Rose Granger-Weasley and the Unleashing of Power

Chapter 2. Letters of Acceptance

After clearing the table, Hermione went to fetch the deck of cards, and when she returned, the entire family sat down and began to play.

Suddenly, out of the blue - Pigwidgeon, a tiny scops owl that belonged to Ron - flew in through the open window. The diminutive bird was so small that the envelope that the owl was clutching in his minute talons obscured his view as he raised his feet in preparation for landing. Unable to see what was in front of him, the poor bird was oblivious to the approaching obstacle. The Granger-Weasley family watched in horror as Pigwidgeon collided with the ceramic vase standing at the centre of the dining table. The vase was knocked down; and upon striking the hard wooden surface of the table, it was smashed to smithereens.

Fortunately, Pigwidgeon had only suffered a minor blow to the head, and quickly collected himself - springing to his feet and ruffling his feathers. The owl proudly presented the envelope that he still held clenched in his talons. Miraculously, the envelope had remained uncreased despite the collision. Hermione looked in despair at the fragmented ceramic pieces lying on the table. "Oh, Pig!" She cried. "Look at what you've done!" Ron placed a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to console her - "It's alright 'Mione, you know that we can repair it with just one simple spell, right?" "But it will never be the same! It will be intact alright, but its structural integrity will have been permanently damaged! I told you that we should install an owl flap in the foyer; the owls could enter through there! That way, we could have avoided accidents like this one!" Hermione let out a long sigh, and withdrew her wand from her jean pocket. As she executed an inward spiralling motion with her wand, the shards of pottery steadily rose into the air and were pieced together like puzzle pieces - until the entire vase was reassembled. The cracks faded away, and soon the ornament was intact once more. It slowly descended back onto the table. A faint cracking sound indicated that the spell was complete. Hermione placed her wand back into her trouser pocket and turned to face Pigwidgeon. The owl did not look at all sheepish or contrite; on the contrary, he seemed to be rather pleased with himself, evidently proud of the fact that he had managed to deliver the letter that he was gripping with his talons. Hermione reached out for the envelope and Pigwidgeon compliantly released it into her open hand. "Who is it from?" Hugo asked inquisitively. He peered over his mother's shoulder - there on the envelope was the Hogwarts crest and the conspicuous red wax seal bearing the insignia of the school. "Could it be...?" Hugo's eyes lit up, full of hope, and his head swivelled to face his twin sister. "Our acceptance letter!" She finished his sentence. They looked on eagerly as Hermione prised the envelope open with her wand. She removed the yellowed parchment paper from within the envelope and unfolded it; the following message was written in green ink:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmistress: Minerva McGonagall (Head of Transfiguration)

Dear Mr and Ms. Weasley,

We are pleased to inform you that you have both been accepted at 'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry'. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

The school term begins on the 1st of September. We await your owl by no later than the 31st of July.

Yours sincerely,

Doyle Deluxe

Deputy Headmaster

Rose slipped her hand into the envelope and drew out another sheet of parchment paper which was neatly folded into a small square. After unfolding it, the young witch smoothed out the creases with the palm of her hand and began to read:

UNIFORM:

First-year students will require:

Three sets of plain work robes (black)