Letter and Shopping

The morning light gently filtered into Adam Morgan's room as he opened his eyes, stretching and letting out a contented sigh. His routine training with his mother awaited, and today would focus once more on refining his skills in Legilimency and Occlumency. These arts, requiring intense mental discipline, had become almost second nature to Adam with his mother's consistent guidance. As they trained, his mother reminded him that mastering such skills at his age was unusual—Adam's innate magical sensitivity seemed to enhance his abilities, though his family knew not why. Adam suspected it might be due to his rebirth, but he kept that thought to himself.Today, however, Adam's focus drifted elsewhere. He had a plan that excited him nearly as much as the promise of Hogwarts. For days, he'd been leaving small, shiny trinkets beneath the towering oak tree where he'd often seen a particular niffler scurrying about. This little creature, with its glossy black fur and sparkling eyes, had piqued his interest from day one, embodying a mischievous charm that reminded him of a small, furry magpie.After finishing his magical lessons for the morning, Adam gathered an assortment of shiny coins and tiny trinkets he'd saved just for this occasion. The niffler was usually out in the early afternoon, hunting for glimmers hidden in the grass or around tree roots. He'd observed it from a distance, making notes on its routine and identifying its favorite hiding spots. Today, he decided he would wait closer to the creature's den, taking the bold step of trying to meet it face-to-face.As Adam quietly approached the niffler's usual spot, his heart raced. He knelt down, arranging the shiny trinkets in a small, tempting pile, then settled in nearby, attempting to remain perfectly still. The forest was silent around him, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Just as he began to worry that the niffler wouldn't show, he heard a faint shuffling sound. Peeking out from a clump of roots, the niffler cautiously poked its nose forward, sniffing the air before spotting the gleaming pile.Startled to see Adam sitting there, the creature froze, its beady eyes wide with suspicion. But Adam, holding up a shiny coin in his palm, gave the niffler a gentle smile, coaxing it forward. The niffler's fascination with shiny objects won over its wariness, and soon it approached Adam, scampering right up his arm. Adam chuckled as the creature nimbly climbed over him, carefully plucking each coin and slipping it into the pouch in its belly.In that moment, Adam noticed something he hadn't before—the niffler was a female, which likely meant her family might be hidden nearby. If he was lucky, he might even catch a glimpse of her young ones someday. For now, he savored this small victory, thrilled by the bond forming between them.As days passed, Adam grew more familiar with several of the creatures around the estate. He befriended a particular bowtruckle, a small stick-like being who developed a fondness for him. Adam named him Twiggle, and Twiggle became a loyal companion, often riding along in Adam's pocket during his outdoor excursions. Puffskeins, round, furry creatures with a penchant for small spaces, would occasionally roll in and out of his sight, often too restless to stay long in one place.The niffler, whom he eventually named Glimmer for her obsession with anything that sparkled more than anything, gradually warmed to him as well. She even trusted him enough to show off her young—a moment that left Adam grinning with delight. One morning, she brought them along, allowing them to scamper and play around him, their tiny, soft bodies brushing against his hands as they eagerly searched for shiny treats. Other adult nifflers, previously indifferent, began to recognize him, now treating him as a familiar presence in their habitat.Ember, his beloved fire crab, still kept to her companions for now, but Adam felt that she, too, would one day wander into his world of trusted friends but for now he is in right place. Over the next several months, Adam's training in Legilimency and Occlumency intensified. His mother, recognizing his unique aptitude, introduced increasingly challenging exercises to push his mental resilience. Adam practiced clearing his mind, visualizing barriers to protect his thoughts, and reaching out to sense emotions in others. By half a year, he had become impressively adept, ready for the day he would enter Hogwarts and join the ranks of the most promising students. His family often found him in conversation with his sister Elara whenever she visited for the holidays, his excitement palpable whenever he mentioned Hogwarts. Elara would smile, listening patiently as he peppered her with questions about life at the school.Then, one evening in midsummer just around the summer break when Elara arrived from her school break, Adam's Hogwarts letter finally arrived. He found it in the family's grand living room, with his mother and father seated nearby, neatly placed on the table and addressed in elegant script.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. Adam Morgan,

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

The second page contains the following list: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

