Chapter Two: The Knight Bus

"I'm a what?" Sarah said, shocked.

"A witch," McGonagall said calmly. "Have you ever made anything happen that normally should have been impossible?"

"I managed to get really far away from a group of kids," Sarah said. "They weren't exactly being very friendly. I had enough, and wished I was further away from them, and then, next thing I knew, I was about twenty feet from where I last was."

McGonagall beamed. "There you have it," she said. "You're a witch. Muggles would never be able to do that."

"I wish I could," Rose said and they all laughed.

"I've also been able to wish up certain things. It takes up a lot of energy though," Sarah said.

"That's understandable," McGonagall said. "Wish magic, while rare, uses up a lot of energy. Those who can perform wish magic use it only when they are in dire need of it."

"Cool," Sarah breathed. "But, Professor?"

"Yes?"

"How will I be able to perform magic if I can't see?"

"You will learn," McGonagall said, smiling. "It will take time, but you will learn. You will be the very first blind person to attend Hogwarts. Hogwarts will be able to help you."

"What do you mean?"

"Hogwarts is a magical castle. It often tends to create new places for some of its occupants."

"And you think it will help me if I need it?" Sarah asked.

"Guaranteed," McGonagall said with a knowing smile.

"Do you accept the invitation to Hogwarts?"

Sarah looked at her parents, who were both smiling.

"You should do it," John said.

"I agree with your father," Rose agreed. "We'll miss you, but you can still keep in touch, I'm sure."

Sarah nodded to McGonagall. "I'll go," she said.

"Excellent," McGonagall said. "I shall inform the Headmaster as soon as I return. However, in the meantime, I will be escorting you to Diagon Alley, the wizarding street, to get books and school supplies."

"Before you go," Rose said, "Sarah has a few health issues."

Sarah got up and headed into the kitchen to retrieve her cane, where she had last set it. She already knew her mother would be going over her health issues: her mild occurring seizures, and mild asthma. She had explained to several people about Sarah's health issues, and Sarah did not want to hear it again.

She returned when she heard her mum was finished talking. She headed back into the living room.

"Looks like you're ready to go," McGonagall said, smiling kindly. "Since you're so new to the wizarding world, we'll be taking The Knight Bus. Would either of you like to come?"

"We can't," John said. "Rose is making Sarah's birthday dinner. I have to go get her favorite dessert. A surprise."

Sarah grinned excitedly.

McGonagall led Sarah out of the house. She threw out her right arm. Seconds later, a large triple-decker bus appeared out of nowhere, startling Sarah. She jumped and McGonagall gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

A man stepped down from the bus and began to speak.

"Welcome to the Night Bus. Emergency transportation for the stranded witch or wizard. I am Stan..."

"Skip the introductions, Stan," McGonagall said sharply. "We're in a bit of a hurry. To The Leaky Cauldron."

"Of course," Stan said. "Need a hand?" he asked Sarah, who, not wanting to be rude, held out her hand.

Stan helped Sarah up and led her to a chair.

"Chairs?" she questioned.

"The Knight Bus is equipped for every time of the day," Stan explained. "In the mornings and evenings, it is equipped with comfortable beds for the passengers to sleep in. In the afternoon, chairs are in the place of the beds. Right now, the bus is pretty much empty. Not many people ride at this time of day. It's busiest in the evenings and early mornings."

"Cool," Sarah said, taking the offered seat, as McGonagall paid Stan with two coins she called Sickles, which she let Sarah examine with her hands.

Stan headed to the front and took his seat next to Ernie, the driver. With a loud bang, the bus shot forward, throwing the chairs and it's occupants backwards.

"Can't they keep the chairs still with magic?" Sarah asked McGonagall, after the third time her chair had flown backward, throwing her off.

"They can," McGonagall replied, waving her wand over their chairs to keep them rooted to the floor of the bus. "They don't have time to, though. Most people will magic their own chairs to stay put. I have just made your chair stay put. I don't think we want you bruised up by the time you get to Hogwarts."

"Me neither," Sarah said, smiling.

With the charm McGonagall had placed on the chairs, the bus ride was much more enjoyable. The scenery changed with every bang, but it was meaningless to Sarah. They picked up a few people on the way, all of whom stared at Sarah curiously. It was obvious she was going to Hogwarts, since she had Professor McGonagall with her.

"How will I get my supplies?" Sarah asked. "I don't have any of the coins you paid Stan with."

"You have your own vault in Gringotts," McGonagall explained. "As soon as you turn eleven, like today, you are able to get your gold for your school supplies and other items, should you want them."

"Wow," Sarah breathed. "That's neat."

"It is," McGonagall said. "You can also exchange Muggle money into wizard money and vice versa."

"That'll come in handy," Sarah said, smiling. "My Mum works as a doctor and my dad works as a lawyer. And yet, I still win in every argument."

McGonagall gave a laugh. "I think he lets you win."

Sarah shrugged. "Maybe," she said, "but I still win."