Broken Glass

Winnie's heart hammered as she began to desperately search the house for her mother. What in the world could have upset her so much to leave broken glass on the floor and disappear without a word? Winnie peaked into her mom's room and found her crumpled against the wall clutching a letter, tears streaming down her face.

"Mom?" Winnie whispered and crept forward.

"Oh Winnie! It is so unexpected and so wonderful. I am so proud of you my sweet, darling girl!" Winnie's mother sobbed and gathered Winnie in her arms.

"Mom, I don't understand what is going on. What is so wonderful? What happened in the hallway?"

The thick, creamy letter was pushed into Winnie's hands and Winnie opened it to reveal a thin loopy script.

Miss Winnie Harman,

Because of your natural talent, you have been invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as an exchange student of sorts. Should you decline this invitation, disregard the enclosed list of books and material needed. I anxiously await your decision.

Best Wishes,

Albus Dumbledore.

Utterly speechless, Winnie stared at her mother. "What is this?" Winnie asked, each word accented by anger.

"It is such a blessing Winnie! I never imagined that this letter would come so late. We have to leave for London immediately and start collecting your things. Oh Winnie, this is so exciting!" Winnie didn't hear a word of her mother's happy chatter, but could only think of the warnings she had received in the past.

"I thought you said that there weren't other people like us. That we were different and that is why I couldn't leave the house, have friends, be normal." Winnie fought to keep back tears, had her mother really deceived her all these years?

"Winnie darling? Are you ok?" Her mom asked.

"Ok? I am furious! I have been so lonely, so unhappy for all these years because we are 'different' but now I find that it has all been one big lie! There are schools full of people like me. What were you thinking?"

Sobs rattled Winnie's chest as she fled from her surprised mother and ran into her room. Thoughts of betrayal and dishonesty buzzed in her head.

ooooooooo

The next morning Winnie woke to find her mother hovering at her door with a glass of orange juice and another envelope.

"Winnie, I know you are still angry so I won't stay long. You can decide to do whatever you want and I will love and support you no matter what." Winnie's mother set the envelope down and turned to leave.

With shaking hands, Winnie ripped opened the envelope. Inside was a plane ticket and a registration form for high school. Winnie's breath was caught in her throat. She could go to a normal high school. The thought had never occurred to her. Panic shot through her as she realized that she didn't know what she wanted. Breathing deeply she tried to imagine life without magic, without the thrill of learning a new spell or brewing a perfect potion. Memories of loneliness and jealousy pushed into her thoughts. Learning had never made her perfectly happy, but going to school and turning her back on magic wasn't what she wanted either. With a sigh she laid on her back and thought, if only I could combine the two. Suddenly she shot out of bed and laughed. Why was she being so stupid? The answer arrived yesterday, Hogwarts! Winnie dashed out of the room to find her mother.

"Mom! I'm going to Hogwarts! I'm going to Hogwarts!" Winnie yelled. She ran from room to room; her excitement diminishing, where was her mom? Frustrated, Winnie returned to her bedroom and noticed a thin piece of paper that she had missed before. It was a short note from her mother.

My darling girl,

I will meet you in London if you decide to come.

All my love.

P.S. I am so sorry.

Winnie felt another wave of annoyance, why did her mother always leave like this? What was the post script supposed to mean? With a happy glow Winnie examined the plane ticket and swiftly forgot about the strange note. She was really going to London, she was really going to a school to learn magic, she was really going to have friends.

ooooooooo

"Thank goodness we are finally here!" said Jane.

"You know the ride seems longer every year, don't you think so Hannah?" Veronica asked. She had noticed Hannah's odd mood and was doing everything she could to include Hannah.

"Yeah, sure." Hannah vaguely answered. Veronica became more worried. Hannah was the sunniest, sweetest girl she knew and this was totally unlike her. The train screeched to a stop and everyone moved for the exit except for Hannah who was still sitting in her seat.

"Come on Hannah." Veronica gently said.

Once they got of the train, she faced Hannah and looking into her eyes finally asked, "What is wrong?"

Hannah took one deep breath and then burst into hysterical tears. Veronica gathered Hannah and led her into the castle. With a pleading look at Professor McGonagall, she rushed Hannah upstairs. Surrounded by the familiar settings Hannah's sobs increased. Veronica soothed her and finally Hannah gathered herself.

"Thanks Veronica. I'm sorry about all that. I've just had a lot on my mind." Hannah told her best friend.

"What's bothering you Hannah? I want to help." Veronica asked.

Tears prickled Hannah's eyes again, she was so lucky to have such a kind, compassionate friend. Hannah began to tell Veronica everything that her mother had told her. People had just starting entering the Hufflepuff commons by the time that Hannah had finished.

"Thank you for listening Veronica, But please, don't tell anyone yet." Hannah whispered before she slipped into sleep.

Veronica studied her sleeping friend, and tears began to prick her eyes. Why did Hannah have to tell her everything? She stood and prepared to write the letter that would seal the fate of Hannah's mother.

Author's Note: Thank you to those who reviewed! And please review.