I was so happy when it turned out that the letter hadn't just been a dumb prank. Professor McGonagall appeared at our doorstep on the morning of August 28. My mom opened the door for her. "I'm looking for miss Stähler." McGonagall said. Ten minutes later I was standing outside the house next to the professor. "It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Stähler. I suppose you have never disapparated before." "Yes, I don't know what that means." I replied. She smiled: "Well, you'll find out soon enough. Please take my arm and don't let go of it." I did as I had been told. I felt weird the next second. It was as if the world was turning around me. I started feeling like I was going to throw up. The landscape around us changed. Suddenly we were standing in a pub. "Hello Tom" McGonagall told the barkeeper. "Ohh, hello Professor. Taking a student on a shopping tour again I see. Have fun you two." I was amazed when I saw the wall moving to the side and McGonagall walked with me through the entrance of Diagon alley. "Muggle-born children always have the same amazed look on their faces when they first see that. Also, I'm surprised you didn't throw up after disapparating. You're doing great." McGonagall exclaimed. "What does muggle-born mean?" I asked. "Ohh, yes, of course, you wouldn't know that." McGonagall replied "Muggle-born is a word for wizards whose parents aren't wizard themselves. Muggle is a word for a non-wizard. I suppose it must be difficult for you. You aren't only new to the wizarding world but also to the English speaking world. Just tell me, if you don't know a word. I will do my best to explain it to you." That made me smile. "Thank you, professor. That's very nice of you." The professor smiled too. "We'll, what would you like to buy first?" "Books" I replied. That made McGonagall smile even more. Fifty minutes later we left the bookstore together. I didn't only buy the books I needed but some additional ones that McGonagall had recommended too. McGonagall had also explained to me how the currency system of the wizarding world works and what subjects I was going to have when I arrived in Hogwarts. When we left the bookstore we ran into a family. "Behave Sirius" a female voice exclaimed. "You need to make our family proud." The boy this was directed at didn't seem to be very sincere when he replied with a "Yes, Mum." I have to admit that he looked quite handsome. Dark hair, grey eyes and a grin that made him look like he was up to some mischief, which to be fair he probably was. Probably looking for a way to get away from his mom, Sirius turned to me. "Hello" he said "I'm Sirius Black. It's a pleasure to meet you." "Sirius" his mother's voice sounded angry "stop talking to that filthy mudblood." She grabbed him by his arm and dragged him into the bookstore before he could say another word. McGonagall sighed. "I'm sorry I have tell you about it that early, but we just experienced one of the worst things in the wizarding world. Some people think that people of muggle decent are less worthy, because their blood isn't "pure". Mudblood is a common insult for a muggle-born person. Just try not to take those insults personal even if it's not easy. You're worth of course does not depend on your parentage. "Great" I thought "It seems there is racism and classism in the wizarding world too. Amazing." "I told you so" the nasty voice whispered "You're always going to be a freak. An outsider. McGonagall just said that to make you feel better. She's lying." I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't help but feel worse. "Well" McGonagall said "If you don't mind, miss Stähler, I'd like to go buy a want with you now." McGonagall opened the door to Mr. Ollivianders shop. The owner greeted us and soon placed a wand into my hands. "Hawthorn, 11 inches and unicorn tail hair." I took the wand into my hand and moved it slightly. The glass of water that stood on Ollivanders exploded. "Ohh, no" the old man said, as if that was a daily occurrence. About twenty wands later we still hadn't found one that fit. I had made loads of things explode though. "Hmm" Ollivander looked thoughtful "maybe". He climbed on a ladder and took one of the wands from directly under the ceiling. "Alder, 11 inches and a Phoenix feather core." He handed it over to me and I carefully took into my hand afraid of causing another explosion. It felt amazing. I moved it slightly and it just felt right into my hand as if it was meant to be an extension of my arm. Mr Ollivander smiled. "Finally" he said joyfully. "Congratulations" Professor McGonagall smiled at me. "Now let's get you a pet, a robe and then bring you back to your family. I bet they miss you already." An hour later I stood before my home, with an owl named Nynaeve, a suitcase, books, a wand, robes, gloves and everything else I would need. McGonagall gave me some gold coins and told me that I could use it as pocket money. "Professor?" "Yes, Miss Stähler?" I smiled to myself. It was funny how English people pronounced my name. "I'm vegetarian. There is vegetarian food in Hogwarts is there?" McGonagall smiled once again "Yes, of course there is. But it's good you told me. I'm going to inform the elves in the kitchen about it. Also, there are a couple of things you need to know. First off internet enabled devices aren't allowed in Hogwarts. You can communicate with your family by sending letters. And the school has thought about installing a telephone that students can use during their free time but hasn't done so yet. Now the most important thing: Don't tell any muggles about Hogwarts and the wizarding world. For our own sake we must stay hidden. Promise me that." I promise."