The next morning when she got up she found her mother waiting for her. We have to hurry we have lots of shopping to do and I would like to get it done early before it gets hot. Katie ate her breakfast and got dressed and they were off. How are we going to get the shopping asked Katie? We don't have a car. Yes we do your dad picked it up this morning. In front of her Katie found a blue SUV. That is beautiful said Katie as she went to get in the car. Are you driving asked her mother? No why she asked? Because dear the steering wheel is on the other side of cars her in England. Oh yeah I forgot said Katie going around to the other side of the car.
They went to all the stores they needed. That was interesting said Katie. I know not anything like shopping at home is it. Here we have to go to different stores where at home one store was all you needed.
Your dad went to the hardware store and got the bookcases and the cork board you wanted. He will have it up by the time we get home. We just need to go and get the picture frames you wanted. They stopped at a store that sold beautiful picture frames and bought some. These are so pretty mommy. Thank you for buying them for me. You are welcome sweetie. We had better get back home before all the food is spoiled.
They got home and Katie ran into the house to get her father to help with the groceries. When they got everything in the house Katie and her mother put all the food away. That looks better said Mrs. Robinson looking at her full cupboards. It is expensive to fill the cupboards the first time said Katie. Yes I guess it is said her mother.
Daddy did you get the bookcases put together and my corkboard up asked Katie? Yes dear I did. Oh goodie now I can unpack all my books. I have to start studying for school she said. Studying you haven't even been given your acceptance letter yet or your book list said Mr. Robinson. I know but Sean told me that most of the books don't change from year to year so I will start with them. He said that the only books that change are DADA and that is only because they keep changing teachers.
Oh did you hear said Mr. Robinson. Remus Lupin is teaching at Hogwarts this year. I guess we know what subject he will be teaching he said. I remember Remus said Mrs. Robinson. He was a friend of Sirus'. Yes those two and James Potter and some little mousy boy they all hung out together.
Mommy when will I get my letter from Hogwarts asked Katie? You should be getting it soon said her mother. I would say in the next week or so. Ok I can't wait to get it. I think I am going to frame it when it comes. What do you think about that she asked her mother? That is a wonderful idea said her mother.
Katie spent the rest of the day unpacking her books and arranging them on her shelves and bookcases. Once she was done she started to read her brother's first year charms book. I can't wait until I can get my own wand and will be able to do magic for myself. Our trip to Diagon Alley will be fun. Just Sean and I along with our mothers. We will have so much fun.
A week went by and Katie had visited Sean everyday. I wonder why I haven't got my letter yet she asked him? I don't know responded Sean. Just then an owl arrived. It landed in front of Sean and stuck out its leg for Sean to remove the envelope. It was his book list and wait what is this a badge. You did it said Katie throwing her arms around Sean's neck and hugging him. It was his prefect's badge. I knew you would be made a prefect said Katie. Sean was very happy. He was hoping to be made a prefect but he really wanted to be one because Katie wanted him to be a prefect.
Well if I have got my letter then I would imagine that your letter should be arriving very soon. It might be there when you get home today said Sean. I hope so said Katie. I told mommy that I was going to frame my letter and she thought that would be a good idea. What do you think she asked? I think that is a great idea. It is a big event receiving your letter. I know and I can't wait to get home and find it waiting for me.
Katie went home that day and found that her letter had not arrived. Why is it taking so long she asked her mother? Sean got his book list and his prefect badge today. I don't know why it is taking so long sweetie but maybe tomorrow. Katie waited for the rest of the week but still no letter. Mommy do you think it is possible that I am not magic enough to get into Hogwarts she asked? No love you are a very talented child Katie. I will write to Hogwarts and find out what has happened. They told me that you would be eligible to attend when I wrote to them before.
