping her forehead on her wrist.

With that being said, the fireplace's fire blazed into an emerald green light, as it grew steadily higher, and out of the fire, a man appeared, followed closely by a tall boy.

The man had dark brown hair, much like his daughter, though he had brown eyes. He clambered out of the fire, covered in soot, and in a black travelling cloak, he stared around the room and saw his wife. "Hello, Angie." he said, giving her a quick kiss. He beamed at his daughter, and quickly spotted the envelope in her hands. "Merlin's beard... Jane!" he said, hurrying towards his daughter to give her a hug.

"Dad!" Jane giggled. She still clasped the parchment between her hands, feeling the parchment beneath her skin.

"Well, well, Jane's got her letter." the voice came from the tall boy who emerged from the fireplace, along with his father. He was very good looking. He had dark brown hair, which shone brightly, even in the dimly-lit room. His eyes were like his mother's; Dark blue. He was stockily built and rather tall. "Looks like you'll be off to Hogwarts soon." he smirked.

"Tell you what, we'll get your books, wand, and things on my way to work tomorrow " her father said, settling down a chair, which gave a violent creak. "But first let's eat." he said.

Mrs. Willows smiled, and flicked her wand. Small, beaten, plates appeared on the table, along with a few chipped globets. The dishes on the table gave off an enchanting smell. The roasted chiken gleamed merrily because of the fire, along with a plate of bacon, a small plate of eggs, and the cauldronful stew. Mrs. Willows sat by the other end pf the table, as the family munched into their meal.

Jane however, took quick glances at the small envelope which laid on the table, as she continued to munch on her food.

Disclaimer: I own not the franchise.

Author's Notes: Please Review :D