Chapter 3: The Hogwarts Letter

It was a lazy morning when Vincent first noticed something strange in the manor. He had spent the last few months blending into his new life, meticulously studying both his new surroundings and the curriculum his grandparents had set for him. The breakfast table was its usual picture of formality and routine when the house's butler, Mr. Turner, approached with an envelope in hand.

"Master Vincent, a letter for you," Turner said, his tone as clipped and precise as ever.

Vincent took the letter, noting the unusual parchment and the elegant, emerald-green script. He turned it over, eyes widening as he read the seal: a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a serpent surrounding a large letter 'H'.

"Who is it from?" his grandmother inquired, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity, rare for her.

Vincent tore the envelope open and unfolded the letter inside. His eyes skimmed the words quickly, disbelief washing over him.

"Dear Mr. Van Doren, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry..."

His heart raced. Hogwarts. Magic. He had heard stories, seen the movies, but this was real. He handed the letter to his grandmother, who read it aloud, her expression shifting from confusion to skepticism.

"Is this some kind of joke?" his grandfather asked, his voice stern.

"I don't think so," Vincent replied, struggling to keep his excitement in check. "It looks genuine."

His grandparents exchanged a look. They were not easily convinced, but the letter was too elaborate to be dismissed outright.

Later that afternoon, as Vincent pondered the implications of the letter, the doorbell rang. Mr. Turner answered and shortly after announced the arrival of Professor McGonagall. The stern-looking woman, dressed in emerald robes, entered the drawing room where Vincent and his grandparents were seated.

"Good afternoon," she said, her accent crisp and formal. "I am Professor Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts."

"Good afternoon, Professor," Vincent's grandfather replied, his tone cool and reserved. "We have some questions about this letter our grandson received."

"Of course," McGonagall said, taking a seat. "I anticipated that. Hogwarts is a school for young witches and wizards, and Vincent has been identified as one with magical potential."

Vincent's grandmother raised an eyebrow. "Magic? You expect us to believe that our grandson is some kind of... wizard?"

McGonagall's lips twitched into a slight smile. "Indeed. If you would allow me, I can provide a demonstration."

With a wave of her wand, McGonagall transformed the teapot on the table into a small, squeaking mouse and then back again. Vincent's grandparents stared, their skepticism giving way to shock.

"This is... unbelievable," his grandmother whispered.

"Believe it, madam," McGonagall said gently. "Vincent has a rare gift. Hogwarts can help him harness it."

Vincent watched, his mind racing with possibilities. He could see the struggle in his grandparents' eyes—the desire to maintain their rational, controlled world battling with the undeniable evidence before them.

Preparations

After much discussion and another demonstration involving the transformation of Mr. Turner's hat into a large bird, Vincent's grandparents finally relented. However, their acceptance came with conditions.

"Vincent," his grandfather began, "we understand that this... Hogwarts... is an opportunity. However, your education here must not be neglected. You will continue your studies with us as well."

"Of course," Vincent replied, willing to agree to anything that would let him attend Hogwarts. "I can manage both."

"We'll hold you to that," his grandmother added, her tone firm but not unkind. "Your future is important, both in the magical world and the real one."

McGonagall nodded approvingly. "I assure you, we will do everything in our power to support Vincent's education in both realms."

Vincent felt a surge of gratitude and excitement. This was a chance, not just to learn magic, but to redefine his place in the world. He was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.