` roses ` : yr 1 ~ ch 1

Instructions

Chapter One: Feathers and Letters The sun was bright, much too bright for my eyes in the ripe morning. I didn’t quite want to crawl out of bed, not until my brain finally sparked. The Quidditch World Cup. We were going, and so were some of Ron’s friends. Groggily, I rolled out of bed and stood up, a bit too quickly as my vision swam. Blinking a few times, I finally processed what I was looking at. Ginny and Carli were already up, whispering to each other. It was most probably about their first year at Hogwarts again, but speaking honestly, I was done and dusted with that story. The words were probably tattooed into my brain now. I went off to get ready, and then went downstairs for breakfast, tripping on the 5th stair down and nearly landing on my nose, before I hastily gripped the railing. “Oh, look who decided to bless us with her presence!” Drawled a voice. “Oh, put a sock in it, Fred!” I quipped back, not in the mood for this banter. Sitting down at the table, I glanced at Ron and his friends. Harry and Hermione, was it? They’d come over, to accompany us to the World Cup. I was pretty sure Hermione had brought along her sisters. Harry noticed me first, his green eyes twinkling. “Ah, Marcella, right?” “Marcie.” I corrected, a pang of hate flooding through me at that full name. I realized I’d sounded a bit cold, so I quickly interjected, “sorry, I just like that better.” Ron snickered. “I told you she’s snappy.” “No I’m not!” “Yes you are.” “You are.” Ginny said from the staircase as she walked in as well. I huffed, opening my mouth to retort, before a flash of feathers flew past me, landing next to my hand. An owl, a right beautiful one, a pure shade of pale brown, plumes well kept. A letter was tied to its right talon. I untied the letter and turned it over to look at the envelope’s front side. HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY. “Bloody hell.” Ron breathed. “I thought you’re too young, M!” I shrugged, smothering my overflowing joy and unfolding the letter. “Dear Miss Weasley, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted 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.” I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was going to Hogwarts.