Admission Letter(2)

August 9th, 1990.

Hogwarts.

Far in the Scottish Highlands, an ancient castle stood tall and proud against the bright, clear sky. Its towers and spires reached up, looking like they'd been there forever. The Forbidden Forest loomed dark and mysterious nearby, and the Black Lake shimmered in the distance, mirroring the grandeur of the castle.

Inside, in Professor McGonagall's office, the scene was busy but organized. Parchments covered her desk, and automatic quills were scribbling away on their own. McGonagall kept a close eye on them, reading each one as it was finished and sealing it with the Hogwarts crest.

"Albus really needs to stop giving me so much work…" She sighed, rubbing her temples.

—Swoosh

Suddenly, an owl swooped in and landed on the windowsill, clutching a small envelope. McGonagall looked at the small brown owl and walked up to it, taking the letter from its leg.

"Another reply?" She asked curiously. The owl tilted its head, as if to confirm.

She tore open the letter and read it carefully. The letter was from another miggle family it seemed, confirming his acceptance and showing a clear determination to pursue magic. It was well-written, and McGonagall could see the seriousness and eagerness in his words, which was odd, as most muggles would think of these letters as some kind of elaborate prank.

After reading it through a couple of times, she placed it down on her desk, contemplating. This was the sort of student who needed her help.

With a final glance at the letter and a nod to herself, she gathered her papers and prepared to leave her office.

…

Later that day.

Maria Orphanage.

—Knock knock

A knock on the door reached Ms Maria's Ears.

Lookijg outside the window, she saw that it was raining today.

'Who would come visit such an old orphanage on such a rainy day?' She mused as she opened the door, and walked towards the door.

Standing at the door, was an middle ages lady, she looked stern and authoritative, she wore green textured robe and had a black pointed hat on her head.

Ms. Maria blinked at the woman standing before her, taking in her unusual appearance. The lady's piercing gaze made it clear she wasn't just some passerby.

"Good afternoon," the woman said in a clipped, professional tone. "I am Professor Minerva McGonagall. May I come in?"

Ms. Maria hesitated for a moment before stepping aside, gesturing for the woman to enter. "Of course, come in," she said, still puzzled by the sudden visitor. "How can I help you, Professor?"

McGonagall stepped inside, her boots clicking against the wooden floor as she surveyed the surroundings of the orphanage. She turned her attention back to Ms. Maria.

"I'm here regarding one of the children under your care. Altair Salvatore."

At the mention of his name, Ms. Maria's brows furrowed. "Altair? Has he done something wrong?"

McGonagall allowed herself a small smile. "Quite the opposite. He's been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Ms. Maria's face showed confusion, as if she hadn't quite grasped the words. "I'm sorry... a school of what?"

"Witchcraft and Wizardry," McGonagall repeated patiently. "Altair is a wizard, Ms. Maria. A very rare gift, indeed. Our school teaches children like him how to control and hone their abilities."

Ms. Maria stared at her, speechless. It wasn't every day someone walked through the door and declared a child a wizard. She opened her mouth to say something but closed it again, not knowing where to start.

"You're... serious?" Ms. Maria finally managed, eyes wide.

"Deadly so," McGonagall replied, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

Ms. Maria shook her head slightly, trying to process the information. "Altair... a wizard. I know he can be eccentric and weird sometimes, but magic? You must be mistaken?" She said warily.

McGonagall nodded, reaching into her robes to pull out a neatly folded piece of parchment, the same letter Altair had received, with the Hogwarts crest. She handed it to Ms. Maria. "This is the formal invitation, explaining everything. Altair has already responded in writing, expressing his intent to join us."

Ms. Maria blinked in surprise. "He knows about this?"

McGonagall nodded. "Yes. And he seems rather well-prepared for it, which is unusual. Most muggle-borns — non-magical people, like yourself — are usually more skeptical... which is very odd."

Ms. Maria stared at McGonagall, still looking skeptical despite the formal tone and the letter in her hand. The whole thing was too far-fetched for her to believe outright.

McGonagall noticed the doubt in her eyes. "I understand this must be overwhelming," she said gently. "Most people in your position would think it's impossible. But magic is very real, Ms. Maria. Would you like me to show you?"

