Alice turned the letter over and over in her hands. Such a strange letter, she thought. She looked at the beautiful shield emblem stuck on the back, and with some regret, proceeded to break the seal. She pulled out the letter and began to read.
"Congratulations. You have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Oh, that's nice to know," Alice said thoughtfully to herself. "I might go there; but I'll just wait until I get my letter from Beauxbatons, and then I'll decide." Alice skipped into the kitchen and handed the letter to her mother.
"Toffee brought me a letter today," she explained thoughtfully, "regarding my acceptance to Hogwarts."
Her mother took the letter hastily and read its contents quickly.
"Oh honey, that's wonderful! Hogwarts is a fantastic school. We'll have to go shopping to get your books for school! Was there a booklist included in this letter…ah, here it is. We'll need to get you a new cauldron, and a trunk to put all your things in, of course, and we'll need a carrying cage for Toffee, and of course you'll need a wand…"
"Yes, Mom, but for when I go to Beauxbatons."
Mrs. Parker put down the letter and looked at her daughter. "Honey, you've just gotten a letter from Hogwarts, one of the most prestigious schools in the magical realm!"
"But Beauxbatons is, too," pleaded Alice, not liking where this conversation was going.
"Alice, Beauxbatons…well, it's just so expensive, honey. We just can't afford it. I know how much you want to go there, but we just barely are making ends meet as it is, you know that. Besides, your father was a Hogwarts graduate…"
"My father is stupid," said Alice. "Why else would he leave us here alone?"
"Alice! That's quite enough. You know your father did what was best for our family. His job at the Ministry demanded it…"
"I don't care! It's their fault that he's dead now! I hate Cornelius Fudge!" Alice's eyes filled with hot tears again as she hotly remembered what had happened last year.
Mrs. Parker softened. "Don't hate those in authority, Alice," she said softly. "He was doing what he thought was best."
"Yeah, well, he was wrong," said Alice defiantly. She looked up at her mother at last, her bright green eyes swimming.
Mrs. Parker's own brown eyes quivered slightly. I know, baby. I hate him too, just as much as you do, but what can we do? "We won't say anymore about it," she said dully, trying to sound firmer and more confident than she felt. "Now go upstairs and get your purse. We need to go start getting your supplies."
Alice ran from the kitchen. Her mother watched her go with tears finally letting go.
Oh John, she misses you so much. I wish you were able to see her. She's so much like you.
"Now remember to send me an owl as soon as you get there."
"Yes, mother."
"And don't forget to keep up with your laundry."
"Yes, mother."
"Try not to forget to take your textbooks to class."
"I know, Mother."
"And remember to—"
"Mother, I'm going to be late!" Alice finally protested, exasperated. "I'll remember everything, okay?"
Mrs. Parker sighed, trying to hide her tears. "I love you, sweetie," she said, her voice quavering.
"I love you too, Mom," said Alice, suddenly hugging her mother fiercely.
"All aboard!"
Alice looked at her mother quickly.
"I know, I know. I've got to let you go." Mrs. Parker freed her arms from her daughter.
"Be careful back at home. Write often. I'll be just fine!" Alice ran to the train and boarded quickly so her mother wouldn't see her cry. Bravely, she chose a window seat and forced a smile as she waved to her mother as the train pulled away from the station. She waved until her mother was out of sight, then slid back into her seat and tucked her legs under her arms.