Chapter 3 - Letters

Holly woke to the ringing of her alarm clock and the smell of breakfast being prepared. Groggily rolling over, she hit the snooze and felt around for her glasses. When she was finally able to see Holly made her way to the washroom to complete her morning absolutions.

She was struck by a realisation as she splashed water in her face to wake up. It was her birthday. She was eleven and going to magic school this fall. Quickly running back into her room, Holly put on some shorts, changed out of her nightshirt and made her way downstairs.

Tentatively peeking into the kitchen, she spotted her aunt by the stove and the table already set. And there at her plate, leaning against a glass of orange juice was a letter.

Holly walked into the kitchen and was greeted by a short hug.

"Happy birthday dear. The eggs will be ready soon."

"Thank you aunt Petunia," but all she could see was the letter waiting for her.

Her aunt gave a quiet sigh.

"I can practically hear what you're thinking. Go on, open it. The ruddy bird that brought it is still sitting on the roof."

Holly gave her aunt a big grin and skipped over to her seat where she sat down and reverently picked up the letter. It was addressed to Holly Euphemia Potter, the smallest bedroom of Privet Drive number 4.

Turning it over she inspected the intricate wax seal before breaking it and taking out the single piece of parchment that was contained within, shouldn't there also be a list of supplies?

Holly just stared at the letter once she was done reading. It felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

"I'm not going!"

"What? Of course you're going. I was told everything was already paid for."

Her aunt came stomping over so she held the letter out for her to read.

Dear Miss Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Due to an unfortunate change to the rules of enrollment by the board of governors, the cutoff date for new students at the age of 11 was set to the 31st of July each year.

So regretfully you won't be attending Hogwarts school for witchcraft and wizardry this upcoming term of 1990, but the new term of 1991.

You will receive the list of necessary books and equipment in the summer of next year.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

It was quiet while Petunia was reading, except for the bacon sizzling in the pan. So Holly went over to make sure it didn't burn.

"I know you were really excited to go and a whole year sounds like a lot, but try and think of the positives. You'll be so far ahead of the other's. It's just unfortunate about your birthday gift. Vernon and I didn't buy anything and planned to give you some money for your shopping trip instead."

Holly had really wanted to see a magical shopping district. But as disappointed as she was, it wasn't the end of the world, she could deal with a small setback. Holly had confirmation that she'd get to go to Hogwarts at least. She'd be the oldest in class for once instead of the youngest and have a whole year to work ahead with her mum's things, so aunt Petunia was right.

Maybe she could even ask for direction there regardless.

"Do you think I can ask for some instructions on how to get there anyways?"

Her aunt looked thoughtful for a second.

"I guess asking doesn't hurt, go on call Dudley and your uncle down for breakfast. We can write the letter after a nice filling meal."

Breakfast was a quiet affair after Dudley congratulated her and Vernon gave a strong pat on the back. It helped Holly ground herself. Petunia helped her write the letter asking for assistance with directions to the magical district even if she wouldn't be going to school yet.

To help her prepare, get a grasp of wizarding culture and read ahead.

The moment Holly stepped outside with the letter in hand a big brown owl swooped down from the roof, nicked it and then flew off towards the north. It seemed like birds could be impatient as well. At least Holly didn't get scratched through her gloves, the owl looked to have really sharp talons after all.

They spent the afternoon that day at the London aquarium looking at all the colourful fish. Dudley's favourite were the sharks of course. Holly herself wasn't impartial to the stingrays, majestically gliding through their tank. Although there was also a beautiful pair of sea snakes seemingly dancing in the water. It was absolutely fascinating watching them wiggle around each other whenever she looked in their direction.

Dinner was decidedly not fish after all the cute ones they'd seen that day. Aunt Petunia did get some treacle tart though, Holly's absolute favourite.

When they were just about to finish up, the same owl that had delivered her letter flew in from the open window and landed on Holly's armrest. She unbound the letter from the owl's outstretched leg. Said owl took off again the moment she was done, snatched some leftover meat from her plate and was out the window before Holly could do much as blink.

Dudley looked severely disappointed he wouldn't be getting to eat her leftovers while uncle Vernon complained about uncivilised freaks and their dirty birds. Petunia sent a sharp glare in Vernon's direction, but all Holly had paid attention to was the piece of parchment that was in her hands now.

"They're sending someone to take me to a place called Diagon Alley where I can buy school supplies to show me around. Apparently they have business there that day and have time to show me around."

