NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter:5
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The faint knocking at the front door startled Steven from his musings. It was well past 10:00 p.m., and visitors were a rarity at this hour, especially in a small village like Godric's Hollow. From his bedroom window, he had seen the robed figure—a woman, her posture straight and authoritative, with a pointed hat that screamed of something out of a fairy tale.
His parents, though surprised, answered the door. A few muffled words passed between them before the stranger stepped inside. Steven couldn't resist creeping closer, crouching on the staircase to eavesdrop.
Standing in the warm glow of the living room lamp was a woman who carried herself with an air of dignity. Her robes were rich emerald green, her expression severe but not unkind. Steven recognized her immediately: Professor Minerva McGonagall.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hart," McGonagall began, her Scottish accent crisp and clear. "My apologies for the late hour, but this is a matter of great importance regarding your son, Steven."
Steven's parents exchanged uneasy glances. His mother, ever the skeptic, crossed her arms. "And what exactly is this about, Miss...?"
"Professor McGonagall," she corrected gently, but firmly. "I am Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
The name did nothing to ease their confusion. Steven's father raised an eyebrow, clearly wondering if this was some elaborate prank. His mother, less reserved, spoke what was on both their minds.
"With all due respect, Professor McGonagall," she said, "if this is some sort of scam—"
Before she could finish, McGonagall reached into her robes and pulled out a long, polished wand. With a casual flick, the room was bathed in soft, warm light emanating from the tip.
"Lumos." The single word hung in the air as both of Steven's parents gasped.
The magical light shimmered for a moment before McGonagall extinguished it with another flick of her wand. "I assure you," she said, "this is no scam. Magic is very real, and your son possesses it."
Still stunned, Steven's parents allowed McGonagall to sit down and explain. She outlined the basics: how their son had been identified as a wizard, how he'd been accepted into Hogwarts, and how untrained magic could become dangerous without proper guidance. She kept her tone professional but softened her words when addressing their concerns.
"You see," McGonagall continued, "it's not merely a matter of education. A magical child left untrained poses a risk—not just to themselves, but to those around them. Accidental outbursts can be unpredictable."
Steven's father leaned forward, his skepticism melting into worry. "Are you saying Steven's in danger?"
"Not if he's properly trained," McGonagall reassured him. "Hogwarts is the safest place for young witches and wizards to learn and grow. He'll be taught to control his abilities and use them responsibly.
Steven had heard enough. Despite knowing he was supposed to be in bed, he stepped into the living room, his face determined. "Mom, Dad," he said, his voice firm for an eleven-year-old. "I want to join. I want to learn magic."
His parents turned to him, their expressions a mix of shock and concern. His mother opened her mouth to protest, but Steven cut her off. "Please. This is something I have to do."
His mother's worry was etched into her face. "But... what if it's dangerous? What if you get hurt? Can't they stop the magic somehow?"
"There is no way to remove or suppress magic," McGonagall interjected gently. "It's a part of who he is. But I assure you, Mrs. Hart, Hogwarts will keep him safe."
Steven's father, though equally concerned, sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "If this is who he is," he said, looking at his wife, "then we should support him."
With the decision made, McGonagall informed them of what came next. "Steven will need to prepare for his first year. Tomorrow, I'll escort him to Diagon Alley to purchase his supplies. He'll need robes, books, a wand, and other essentials."
Steven's mother still looked reluctant but nodded. "Alright," she said softly, her voice tinged with resignation. "But he'll need to stay in the school's dormitory, right?"
"Yes," McGonagall replied. "Given the distance and the need for privacy, Hogwarts provides boarding for all students."
Steven's father placed a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. "We'll figure it out. If he's going to live away from home, we'll make sure he has everything he needs."
McGonagall stood, her robes swishing elegantly. "I'll return tomorrow morning to take Steven shopping. In the meantime, I suggest you prepare yourselves for the wonderful, albeit unusual, journey ahead." With a polite nod, she added, "Good night, Mr. and Mrs. Hart. And happy birthday, Steven."
Steven watched as McGonagall exited the house, her presence leaving a lingering sense of wonder. As the door closed behind her, he turned to his parents.
"I'll be fine," he said, trying to reassure them. "I'll take care of myself."
His father nodded, but his mother looked unconvinced. "We'll talk about it tomorrow," she said, her voice quiet.
To be continued.