Mrs Robinson wrote to Hogwarts and they waited for a response. The response came the next day while Katie was visiting Sean. How am I going to tell her thought her mother? She will be devastated. I should have known this was going to happen. Why didn't I remember about this? You see Katie was born September 9 and her mother forgot that she had to be eleven before August 31 to attend Hogwarts this year. How was she going to break the news to Katie? She was not going to be attending Hogwarts this year.
Katie got home from Sean's to find her mother sitting in the living room with a sad expression on her face. What is wrong asked Katie? Katie come sit down she said. What is it asked Katie? I don't really know how to tell you this sweetie. I got a response from Hogwarts. So I got my letter said Katie excitedly? No sweetie I am so sorry but you won't be going to Hogwarts this year. What do you mean? Why? I should have remembered it is my fault. It is because of your birthday. You have to be eleven by August 31 to attend Hogwarts this year. But I will be eleven nine days later didn't you tell them that. It is only nine days she said with tears in her eyes. Can't they make an exception for me? We came all this way. I know love. You will go to Hogwarts next year. I don't want to go next year I want to go this year. If I go next year I will only have two years with Sean. It is not fair. They said I could go. Could you write to them and ask if they could make an exception please said Katie crying. I will write to them but I don't think they will change their minds.
With that Katie ran to her room and threw herself on her bed and cried. She was so disappointed. She wrote a letter to Sean and sent it with Sebastian as Sean too was waiting for Katie to get her letter. A little while later her mother came up to check on her. She found her asleep on her bed. She had cried herself to sleep. What am I going to do she thought? I guess I will have to find a school for her for this one year.
The next day Katie went to see Sean. As soon as she arrived Sean took her into his arms and gave her a big hug. I am soo sorry Katie. It is just not fair. It is only nine days. How much dumber can I be than anyone who is nine days older than me. It is not like that at Casa Loma. If you turned eleven this year you went to the school. Sean just sat and let Katie cry. We will only have two years at school she said. Again I have to wait. I seem to spend my life waiting. I have already waited four years. Now I have to wait another year. They spent the day swimming and going for a long walk. It will be ok said Sean. Your mom could always bring you up to Hogwarts for Hogsmeade visits. That way we will see each other before Christmas. But I want to see you everyday at school said Katie. I know so do I but… what can we do?
A couple of weeks went by. Mrs Robinson had heard back from Hogwarts and unfortunately they could not make an exception for Katie. That turned out to not be the only problem. When Mrs. Robinson inquired at the local schools she found the same problem. They all wanted to enrol her in fifth grade. When she tried to explain that Katie had already completed fifth grade they said that she would have to then repeat the grade. You don't understand. My daughter completed fifth grade with an A+ average. She would be bored the entire year she told them.
After this she contacted Professor McGonagall asking if she knew of a school that would take Katie into the sixth grade. She did. A friend of hers ran a school that had agreed to take Katie into the sixth grade on a trial. If she could handle the work then she could stay and complete the sixth grade. This was not what Katie wanted but it was better than having to complete the fifth grade again.
The day came that Sean and his mother were going to Diagon Alley. This was the day that Katie and Sean were to go and get all their school supplies. Prior to today Sean had asked Katie if she still wanted to go with them she did. I want to see Diagon Alley she said. Anyway it will allow us to spend the day together so that has to be good. I want to spend as much time with you before you go back to school she said.
Katie and her mother met Sean and his mother at the Leaky Caldron and they proceeded from there. They went out the back of the pub and tapped the bricks. Three up and two over said Mrs. Sullivan. Katie was in awe when the bricks started to move and form an archway into Diagon Alley. Katie just stood there for a moment taking everything in. this is amazing she said. The others just smiled.
As they walked Katie noticed posters on some of the store windows. Who is that she asked her mother? Is he related to you she asked? Yes Katie that is my cousin Sirius. Why do they have pictures up of him she asked? Well he has escaped from Azkaban Prison it seems. But mommy didn't you say that you didn't think he actually did what they accused him of ? Yes Katie I did say that and I still believe it. It just doesn't make any sense. He was not a death eater. He fought against the death eaters. Any anyway Lily and James were his friends. What will happen if they capture him asked Katie? I guess they will send him back to Prison said her mother.