Adam was pretty much excited to buy all the things from diagon alley, his mother told him in a few weeks, they would visit the magical hub with her, their house-elf Wimble, and several guards who would escort them.Finally, the morning of the trip arrived, just days before the start of the school year. Adam met his mother and their small party in the portkey room, anticipation bubbling within him. Adam met his mother and their small party at the portkey room. By now, he had grown accustomed to the peculiar nausea that accompanied portkey travel. In moments, they stood at the bustling entrance to Diagon Alley, where wizarding families bustled about in anticipation of the coming school term.The first stop was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where they picked up his school uniform. Madam Malkin herself fitted him for three sets of plain black robes, a pointed hat, and a warm winter cloak. Adam noticed her fine attention to detail as she added discreet charms to ensure the clothes would withstand minor mishaps—just one of the perks of having influential family connections.Their next stop was Flourish and Blotts, the famous bookstore. His mother ordered an assortment of essential textbooks, including The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk and A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch. Adam's eyes sparkled at the sight of the shelves lined with spell books, potions guides, and tomes filled with magical theory.In Potage's Cauldron Shop, Adam received a sturdy pewter cauldron, while at Slug & Jiggers, he selected glass phials, brass scales, and a polished telescope. Each item felt like a step closer to Hogwarts, and Adam's excitement grew with every purchase. In this way, he managed to purchase nearly everything he needed.As they neared Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Adam spotted a familiar figure. Heading toward the marble entrance was none other than Harry Potter, accompanied by Hagrid. Adam recognized them instantly and knew they were likely on their way to collect the Philosopher's Stone. His mother leaned in, explaining the significance of "the Boy Who Lived," though Adam already knew most of the tale. Watching from afar, he wondered if Harry's journey would mirror the story he remembered or if the magic of this world would take an unexpected turn.Their next destination was Eeylops Owl Emporium, where Adam would choose his companion for his Hogwarts journey. Inside, the store was filled with the soft hoots and rustling of feathers. The cages housing every kind of owl imaginable—tawny owls, barn owls, screech owls, and even a rare snowy owl that caught his eye briefly. But Adam knew he was looking for something specific. He wanted an owl that would be not only a companion but an intelligent and noble presence by his side.As he moved deeper into the store, his gaze fell upon a striking screech owl perched in a shadowed corner. The owl's amber eyes glinted as it watched him with calm curiosity, a faint elegance to its bearing that set it apart from the others. Adam approached cautiously, extending his hand. To his delight, the owl tilted its head, inspecting him with an intense gaze before gently hopping onto his outstretched arm.The connection was instant, as though the owl sensed Adam's excitement and shared in it. Her talons gripped his arm gently, her feathers soft and sleek as she settled comfortably. The shopkeeper noticed and approached with a knowing smile."That one's a rare find," he remarked. "A screech owl with a keen mind. She's not too fond of many, but she seems taken with you."Adam smiled, feeling a spark of kinship with the owl. Her calm gaze held a depth he found intriguing, a knowing look that suggested she understood more than most. "I think I'll call her Seraphina," he said quietly, and the owl blinked slowly in apparent approval, as if recognizing her new name.The final stop was Ollivanders, the shop was dimly lit, with walls stretching high and filled with narrow wand boxes. Garrick Ollivander, the shop's elderly proprietor, greeted Adam with a knowing smile."Ah, young Master Morgan," he said, his voice filled with curiosity. "I wondered when you'd arrive. Let's see… something tells me your wand may be a bit particular."Ollivander began to pull out wands for Adam to try—cherry with phoenix feather, oak with unicorn hair—but none responded after 10-20 tries. Ollivander's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he studied Adam's face. At last, he disappeared into a back room, returning with an ornate box."This," Ollivander murmured, "is a wand that's been in my family for centuries. It is Elder wood with a core of Dragon heartstring."He held the wand out, almost reverently, and Adam reached for it. The moment his fingers closed around the wood, a powerful warmth surged up his arm, a feeling so intense it took his breath away."Elder wood," Ollivander explained, watching Adam carefully, "is the rarest of all wand woods, deeply magical but difficult to master. It takes a remarkable wizard to wield an Elder wand. Elder wands have powerful magic but are known for their particular temperament—they will only serve an owner who is truly superior in their company. It is said that only those marked for a special destiny may wield them."Adam looked at the wand, feeling its energy resonate with him."As for the core," Ollivander continued, "Dragon heartstring produces the most powerful and flamboyant magic. Those wands learn quickly, but they are also the most prone to accidents. They bond strongly with their current owner, though they may shift loyalties if the bond is broken. And, as you must know, Dragon heartstring wands can lean toward darker magic if one isn't careful."Adam nodded solemnly, feeling the gravity of Ollivander's words as he knew a similar wand with different core. This wand was powerful, unpredictable, a tool that could shape his destiny but required care and respect.

Ollivander's tone was somber. "Elder wands are rare. They are powerful but difficult to control. You must be diligent, Master Morgan, for this wand will challenge you."

Adam's mother thanked Ollivander and graciously accepted his offer of a favor in return—a traditional gesture of goodwill between their families, as Ollivander refused any payment for his service. On the journey home, Adam's mind buzzed with anticipation. His wand had been chosen, his supplies gathered, and Seraphina by his side.At last, he was prepared for the adventure of a lifetime, eager to discover the magic awaiting him at Hogwarts soon.