A/N: Chapter 5! Finally... there'll still be more to come, but not tonight... I have to finish chapter 6! I hope you're all enjoying my story, and I'll be introducing new characters very soon! ---

"Charlotte, are you all packed?"

"Yes, Mom!"

"Then come downstairs with your things. Your father has a portkey waiting."

"He has a what?"

"He'll show you when you get down here!"

"Okay, okay."

Charlotte grabbed her backpack from the floor, and rushed out the door, wondering what a portkey could be. It seemed to her like ever since she recieved her acceptance letter to Hogwarts, things were completely different at home. She was constantly being introduced to new magical items and spells. Her father let his magic run wild, unafraid of shocking anyone in the household like he thought he might in the past. It was a whole new world.

On her way down the stairs, she saw her father holding something that looked like... a lawn gnome? Is that what a portkey was?

"Dad, why are you holding that thing?" she asked him.

"You'll see, sweetpea. I think you might like it." he replied.

With his index finger, Mr. Talon made a motion for Charlotte to come closer. She walked over with curiousity, waiting for what would happen next.

"This," Mr. Talon explained, "Is a portkey."

"Do all portkeys look like they belong in a garden?" she asked with a bewildered look on her face.

With a hearty laugh, he responded, "No. They all look different. No two are alike. Now, the way a portkey works is by touching it with your hand. Just a finger will do. Then you would say where you want to go out loud."

"Diagon Alley?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes," he replied. "Now put your finger on the portkey. Are you ready?"

"Uh-huh." Charlotte said, placing her index finger on the ceramic gnome's hat.

"On my count, alright?" Mrs. Talon piped up.

"Bye, Mom."

"Bye, honey. Okay: one.... two... three!"

"TO DIAGON ALLEY!"

--- A/N: Thanks for reading! I'll try to finish chapter six soon. Thank you for any reviews that come up. I'm working hard!