Fog lay thick in the air as early morning sounds echoed around the room. Birds started to chirp and... an owl hooted? I opened my eyes, my mouth opening slightly in confusion.
Um... was that an owl or am I just hearing things?
I got to my feet, my blanket sliding off me and onto the floor. Stepping over the fallen fabric, I walked over to my bedroom window. I pushed my curtains aside, taking in the normal outside view. There was nothing there. No owl.
Guess I am just hearing things...
I rolled my eyes and was about to get back in bed when something fully slammed into my window. My attention was jerked back to the glass, and what I saw made absolutely no sense.
It was an owl.
Not just an owl though. It had a letter, complete with a huge red stamp, tied to its leg.
My eyes opened wide in shock and my mouth fell open. First of all, owls should not be flying about in the morning. Second, owls should not have huge letters tied to their feet. Third-
Okay, who am I kidding? I have to let this thing in!
Earlier shock worn off, I stepped back to the window and cracked it open. The owl immediately ducked under and flew in, hooting with pleasure. It stuck its foot out, waiting expectantly.
Do I untie it?
I reached towards it slowly, my fingers wrapping around the thick letter. Carefully untying it from the owl's foot, I pulled the envelope away.
"Um... thanks?" I said, only a little weary but a lot confused.
The owl chirped a reply, then, without warning, dove right back through the window.
I started after it for a good, long second, then down at the letter now in my hand. Not being an overly patient or cautious person, I only resisted opening it for a couple seconds... or one.
Breaking the seal with one finger and lifting the flap, I carefully pulled a stiff piece of parchment out of the envelope and opened it.
To Miss Aelynn Reyner
13 Silver Lane
Sungrove Alley
Dear Miss Reyner
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Students shall be required to report to the Chamber of Reception upon arrival, the dates for which shall be duly advised.
Please ensure that the utmost attention be made to the list of requirements attached herewith.
We very much look forward to receiving you as part of the new generation of Hogwarts' heritage.
Yours Sincerely,
Professor McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
My jaw nearly hit the floor. My hands clenched the strange letter closely and my breathing started to quicken.
Is this a joke?
I started to believe it was, but my instincts told me that wasn't the case. There really was a school of... magic.
My first instinct was to tell my parents.
Okay, maybe my first instinct was to let an owl inside my room. Then open the mysterious letter it gave me... And then tell my parents...
I quickly opened my door with my letter gripped tightly in my hand. I sprinted down the stairs faster than I ever had before... and paid the price. Missing one of the last steps and tripping over my feet, I landed sprawled on the floor.
"Ow."
I slowly got to my feet, wincing only slightly.
Maybe that wasn't the smartest idea...
Then I heard faint laughter coming from right in front of me. My dad stood there, his hand covering his mouth, quiet laughter leaking through his fingers.
I scowled lightly, but only for a second. Changing my face to a slight grin, I held up the letter still clutched in my hand.
My dad squinted slightly at the small print, then his composure suddenly changed. His face paled, all sense of laughter was gone and replaced by recognition... and fear.