Chapter-4

A week had gone since Oliver Williams awakened in the comfort of St. Mary's Orphanage. The days had been filled with a combination of regularity and adjustment as he adapted to his new existence and learned to grasp Matron Hughes' caring and supportive surroundings. The orphanage, albeit modest, had become a haven for him, allowing him to gradually regain a feeling of normalcy in the midst of his recent turmoil.

The early morning light flowed through Oliver's little window, throwing a pleasant glow on the walls. He had just finished his meal when a quiet knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Matron Hughes came with a grin and a note in her hand.

"Good morning, Oliver," she said happily. "We have a special guest today."

Oliver glanced up with interest. "A special guest?"

Before Matron Hughes could respond, another knock came on the door. Matron Hughes opened it, revealing a tall, stately woman standing in the doorway. She was clothed elegantly in green and black robes, and her gaze was both serious and sympathetic. Her black hair was tied back into a tidy bun, and she exuded confidence and grace.

"Professor McGonagall?" Matron Hughes welcomed her kindly.

The woman nodded. "Good morning, Matron Hughes. I hope I am not too early."

"Not at all," Matron Hughes said, standing aside to allow the professor in. "Please, come in."

Professor McGonagall entered the room, and her attention landed on Oliver, who sprang up from his chair with a mix of exhilaration and trepidation. She calmly approached him and extended the letter to him.

"Hello, Oliver," Professor McGonagall replied in a friendly but stern tone. "I'm Professor Minerva McGonagall from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I've come to present your acceptance letter and provide you with some important details concerning your enrollment.

Oliver's eyes widened upon seeing the letter. It was addressed to him in fine, flowing calligraphy and sealed with the Hogwarts wax symbol. He grasped it cautiously, his hands quivering slightly with excitement.

"Your parents enrolled you at Hogwarts before their unfortunate deaths," Professor McGonagall said. "It was their wish that you receive the best education in the magical world, and I am here to ensure that you are prepared for your upcoming journey."

Oliver took a deep breath and opened the seal, unfolding the letter. The contents were as follows.

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. Williams,

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

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

Three sets of plain work robes (black)

One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

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

Yours sincerely,

Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus

Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions

Oliver finished reading the letter, his thoughts racing with questions and anticipation. "So, Hogwarts is real," he murmured, glancing up at Professor McGonagall. "And I've been enrolled by my parents?"

Professor McGonagall nodded. "Yes, Hogwarts is real, and your parents had plans for you to go before their horrible accident. We are here to help you transition easily into your new life and give any assistance you may require."

Oliver looked to Matron Hughes, who gave him a comforting nod. "Professor McGonagall has been very kind in coming here to explain everything and to assist with your preparations."

Professor McGonagall went on, "I understand that this is a lot to process, but rest assured that Hogwarts is a place of study and wonder. You will be joining a society that will look after you and provide you with opportunities to learn and develop your magical powers."

Oliver took a long breath, hoping to calm his worries. "Thank you, Prof. McGonagall. I… I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm excited to learn.

"Mr. Williams," she started, her voice firm and authoritative, "I appreciate that this may all appear quite odd. Perhaps viewing a little magic can help explain things.

Oliver's eyes expanded with apprehensive interest. "Magic? "You mean like spells and stuff?"

"Exactly," Professor McGonagall said. She raised her wand with a deft flick, revealing a little, delicate flame at the tip. It danced in midair, emitting a pleasant glow.

Oliver watched, slack-jawed, as the flame hovered smoothly. "That's fantastic. But how—?"

"Magic is an integral part of our world," Professor McGonagall stated. "It's more than a trick; it's an essential aspect of how we connect with our surroundings. However, mastery involves study and practice.

She quenched the light with a sweep of her wand, and Oliver, still in wonder, struggled to understand what he saw. "So, is all of this real? Magic, spells, or wands?"

Even though he knew about the magical world from watching Harry Potter movies and from the old lady in the cottage, he remained skeptical of magic and the magical world. Deep down, he still believed he was dreaming and would awake in his old bed after this nightmare ended.

"Yes," Professor McGonagall responded. "And there's much more to it. You will need to study the norms and traditions of the magical realm. For the time being, let me provide you with a summary of what to expect.

Oliver listened carefully as Professor McGonagall proceeded. "One of the first locations you'll go is Diagon Alley. It's a magical retail district where you can acquire all your Hogwarts needs, including your wand. It's a crucial element of getting ready for your magical education.

"Diagon Alley?" Oliver repeated, attempting to imagine it. "Is it... hidden or something?"

"Yes," Professor McGonagall confirmed with a nod. "It is hidden from the Muggle world to keep the magical people safe. You'll enter through a unique entrance in the Leaky Cauldron, a London tavern.

Oliver took in the facts, and his interest peaked. "So, what about the magical world in general? "What are the basic rules?"

"Magic has its own set of rules and guidelines," Professor McGonagall said. "For example, there are strict rules regarding the use of magic in the presence of Muggles." We also have rules that regulate magical beings and objects.

She paused, her eyes searching Oliver's face for signs of confusion. "There are several fundamental things you should understand: respect for others, especially when it comes to magical ethics, is essential. Hogwarts will teach you about these guidelines."

As she spoke, Oliver couldn't shake the impression that something was left unsaid, an undercurrent under the surface. He had heard stories and discussions about the magical world in his previous life, including darker parts that appeared to be overlooked in Professor McGonagall's explanations. He was aware of some troubling aspects of the magical community, including rumors of discrimination and limitations imposed on Muggle-borns like himself, a blood war in which Muggle-borns were hunted as game, uncaring authoritarian figures in the magical world, and Hogwarts, who are more concerned with their machinations than the proper education of magical children.

"So, Professor," Oliver inquired thoughtfully, "Do I have a family in the magical world"

"Not as far as I know," she said.

"But then how did my parents enroll me in magical world school since the magical world is supposed to be secret" was his response.

Professor McGonagall responded"Your parents, Mr. Williams, were Muggleborns who left the magical realm during the previous war. They went to Hogwarts, and as a student, your admittance was accepted the day you were born."

"Oh," he said; the more answers he has, the more questions arise.

"So since I'm a muggle-born does it mean i will have a hard time in the magical world"

Professor McGonagall's visage remained steady, but her manner changed somewhat. "Every Hogwarts student is assessed on their character and ability, not their background. While there may be biases in certain parts of the magical world, Hogwarts is a place where skill and merit are truly valued.

Oliver wasn't convinced. He had read enough fan fiction and heard enough discussions on the forums to understand that prejudice was more than just a rumor. It was a serious problem for Muggle-borns, and it felt strange that Professor McGonagall would dismiss it so casually. He chose not to pursue the subject further, preferring to focus on the immediate tasks at hand.

"So, what happens next?" Oliver inquired, hoping to redirect the topic back to practical things.

"Next, we'll head to Diagon Alley to get your supplies," Professor McGonagall explained. "It's critical to be well-prepared before the school year starts. You'll have the opportunity to explore and discover more of the wonderful world."

Oliver nodded, feeling both excited and apprehensive. He had a lot to learn, and while the magical world was interesting, he realized he had to be cautious and vigilant. He was aware of the discrepancies between what he had heard and what he was being told.

He only hoped to keep his head down and complete the task given to him by his benefactor.