As they finished their conversation they had arrived at a very interesting building, well it was interesting to Katie. Gringotts? What is Gringotts asked Katie? Gringotts is the wizarding bank said Sean. this is where we keep all of our gold. Oh so it is just like any other bank said Katie? No Gringotts is run by goblins. Goblins exclaimed Katie! Real goblins? Yes you will see when we get inside said Sean. mommy do we have any money in this bank asked Katie? Yes dear your dad and I have our money in this bank. Also remember that your trust fund is through this bank said her mother. so I have money in this bank too she asked? Yes dear you do said her mother. Can I take some out to buy some things she asked? I guess you could take a little out. I think they will allow a withdrawal of a percentage of the balance every year. I will check when we go in said Mrs. Robinson.
When they went up the steps they found a goblin standing at the door to the bank. Is that a goblin she asked? Yes it is said Sean taking her hand. Wait until you see inside it is amazing. When they entered the bank Katie saw what looked to be about a hundred goblins sitting counting money or jewels or leading other people around the bank. Katie just stood and looked around in wonder. This is more amazing than I thought it would be she said. I had imagined what it would look like but I never imagined it like this.
Mrs Robinson and Mrs. Sullivan each went up to a goblin and produced keys and asked that they be taken to their vaults. Two goblins were dispatched and they were taken to the back of the bank. You two stay here and wait for us we should only be a few minutes the mothers said. Alright said Sean and he lead Katie over to a couple of chairs and they sat and waited. Have you seen the vaults asked Katie? Yes but only once said Sean. usually my mom goes and gets the money herself as she usually comes while I am at school. During the summer dad usually comes and gets the money out of the bank.
What do the vaults look like asked Katie? Well it all depends, some of the vaults are very large and some are small. I would assume that your grandmother and such would have had large vaults as they had lots of money. Now when I get my own vault I will probably have a small one as I don't have much money myself. I wonder what my vault is like asked Katie? I don't have much money but I think I may in the future. From what mommy told me a percentage of the interest on the trust fund from my grandmother's estate goes into my vault. I have no idea how much is in my trust fund or what it entails. Mommy told me that I would find out when I get older.
I guess I will get some idea in two years when my brother gets his inheritance. Two years, but isn't your brother sixteen now asked Sean? yes he is but we don't come into our inheritance until we turn eighteen. That is funny because in the wizarding world you come of age at seventeen and that is usually when any inheritance is transferred over to the person. Well my grandmother was a little different. She decided that eighteen was the age as most people would be finished school by then and would be out of their parents homes and working. Although I don't know if my grandmother ever worked a day in her life. I don't think she believed in working. Working was for the lesser lives in society.
Just then Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Sullivan came walking into the hall again. I got some money out of your vault said Mrs. Robinson to Katie. There is quite a bit in that vault. Your vault number is 1584 and this is the key she said showing her a small gold key. I will keep this key at home in the office she said. I got you 50 gallons which is a large sum of money but I know that I can trust you not to waste it. Any money you don't spend today we will keep for any future trips we have this year alright. Yes mommy that sounds wonderful.
Sean I got some money out of your vault too said his mother. I have a vault questioned Sean? Yes dear where do you think all the money from your inheritance has gone. What inheritance asked Sean? the one from your Uncle John she said. There is money and I believe some real estate but I am not sure. It is the same as Katie's the money is in trust until you are seventeen and you have access to a percentage of the interest. I didn't know I had an inheritance said Sean. I was sure we told you said Mrs. Sullivan. So I guess I do have money said Sean to Katie. That is good so I won't have to support you when we get married she said smiling. No I guess not said Sean.