Ms. Maria hesitated for a moment, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Show me?" she repeated.

McGonagall gave a small nod, a hint of amusement in her expression. She pulled out her wand from the folds of her robe. "Watch closely."

With a casual flick of her wrist, the teacup on the nearby table lifted smoothly into the air, spinning gently in place as if it weighed nothing at all. Ms. Maria gasped, taking a step back, eyes wide with disbelief.

But McGonagall wasn't done.

She gave another flick of her wand, and the teacup gracefully transformed into a small bouquet of flowers, which floated toward Ms. Maria. The older woman reached out, taking the flowers into her trembling hands. They felt as real as anything else.

"I... I don't believe it," Ms. Maria whispered, her voice shaky. "It's... really magic?"

McGonagall smiled, lowering her wand. "Indeed. Magic is as real as the air we breathe. Altair has this gift, Ms. Maria. And it's something that needs to be nurtured, taught, and controlled."

Ms. Maria nodded slowly, still trying to wrap her head around everything. "I... I see. So, what happens now?"

"We've made all the necessary arrangements," McGonagall replied. "I came to personally ensure everything was in order. He'll need to gather his supplies soon, and I'll be escorting him to Diagon Alley. Our term starts on September 1st you see, do it's very good to be prepared by previewing the textbooks in advance."

Ms. Maria glanced toward the stairs, her mind reeling with the idea of Altair leaving the orphanage for a world of magic. "He'll... he'll be fine, though?"

McGonagall nodded again. "Yes, and he won't be gone forever, he'll return during breaks. Hogwarts is a boarding school. He can also write letters, Ms. Maria. You have my word."

The older woman bit her lip, concern crossing her face, but she nodded. "If it's what's he wants ... I suppose you'd like to meet him?."

McGonagall offered her a reassuring smile and nodded.

Just then, the sound of footsteps could be heard from upstairs. Altair, having overheard part of the conversation, appeared at the top of the stairs.

"You came," he said, his voice steady.

McGonagall turned to look at him curiously. "I did, Mr…?"

Altair smirked slightly before walking up to greet McGonagall, "Mr. Salvatore. Professor though I'd prefer you'd put the formalties aside and just call me Altair." He said with a big ass grin.

McGonagall smiled at the polite boy but kept her professional tone. "Very well, Altair. I trust you're ready?"

Altair nodded. "More than ready, Professor."

McGonagall glanced at Ms. Maria briefly before addressing Altair again. "I came here to ensure that you'll be able to buy your supplies—books, a wand, robes, and other necessities. I'll be escorting you to Diagon Alley to acquire them, the school covers these costs for an interest free installment which you can repay once you've graduated and gained employment or an income."

Altair nodded. "I expected as much, When do we leave?" He adked eagerly.

McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "You seem quite familiar with all of this. Most muggle-born students are overwhelmed at first."

Altair looked at McGonagall before he looked at the bouquet of flowers Ms Maria was holding, he flung his hand back.

—Swoosh

And the bouquet flew all the way to him, catching it he handed it to a stunned McGonagall.

"I've always thought I had some kind of supernatural power, so when the letter came I had kind of expected that it would be magic or a superpower, it wouldn't really make sense for me to be the only one with it?"

He said with a cheeky grin.

McGonagall blinked in surprise at Altair's casual display of magic but quickly composed herself. She studied him with a new level of curiosity. "It's very impressive for someone without formal training to use wandless magic."

Altair only smiled in response.

McGonagall gave a small nod. "Tomorrow, 9 AM. Be prepared. We'll go to Diagon Alley for your supplies.."

Ms. Maria, still processing everything, asked, "You're really going?"

Altair nodded, "I am, don't worry Mari I'll become a great magician, Hehe"

Ms. Maria's chuckled slightly "You better.."

Altair smiled warmly but didn't say anythijg more.

McGonagall pulled out her wand. "I'll return in the morning. For now, I'll be on my way."

With a flick of her wrist, she twisted her wand, and with a loud Crack!, she disappeared into thin air, leaving Ms. Maria in stunned silence.

Altair stared in a daze at where McGonagall had just stood.

'This is where my journey begins!'

Chapter end