The end of expectations
The year 1991 has come. I celebrated my birthday back in February. I was still expecting a letter, but the magic manifested itself more and there was no letter with an owl. Disappointment grew in my chest that I began to think that I was just crazy. As a backup plan, I planned how to get to the races next month and wager a substantial amount.
Then out of the corner of my ear, I heard the matron talking to someone.
"He is such a quiet and intelligent boy, I am not surprised that he was chosen for such a program. I am sure he fully deserves your trust and learning from you will become a significant person." - she said. I had no doubts about whom she was talking about. Was it in vain that I have been creating the image of a kind and intelligent person for 11 years?
After a couple of seconds, the voice replied: "I completely agree with you, Mrs. Birchon, may I come up to him if he is here now?" - the voice was female, tired, old. There was a note of arrogance and strict upbringing. My heart pounded when I realized who it was. It was as if the railroad tracks connected in my head and the thought went off. I'm probably a half-blood, unaware of the magical world. Naturally, they will send someone!
Footsteps sounded outside the door and knocked on it.
Throwing aside the album with strange scrawls in my hands, I cleaned myself up and opened the door.
Professor McGonagall stood outside the door with the matron. Tall, in a black robe, studied me. A complete copy of those films that I watched.
Matrona introduced us and I automatically answered something, but my thoughts were different. I couldn't remember what year Harry was born or when the events in the book take place. After seeing the matron, McGonagall gave me a letter and began to explain to me that I was enrolled in Hogwarts and explained about the wizarding world. As proof, she turned one of my books on the table into a porcupine and back again.
"I see you are deeply in thought, Mr. Samuel, what embarrassed you so much? You did not even open the letter. I advise you to read it now, and if you agree to enter the school will allocate funds for your studies and life. After school you will be independent, but now, for you , there is a program to support Muggle-born. "
I nodded my head and opened the letter: "I understand. I agree to join. As you said, I noticed unusual events that cannot be explained except by magic."
Opening the letter I saw
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards
Dear Mr. Samuel Holmes,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Signature
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Turning the sheet, I saw more.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1.Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk
A history of magic
by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical theory
by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration
by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions
by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions
Looking up at her, I asked: "Is there an empty line here, do I need to sign?"
McGonagall confirmed: "If you agree, sign here and you don't need to send the owl as I am here." - After waiting for me to sign, she continued, - "Get ready, young man, we will go to the store."