Next stop was Madam Malkins. This is where we go to get our school robes said Sean to Katie. They all walked into the shop. Katie was looking around when she was asked if she was there to get school robes. No I can't go until next year she said to the lady. I am with him she said indicating Sean. Katie wondered around the shop looking at everything. Mommy can we get some of my uniform for next year she asked? No I don't think so you will be too big for it next year if we buy it now she said. Oh said Katie sadly.
When her mother saw this she began to think. What can we get today that she will not out grow by next year? We could buy her the skirt she thought. She could wear that during this year too she thought. Katie we could get your skirt if you wanted she said to Katie. Really can we exclaimed Katie? Yes if you want we can get the skirt for next year now. Oh yes please said Katie excitedly. They went over to the skirts and found one that would fit her and she tried it on. When she came out of the changing room she was twisting this way and that. How does it look she asked? Her mother just smiled. It looks wonderful she said. Then Katie looked at Sean and asked him. How do I look she asked? I think you look beautiful said Sean. Katie just beamed.
Once Sean was finished being fitted for his new robes he too had to buy some more parts of his uniform. I need some new pants and some shirts he said. They found the pants and shirts and as they were walking they passed the display of school ties. Which one is yours asked Katie? Sean pointed out the blue and silver tie on the rack. This is the tie for Ravenclaw he said. So that will be the one I will get next year she asked? Well yes if you are sorted into Ravenclaw he said. This one is the Gryffindor tie. This is the one your parents wore when they were in school. Really is this the tie you wore at school asked Katie to her mother? Yes dear that is the one. I can tell you it was not a welcome site in my house. My mother hated having to buy me anything that indicated Gryffindor. She was so happy when Narcissa was sorted into Slytherin. That was the house we were all supposed to be sorted into in her opinion. You should have seen her. First Andromeda was sorted into Ravenclaw and then I was put in Gryffindor you would have thought that the world was coming to an end.
Mommy what would you do if I was sorted into Slytherin? Would you be mad? No sweetie I wouldn't but I doubt greatly that you would be. I think if you were I would have to agree with my mother and say that the sorting needs to be changed. You are defiantly not a Slytherin. Remember what we always say. Anything but Slytherin said Katie smiling. Exactly, I wouldn't care what house you are sorted into but I would rather not it be Slytherin. Personally I don't think that green is your colour she said to Katie.
Once they finished paying for all the purchases they were off again. Where to now asked Katie? Well I think we should stop at Flourish and Blotts for Sean's books said Mrs. Sullivan. Books exclaimed Katie!! Mommy can I buy some books she asked? Yes you can buy some books if you want she said. When they entered the books store Katie felt like she was in heaven. All those books. Sean gave his list to the man who came to meet them and went with Katie to look at all the books in the store. Sean there are so many books and I want them all. Which ones should I buy she asked? I don't know he responded. You could always buy this one. It would take you a while to read it and it is all about Hogwarts. The book was of course Hogwarts- A History. Oh this is nice and big it will take me a while to read it. I will learn all about Hogwarts before I get there. Yes I think I will get this one. The walked around for a while and she picked up a few small books that looked interesting. I guess this is all I can really buy until I start school she said. I did bring my brother's first and second year books so I will have those to read during the year. I guess I should ask him to send the third year books too she said. I may have time to read those too.
When they were finished looking around the store they took the books Katie had decided to buy up to the front to pay for them. They found their mothers waiting for them. We thought you had gotten lost said Mrs. Robinson. I should have know not to allow you free reign in a book store she said. How many do you have she asked? Katie counted them. I have six that isn't too bad she said. I guess responded her mother. What did you pick she asked? Katie showed her the books she had chosen. Those look good she said. Ah I was pretty sure you would find that one and want it she said when she saw Hogwarts- A History. Well let's pay for these and we will be off to the next store.
They paid for Katie's books and off they went.
