Special

          It was on Tom’s eleventh birthday that he had a visitor. Tom’s first impression of the man was that he seemed like a meddlesome person.

          The man introduces himself as Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of a school called something along the lines of “Pigpimples”. Tom didn’t believe the man at first, but when he set Tom’s wardrobe on fire with just the flick of his wrist, Tom knew that the man wasn’t lying.

          The man told Tom that he had been enrolled in the school ever since he was born. “I can speak to snakes. Is that normal for people with magic?” Tom interrupts Dumbledore.

          At this, Dumbledore’s face drains all color. “No, it’s not. It may be in your best interest to hide this skill. Not many people will be comfortable with your . . . ability. . .,and we don’t want that.” Dumbledore says, his voice slightly colder than when he first talked to Tom.

          “And what about Harry?” Tom questions. “Finally,” Tom thinks, “I can finally know if Harry is special.”

          “If this young man you call Harry receives a letter on his eleventh birthday, then he is also was wizard. Until then, I’m afraid you cannot tell him anything about our encounter today. If you do tell him, or anyone for that matter, you may not be able to go to Hogwarts.” Dumbledore says, a serious look overtaking his face.

          Tom clenches his teeth in frustration, but then realizes something about what Dumbledore had said. “A letter?”

          “Ah! I had almost forgotten! Here, this is your Hogwarts letter. In this envelope, you will find your school supply list, and your train ticket.”

          “But sir, I don’t have any money. How can I get school supplies if I have no money?” Tom asks.

          “All students that need financial aid will get a vault that has enough money for your seven years at Hogwarts. You can find this vault at Gringotts, the wizarding bank.”

          After some more discussion about how and where to get the money and supplies, and how to get to train, Dumbledore set off, bidding Tom goodbye.

          “Remember, Harry must not know what happened today.”

          Later that night, Harry asks where Tom had been all day. “I was reading in our room.” That wasn’t the first lie he had told Harry, and it wouldn’t be the last.