It was Sherlock's 11th birthday when he got the letter. Birthdays didn't matter to Sherlock or Mycroft or even their parents. They were just things that happened. Just a normal day really. Sherlock just got some stuff that he either didn't want at all or needed so badly he had already found, used it and probably broken it.
"Sherlock! Post!" cried his mother from the kitchen where she was making breakfast for Mycroft and Sherlock's father. She knew even before he slid down the bannister that he didn't want any and she hoped that maybe he would get something to eat later. Fat Chance. Sherlock was already engrossed by the postman's present. Head cocked, he listened. Was that a flurry of wings or his imagination? Dismissing the fact causually , he sifted through the bills and postcards looking eagerly for a letter from his Indian penpal, Tonga. He found nothing from overseas but some emerald green ink on a brownish background caught his eye. He grabbed the strange envelope and stared at it.
To Master Sherlock Holmes (he frowned at 'Master'. His father was called Siger and there was no other males residing at their house except Mycroft)
The eaves of the house
64 Durham Lane
Horsham
Sussex
Several theories whirled around inside his head. Someone was stalking him. How could they possibly know where he slept. Well, saying slept would be a lie 90% of the time. Sherlock's room was mainly for work and experimentation. Not for relaxation or sleep. He shuddered at the word. He hated sleeping. Too many disturbing dreams about snakes talking to him. Shaking his head, he walked into the kitchen still staring at the post. Even though his eyes were averted he still managed to duck under his mother's food-filled plates as she depostited the breakfast to their owner.
"What do you want to do today then, so..." his father trailed off seeing the seal on the back of the envelope.
"Who's that from?" asked his mother. Sherlock shrugged and handed the letter to her for inspection.
"Don't play dumb, Anna. You know bloody well where that came from."
His mother gasped as she flipped the envelope over and saw the burgandy wax stamp.
"Oh my God. Sherlock..." His mother handed the letter back to her son with a look of awe on her face. Carefully, he ran his fingernail under the seal and flipped the envelope open. Two stained piece of folded parchment sat inside. Slowly he pulled one out, unfolded it and read the words of emerald ink.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, Grand Sorc., Chf Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards.)
Dear Mr Holmes,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equimpent. Term begins on 1st September. We await you owl no later than 31st July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmisteress.
Suprise overwhelmed Sherlock. He pulled out the second piece of parchement.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Uniform
First years will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One pointed hat (black) for daywear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Set 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 by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other Equipment:
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter standard size 2)
1 set glass or cyrstal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Upon reading those letters, Sherlock knew his life would never, ever be the same.