The woman—the witch, Hermione corrected—gazed at her for several long
moments before answering, "No, no, no," followed by "yes, yes, and yes. Though,
considering your current taste in reading material," she continued, eyeing the book on the
table, "I doubt you've heard of the latter three in a proper, historically accurate context. Do
you read anything other than fiction?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Hermione replied excitedly. "I read anything I can get my hands on."
"Good." The woman reached into her robes, removing a small box. She then pulled
out a long piece of wood and waved it over the box, which magically enlarged. "Then I
have something for you. An early birthday gift, my dear."
Hermione took the box gratefully and opened it. There, nestled inside, was a book.
"Hogwarts, A History," she read aloud. Tucked inside the front cover of the book was a
cream-coloured envelope with green writing. She looked down at it and smiled, running
her finger over the scripted lettering across it that read:
Miss Hermione Granger
First Bedroom on the Second Floor
146 Vulpe Drive
London, England
She quickly opened the letter with excitement and read the inside.HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Dear Miss Granger,
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 the first of September.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy HeadmistressAn hour later, Richard and Helen Granger were visibly much calmer as they asked
Minerva McGonagall as many questions as possible. Hermione, as predicted, asked more.