I woke up to a knock on the door. My eyes fluttered open and I softly groaned as the closed, pulling my warm blankets closer to me. "Five more minutes mom, please." A hand shook my shoulder. I reluctantly opened my eyes.
When the world focused and I looked up, the face in front of me wasn't my mother. I sat bolt upright, my eyes widening as I reached for my phone and my nightstand - that wasn't there. My hand hit air and continued down, pulling me with it. I tumbled off the bed, the blankets coming with me. A warm hand met my own and gently pulled me up. I rubbed my butt, sore from the fall. I glanced around and sighed. It hadn't been a dream. I was in the world of Harry Potter, and Minerva McGonagall stood in front of me.
"Are you all right, dear?" She asked kindly.
I sent her a small smile. "I'm fine. You're, Professor McGonagall?"
She nodded. "Professor Dumbledore sent me to show you around the castle. I'll wait outside for you to get ready." She turned and left the room, and I scrambled to find something to wear.
Professor McGonagall showed me around the castle and I couldn't help thinking she had all the same mannerisms Maggie Smith had given her. She looked slightly different, but I didn't mind. She still had the stern, motherly demeanor and kind air. I only half paid attention to the tour, which I knew I would regret later, but I couldn't help but marvel at McGonagall.
We reached the Great Hall and I stared up at the ceiling. "Wow," I breathed. It was incredible. It all was. I glanced at McGonagall, who was smiling softly.
"Are you hungry, Charlene?"
"Yes," I said softly, trying not to be annoyed. Why couldn't anyone call me Charlie like I wanted them to?
McGonagall gestured towards one end of a long table where a small array of dishes sat. I glanced at her to ask permission and she nodded. I hurried over to eat breakfast, then we continued with the tour.
Soon the tour ended. It had been amazing. We stopped Professor Dumbledore's office and McGonagall left me inside. I stood there for a second before I started wandering. He wasn't here, so I hoped he'd be okay with it. As I wandered, I took in my surroundings, since I hadn't had much time to examine the room last night.
Two levels greeted me, one with bookshelves and desks against the wall, the second with moving and talking portraits lining the circular wall. My gaze fell to a large mahogany desk in the center of the second level, a stand next to it. A red and orange bird, Fawkes, sat on the stand. I walked over and held out my hand. He was watching me, just as I was watching him. He slowly bobbed his head, and I placed one hand on his silky feathers.
A door opened, a cold draft blew through the warm room, and I turned to the door, moving my hand back to my side. Dumbledore walked in and sat at his desk.
"Sit, please," he gestured to the chairs sitting in front of his desk and I slowly sat. "I trust you had an enlightening tour?"
I nodded. "Yes. Thank you."
"I spoke with Molly," Dumbledore started, and my eyes widened a little, "and she said they'd be happy to take you until the start of the school year."
I breathed a sigh of relief. I wouldn't have to stay in an empty dorm for the rest of the summer. Speaking of… "How long until the start of the school year?" I asked.
"A few more weeks." Dumbledore gave me a soft smile. "Hagrid will take you to Diagon Alley to get you fitted in your robes, and get you your own books. We will begin private lessons-"
"Private lessons?" I interrupted. I noticed his slightly exasperated look and glanced down. "Sorry."
He nodded and continued talking, telling me what I'd be doing for the next week. Private lessons with himself, Professor McGonagall, Professor Slughorn, and Professor Snape. Apparently, I absolutely had to learn these few subjects. Professor Dumbledore would also be contacting another reader to catch me up to speed. I was excited but also a little apprehensive. I hoped I liked this other reader.
He soon dismissed me, and I went back to the dorm I was staying in. I sat down and pulled out my phone, wondering if I could snap a pic and post it on Insta. People would freak if they saw this.
I opened my camera and pushed the button. I gasped and dropped the phone as sparks flew from my phone. "Merlin's beard!" I cursed, holding my hand. It had gotten burned. Apparently the rumor that electronics didn't work at Hogwarts was true. And now my phone was ruined.
I picked my phone up and tried to examine it. It wouldn't even turn on. I frowned and shoved the phone in a drawer. My parents would be so mad.