"Jacob, we can go outside now," Mrs. Frank called. Jacob ran to the door. The second it was open, he ran out and stopped crying. He ran to the next gate and waited.
"Is the security to keep others out or to keep Jacob in?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"It's to keep Jacob in but it doesn't work," Mrs. Frank explained. "During the day, Jacob knows he can't get away with running out, but at night when I'm sleeping, he leaves the house. The police and social services are driving me crazy, but I'm doing everything I can to keep Jacob safe. Somehow he gets through all the security."
"How does he do that?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"I don't know. He must have some secret talents," Mrs. Frank said.
"Do you think he's using magic?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"I may be getting an average of three hours of sleep a night for the last eleven years, but I don't think I lost my sanity yet," Mrs. Frank said.
"What do you mean?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Are you trying to convince me that magic exists?" Mrs. Frank responded.
Immediately, Professor McGonagall vanished and in her place stood a small cat. Mrs. Frank screamed and jumped back. Jacob ran to the cat and tried grabbing it around its middle. Professor McGonagall reappeared as the cat vanished.
"I must really be sleep deprived," Mrs. Frank said.
"That may be true, but I'm deputy headmistress of a school of magic, and I came to offer Jacob a place in the school," Professor McGonagall explained.
"Are you saying that all children with autism are magical?" Mrs. Frank asked.
"What's autism?" Professor McGonagall wanted to know.
"That's the name of the disability Jacob has," his mother explained.
"I never heard of it before," Professor McGonagall said. "I don't think there was ever an autistic wizard."
"Do you think you would be able to handle Jacob in your school?" Mrs. Frank asked.
"Probably not," Professor McGonagall said.
"Well then, it was nice meeting you," Mrs. Frank said. "I'll walk you to the gate."
"I'll discuss Jacob's situation with the headmaster and get back to you," Professor McGonagall said.
"If you let me know when you're coming, I'll leave the gates unlocked," Mrs. Frank said.
"Does next Tuesday evening at eight work?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Yes, I'll see you then," said Mrs. Frank.