"And when will that be?"

"The day after tomorrow, 8 am."

Holly had spent all day yesterday unpacking and repacking her small shoulder bag. Wallet, check. Tissues, check. Lip balm, check. Would she need her bus or underground pass or how were they going to that alley?

That question went out the window the moment her ride announced itself with the loud rumbling of an old motorbike. How did she know it was her ride? The bike's driver was the biggest man Holly had ever seen, even bigger than her uncle and of course that it parked right in front of number 4.

By the time Holly rushed down the stairs uncle Vernon had already opened the door and was glaring at the big bearded man standing in the frame.

"Issat you lil Holly? Almost couldn't recognize you all grown up n' wearing a pretty dress."

He gave a sniff and wiped a tear from his eye. Her cheeks were turning slightly pink, she didn't get complimented often. Did he know her?

"Excuse me Mr. ..?"

"Rubeus Hagrid. "

"Mr Hagrid"

"Jus Hagrid s'fine"

Holly smiled up at him.

"Alright then Hagrid. Thank you for taking the time to show me around Diagon Alley today. Have we met before?"

"Certainly, the las time I saw ye, ye fit in the palm of me hands. And 's no trouble at all"

Before Holly could ask anything more, Vernon cut in.

"I was told you people had a way to pay for her things, because I won't be paying for any of that… that queer junk with my hard earned money."

"O'course, O'Course. I have the key to her trust vault right'ere!" Hagrid said, patting his breast pocket with a frankly humongous hand. Holly could certainly believe that she had once fit in his palm.

"She has a trust vault?" Vernon was starting to turn purple like he usually did when he became angry. Petunia bustled past him before he could explode though, checked Holly's outfit over for any irregularities and pressed a 50 pound bill into her hands.

"You better behave or I'll hear about it. Here's your birthday present. Now off you go, before the neighbours start talking."

Holly gave a quick goodbye to her aunt and uncle and then dragged a slightly flustered Hagrid to his bike.

Once she'd settled into the sidecar he handed her goggles to put on and off they were.

The ride ended in front of a dirty old pub. Holly would fit right in with her hair all over the place and a dishevelled dress from all the wind. And of course she had not thought to bring her brush with her, so she had to smooth out her hair as best she could with her hands. She always hated doing that since her hair got caught in the gloves very easily.

The leaky cauldron, as the pub was called, was empty besides the barkeep who greeted Hagrid enthusiastically. Hagrid promised to come by for a pint later when he wasn't busy showing Holly around Diagon.

In the back room Hagrid showed her the combination required to open the passage to the alley, though should she ever forget, to ask Tom the barkeep to open it for her.

And when bricks of the wall finally revealed Diagon Alley, Holly was instantly in love. The person naming it Diagon must have been a joker, because everything was crooked. A woman with the widest brimmed hat Holly had ever seen was followed by a row of shopping bags floating behind her like ducklings following their mother. It was just adorable. There were some kids chasing around a winged golden ball, someone was arguing with a shopkeeper by a store that had a huge stack of cauldrons out front that was wobbling dangerously.

It was all so weird but charming at the same time and Holly couldn't get enough of it. They made their way past various shops towards the bank. She saw a sporting goods shop selling brooms and other equipment for some sport played in the air, an apothecary that smelled so strongly, that just a whiff while walking past felt like her nose was getting assaulted.

Once they got further into the alley traffic picked up and Holly had to stay close to Hagrid or risk getting trampled. She couldn't see much over the masses, but Hagrid assured her they'd have more time to explore later.

The bank looked imposing with white marble pillars and grim guards flanking the entrance. There even was a warning engraved over the door to ward off thieves. Holly didn't know who'd be crazy enough to try and steal from goblins after all that she'd learned about them from her mum's notes.

They walked by various tellers counting gems and coins or weighing golden objects of different natures. All of them sat on huge chairs so they were looking down on anyone wanting to speak with them. Hagrid calling them dangerous and nasty wasn't really nice though. It reminded her far too much of what the other girls called her without even knowing her. Eventually they stopped by one without a line who didn't look as busy.

Hagrid made a little coughing sound and waited until the goblin looked up to start speaking.

"What can Gringotts do for you today?" He sounded bored and apathetic.

"Miss Holly Potter wishes ter withdraw funds from her trust vault."

The goblin leaned over the counter inspecting her for a second before looking back at Hagrid.

"And does Miss Potter have the key to her vault?"