Are you having a good time asked Sean? Yes I am I guess I would be having a better time if I was getting all my supplies but everything I see is soo…. I don't even know how to describe it. I guess I would say magical. This is the world I will be living in for the rest of my life and it is in some ways so different than what I am used to.
They next went to the apothecary to get potion supplies and then off to buy parchment, quills and ink. In that store Katie found sketch books and coloured pencils. I didn't think I would find these here she said. There are some witches and wizards who like to use these to do their art said a lady behind the counter. Mommy can I get some of these she asked? Yes of course you can so Katie bought a couple of sketch books and a set of coloured pencils.
Once they finished there they were all very tired. How about we stop and have lunch said Mrs. Robinson. I need to sit down my feet are so tired. That sounds like a wonderful idea said Mrs. Sullivan. So they made their way back the way they had first come and tapped the bricks on the wall and went through the archway and into the Leaky Cauldron. They sat down and ordered lunch. They all had orders of fish and chips which turned out to be wonderful. So Katie what did you think of Diagon Alley asked Mrs. Sullivan? It was so amazing. I would never have imagined it looking like that. I guess I always thought it would look like a normal street like they have at home or in Belfast. There were things being sold that I have never even heard of . There were stores that sold so many things. I wanted to go into every one of them but that would have taken so much time. Mommy I think we will have to come back here one weekend and do some exploring said Katie. I will think about that said her mother.
Just wait until next year when you come for your supplies. You will see Ollivander's that is where you will buy your wand and you will have to buy a cauldron and telescope. There will be so much to see said Sean.
After lunch everyone returned to their own homes. Katie promised to come to see Sean the next day.
The rest of the summer passed with Katie spending as much time as possible with Sean. She would either go to his house or he would come to hers. When they were in London they would go for walks and explore the city. All the time walking hand in hand. One day Sean, Katie and Mrs. Robinson went to a uniform store to get Katie's uniform for school. It was very pretty. It consisted of either a pale blue tunic and a white blouse or a white blouse and navy skirt. Either was acceptable. They bought both. Along with white tights, navy tights and white and navy knee socks.
This trip shopping for school clothes wasn't as bad as the last one commented Sean. At least there was no discussion of unmentionables this time he said. Katie just laughed. That was so funny she said. Funny for whom he asked? Funny for me and mommy. You should have seen your face. You were so red. Sean just laughed. I guess I was he said.
Before they knew it August came to a close. It was time for Sean to return to Hogwarts for an other year. Katie I would never expect you to come with us to Kings Cross because that would be too much to ask of anyone said Sean. I know how much you wanted to go to Hogwarts this year and I am so sorry that you won't be able to go. I know said Katie trying not to get upset. I have asked mommy if we could come up to see you for Hogsmeade visits and she said that we would be able as long as she is not working on those weekends. We have had such a wonderful summer said Katie. We spent so much time together and I enjoyed it so much. You did get all of your homework and studying done didn't you she asked? Yes Katie I did. Well you are doing your OWL's this year, you need to do well.
I am proud of you Sean said. Why asked Katie? Because you are being so grown up about this situation said Sean. I am not being so grown up said Katie. All I want to do is stamp my feet and have a temper tantrum but well it wouldn't help. First off my mommy would get mad at me and secondly it wouldn't help. I did something that was really stupid said Katie. What was that asked Sean? I asked my mommy if we could go back eleven years and have her induced to have me at the end of August instead of in September. She just looked at me like I was mad or something. Sean just laughed. I understand where you are coming from he said.
The day came to an end and before he headed home he took Katie into his arms and gave her a big hug. I love you you know that don't you he said? Yes I know and I love you too said Katie. He leaned down and gave her a kiss and then went to the fireplace and floo'd home.
a/n I know you all hate me. But you had to know that this was going to happen. Katie's birthday is in September and as you know it was the same for Hermione with her birthday being in September. Please read and review. I will accept all the flames that you feel are necessary. I do have a plan so please stick with me.