An Owl?
It has been 4 years since that first outburst that Nicholas had. He is now 10 years old with dirty blond hair and stormy grey eyes. Since then, Harris demanded that he keep his "talents" a secret from everyone around them. He explained that it would only bring trouble and unwanted attention. Nicholas decided then that his dad was probably right and that he didn't need all that trouble so he pushed his "talent" down as far as possible.
Sadly, ever since he displayed his other worldly powers, his father seemed to keep his distance from Nicholas. While it was subtle, it wasn't to the point where Nicholas didn't notice. It started from the small things. For example, Nicholas complained that his school work was hard and usually, his dad would encourage him to try harder but instead practically demands that school is important and he would be thankful later when he grows up.
Confused by this sudden behavior, Nicholas went to his mom for an explanation, but she as well didn't know the reason for his dad's recent behavior. Since then, he acted a certain way around his father to keep him happy while around his mother he acted more like a child that he should be his age.
Tap, tap, tap
He was broken out of his thoughts because of the tapping at his window. He sees a dark-colored owl sitting outside looking at him expectantly waiting for him to open the window. Confused, he walks over to the window and opens it. He sees an envelope attached to the leg of the owl. He opens the envelope to see what's written inside.
'HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY'
Headmaster: Albus Dumbeldore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Ward,
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,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress'
On the second page in the envelope.
'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 of 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
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions'
"What is this nonsense?" Nicholas mutters, "Hogwarts? Witches? Wizards? Magic? Someone's got to be bloody screwing with me"
He looks at the owl sitting at his windowsill again. The owl looks at Nicholas expecting a treat but when Nicholas doesn't give anything the owl pecks hard and flies away. "OW! I'M GONNA USE YOUR FEATHERS AS MY NEW PILLOW IF I SEE YOU AGAIN!"
Nicholas decides to ignore the letter and head downstairs for breakfast. While coming down the stairs, he sees his mom and dad sitting down on the table already.
"Hello mum...good morning father." Harris grunts a response. Nicholas sighs and sits down since that was a normal greeting for him these days. Suddenly, the doorbell rings so Nicholas decides to get the door himself.
He opens the door and sees an elderly woman with strange robes and a pointed hat.
Weirded out, he greets her. "Morning, what can I do for you?"