"Jus a moment, " and Hagrid started searching through his many large pockets. He eventually pulled out her key along with a small package and letter.

"Here's the key an' i almost forgot 'bout this." he said, handing over the letter and stowing the package back in his jacket, "Fer the high security vault professor dumbledore requested."

Hagrid was whispering by the end, but with how loud he normally was, Holly understood everything easily. She was really curious what kind of package the Headmaster of Hogwarts would need securely stored, but she doubted Hagrid would tell her. When the goblin was done reading the letter he called over another goblin, named Griphook, to lead them to the vaults.

They went through the door at the end of the hall after which instead of a hallway like Holly expected, they entered a cave-like complex. It didn't take very long for them to reach a cart on train tracks that they had to climb into. Holly was honestly surprised that Hagrid fit into the seat, but maybe people of his size were more regular in the wizarding world.

The moment the cart dipped down into a steep decline she felt her stomach drop. As much as she liked the rides in the amusement park she'd been to with the Dursleys, she'd been prepared for those. Not to mention she was barely secured in this cart and was afraid of falling out, so she couldn't even enjoy the ride.

When the cart finally stopped by a cavern Holly was glad it was over. She walked on slightly wobbly legs behind Hagrid and Griphook to the huge metal door of vault 713, which the goblin opened with the swipe of his finger.

"If anyone but a goblin tried to open this vault, they'd get sucked in through the door," he shot them a dangerous grin, "and be unable to escape. I hope you find these security measures appropriate for your possession, Mr. Hagrid."

"How does it work? Is the door charmed or enchanted? Does it use runes, or maybe something else entirely?" Holly was intrigued, making something permeable sounded so neat, even if she couldn't think of an immediate use for her own creations.

Griphook didn't seem happy about her question at all though. He stepped into her personal space.

"The secrets of Gringotts are ours to keep and Not. For. Curious. Witchlings. Any more questions and I'll have your head on a pike. "

He accentuated each word with a poke of his long spindly finger to her chest. Holly swallowed thickly, gave a little squeak and a nod.

"Now, if you would please deposit your belongings into the vault Mr. Hagrid, I have better things to do still."

Hagrid patted her comfortingly on the back with a worried look and then walked into the Vault. He pulled out the brown paper package she had seen earlier and just placed it on the ground. Once he was back out Griphook closed the vault and the rumbling of numerous locks falling into place could be heard.

They went back to the cart again and this time Holly was prepared for the wild ride. It was much more enjoyable when she had a solid grip on the seat and railing. Compared to the cavern that held vault 713, the one they stopped at next held more than just the single vault. Approaching a vault to the side Griphook requested her key which Hagrid provided after another small search of his pockets.

When the door swung open Holly was surprised that it didn't resemble the other vault she had seen at all. Instead of a single black room that was 713, her vault had some steps leading down into an actual cave-like structure with stalactites sprouting from the ceiling, or were they called stalagmites?

The vault seemed mostly empty. When Holly reached the bottom of the stairs she spotted a little alcove to her left that was at the perfect height to be a table. It held a small stack of golden and silver coins. She turned to Hagrid who had just reached her side.

"How much do you reckon I'll need?"

Holly didn't even know how much money she had here, it seemed so little to her, but these were actually gold and silver coins so she was probably very wrong. Instead of answering her though, Hagrid addressed Griphook.

"S'cuse me, I woulda thought there'd be more 'n this here." He sounded a little worried.

Griphook flipped open a little booklet, where he had gotten it from, Holly had no idea.

"No, everything seems to be in order.

Trust fund for a Miss Holly Potter, fills yearly on the 31st of July by an amount of one galleon per years of age of Miss Potter, " he read from the booklet, "for a total of 15 galleons today in an assortment of galleons, sickles and knuts. With today's conversion rate of 49.7 pounds sterling per galleon, that amounts to 745.5 pounds sterling."

Holly's jaw dropped, that was more money than she had ever had. When she looked up at Hagrid though, he didn't look happy. It took her a moment to realise why that was. If she was supposed to get her age in galleons every year, then why were there only 15. Doing the maths in her head, there were supposed to be 66 galleons here today. Had the payments stopped after her 5th birthday, or had someone taken money out?

"Shouldn't there be more than 15 galleons then?"

Griphook just sneered at her, showing off his sharp teeth.

"If you aren't satisfied with the services provided by Gringotts, you may take that up with your account manager. Now stop wasting my time." And with that he strode out of the vault. Holly hoped not all the goblins were this easy to anger.