Chapter 2: All for Twenty Quid
James's Side
This is my story, plain and simple.
Some stories tell of epic battles and heroes rescuing damsels in distress. If that's the sort of thing you're expecting, you should turn away now.
I'm not saying this story is boring; it has plenty of ups and downs, unexpected turns, magic, and things blowing up, trust, betrayal, despair, hate and an unexpected love.
But all the people are normal (well most of them) and although the setting may be a bit abnormal, it's just a really human story.
So if you want aliens and totally unreal plots go read a novel, because this is a real story of finding out the truth about life in the most unexpected way, with a few bumps and explosions on the way.
Looking back on things, I don't think I was the smartest child to grace the earth.
But at the age of ten it seems like that, every boy thinks he is the best and most parents do nothing to disabuse that notion.
That is why by the age of ten I already established that the world firmly revolved around me. That is why on the day of the 30th of June I was sitting on the Kenton Dock, looking aimlessly out at the murky water that some people might call a beach. I didn't plan on going there; I just sort of ended up there.
As I looked out onto the water I could see was mum's face. The single tear rolling down her pale cheek, her eyes showing pure anguish, and that look she gave me as she asked if I could give her and dad some time for 'adult' talk.
So that's why I ended up on the Dock. The week that had started off so promising had ended in disaster.
It had started with a letter:
Master James Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at St Angus's College.
It's hard to believe that at the age of ten a school was so important, but when you've been expelled from three others in less then three years, not many schools want you.
When we got that letter I finally thought things would be alright, which might have been why I was feeling so reckless.
I didn't mean to do it, I swear. But sometime things just get out of hand.
It was two days after I got the letter; my mate Greg and I were at the shops late at night, just before they were about to close.
"I bet you twenty bucks you can't steal that book." Greg challenged, pointing out the book.
It was in an antique shop, and it looked like it weighed a ton.
"Why do you want that? And since when did you have twenty quid?" but there was no way I wasn't going to do it. That was my problem; I would always rise to a challenge.
I slunk up the back of the shop, pressing my body against the wall. I reached the fire exit and went in. Being an old shop, I knew that there weren't any security measures in place other then the door being locked. I quickly picked that and made my way to the front of the shops and the book.
This was the easiest twenty quid I ever made.
I looked down at the book. It was so old I could only just make out the writing on the cover.
An Early Study of Magic: From Animagus to Zebacks.
Written by Lily Maurenda
A magic book, who really believed in that sort of stuff? I picked up the book and suddenly there was alarms going off all over the place. I stood frozen in shock. No, this wasn't happening, I couldn't get caught, if I did there was no way St Angus's would take me. I regained the use on my legs and made a run for it.
Needless to say it didn't work.
And that was why mum was crying and why I was out at the dock. Mum had paid for the book and tried to smooth things over but St Angus's had written to say they thought I was no longer suitable choice. It made me sound like a piece of clothing.
Nowhere wanted me, I'd thrown away my last chance for twenty quid.
I was wrenched out of my thoughts by a loud hoot in my ear. I spun around in surprise and there perched on the dock post next to me, was an owl.
What on earth was an owl doing here in board daylight?
It held out its foot and hooted happily, attached to the foot was a letter. I hesitantly reached for the letter and managed to grab it before the owl flew away.
Master James Potter
Kenton Dock
Middle Pier
Next to the Sea
What the hell?
I looked at the seal on the envelope but that didn't help me understand. I opened up the letter.
I read it through twice, and then started running; I had just found a school that wanted me.
