Hogwarts?
A clanging reaches Harry's ears.
"Get up, boy. We're doing some more testing on your powers today." A gruff voice shouts, clanging the bars on Harry's cage again.
Harry hisses, flicking his tail as he stands up and wiping his eyes. The man sneers at him.
"There's a good boy. Cmon, and dont try anything." He opens the cage, taking Harry by the hand and leading him to another room.
Harry keeps his eyes to the ground, not saying a word as he gets thrown into a glass room. He looks around, taking note of the control panel outside the room and Rowle standing with Dolohov, talking to him in hushed tones. Thorfinn looks up at Harry, taking a microphone and talking into it. His voice projects into the room.
"Okay, Harry, we need to test your powers today. Can you unfold your wings?" He asks, getting his clipboard ready.
Harry nods, spreading his wings, flapping them as they inspect them. His wings are mostly black, but they have a purple outline, just like his tail. He folds his wings against his back as Antonin nods. Throfinns voice fills the room again.
"Good. Now, can you shoot lightning at the target on the wall?"
Harry looks at the target, raising his hand. He shoots a jet of blue lighting out, hitting the target on bullseye. He lowers his hand, looking back to Thorfinn. Antonin nods, scribbling something down with his quill, before grabbing the microphone off Thorfinn.
"Excellent, Harry. Now, fly up to the center of the room and use your protective shield." He says, turning the microphone off and handing it back to Thorfinn.
Harry nods again, spreading his wings and shooting into the air. He hovers in the air before he curls his legs in, and a crackly blue shield appears around him. He looks to Antonin, who nods, and Harry drops the shield, drifting back to the ground. He sits on the floor, waiting for his next instructions while the two men talk. Thorfinn's voice fills the room.
"Good. Now, I will give you a wand. Please demonstrate all of the unfogivable curses on those three rats." He snaps his fingers, a wand appearing in Harry's hand.
Three rats enter the room, each trapped in a small container with the top off. Harry approaches them.
"Imperio," Harry says, causing the rat in front of him to freeze.
Harry makes the rat roll over, jump, and claw itself before he drops the spell. He moves to the second rat.
"Crucio." He says, making the rat shake around his box.
The rat squeeks, writhering around in pain until Harry drops the spell. He moves to the last rat.
"Avada Kedavra," Harry says, shooting a green beam of light at the rat.
He doesn't see anything, but when the light fades, the rat is lying still, no longer breathing. Harry drops his hand, sinking to his knees. He puts the wand down, hugging his legs. The wand and rats disappear, Antonin's voice filling the room again.
"Wonderful job, Harry. That will be all for today, you will now get breakfast. Happy eleventh Birthday." His voice stops as the door opens, Antonin holding his hand out to Harry.
Harry slowly stands, skeptical, but he takes Antonin's hand anyway. Antonin leads him to another room, one that is much more enjoyable. There is a table in the middle, a sofa on one side, and a roaring campfire on the other. In the corner, there is a small kitchen with a shelf of books next to it. Harry realizes this must be where Thorfinn and Antonin live. Antonin leads him to the fireplace, sitting him down on the floor. Harry looks around in awe; he's never seen any other place other than his cage and the testing room. Thorfinn moves to the kitchen, turning on the kettle as Antonin grabs something from the bookshelf. When Antonin returns, he is holding two things. One is a large book titled Hogwarts: A History. In his other hand is a letter. He places them on the table, the letter facing up, so Harry can read,
Mr H. Potter
Testing Facility
67 Prewett Road
Godrics Hollow
West Country
Harry stares at it curiously. Antonin hands him the letter.
"You know we are wizards, right, Harry? Well, it's time for you to go to wizarding school. This is Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is your acceptance letter; open it." He places the letter in Harry's hands.
Harry stares at the crest, a lion, a serpent, an eagle, and a badger, all around a logo, with a slogan underneath.
"For me?" Harry asks, looking at Antonin with skepticism.
He nods. Harry looks back down to the wax seal. He slides his finger under it, breaking it and opening the letter.
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 Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place 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
Harry looks up to Antonin.
"Hogwarts? Is that the place you've told me of before?" He asks, curiosity getting the best of him.
"Yep. Now it's your turn to go there! There should be another letter in there, with all your books and things you need. We should have everything, we just need your wand, robes, and pet. We will obviously get you and Owl. But find that list." Antonin replies, accepting the tea Thorfinn offers him.
Harry finds the second piece of parchment.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
3. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags.
SET BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standered Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Begginers 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 of glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST-YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Harry looks up, handing the list to Antonin.
"Do we have all of that stuff?" He asks
"You can use our old books, but we need to head to Diagon Alley to get your wand, robes, pet, and the other things on the 'other equipment' list. It shouldn't take long, we just have to wait until the afternoon. It will be less crowded. We will also have to make a stop at Gringotts to take some money out of your account. Here," He hands Harry the book," Read this and you'll know all about Hogwarts. I'll tell you when we're about to leave." He puts the book in Harry's hands, taking the list and underlining the things they need to buy.
Antonin walks off to Thorfinn, talking in hushed voices. Harry ignores them, reading the contents of the book. He starts to read the pages, flipping through them as he pictures Hogwarts in his mind from the descriptions. He flips a page to see a picture of the castle, glinting in the sunlight. He ogles at it, imagining what it looks like in real life. He continues reading the book, not noticing the time pass. Suddenly, Antonin is beside him.
"Cmon Harry. It's time to get your things. Put on the cloak, and make sure to cover your horns. I want this to be quick." He hands Harry a cloak, also giving him a piece of toast.
