The Day You Become a Witch

Happy birthday, kiddo. 11 years. I remember the day you were born. Where did the time go?

I hear you got a letter in the mail today. You're a witch?! And you've been accepted to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Wow, congratulations! (Must be nice.)

The day is ours. Best get an early start; we still have to pick up your supplies. The train leaves at 11, which gives us the morning to fetch your wand, robe, and books from Nana's hou—I mean, Diagon Alley.

A quick stop at Starbucks, because Aunt Sally is not a morning person. Accio coffee!

A stop at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, as well. Aunt Sally is not a rich person, either.

We're here! Bet you never knew there was a secret passageway to the wizarding world at Nana's house.

Alright, you see this umbrella? Give that brick wall a few taps for me.

Welcome to Diagon Alley.

First things first: you need a robe for school.

Nana must be filling in for Madam Malkin. Make sure that fits. All good? You look great.

Next stop: books. You'll need seven. No, just ignore Cursed Child. I don't even know why we own that.

Don't go down there. That's Knockturn Alley. Dodgy place... Wouldn't want anyone to see us there. People will think we're up to no good!

Right this way, step into Ollivanders. Here, take this wand.

...

Well go on, then, give it a wave!

Just look at those lights flicker! You're going to be a powerful witch for sure.

You've got your robe, your wand, and your books. Hurry, you don't want to miss the train!

Here it is. Platform 9¾. Don't be nervous. Just run straight through.

You did it! With bravery like that, you just might be a Gryffindor! God forbid.

Hop aboard the Hogwarts Express, and let me introduce you to Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Botts, and Acid Pops.

We can stop at the pet store and check out the rats on our way to Hogwarts. Raise that wand and repeat after me:

Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow,

Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow.

Nothing... weird. Must not be a real spell.

Looks like they don't have any owls. But see that big frog over there? That's Trevor.

Whew, we made it to the castle! Just in time for the start of term feast, too! Can you imagine the look on Professor McGonagall's face if we'd been late?

The whole family's here. You're getting sorted, you first year. Don't be nervous. We've got people in every house here, so there's no pressure. But if you're not in Slytherin, you're dead to me.

Time to set up your very first email account. Make sure it's something you won't regret when you're applying for jobs in ten years.

Okay, now take this quiz. Don't worry, I won't look at your answers.

You officially have a Hogwarts house! Time to celebrate!

Eat up, but be sure to leave room for your cake.

Happy birthday to you, beautiful girl! Blow out those candles and make a wish!

Perhaps a quick game of Quidditch before bed? Our version will have to be on the ground; first years aren't allowed a broomstick. Grab that Snitch! (The little gold one, not your Aunt Katie.)

Victory! You'll play for the Chudley Cannons someday.

We're covered in mud. Bath time! Give this golden egg bath bomb a try.

All clean! Throw on that new black bathrobe and the tie with your house colors (green and silver, of course; I always knew you were one of us). Grab your first book and get comfy under those covers, little lady.

Are you ready, Ava? Here we go! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much..."

Everything in this story has been purchased second-hand or made by me, because 1) I'm cheap, and 2) trans rights are human rights.