Chapter 2

"Did you have a good day of school then my love" Caroline Granger asked her daughter as she collected her from the school gates.

"Yes thanks Mum. Although I did have quite a few 'incidents' today." Hermione fiddled with the small shoe shaped key ring on her rucksack as she avoided her mother's worried glances.

"Oh dear! I thought they had stopped?" Caroline unlocked their bicycles from the rack and adjusted her helmet as she thought about her daughters troubles.

"No, I mean they had stopped but they still happen when I'm distracted by something else."

"Well I'm sure it's just a phase, you'll get over it soon enough. What were you distracted by?" Caroline stuck her left arm out to indicate to the cars which way they were going and they pulled up into Somerset Close.

"That letter that came this morning, it just looks so peculiar and it made me feel a bit funny when I held it" Hermione hopped off her bike and pushed it into their garage at number eight.

Once inside the house Hermione quickly deposited her school bag upstairs and then raced back into the living room to find her father had just arrived home.

"Hello dear, I hear you're desperate to open the letter? Shall we do so then?" David gave his only child and affectionate hug and pointed to the mantel piece where the letter had been placed for the day.

Hermione reached up and took the letter carefully into her hands; half afraid it would dissintergrate at her touch. She had no idea why she felt so nervous and excited about this letter but for some reason her fingers tingled when she touched it.

Hermione broke the seal and real the letter that was contained within:

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Miss Granger,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A member of our staff will come to your house on the eve of you receiving this letter to answer any questions I am sure you must have.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Hermione stared at the letter, her mouth hanging open in shock. She had been given a place at a school that taught magic. Suddenly it dawned on her; these 'incidents' shed been having weren't incidents at all, instead she realised, she could do magic!

"Who's it from then?" David peered over Hermione's shoulder, trying to read the words on the page but all he could see were elaborate squiggles dotted randomly on the paper.

"I've been given a place at a school that teaches magic!" Hermione grinned at her parents and handed the letter to her mother.

"But Hermione, there's nothing written on this paper, just lots of funny shapes." Caroline looked at her husband for an explanation but he too was just as confused and simply shrugged his shoulders at his wife.

"No, there are words, it says I've been given a place." Hermione gazed at her parents, why couldn't they see the letter.

"Are you sure that you aren't making this up Hermione?" David gave his daughter a very stern look, "After all you know magic doesn't -"

Just then a smart rap came on their front door, causing Mr Granger to break off mid-sentence.

"Who could that be? We aren't expecting anyone are we?" Caroline asked with confusion.

"Oh! That'll be the teacher they said they would send." Hermione skipped out of the room before her parents had a chance to question her.

Hermione unlocked the front door and completely forgot her manners when she set eyes on the women standing on their porch step. She was wearing a floor length, black robe that swept the air gracefully as the wearer moved, a black pointy hat and oddly enough s Hermione noticed, bright white trainers.

"Hello, you must be Hermione. May I come in?"

"Er…Yes." Hermione stepped back from the doorway so that the lady could come inside. Hermiones parents came out of the living room and stared at their guest.

"Oh hello Mr and Mrs Granger. I'm Professor McGonagall, Hagrid was supposed to meet you but unfortunately he had to be called away on other business so I'm here instead, I hope you don't mind?" She had a very direct way of talking and Hermione could sense instantly that she wasn't one to take any nonsense.

"Hello Professor, perhaps you could explain what is going on." Hermione's father was the first of them to snap out of the slight trance they were all under.

"Of course, shall we go through?" The Professor walked confidently into the living room and placed herself neatly in the armchair. The Grangers followed and once they were all seated their guest proceeded to explain everything.