Harry puts the cloak on, covering his horns with the hood. He nibbles on the toast as Antonin grabs his hand, and Thorfinn holds onto Harry's shoulder. Antonin drags them forward, apparating them to an empty alley. Harry swallows his toast, holding onto Antonin's hand as he leads them through the alleyway. They emerge on a street with only a few passersby walking down it. They head to a shop with the name Ollivanders: Maker of Fine Wands since 382 BC. A bell tinkles as they enter, stepping into the dark shop. A voice calls out from the back.
"Give me a moment! I'll be right out."
Just then, a grey-haired man steps out from behind the shelves, eyeing Thorfinn before setting his eyes on Harry. He gasps.
"My eyes, is it? It couldn't be. Is it Harry Potter? My, my, I have been expecting you. Let's see here. Try this." He hands Harry a wand.
Harry waves it around, and Ollivander snatches it right out.
"No, no, try this one." He hands Harry another wand.
Harry waves it again, Ollivander snatching it out of his hand faster than before.
"No, no. Mhh, you are a tough one. Could it be? Here, try this one." He hands Harry another wand.
Harry grasps it, warmth flooding his hand as he holds it. Ollivander chuckles, getting the box and handing it to Harry.
"Very curious. Very. That will be seven galleons, please. Here you go, I hope you enjoy your wand, Mr Potter." Ollivander's eyes twinkle as they leave the shop.
Harry pulls his hood down, covering more of his face. They next head to a large marble building in the center of the street. Harry looks up at it, feeling quite intimidated. Inside, it's so interesting that he doesn't catch the writing on the door as it swings open. Goblins move about, weighing strange objects against galleons. They head to a desk at the end.
"Hello. We are here to access Harry Potter's vault. Here is his key." Thorfinn says, placing a small golden key on the desk.
The goblin grunts, inspecting the key and nodding his head.
"My compainian will escort you to Mr Potters Vault. Griphook!" The goblin at the desk replies.
Another goblin appears from a desk, giving the group an oily smile before leading them down some stairs. They arrive at a cart, everyone getting in, and Griphook lighting the lantern. They start to ride the cart, it speeding down levels. They soon arrive at Harry's vault, with Griphook opening it and stepping aside. Harry gapes at the pile of coins. Antonin hands him a pouch, and Harry starts filling it up. He gets a handful of each coin before tying it and handing it back to Antonin, who places it in his pocket. They then get back on the cart, riding upwards to the main level. They arrive at the first room, walking out and to Madam Malkins. They enter the shop, a squat witch greeting them at the entrance. Somehow, Thorfinn already has Harry's measurements, so he gives them to Madam Malkin, and she goes to the back to start making the robes. She says they will take half an hour, so they leave to get Harry's other supplies. They buy everything else Harry needs, except his pet, and they return right on time to collect his robes. They pay for his robes before going to the pet empourium. The shop is a dark, manky place. As soon as Harry steps inside, a large dark bird catches his eye. He slowly approaches its cage, reaching out his hand. The bird turns its head to Harry, hooting quietly. The shopkeeper appears behind Harry.
"She's a very fine specimen. Part dragon, part owl, and part pheonix. She's always pretty vicious, but she seems to like you." The shopkeeper is right.
The creature does like Harry. She steps closer, hooting as she gently nips his hand. Harry smiles.
"Can I get her?" He asks, turning to Antonin.
"Sure. But she's your responsibility. And dont let her shit all over the house. We'll take her." Antonin replies, taking out the money patch.
They buy her and head out, going back down the alleyway they apparated from. Harry is thinking of a name for his pet. They apparate back to Thorfinns place, putting Harry's things away in Antonins old trunk. They engrave Harry's name into the trunk, covering Antonins so it looks new. They put all of Harry's things next to the bookcase, letting Harry keep his wand, pet, and Hogwarts A History book. Harry takes off his cloak, letting his wings stretch as they've been closed against his back for a while. He strokes his pet, his mind cycling through names. His head lands on one he saw in his textbook.
"Do you like the name Adrastea?" Harry asks his pet, smiling when she hoots and flaps her wings.
"Alright. Welcome to the family, Adrastea." Antonin says, crouching down to stroke Adrastea, who clicks her beak appreciatively. Harry sets her down in her cage, closing the door.
"Im gonna call you Adra, though. It's quicker to say." Harry yawns, realizing it's late.
"Can I go to bed? Im tired." Harry rubs his eyes, the day having zoomed past.
"Alright. You can take the quest bedroom until you go to Hogwarts. You deserve it, champ. Cmon, I'll help you take your stuff." Antonin stands up, helping Harry stand before moving to grab Harry's trunk.
He levitates it, walking to a room connecting to the kitchen. Harry picks up Adra's cage, his wand, and his book, following Antonin to the new room. He looks around. It's bigger than his cage, and there's a mattress on the floor, with a small bedside table next to it. Antonin places his trunk at the foot of the mattress, summoning a blanket and pillow and placing them on the bed. Harry puts Adra's cage down beside his bed, putting his wand and book on the bedside table. His tail wags as he looks around the room.
"Thank you. Im so excited for Hogwarts." Harry says, sitting on his bed.
"No problem. Tomorrow, we are going to be teaching you some spells, so get a good night's rest. I'll see you tomorrow, kid." Antonin flicks his wand, turning out the light.
He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Harry lays down sideways on his bed, staring at Adra while she gets comfortable. He relaxes his wings, letting them rest against his back. He pulls the thin blanket up to his neck. He sighs happily; he truly can't wait for Hogwarts.