When Lily received the letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, she practically shrieked with joy. At first, she wasn't sure why the plush little owl was tapping at her window, but after letting it in, she noticed the large envelope it was carrying.

The letter inside was written in glowing green ink, the script flowing but slightly scribbly, as if the author was in a hurry. It read,

Dear Miss Andrews,

On behalf of the faculty and staff at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I would like to personally invite you to study at our wonderful school. I have spoken to Professor Osborne of the Salem Witches' Institute, and she is in agreement that you should be able to start your magical education at once.

While we are located within the United Kingdom, a special allowance has been made in order to ensure your safe and speedy arrival. While your roster spot was slightly unexpected, there will be no problems accepting you into our ranks.

Enclosed with this letter is a list of items and books needed for first year students. I will personally arrive at your home ten days prior to start of term for further instruction. Your parents have also been notified of the change in plans.

I do hope this letter finds you well.

Yours sincerely,

Professor M. McGonagall

Headmistress, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

When her parents received their own letters from McGonagall, they were skeptical to say the best. While not mean-spirited by any means, the Andrews family seemed to hold a bit of a questioning attitude, especially when it came to things like "magic". But still, ten days before the start of term, they prepared for the supposed arrival.

Lily was instructed to get a haircut, which was of course one she didn't care for, because it was a boy's haircut and just re-emphasized how different she felt compared to what she looked like. She had also put on a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt, but managed to convince her father that the tie was a bit of overkill. The whole family waited in the living room for the doorbell to ring, and at last, a knock came to the door.

Mr. Andrews opened it, to see an older woman dressed in flowing emerald robes and a matching crooked hat. He did his best to stifle a laugh at the woman's appearance, but a quick glance from the witch quickly made him clear his throat and invite her in.

McGonagall accepted the invitation and made her way into the living room, where Mrs. Andrews was just laying out a tray of coffee, tea, and cookies onto the coffee table.

"Well, I must say that this is a most welcome surprise. I'd been told by my predecessor that his last experience in a non-magical household was not exactly the most pleasant. But thank you for the welcome all the same."

McGonagall took a seat in a recliner and removed her wand from her belt. Mr. Andrews gave a sharp glance – after all, strangers reaching for a concealed item in their own house was definitely something to raise the alarm at – but instead, the headmistress revealed the wand as if to show the inherent lack of danger, then picked it back up and gave a little flick, which caused the tea pot to levitate and then tip in order to fill a glass.

"You'll forgive me for getting down to business right away," she said as the full cup now hovered toward her with a sugar lump dropping into it. "But I would like to make it very clear that this is not some random act of hooliganism. We fully intend to teach your daughter…"

At that, McGonagall paused and looked to Lily, who looked very much to be a normal boy. She swallowed a sip of tea and continued.

"… that is to say, your son… in the art of magic." She flicked her wand once more, and a bouquet of flowers sprung out, not from the tip, but from the very middle of the coffee table, as if they were just a part of the overall display.

"Now, as I said, we are a school based in the United Kingdom, but we've arranged it so that your child may be able to travel by fireplace to a safe and trusted individual. We would be more than happy to send you credentials and references if you would like. Your child will be in good hands, but all you need to do is give us permission. I can personally assure you that we have the best educators, and your child will be well on their way to a successful career with our schooling. I understand that you may need a further few minutes to decide, so I will speak with… Andrew… privately in the meantime."

McGonagall rose and made her way to the kitchen, a safe spot where the door was open and the Andrews could monitor the situation should they desire. Lily rose and followed her to the kitchen table, looking down at her shoes.

"Sorry for saying that," McGonagall explained. "Your story is your own, and you will be able to tell people only when you are ready. For now, you are still a boy to your parents, and it's up to you to correct them if and when you're ready."

Lily smiled in thanks and looked at the witch. "So… this magic is real? I mean, I didn't do anything on purpose. I didn't think I was that special."

"Oh, you are very special. Don't you worry about that. And should your parents decide to let you join us, you will learn all you need to be a successful witch. If you go by Lily at Hogwarts, everyone will accept you as Lily, but should you choose to be Andrew to start, nobody will fault you for that either. The choice is yours."

"But… what if I go by the name Andrew but I don't want to be considered a boy?"

"Surely there have been girls with more unfortunate names than 'Andrew'. Old Bathilda Bagshot was a good friend of mine, but that name was tragic really. Made her sound seventy when she was only twenty!"

Lily genuinely laughed for the first time that night. Maybe Hogwarts wouldn't be such a bad place after all. At last, the two made their way back into the living room, where Mr. Andrews spoke up.

"So… we've been talking over the possibility that this was real. We considered it to be more of a private school abroad rather than a magic school if it was real at all. We don't like the idea of Andrew moving across the world for school, but if you send us the references for your trusted person and for the school, he can attend. But how much is tuition?"

McGonagall chuckled. "Tuition is free to those who have a magical gift. The only fees are for books, uniforms, and supplies. The school is totally funded by the government, in a way."

Mrs. Andrews finally spoke up. "So this school… where exactly is it?"

McGonagall sighed. She had a feeling that this question would crop up. How were you to tell someone that the school was hidden in secret in order to keep intruders from breaking in?

"It's in Scotland, a bit near Glasgow."

That wasn't entirely a lie, and compared to the United States, Scotland was a country so tiny that anywhere was a bit near Glasgow. Mrs. Andrews nodded, seemingly satisfied.

"And, of course," continued McGonagall, "you'll be able to contact your son whenever you'd like via the mail. All letters will be delivered to him personally."

In the coming day, owl post delivered packets of information and references on Hogwarts, on the people that would be caring for "Andrew" before the start of term, and on the other methods of communication available, even to non-magical people.

At last, the Andrews family agreed to the arrangement, and a week before term, McGonagall appeared once more at the door. Lily had a large trunk all packed with her things – a stuffed animal, a whole bunch of clothes, some books and even a few of the scented candles she loved to light around her room from time to time.

With everything packed, Lily hugged her parents goodbye and promised that she would write them once she was settled into school. Then, McGonagall moved to the fireplace and flicked her wand, creating a warm, charming fire.

She reached into her pocket and instructed Lily to hold out her hands. McGonagall plucked a bag of Floo powder from the pocket and poured a bit of it into Lily's hands, and then her own.

"Now, all you do is throw the powder into the fire, step in, and say in a very clear voice, 'The Burrow'. I'll go first."

McGonagall did just that, throwing the powder down to turn the flames green, and then disappeared after speaking the magic words. Lily gasped in surprise and then gave her parents one last hug. "I promise I'll be okay!"

She then threw her own bit of powder into the fire and nervously, but clearly spoke out.

"The Burrow!"