Chapter 2 - Reality

Skye sat in the armchair of the Rec room placed next to the window. It was her favourite spot to curl up and lose herself in the adventures of a hero. Her eyes scanned over the words, left to right, but inside her heart exploded with the turbulent emotions she felt for their strife. Lost in another world, Skye seemed to miss the hushed hissing noise that filled the otherwise silent room. Finally, a set of loud mutterings seemed to protrude her bubble, and she gazed towards the open door. Curious, she abandoned her spot to peek into the hallway. The group of children that had gathered were crouched at Helen's office door.

"What's…" she began in hushed tones, but was immediately met with a chorus of shushing (much louder than her voice had ever been). Daniel, a tall boy with messy blonde locks, did a double take at her appearance.

"Oy, you lot, let her through," he whispered with a wave of his hand, commanding her to join the group of eavesdroppers at the base of the door. Skye glanced behind her to double check his actions were directed at her. Evidently, they were because he sighed at her response and repeated the action to move towards them. She crouched by his side as he placed a single finger to his lips and, once again, pressed his ear to the door. Skye followed suit.

"...a truly wonderful opportunity for her. Her father himself attended our prestigious establishment and it was his wish that she followed in his footsteps," an unfamiliar voice could be heard beyond the door. Skye immediately recognised it to belong to an older gentleman.

"We had no knowledge that a place had been set aside. You said this was in a will? Certainly the governing body should have made this common knowledge to her guardian?" Helen's voice was stern.

"Yes, well the Ministry involved had certain communication issues at the time, but I assure you the place for Skye has been well secured by myself. Furthermore, we have the tools to ensure she is well catered for in necessary materials, such as books and uniform," the voice replied smoothly.

Skye's eyebrows had shot up at the mention of her name. Daniel had decided he'd heard enough and motioned for retreat. The group followed their leader to his room and Skye trailed behind. Each member had taken their place in his room when Daniel motioned for her to sit as she stood awkwardly outside the perimeter of the group.

"Looks like it's your lucky day, kid," he laughed. She didn't know how to respond to that. Daniel was the one everyone liked, even her, but she'd never really been a part of the inner circle of the children's care home. She was just too shy. Plus it didn't help that around here, there were no regulars except for her. She never had time to open up to anyone, except for Helen, but that wasn't the same. "That bearded guy is a headmaster. It seems you're off to some high-end school up in Scotland."

"What, Hogwarts?" She laughed at her own private joke.

"So, you did know? Why didn't you tell us, kid? I mean it's a school so I guess you wouldn't be too thrilled, but anywhere's better than here right?" He patted her on the back in congratulations, but Skye was more confused than ever. Suddenly, Helen had appeared in the doorway.

"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you, Skye." Helen seemed flustered. "You're needed in my office. A Professor Dumbledore has a wonderful opportunity for you."

"A Professor…"

"Yes, yes. Don't keep him waiting now," she shooed her out of the room and into the office. Here, Skye took the seat across from a man with half moon spectacles and hair, sprouting from both his head and around his mouth, to form long, straight locks of pure white.

"Good afternoon, Miss Knight," he smiled with a twinkle in his eye.

"Good afternoon, err... Professor Dumbledore," she replied courteously.

"As I'm sure you've heard from your peers, I am visiting today with the intention of inviting you to the school known as Hogwarts. You've heard of it, I believe?" He questioned. Skye didn't even have time to register guilt for being found to have eavesdropped, or wonder how he knew.

"Well, yes, but it's not real though, is it? My mum told me about it, but… well she's not the most reliable sources of information," she spluttered. To this Dumbledore's piercing gaze became saddened.

"I understand your confusion, Miss Knight, but please forgive me when I answer your question with one of my own. Do you believe it is real?" His gaze seemed to pierce her very soul. When she seemed to be lost to her thoughts he rephrased his question. "Has anything ever occurred that made you think that perhaps your mother's word may spout the truth?"

"You mean like the teapot that never ran out of tea? Or… or the time when I broke Helen's favourite vase, but it just kind of fixed itself," Dumbledore smiled at her excited ramblings. "Or how about the time I saw that Kevin was going to fall off the counter to steal the biscuit stash, so I kind of well… tackled him but…"

Dumbledore cut her off. "I'm sorry, what was that?" His body became stiff, as if caught off guard.

"I, I… I promise it didn't hurt when I tackled him. I just didn't want him to fall off like I saw," she looked guiltily at the floor, before peeking a glance at the man before her.

"You saw this? Before it had even occurred?" He inquired.

"Yeah. Usually I get a gut feeling, but this was important. I saw it happen. I wasn't going to let it though," her voice was confident, her mind lost to the memory and too busy to notice the knowing gaze of Albus Dumbledore.

"No, of course you weren't." He smiled as he handed over a thick, yellowing parchment with her name written in an emerald green on the front. "This letter includes your formal invitation to join us at Hogwarts. Furthermore, it contains a list of items that you will need to acquire for the school year. Someone will be along next week to assist you in this and prepare you for the new school year."

She smiled brightly at the wise man's words. Everything she had been told by her mother was true. She was going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.