Emily Granger always knew she was different. Ever since she was a young girl, her life was surrounded with magic.
The first time her mother could recall was when she was only 1 and a half years old. The small family lived in Scotland, but with her mother pregnant again, the family were making the move to good ol' England.
Emily had desperately wanted to go outside and play with her new toys on the grass. After being refused tears had sprung to her eyes, and with no warning disappeared with a pop, appearing on the other side of the glass happily clapping her hands.
When her mother looked over to where she was previously sitting, she panicked at the empty space, only calming down once she saw her through the glass. That was, of course, until she wondered how the hell she had made her way outside in the few seconds she was occupied. This was one of many similar incidents, that occurred throughout her childhood, and after her sister Hermione was born when she was 2, it seemed the new child would have the same powers too.
It was one sunny afternoon when the Granger family heard a firm knock on the door, causing Emily to stop chasing Hermione (who was threatening to hit her in the head with the book she had stolen from her room that morning) and grind to a halt. The knock sounded again before her mother opened the door.
"Hello Mrs Granger. I'm here to talk about your daughter - Emily Granger. She turned 11 this year am I correct?" The odd lady stated in the door way, gaining Emily's attention with her Scottish accent and bright green clothing.
"Um- yes of course... please come in?"
Hermione and Emily watched in awe as the older lady sat down at the coffee table, politely accepting a cup of tea when offered.
"So, how may I help you Ms-?"
"Professor McGonagall. I come from Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry with good news" the woman then turned around to me.
"You're a witch Emily"
"Well that's not very nice," the 11 year old replied, slightly offended "I'm not a witch".
McGonagall let out a quiet chuckle at my response, turning back to Mrs Granger who was looking at her like she belonged in the psych ward.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but I would like to ask you to leave" she stated carefully.
"Oh hush" McGonagall said, obviously tiring of the family's disbelieving responses.
She pulled a wand out of her robe pocket and flicked it at the kettle. As if lifted by an invisible hand the teas poured themselves and were placed in front of the smirking professor
"now as I was saying, your daughters a witch. I believe the first time she used magic was a type of teleportation - rather impressive for a child of one. Accidental magic as it were, can still be dangerous, especially once they reach age eleven which is why it's essential Emily comes and studies at Hogwarts, so she can learn to control her magic"
Emily and Hermione just stood with open mouths, still in awe of what had just occurred in front of them. Their mother was also struggling for words as she watched the calm witch, but had a spark of recognition at the story she had just been told.
"I - I get to do magic?" Emily asked, hesitantly stepping forward towards the woman, who was now delicately sipping her tea.
"Why of course. Here's your letter. It has everything you need to know within it," she stated, handing me a yellowed envelope, closed with a green seal "I will now answer any questions you have"
Emily kept the poor professor there for over an hour, excitedly asking questions about anything she could think about. She was going to like Hogwarts