There is a sense of thrill in the Thompson household. Leo is turning 11 tomorrow on 11th August. His Mom Sophia was baking his favourite cake while his father was decorating the house for him while Leo was asleep. Being the only child of Sophia and George Thompson; Leo is pampered to the hilt by both the parents.
A simple and obedient child, his favourite sport is football which he enjoys playing with his father. He has been fascinated by magic right since he was a kid so every year on his Birthday his parents ensure to take him for a magic show.
This year the parents planned a surprise for him. They bought him 12 different gifts and kept it at his bedside. They were waiting to see his overjoyed expressions to see those gifts the moment he wakes up.
As expected, Leo woke up and was excited to see those presents.
“Mom,” he jumped in joy. “So many presents,” he got busy opening them one by one. Both the parents stood there smiling happily to see that beautiful smile on their son’s face.
There was toys, some magic trick kits and books. Once all the packages were opened and he was revelling each of the gifts; he noticed a thick envelope with yellowish colour parchment and in emerald green ink his name was written. When Leo turned the envelope, he saw a purplish seal with some prints of a coat of arms, a lion, an eagle and badger with an H in the centre and a snake surrounding the letter. He was surprised as to who would have sent a letter to him. His parents were equally clueless. There was something peculiar about this envelope.
Leo pulled the letter which read as:
All of them were overwhelmed with what they had just read. Anxiety, happiness, worry – all emotion merged on their faces. They failed to understand what they just read and wondered whether this was a prank. As all three of them were trying to get back to their senses when they saw an owl flying in the room with a similar envelope having the same details.
Leo broke the silence in the air by saying, “Mom I want to go to the given address.”
Leo’s parents didn’t share the same enthusiasm. They were still reeling under the shock of the entire episode and Leo’s words were just another addition. However, their love for Leo and his love for magic overpowered their fears. Since there were just a few days left for the confirmation; all the Birthday plans had to be scrapped as they left for the given address. They all were curious to know more about the school.
As they knocked on the door, a lady in a red dress robe welcomed them with a smile on her face as if she was expecting them there. She greeted them as Mr and Mrs Thompson and wished Leo on his Birthday.
“I am Prof. Luvgood and I can see a plethora of questions raging in your eyes. To help you with some of the answers I am a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. My responsibility is to ensure muggle parents like yourself don’t face any issue while sending their wards to Hogwarts. See some wizards are born with magic while some have the power which they are unknown to. Leo has it in him it’s just that he needs to realise and come in terms with them. He is one of the few chosen to study at the world best school of wizardry.”
All of them were trying to absorb the moment while she further added; “we need to first get some muggle money exchanged at Gringotts Wizard Bank and then move to Diagon Alley to buy all the items as per the list. Before anything else, I need to send an owl with your confirmation to the Headmaster.”
Prof. Luvgood went to fetch parchment to write a note to the headmaster and while she got up Leo saw a magic wand which she had left behind. He exclaimed in sheer excitement, “is this a real magic wand.”
Prof. Luvgood replied affirmative and the twinkle in the eyes of Leo was something for everyone to see.
Prof. Luvgood said let’s go to Gringotts Wizard Bank and I will share more information on the way because time is running out. As she held her hand out for Leo, he felt a strong jolt as if he has been shaken a hundred times; only to be awakened by his Mom who was trying hard to wake him up for his surprise Birthday plan.
He shouted loudly in his half-asleep eyes – “Have I reached Hogwarts?”
“Hogwarts? What’s that Leo?” She asked in confusion. She gave him some water and Leo washed his face to his amazement. He shared his dream and they had a hearty laugh. His heart hoped for something else, but Leo smiled back at his parents and hugged them as they wished him a great Birthday 😊.
‘This blog post is part of SpeakEasy Blogging Challenge by Dipika and Ruchi.’
Picture Credits: Pixabay.com