The Beginning of an Adventure
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Helli quickly moved back to her bedroom after informing her Aunt that she had a big deadline coming up that she needed to work - thanking deity she ever read or heard about - that she'll have a few hours to herself. She was anxious to read her letter, she vaguely remembers what her dream letter read and was waiting to see it in detail.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus P.W.B. Dumbledore, Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., CHF. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards
Dear Ms. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
The term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal vials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provision
Helli let out a huge sigh of relief and began to giggle, she never had reason to doubt her dreams before but she never had proof that what she was and what she could do was real. But finally after 10 years of wondering; here is the proof that she wasn't insane. And just like that, she felt a chill rush down her spine, how was she going to respond?! She didn't own an owl! She takes a calm breath and breathes out slowly…..~Don't panic Helli you'll figure something out, I'm sure.~ She files the letter away, she has a week until the 31, she will work it out.
She pulls out her 12 x 12 painting she has been working on for the last month. It's the biggest painting she has done to date and she is only halfway through with it. She doesn't even pay much attention to what's on the canvas until after she finishes because she is only doing it to keep the Dursleys off her back and yet every painting has turned out better than expected. The time passes quickly. She is just cleaning up her brushes she hears Aunt Petunia yelling for her to start dinner. With a giant sigh of discontent, she heads to the kitchen to start on a smorgasbord of unhealthy foods that she won't even be able to enjoy. She is just plating the table when she hears Uncle Vernon arrive in a fit of anger. She gives a wince and deep sigh hoping against hope that this doesn't mean bad news for her.
"Girl, Dinner better be done and on the table! I need to eat fast so I can go back to the office!" Uncle Vernon screams as he walks into the kitchen.
"Yes, Uncle. I just finished placing it on the table. I was just able to inform Aunt Petunia." she says softly to avoid attention just as her aunt and cousin walk around the corner. Her Aunt gives everything a once over to make sure it looks perfect and finally with a tight grimace she gives a nod and Helli knows she can have a small plate of food tonight.
Taking a spot at the table that closest to the entry and farthest from the others she begins to add a spoonful of potatoes and vegetables to her plate knowing to stay away from the meat and the bread until the "men" had their fill. Head down she listens quietly to the conversations going on.
" Bad News came today, Vernon." Aunt Petunia was telling Uncle Vernon," Mrs. Figg called late this afternoon and said she won't be able to watch the girl." She says with a head bob in Helli's direction.
Dudley's mouth fell open in horror and he started screaming, " I don't want to take the Freak to the zoo on my birthday!" he finishes with a snarl. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, well used to the tantrum of their 10-year-old son, only pat him to calm him down.
" We could phone Marge," Uncle Vernon suggested.
"Don't be silly, she hates her."
"Well, what about whats-her-name, your friend Yvonne?"
"On Vacation in Majorca,' replied Aunt Petunia with a sigh.
'You could just leave me here,' Helli suggested hopefully. Being able to have a nice quiet afternoon with no chores would be a dream.
Aunt Petunia looked as if she had swallowed a lemon. " Don't even think it, I would like to return to an intact home." She snarled.
I wouldn't do any damage," Helli replied but it fell on deaf ears as Dudley started to blubber.
" Oh Sweetums, it will be okay. We'll stop on the way there and pick up some ice cream okay?" Aunt Petunia suggested to Dudley with a hug.
Dudley, quite used to getting his way, slowly starts quieting down. He peeks over his chubby hands and replies "2 double scoops and an extra hour's play on the computer?"
Aunt Petunia gives a small smile and nods quickly " Yes sweetums, you can have your extra hours play tonight. I will make sure your birthday guests know to show up an hour later than planned."
Uncle Vernon gives a massive clap and states in a lordly voice that doesn't detract from his blubber " Well then that's settled."
Helli rolls her eyes and starts clearing the table as the family moves into the living to watch tv. She will never be able to get over how much they indulge him, with a crinkle in her nose she finishes the dishes steals a slice of ham, and makes her way quickly to her bedroom. She was very excited about the zoo, she hardly ever went anywhere if it didn't involve some kind of press release or show. She didn't know what to expect but was hopeful about the outing.
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