Disclaimer-Hogwarts and the whole magical world belongs to JK Rowling
(duh!)
It was about one month later, on the 20th July 1597, that she received a letter. It was written on the heavy parchment (complete with holes!) which was usual then, and bound into a scroll with a violet ribbon. It was delivered by a large owl.
Dear Miss May, (It said) You are requested to commence your magical education, at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this forthcoming school year. We will send a portkey, on receiving a reply. Term starts on the first of September. You must wear black robes, and a black cloak, with silver clasps. You will also need a wand and a cauldron. Pets are not allowed, but you may bring an owl for communication purposes. These items can be purchased in Diagon Alley, London. Your sincerely, Professor Incantesimo, Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Katharine quickly showed the letter to her mother. Now she was worried about how she was going to get to London, to buy her school equipment. It was a long way, and they didn't really have money to spend on horses. Jane was happy that Katharine was going to Hogwarts, her old school, and seemed very relaxed about it all.
"You can have my old robes and cloak." She said. "They will do well enough. I haven't worn them since I left Hogwarts."
"But what about a wand and cauldron?" she said. "Apparently we will have to get them in London!"
"True. I certainly can't spare my wand or cauldron for so long. Well, we'll have to go to London, I suppose." She smiled in the way she often did, which really irritated Katharine. It always showed that her mother knew something magical that she didn't. Well, that would be one of the many good things about going to Hogwarts. She would be a real witch.
"Also." continued Jane, "You had better have a new dress as well. After all, it will be a long time before you'll be back here again to buy another one." Katharine grinned. She was picturing the dress in her head. Her needlework was improving, and she was sure she could make a neat ruff to go round the neck, which was the fashion. "You can choose some cloth yourself. Nothing too bright." She handed Katharine a few coins. Hmmm..blue or green?. Katharine wondered.
In the end, after the one hour walk into town, she had decided on blue. She bought a large piece of fine wool. It was a darkish blue, but a very rich colour. It wasn't overly expensive either, so she bought a small strip of white lace to make her ruff. She knew her mother wouldn't agree to make that.
When she returned home, she laid the fabric on the table, beside the robes and cloak which her mother had put there. Then she fetched a feather, a knife, ink and some parchment. She stripped away all of the feathery part, until there was nothing left but a long stick. She trimmed of the bottom, to a pointed shape, and slit it. The slit wasn't quite straight. but it would do. In her neatest handwriting she wrote,
Dear Professor Incantesimo, I have received your letter, and am writing to accept my place at Hogwarts School. Thank-you very much. Your sincerely, Katharine Elizabeth May
It was about one month later, on the 20th July 1597, that she received a letter. It was written on the heavy parchment (complete with holes!) which was usual then, and bound into a scroll with a violet ribbon. It was delivered by a large owl.
Dear Miss May, (It said) You are requested to commence your magical education, at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this forthcoming school year. We will send a portkey, on receiving a reply. Term starts on the first of September. You must wear black robes, and a black cloak, with silver clasps. You will also need a wand and a cauldron. Pets are not allowed, but you may bring an owl for communication purposes. These items can be purchased in Diagon Alley, London. Your sincerely, Professor Incantesimo, Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Katharine quickly showed the letter to her mother. Now she was worried about how she was going to get to London, to buy her school equipment. It was a long way, and they didn't really have money to spend on horses. Jane was happy that Katharine was going to Hogwarts, her old school, and seemed very relaxed about it all.
"You can have my old robes and cloak." She said. "They will do well enough. I haven't worn them since I left Hogwarts."
"But what about a wand and cauldron?" she said. "Apparently we will have to get them in London!"
"True. I certainly can't spare my wand or cauldron for so long. Well, we'll have to go to London, I suppose." She smiled in the way she often did, which really irritated Katharine. It always showed that her mother knew something magical that she didn't. Well, that would be one of the many good things about going to Hogwarts. She would be a real witch.
"Also." continued Jane, "You had better have a new dress as well. After all, it will be a long time before you'll be back here again to buy another one." Katharine grinned. She was picturing the dress in her head. Her needlework was improving, and she was sure she could make a neat ruff to go round the neck, which was the fashion. "You can choose some cloth yourself. Nothing too bright." She handed Katharine a few coins. Hmmm..blue or green?. Katharine wondered.
In the end, after the one hour walk into town, she had decided on blue. She bought a large piece of fine wool. It was a darkish blue, but a very rich colour. It wasn't overly expensive either, so she bought a small strip of white lace to make her ruff. She knew her mother wouldn't agree to make that.
When she returned home, she laid the fabric on the table, beside the robes and cloak which her mother had put there. Then she fetched a feather, a knife, ink and some parchment. She stripped away all of the feathery part, until there was nothing left but a long stick. She trimmed of the bottom, to a pointed shape, and slit it. The slit wasn't quite straight. but it would do. In her neatest handwriting she wrote,
Dear Professor Incantesimo, I have received your letter, and am writing to accept my place at Hogwarts School. Thank-you very much. Your sincerely, Katharine Elizabeth May