Chapter 2

Everyone turned and stared at Harold. Violet had never heard him raise his voice. He was not a violent man, but right now she was changing her opinion. It was like she had never met this man before. As she looked at him, she swore that he changed. His hair was now turning from mud brown to a brown infused with golden light. He had always been in shape, but now was more muscular. He also seemed to get taller, if that was even possible. Violet was beginning to feel frightened.

The girls were also looking at their father. Lily was amazed at the transformation in him. He looked so much like Petunia now. She had always wondered why Petunia looked nothing like their family. It started to dawn on her that the old man was not frightened though.

Petunia, on the other had was fascinated by her father's change. She knew it! She was a witch. She didn't have to be told this. It was something that she had always felt. She would try to make things happen without having to touch anything. "I knew I was different and now this proves it."

"Are you finished 'Harold'? I believe that is what you are calling yourself these days is it not? Well, now that the temper tantrum has finished, may we please be seated and enjoy a cup of tea? Or have you completely lost all manners since you dropped from sight?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Harold, What is going on? How do you know these people? And why would you be calling yourself something other that Harold?" Violet was getting upset. She turned to the older lady looking for support. What she saw was unbelievable. The older lady was smiling. She appeared serene, like outbursts like this were an everyday occurrence.

"Hello Harold. It's been too long." Professor McGonagall said. "Afternoon Minerva. So sorry to meet again under such circumstances." Harold replied. At this Violet fainted.

"Violet, would you like some tea?" This was from Minerva. "Violet, can you sit up?" asked Professor Dumbledore. "Oh, Violet. I am so sorry. I should have told you sooner. I should have never have hidden anything from you. I am so sorry." Harold cried. As she started to open her eyes, Violet noticed many things. The strange professors were still in her home, her husband looked nothing like the man she married, and her daughters were showing signs of shock. Lily was sitting on the staircase with a stunned look on her face as if she could not comprehend the events that had been taking place. Petunia on the other had was sitting on one of the wing chairs as close to the adults as possible without looking like she was intruding. Petunia looked like it was an everyday occurrence that the words 'witchcraft' and 'wizardry' were used in the home.

Violet sat up and allowed Minerva to help her to the sofa. She then took a cup of tea. She kept her head and eyes down turned to the floor. She did not want to look Harold or whomever he was in the eye. Thoughts kept going in her head. Words that she had heard years ago and never really listened to until now.

"Violet, I am not the man you think I am. I need to be alone. I will only hurt the ones I love. I can't be with you. I'm sorry."

"Harold, why do you say those hurtful things to me? Why? I know you love me. Is it something I've done? Can I do anything to help you? I would die for you."

"Stop saying that. I don't want you to die for me. I just want to be a normal man. I don't want people depending on me. You don't know the real me. I'm ..."

Violet interrupted him. "Stop. Right now. Stop it. I love you. I don't care if you think you can't love me because of some old girlfriend or promise. You deserve some happiness and I want to be the one to give it to you. I won't stop until you are mine."

Oh how Violet wished she'd asked him about why he wanted to be normal. She believed it might have helped her on this day. She slowly raised her head. "Harold, give me the letters."

Once the letters were in her hands, she stared at them for a moment. "What is in these envelopes will change my girls lives forever." She thought. She slowly opened the one addressed to Petunia. She took out a second envelope and started to laugh. It was a harsh sound and not her normal cheery one. Harold cringed as he heard it. He knew that it was his fault that she was looking fragile and upset. Softly he whispered to Petunia to sit by her mother.

Petunia got up and went to the sofa. "Mother." Violet looked at her and patted the seat next to her. She gave her daughter a small smile and hug. "Now then Tuni, shall we see what's inside?" Together they looked at the second envelope. It was addressed to "Miss Tuni (Gryffindor)Evans, The Second Sofa Cushion".

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 Evans,

We are please to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

List of Equipment

Uniform

First year students will require:

1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)

2. One plain pointed ha (black) for day wear

3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupils' clothing should carry nametags.

Course 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 Beasts 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, size 2)

1 set glass or crystal phials

1 telescope

1 set brass scales

Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS

(A small note for the Evans girls. You will be referred to by the last name of EVANS until the time you choose to reveal your true last name.)

Once reading through the letter twice, Violet and Petunia looked up at Harold, Albus and Minerva. "What is this? Why would the girls reveal a 'true last name' Harold? And where would we find anything on this list? I know we don't have anything here in the house. And how do I know that witches and wizards are real?" Violet asked. By this time she was starting to panic and her voice was becoming higher pitched than normal. Lily was looking a little shaken by the news but Petunia just looked at the older adults with awe.

Albus decided to give Violet a small display so that she would know that he was serious. He withdrew from his overcoat a long thin wand. Turning to Petunia, he smiled and winked. Then with out saying a word, Petunia was transformed into an otter. Violet gasped. Just as quick, Petunia was herself again. "Wow, that was incredible." shouted Petunia. "Now Violet, let's tart discussing where you will be going for the girls school equipment, shall we?" Albus asked.

"As Harold is fully aware, the items will be easily picked up in Diagon Alley in London. I would suggest that you travel as a family to do the shopping since Harold should still have his wand. You do still have your wand don't you Harold? Of course you do. Now, as I was saying, I would suggest that Harold go in his normal dress and not as he is now. Unless you would like to explain your whereabouts to the entire wizarding world Harold. If you are not willing to go, I'm sure that Minerva would take the girls shopping." by this time everyone in the room was speechless. Harold was looking a little green and the girls perked up at the word shopping.

"Now, I believe it is time to return to the school. Violet, thank you for the tea. Girls, it's been a pleasure meeting you. I expect we'll be seeing great things from both of you. Harold, you should come back. Come Minerva, let's not impose on these good people any longer." And with that said, they were gone with a loud "POP".