Chapter 2: The Wizarding World
The first two weeks of the summer holiday consisted of making the new house our own. Before my parents had told me about my exciting new future as a wizard, I had been dreading this part even more than the move itself. But now I knew about magic, I had a great time: not only did I now feel a warm affection for the new house - cosy, welcoming, tucked away in the countryside - the task of moving was made lighter, and infinitely more exciting by the fact that Mum and Dad could use magic again now. When we had arrived, they had both pulled out long wooden wands, and begun to wave them around, sometimes muttering unusual words. I watched in awe as they bewitched the boxes to fly in front of them, and put together entire bookshelves and cabinets with a simple sweep of the arm.
"The wand is a wizard's greatest companion," my Dad told me. This was another upside to the moving-in process; it gave me plenty of opportunity to find out more about the magical realm I was so new to. "It's what channels our magical energy and allows us to perform spells. There are some very clever wizards and witches who can do some magic without a wand; but for most of us, it's absolutely necessary."
"We'll take you to get your wand later on this summer," Mum chimed in with a sly smile, "you'll need one for school. But all in good time."
As July came to a close, I became used to my Mum and Dad using magic around the house; but I was nevertheless awed by their ability to make dusters and kitchen knives perform their tasks freely. Once the bulk of the move was complete, I spent a lot of time outside, enjoying the bright sunshine of the summer in the country. There were acres of space around the house, with gnarled trees that were excellent for climbing, and I began to add to my birdwatchers notebook, as there were species here that I'd never seen before.
Early one morning, I had come downstairs to explore a patch of woodland at the bottom of the hill, when I heard the distinct screech of a barn owl coming from the kitchen. Without stopping to think why the owl was indoors, and awake in the morning, I hurried back up to my room for my spotter's notebook. It was only as I brought the book down with a pen that I realised how unusual this was. The owl had what looked like a rolled-up newspaper attached to its leg, and was holding it out, as if asking me to take it.
"Well go on then," said Dad as he strolled brightly into the kitchen. "Take the paper, and pay the owl." He handed me a bronze knut (my parents had already explained magical money to me), and I placed it into a pouch around the owl's neck. Then I untied the newspaper, and the owl flew off abruptly.
"So, instead of the postal service..." I began, and stopped when I saw my Dad nodding.
"Yep," he said, grinning. "And this is the wizard newspaper, The Daily Prophet. I've just renewed our subscription, now that we're not undercover any more."
Unrolling the paper, I gazed down at the front page. Most of it was taken up by a large photograph of a group of people standing in front of a gate, an older woman cutting a ribbon with over-large scissors. Behind the gates, a large set of double doors set in stone was just visible, but I didn't notice that until later because something was pre-occupying me. The people in the photo were moving. Some were waving and smiling up at me, while others behind jostled for attention. Dad must have seen my amazement because he began to chuckle. Looking over my shoulder, he ruffled my hair and called upstairs to Mum.
"Prue! It's finally been made official!"
"Great!" Mum's voice floated down from the bathroom, "that means Jem might actually get his letter soon."
Unsure of what they meant, I looked back down at The Daily Prophet and began to read the article that snaked around the huge photograph.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL RESTORED AND REOPENED
In the three years since the fall of Lord Voldemort, curse-breakers, architects and aurors have been working tirelessly to bring Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry back to its former glory. Now, it seems, their work is done. At a special ceremony last night, Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt and new headmistress Minerva McGonnagall led the celebrations as the school gates were reopened, ready to admit students once again.
The event was full of famous faces, including many members of renowned anti-Voldemort groups, Dumbledore's Army and the Order of the Phoenix. "I'm thrilled to be joining the staff of this amazing school," said Neville Longbottom, founding member of the D.A. and newly-appointed Herbology professor. "I learnt everything I know within these walls and grounds, and it will be my honour to help continue that tradition now that Hogwarts is open again."
There has been some criticism of the restoration, in particular reference to the duration of the venture. Project Manager Bill Weasley, however, assures readers it was essential to ensure the safety of its occupants. "This building had to endure a huge amount of magical change during the war. Albus Dumbledore's enchantments were hard enough to unravel, without unpicking the mess of dark magic that were thrown at it in June three years ago." Bill, whose brother Fred died in the final battle of Hogwarts, laid the final stone of the new front gate, in memory of all those who gave their lives to bringing peace to the magical community.
Approximately 200 students will be returning to the castle after being educated at Magical establishments around the world. Hear from 17-year-old Emma Dobbs about her experiences at Beauxbatons Academy on page 4, where the article continues.
I understood. The Wizarding World had officially announced what I had already been told. I sat down, taking everything in. For some reason, holding written proof of the school's existence made it even more unbelievable that this world could possibly exist. Magic was real, and I was going to be learning it. In my hands was a newspaper with moving pictures, that had been delivered by an owl.
I felt my Mum's hand on my shoulder as she came into the kitchen. She was reading over my shoulder.
"Dad, what did you mean about... about my letter?" I had all but forgotten about that until now.
"Your Hogwarts acceptance letter." He said simply. "It doesn't sound very exciting, but the best bit is you get your equipment list." At my silence, my mum clarified.
"The day that letter arrives, we'll be able to go and buy everything you'll need for your first year at Hogwarts."
"Including my wand?" I had been obsessed with my parents wands ever since I'd first seen what they could do with them.
"Yes, including your wand," Dad chuckled. Turning to Mum, he said: "I do hope it comes soon, I haven't been to Diagon Alley in ages."