Chapter Six: Flashback

As he walked closer towards the huddled family (and me hiding near the fireplace), his large wild bushy beard was all I could see.

'Seriously, has noone in his life told him to get a haircut or what? I mean, I'm embarrassed about my own wild tangled locks, but this guy really takes the biscuit.'

"... was a freak."

Wait. What?

"Who's a freak?" 

The remaining occupants of the house plus one uninvited guest all turned to stare at me. 

'Talk about creepy.'

Looking over at Aunt Petunia's annoyed face, I can tell I missed one of her oh so special rants … thank God for small mercies  For a skinny woman she sure knows how to belt. 

Before Aunt Petunia had the chance to speak, the still unidentified stranger came towards me. Instinctively, I took a step back making him pause.

"Here you go lass. I just want to give you your present." 

'While I'm sure there's a warning about taking gifts from strangers or something … but hell why not.'

Opening the slightly squished, pink box, I saw an equally squished cake reading: Happy birthday Ana.

"I suppose you couldn't fit my entire name."

As soon as the words left my lips, I cringed. Lord, how ungrateful and rude must he think I be. 

"I … I di.. didn't mean it that way. I am sorry," came a rather timid apology from a voice I vaguely recognised as my own. 

Unconsciously, I found myself swaying side to side while glancing at the thoughtful gaze of the unnamed man.

A booming laugh filled the same room shocking the occupants onto silence. 

"Oh young Anastasia, you remind me of your mother. You truly do take after her. I am certain you will become a remarkable witch like her."

Ahh thats so swee… 

WHAT DID HE JUST SAY? A WITCH!! WELL I NEVER.

"Absolutely not! She will not be attending that school run by that crackpot Headmaster!" Bellowed, Uncle Vernon.

'Go Uncle V you give to him. Did he say something about a school. What is going on? Has everyone here turned insane… 

'Looking over at Dudley still eating my birthday gift. Yeah turns out I haven't been sucked into an alternate reality.'

It seemed Mr. Friendly Giant didn't take that well

'Never and I mean never insult the headmaster you muggle." 

"Okay. Rewind, what school? What is everyone talking about and who are you?"

"I am Rubeus Hargrid. The Gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and Wizardry." He answered rather proudly. 

While slowly walking towards me, he reached inside his large trench coat and handed me a familiar envelope.

Without waiting a beat, I ripped the letter open to finally discover what all the fuss has been about. 

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin (first class), Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards)

Dear Miss Potter, 

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find the enclosed 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

Is this some sort of a joke. Happy birthday Anastasia you're going to magic school! Bfft, as if!

"I said she's not going. And that is the end of that." 

"Hah as if a muggle like you can stop her. Why, Anastasia Potter not going to Hogwarts, would be unthinkable."

Words swirled around my mind like an unending cyclone. 

Magic

Hogwarts

Witchcraft

'STOP! Everyone just stop it and tell me the truth. You knew about this didnt you?"

I couldn't help but turn my gaze towards Aunt Petunia. While Uncle Vernon has never really cared for me, Aunt Petunia wasn't always so unkind. Sometime when it was just us, she would have a look in her eyes. It felt almost … maternal. 

"Knew? Of course, I knew. You are my sister's daughter after all. Of course you would have her magic as well."

My mother was a witch?!

End of flashback